Would you buy a pre-owned Rolex without box and papers?

[bayerische]

The papers are functionally useless. Doesn't mean they are worthless though, as many value them.

It's nice to have them, but not a must for me.

[Rolexbiker]

Depends on price. AD here has two "2012" SUBs with no box or papers for $6500. I passed.

[Muzz]

Box and Papers mean nothing to me unless it is a special dial or a stoned up watch!

[Rags]

Originally Posted by Majin Buu

Nice watch, trusted seller, nice price, it's a go !

Cheers

MB

My thoughts exactly...

[Fiery]

I'd only buy a watch with a full set, even if it means I have to pass on some of the slightly better deals ($$ wise). Of course there may be exceptions, like if it was a very rare piece at a great price, or such a deal that would be insane to pass.

[Frosty]

When I bought my matte dial GMT 16750, I bought it because Greekbum had scads of paperwork, including the original receipt.

I figure paperwork is like the provenance on a classic car. The more you have, the more the buyer is usually willing to spend.

I was also looking at the Modern and Vintage Rolex by Osvaldo Patrizzi and Guido Mondani last Saturday, and as I recall, it said that value can be increased 10-20 by having the paperwork and correct boxes.

[DK3]

Papers are an added assurance that the watch is not stolen despite the warranty running out. It is unlikely somebody broke into someone's house to steal a complete box, paper, and watch set. However, many stolen watches end up in the grey market without papers. A box can always be purchased so it is not the issue. A complete set of watch, box, papers, and even receipt is the best assurance. You don't want to send you watch in to Rolex only to have it confiscated as a stolen item.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by DK3

Papers are an added assurance that the watch is not stolen despite the warranty running out. It is unlikely somebody broke into someone's house to steal a complete box, paper, and watch set. However, many stolen watches end up in the grey market without papers. A box can always be purchased so it is not the issue. A complete set of watch, box, papers, and even receipt is the best assurance. You don't want to send you watch in to Rolex only to have it confiscated as a stolen item.

Very true.

[MortgageGuy]

Nope. Did it and it drove me crazy after about a month. I like a complete set even though some will say the papers are worthless. To me they are important.

[adawil2002]

Originally Posted by Bond's First Watch

I'm looking at watches for sale from trusted TRF sellers and I noticed about half are for sale without the boxes or paperwork. Is getting a box and paperwork with your watch a priority to you all? What's a dollar value you could place on getting the box, papers, and warranty card?

No, not sure what I'd pay for a box and papers. I have bought 3 without boxes or papers, they work just as well.

[SALTY]

If it's out of warranty the paper - schmapers!

Box? Schmox; gimme a $100 or so off the price and move on.

I'm buying a watch; a rugged, reliable, usable, everyday wearable watch - not some rare piece of artwork from the 16th century!

[blue lion]

1 of my used Rolexes came with a box and that's it. The other came with nothing. Doesn't matter to me, and I assume the box I did get could have come from any other watch in the store.

[mkmk]

Personally I like box and papers and at a minimum papers. Gives me some sence of security that all is legit. Also if you have ever tried to flip a watch without the papers it can be difficult. Your potential market is definetly decreased by a lot. If your buying the watch forever then it doesn't really matter. But if you ever might sell it you want a complete set.
Also, 2 watches in the same condition the one with the complete set wil sell much faster and for more.

[997.2]

Eh I got the full kit on my Rolex which was nice but I 'bought the seller', you do have to think about it being stolen and having the details are nice. Most of my Omegas were not a full kit. The one I love the most only came with links and a USPS flat rate box and some paper towels to protect her. Don't care a bit.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419314908.081935.jpg

[zama]

Preferred but not essential, my DJ (gone) and , Day date, root beer came without either (DJ & DD had a fresh RSC). All came from respected dealers so no real fears.

[eco8gator]

For vintage no...

For modern especially for anything ceramic then yes...because there are very little excuses not to have it. If you get a good deal on a legit modern rRolex with no box and papers I would definitely consider it...bang per buck!

As long as your buying from a trusted member of this forum and your final inspection checks out I think your good. Very few modern Rolexs will retain their value like vintages pieces because of the current rate of production and everyone is more mindful of keeping them clean and up to date so there is (and will be) no shortage...

So buy preowned, and if you want to resell you wont loose your butt on the deal.

www.jewelersontime.com

For some decent preowned deals with a 2yr warranty.

[crowncollection]

Yes and have over 100 times.

[Andad]

The discussion in the earlier thread referred to a Daytona and the price difference was $1000.

This to me was to much extra to pay for the papers where the watch was out of warranty.

It may be decided by the dollars and each decision would depend on the model?

[Spikedlee]

I picked up a used Exp II with no boxes and papers but it had been fully serviced and the price was just right so to me I had no problem picking it up. To me, having the service and proof of it is more important than just the box and papers, especially if the watch has gone 5+ years without a service.

[ConsultingWithRolex]

it really depends on what you are buying the watch for.
I know some people like to collect them and just look at them once in a while. for those individuals, having the box, paperwork, and the warranty card would be essential, especially the box.
But if you are just looking to buy a watch to wear, I wouldn't care too much about the box. Personally I don't like the color of the rolex boxes. I would rather save that money and buy a watch collection holder or a tray to keep my watches on display. =] just my opinion.

[Rustynuts]

Given the number of superbly made fakes on the market, which require expert examination of the movement to determine their authenticity, I would never buy a pre- owned Rolex without box and papers, even though these are faked. If I ever had to sell, I would expect to get hundreds of pounds less without the box and papers. My name is on the papers for my Sub, which should be reasonable proof that the watch is genuine.

[THC]

thread is 3 years old... why Rusty?

[HORNBLOWER]

If the watch is correct and the deal is good I would have no problem. You can pick up a box anywhere. If certification is an issue send it to an RSC for a service and you will get back official paperwork which by its nature will confirm its authenticity.

[run23]

Slightly easier to sell in the future with box and papers, and when I was shopping earlier this year I found that box and papers was worth around $400-500, so just take that into account.

This is all assuming you know the watch is otherwise legit.

[greeneyedguy]

When it comes to expensive things like watches and cars I like the papers and service records to be intact with the product. There are plenty of options to get a full set. Why short yourself and take a chance?

[brandrea]

Old thread, but I'll weigh in. I'd prefer a full set in most cases. The condition ofvthecwatch is the most important factor though.

[SG56]

REALLY old thread, but still a relevant question.

Originally Posted by Speed

Do you intend to sell down the road?

If so get the papers. Silly or not, an astute buyer will use the absence of papers as a reason to bargain you down. Just a fact.

+1

It depends on the watch, the purpose, and the price.

if it's a watch i'm buying to wear without intention to ever sell, IF the price is right, i would buy it.

If i have any thoughts on selling it, i wouldn't. It just ads complications down the road.

Again, someone here mentioned 2012 sub with no papers, for $6,500, that's a nope to me too.

[SubCfan]

You'll pay $500 extra for box and papers (modern references) when you buy it, and you'll get $500 more when you sell it. So basically your renting the box and papers until you sell it.

[MariettaMike]

i'm more concerned with condition of watch and reputation of person selling watch. Box and papers are nice to have but not a deal breaker.

[Old Geezer]

I like a full set but it’s not a deal breaker if the watch is in good condition, trusted seller, etc.