Buying Used...better to be serviced or not?

[jpwv]

I recently came across a 1 owner, original box and papers, very good condition Big Pilot 5002, but a comment from the owner, who was trying to make a positive comment on his watch, has me wondering if it is actually positive or if in fact it could be negative.

The comment was that watch has never been opened or serviced.

I understand what the owner is trying to convey, but a watch that was purchased in 2004 probably should have been serviced over the 15 years of ownership.

Playing devil's advocate, I could say that I should plan to add another $500 or so to my purchase price to have it immediately serviced. Additionally, with all the crown issues I have read about, I could potentially be paying for more than a basic service.

Any thoughts on a watch not having been serviced as positive or negative?

[Tools]

Market price never accounts for service cost one way or the other.

If you want a watch, and the price is reasonable for it's apparent condition, it's a good buy. A COA service is up to you and is regular maintenance regardless of when (now or 5 years from now) you decide to have it done.

[jpwv]

Originally Posted by Tools

If you want a watch, and the price is reasonable for it's apparent condition, it's a good buy.

I think this is the heart of the question. Does not being service over 15 years raise any red flags and lower its apparent condition.

[srvrf]

At that age, I'd definitely assume you'll service it withing the first 1-2 years. So yes, I'd take that into account with any offer you make and include the reasoning when you make the offer.

[twitch54]

Earlier this year I purchased an 9 year old Rolex Submariner 'Bluesy' from the original owner incl all paperwork, etc. It had just been serviced(by Rolex) the month prior and the receipt(proof) attached.

Myself, I liked the service idea for the fact that I know there would be 'no surprises', not to mention a 2 year warranty from Rolex !

[Jay (Eire)]

It wouldn’t impact my decision either way, and as others have said I don’t think the watch being serviced or not impacts price much if at all (even when we are talking about $2k or more regular service costs).

Thinking, as you do, I may need at allow $500 or so for service is the right idea. You may also think you might need $300 or so for a new strap.

[997GT3]

I was in a tough spot when I was looking to buy my first generation AP Safari. They were already almost 10 years old and I would only buy a serviced model. Nonetheless, I ended up finding one from a dealer here on this forum with a general 10 year service done early ($3,000) from AP with 2 year warranty (new gaskets, oil, seals, rubberclad pushers, etc. no polish). I paid a premium but the peace of mind is priceless. I was the first to open the watch coming back from AP. I know a bunch of people with JLC based AP's that have had multiple chrono issues due to neglect or non-service. Hope my two cents is worth something!

[ts3]

As a buyer I like to give any piece a fresh start at my house via a service at the manufacturer and will factor the cost into my buying decision.

As a seller I wouldn't service a watch specifically for the sale as you typically don't recoup the cost unless, of course, a piece was badly banged up and a hard sale w/o refinishing, adjustment etc.

The flip side is that I am always a little suspicious that a piece had been neglected and/or badly banged up if a seller saw the necessity to get it serviced on his account just prior to a sale.