How important are the box, papers and hangtags?

[digitalcrocodile]

Hello. I am curious to know how the box, papers and hangtags affect the value of a Rolex watch? I assume some of these are extremely helpful in establishing the provenance of a vintage watch, but what about for newer watches? Also, is the box unique to the watch that came in it? Thanks, Robert

[mailman]

For a watch that's currently in production they're a must for me. As far as value goes, you'd have to check sales ads for watches with and without the accessories.

[chevy9]

I don't purchase without complete set.

[upsidedownbelt]

I would never buy a modern without papers.

[watchmework]

I wouldn’t buy a watch without the complete set. To answer your other question, there are different sized boxes depending on the type of watch you’re going to get. Depending on SS or PM, you get a smaller or larger box but the ADs have been known to swap around without any issue.

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by upsidedownbelt

i would never buy a modern without papers.

+1

[digitalcrocodile]

What “papers” are most important? I assume the warranty card is paramount.

[CDNWatchNut]

They're nice to have, but not a must have IMO. Most people seem to require them though, which means you can get a great deal on a watch that doesn't have a box and papers. Of course, if the watch is still under warranty, the warranty card does carry some real value.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by digitalcrocodile

Hello. I am curious to know how the box, papers and hangtags affect the value of a Rolex watch? I assume some of these are extremely helpful in establishing the provenance of a vintage watch, but what about for newer watches? Also, is the box unique to the watch that came in it? Thanks, Robert

Unless it is vintage I am not paying extra for outdated warranty papers a box and plastic hang tags. I wear the watch not the box or papers. I also buy the best conditioned watch not the box and papers.

Many people on here care more about the box, papers, and plastic hang tags more than the actual watch which is silly in my opinion. If I buy a used watch I can send it into RSC and get updated papers that actually provide more provenance then the original outdated ones when it is serviced.

[GMT Aviator]

Buy the watch. Not the papers.

[Rolexsd4000]

When I buy a watch yes definitely papers and hang tags Box and all and the so called stickers .
I peel off all the stickers and put them in the instructional books because if I need to trade it in it proves I am the original owner .
Does it make sense ?


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[RollieRoll]

The papers could be fake, but not if stamped from an AD unless is from mayors in Miami. ...it's really a case by case basis. For me, I wouldn't buy a mondern without papers.no way...as far as value, a couple thousand for PM and about a grand or more for SS models

[junamuan]

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

When I buy a watch yes definitely papers and hang tags Box and all and the so called stickers .
I peel off all the stickers and put them in the instructional books because if I need to trade it in it proves I am the original owner .
Does it make sense ?

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I did the same.

[Rolexsd4000]

Originally Posted by junamuan

I did the same.

Great minds think alike
My Ad knows I am not a flipper .....


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[HL65]

Originally Posted by mailman

For a watch that's currently in production they're a must for me. As far as value goes, you'd have to check sales ads for watches with and without the accessories.

X2

[tphan]

IMO:

a. if watch is vintage, trusty seller, no problem.

b. if watch is modern, trusty seller, price adjusted, no problem.

c. if watch is modern, unestablished seller, I walk away.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by digitalcrocodile

Hello. I am curious to know how the box, papers and hangtags affect the value of a Rolex watch? I assume some of these are extremely helpful in establishing the provenance of a vintage watch, but what about for newer watches? Also, is the box unique to the watch that came in it? Thanks, Robert

Sounds like you have your answer(s)!

I would want everything as well for a late-model watch.

I also find the old boxes / papers - i.e. the leather-covered wooden boxes, old green patterned cardboard outer box - rather charming.

[TacticaLCawacoL]

For resale value a complete set is important. It is also for a collector.
The box is not unique to the watch that came in it but its size is.

[Beelzy]

What I don't get is why original owners don't keep the box and all the bits.
A Rolex isn't a candy bar, or a Slim Jim. Lol

[lain09]

No reason not to get one with full set for a modern Rolex.

[joli160]

I would never buy one without

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

What I don't get is why original owners don't keep the box and all the bits.
A Rolex isn't a candy bar, or a Slim Jim. Lol

As our Mod Larry likes to say...(I am paraphrasing)
Some jamokes just get the watch sized after purchase at the AD, slap it on their wrist, and head back to the beach...never giving the box, papers, books - or stickers - another thought.

Can you imagine?!?

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

When I buy a watch yes definitely papers and hang tags Box and all and the so called stickers .
I peel off all the stickers and put them in the instructional books because if I need to trade it in it proves I am the original owner .
Does it make sense ?


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Wouldn’t your name on the warranty card and the receipt with your name on it be a better proof??

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by digitalcrocodile

Hello. I am curious to know how the box, papers and hangtags affect the value of a Rolex watch? I assume some of these are extremely helpful in establishing the provenance of a vintage watch, but what about for newer watches? Also, is the box unique to the watch that came in it? Thanks, Robert

Here’s how I think about it....... when someone decides to drop $10 +\- on a watch, they get to be picky and expect nothing less than perfection. Paying a premium for luxuries in life gives you the right to “pick and choose” son having all the tags and papers gets you closer to that “perfection”
I don’t wear my watches with boxes, and haven’t opened any of the papers since purchase but it’s the “psychological” relief of you would that you got the real deal (if authenticity or history are of question and as complete as it can get!

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

Here’s how I think about it....... when someone decides to drop $10 +\- on a watch, they get to be picky and expect nothing less than perfection. Paying a premium for luxuries in life gives you the right to “pick and choose” son having all the tags and papers gets you closer to that “perfection”

I don’t wear my watches with boxes, and haven’t opened any of the papers since purchase but it’s the “psychological” relief of you would that you got the real deal (if authenticity or history are of question and as complete as it can get!

I’m with you Doc.

Different strokes for different folks. I personally prefer a complete set. To get more specific I want inner and outer box, warranty card/paper and manuals. I’m less interested in red/green tags, bezel protector etc. they’re nice to have but those I won’t necessarily care about if the price is right and the other things are included.


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[MesaSean]

For me it's sort of a deal breaker. I like having as much paperwork if I can. Not only in case I want to sell it, but also because I think it just adds to the experience when getting a new piece.

[jonnyz1245]

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

When I buy a watch yes definitely papers and hang tags Box and all and the so called stickers .
I peel off all the stickers and put them in the instructional books because if I need to trade it in it proves I am the original owner .
Does it make sense ?


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Sorry but I do not follow your logic here. Having the stickers proves you are the original owner of the watch ? You could have bought the stickers on Ebay for the all the buyer knows While it may strengthen your cause, it doesn't prove anything. Having the card with your name on it and a original purchase receipt will go much father, as in all the way, in proving you are the original owner more than a bunch of stickers. Furthermore for the last year AD's have been taking stickers off watches before you leave the store. Then what do you say to Mr buyer?

To the OP, I prefer to buy a watch with box and papers as I like having the full set. whether or not there is a lot of value in having them, I am not sure. I think there is a percentage that will only buy with a full set and others who don't care as much. what those #'s are I do not know. I think when you get into vintage it becomes much more important in determining province of the watch.

[Wiener48]

This discussion pops up every 2 weeks.

For me, very important, for new models no questions, for vintage Rolex also, always try to buy the best and this is with papers, invoices etc.,...

[jonnyz1245]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

Wouldn’t your name on the warranty card and the receipt with your name on it be a better proof??

This.

[MinMay]

People who wear the watch...they don't care.

People who collect them and never wear them....they care.

:)