Any issues with pre-owned Rolex watches?

[ce027772]

I am new to the forum and just trying to learn about the Rolex market. Since there a shortage of professional SS watches, many folks buy pre-owned watches. Even though Rolex watches are super durable and reliable, nothing lasts forever in this world. I wonder if any people had issues with pre-owned watches not covered by a warranty and how much it cost to get them fixed?

[russeree]

Pretty much anything 'can' go wrong but most of the time not. The biggest concern is authenticity and condition. IMO look for something with some documentation or proof of ownership form the previous owner(s). This will help put your mind at ease.

[Hub6152]

Provided you have them serviced every decade they’ll outlive you and then some!!

[csaltphoto]

My own experience was an 8 year old watch in near perfect condition but needed a service. It cost around $500. I got a great deal on the price but that probably reflected a needed service to bring it back to +- 2 spd.

Assuming the watch is genuine and made within the last 30 years it can be made almost new again. Some may take more work than others. Just have to figure that into the purchase price.

[Atone]

Find used still under warranty and you’ll be good

[Sandpit]

Ive never had a problem with any watch i've ever owned, whether it be inside or outside of the warranty period.

My latest pickup was a 10 year old Sub Date which had been sat in a safe for 9 years from new. It still keeps +4 seconds a day and won't be seeing a service centre unless that drastically changes.

[PBJ1925]

Luckily never had issues pre-owned, so never had to test any warranty work. I always buy the seller, and tend to pay a slight premium for a comparable watch with a seller with a impeccable reputation.

[jamesbondOO7]

I only buy from known sellers (Ponti, Watchfinder) or if it has just been serviced by Rolex.

[Paul7]

Have had more trouble with the one Rolex bought new than two used ones.

[Stan Cooper]

I bought both of my Rolex watches used from a well known seller, and have had no problems with either except when my 1675 was returned from RUSA service in New York after I had worn it daily for ten years without any problem. The watched simply stopped three times over the course of the first week I had it back, so I shipped it back to RUSA and it was repaired under the service warranty. There have been no further issues.

[Tools]

Very few Rolex watches need warranty repairs, and those that did were repaired long before a used one comes up for sale.

After the warranty, they all cost the same to service.

I have more than a dozen and all of them are out of warranty and keep ticking along just fine without any sign of breaking down any time soon.

[inglewood1026]

Never had an issue with pre-owned or new. As long as its authentic you should be fine.

[csfischer20]

The biggest part is buying from someone reputable and you shouldn't have issues. Pay attention to their references and feedback. That would be your biggest concern. I would look through the sellers here. Buying a preowned watch is really the only option if you want a hot model and don't want to wait for years or spend 30 grand at some jeweler for the privilege of spending another 10k to get the watch you really want.

[GST15]

Recently bought two DJ's from a neighbor. A 1977 1600/3 and a 1999 16200.
They are both in excellent condition and keeping near perfect time.
The 1999 was past 10 years since service, so it is at RSC presently. The 1977 was serviced in 2013, so it will go in a few years.

If you know the service history, and keep up with it, I think you will be fine

[Onikage]

I take it as a good sign that someone else hasn't had any issues. Your biggest concern is authenticity. Do your research!

[borispolk]

You should service them anyway in 5-10 year intervals. I would say 5 years, if someone wants to be on safe side. So warranty in this case doesn't really help. Also as others have stated they are mechanical, which means in todays world a good thing as there is no digital component to go wrong. And what is mechanical can be repaired in 99.9% of cases. So I wouldn't worry at all about buying used.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by ce027772

I am new to the forum and just trying to learn about the Rolex market. Since there a shortage of professional SS watches, many folks buy pre-owned watches. Even though Rolex watches are super durable and reliable, nothing lasts forever in this world. I wonder if any people had issues with pre-owned watches not covered by a warranty and how much it cost to get them fixed?

I guess water ingress destroying the movement, perhaps pitting of the case back not being able to be water proof.

Mostly it is about the condition of the watch, if the parts are original (best), service replaced (ok), and slides down from there to even having fake bits.

[Sub Capt.]

Yes there is a problem.... they cost too much! Great used pieces out there!