Box and Papers?

[EagleAldo]

Hello All,

Long time Rolex fan here and new to the Forum. Looking to purchase my first Rolex and I have a question please.

Should I expect to pay more for a Rolex with box and papers? Are these watches generally worth more than a comparable one without box and papers? What exactly are "papers"?

Thank you all, I appreciate your patience, as I am a newbie.

[Manofsteelpt]

Yes, you'll pay more. The "papers" can either be in the form of a card or actually paper. It's the warranty cert for the watch.

Welcome to TRF :-)

[arcadelt]

Yes you should. Papers for a watch, depending on the model and not just for Rolex, can include, but are not limited to, warranty cards, instruction manuals, other manuals, cosc certificates, service documents and advertising brochures. The most important are any documents that can verify the authenticity of the watch, such as a warranty, but the best premium is paid for what is called the "full set", which is everything the watch would have come with when bought new, including all boxes, all papers, hangtags and any other special items the manufacturer chose to include.

[RolexNorth]

Expect to pay $300-$400 more for a complete set than for one without.

[socialpro]

How much 'extra' you pay def depends on the watch, era when it was made, completeness of sets of 'similar' watch and the like (i.e. if every other watch for sale is typically complete or not).

I do like full sets but won't exclude ones without giving the right price.

[JayB]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

The most important are any documents that can verify the authenticity of the watch, such as a warranty

Yes but don't assume just because the watch has box and papers that it's authentic. A quick look through the watch out section on this site will highlight this.

[Sublovin]

Yes, you will pay more for an essentially worthless warranty paper.
Buy an authentic watch and be aware of what you are buying. Don't be fooled by boxes and papers

[THC]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=papers

[Mick P]

Chaps

A decent pre owned Rolex such as a 16710 without original papers, will in the UK , sell for about £5250.00.

If you got original papers, put the price up to about £6,250.00.

You can buy a set of top end fake papers that even Rolex could not comment on for about £100.00.

So does it make sense to pay extra for papers?

The old adage of "buy the seller" is fine for the actual watch but even the seller will be fooled by a good fake paper or a card.

If this forum could do one useful thing, it would be to kill the myth of original papers are always genuine, they bloody well are not.

Regards

Mick

[minute_man]

As already mentioned, buy the seller. For a 2nd hand piece, you should factor in some $500 for service at some point. Good thing with that, you get service papers and a 2 year warranty.
Welcome to TRF

[joli160]

I simply like all the bits and pieces that came original with the watch. I don't do anything with those so it may seem a bit silly, but I would never buy one without , not even at a good deal.
Love to wear my watches and never sell, but if you are considering selling one day than not having the original papers will seriously limit your market

[turboevo2]

It would be nice to get the paper but honestly the most important thing is to buy the "seller" since papers can be fake as well. The paper basically is only good if the watch still have remaining warranty. If its way past the warranty period its of no use only a piece of mind. Or sometimes if the history of the watch been service else where it may contain "non Rolex parts". That is always the risk of buying used . But off course you will save more if you buy used. You can service the watch if it needs to at Rolex service center and once its done they will give you a new card and 2 years warranty. Good luck on your search.

[turboevo2]

If you like piece of mind buy a slightly use Rolex or just a new one.

[tommy91]

I am never bothered about box or papers it's more about condition for me. I would prefer to pay same price for unpolished piece with minor wear without papers than for polished piece with papers

[locutus49]

Non watch people frequently wear the watch and throw away the box and papers.

[jfoord27]

Do 'papers' also include the receipt of purchase?

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by jfoord27

Do 'papers' also include the receipt of purchase?

They could, but not usually. Papers are generally what is put in the package by the manufacturer, not anything added by the seller.

[Mystro]

Box and papers are a must. That speaks volumes to how the watch might have been cared for. I only buy new or from WIS like myself so box and papers are standard issue.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Box and papers are a must. That speaks volumes to how the watch might have been cared for.

My thoughts exactly.

[BNA/LION]

Welcome to TRF! Looks like you got the answer. Happy Hunting!

[TheRolexKingofLV]

No box and papers is a deal-breaker for me.