What to Consider Before Buying a Used Rolex
This article was written as a guest post for a jeweler. Please note all mentions of and links to their website have been removed.
A Rolex can be an incredible timepiece and a fashionable status symbol. However, with a Rolex shortage ongoing, it can be hard to purchase a new one. Because of this, figuring out how to buy a used Rolex is more important than ever.
This is important because the process of buying a used Rolex should not be taken lightly. There are a few key things to keep in mind in order to avoid scams and letdowns. Let’s take a look at what you should consider in order to have a positive experience.
Pick Your Model
When purchasing a used Rolex, it is important to have an idea of what you want before going into the process. This prevents you from purchasing a model that doesn’t suit your needs.
A nice place to start is the Rolex website. Here, there are plenty of pictures and videos that show off the different models. This can give you a good idea of which models you like and which ones you can go without.
The main thing to look for here is the style of each watch. As all of them are built with high-quality parts and made with precision technology, you don’t have too much to worry about when it comes to their time-keeping abilities.
However, the style varies from watch to watch. This variety includes different colors, different materials, and generally different looks. Some models are even inlaid with gems in order to give them additional prestige.
You should also consider the features that each of these models comes with. Some models can be taken deeper on dives, while others have a greater degree of magnetic resistance. The presence or lack of day and/or date indicators may make a difference as well.
For example, if you want your watch to have a chronograph, you may want to consider the Daytona over other models.
Find a Reputable Seller
When you buy a used Rolex, you need to find a reputable seller. Rolex doesn’t sell used or new watches themselves, so you aren’t able to buy from the source. Instead, you need to make your purchase from another seller.
However, there are unscrupulous sellers out there. Counterfeit Rolex watches are an unfortunate piece of the market. You want to avoid these like the plague, as a counterfeit Rolex is worth next to nothing when compared to a genuine model.
One indication of reputation is whether the business has been operating for a long period of time. A brand-new business with no history gives you no indication of whether you should trust them or not. However, a dealer with 40 years of history shows that the community has continued to place trust in them time and time again.
You should also check any reviews for the company. If the business has a physical location, Google Maps often has plenty of reviews. If it is exclusively online, you may need to search for sites that have reviews for it.
If you can visit the company in person, try to do so. This gives you the chance to talk with the sellers and get an idea of what kind of business they are.
Make Sure The Watch Is Genuine
Once you have found a reputable seller and have picked a watch that you want to buy from them, it is time to take a closer look. Whenever you purchase a used Rolex, you need to be wary of counterfeits. With a reputable seller, this usually isn’t a problem, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Ask for any paperwork that comes with your purchase. Paperwork isn’t always present, as it may have been lost by the watch’s original owner, but is an indication that the watch is genuine. It also helps increase the value of the piece.
Compare the watch you are buying to pictures of authentic Rolex models. If you notice any differences, there may be cause for concern. Make sure to take a close look at both because differences can be minor.
While you do this, make sure to examine the watch for flaws. Rolex watches are known for being almost entirely free of flaws. So, if you notice anything off on the dial, with the printing, or see that the serial number is missing then you should beware.
If you are viewing the watch in person or through a video, examine the watch’s movement. The movement of a Rolex’s second hand should always be smooth.
Double Check the Condition
Anytime you buy a used watch, you should look at the watch’s condition before completing the purchase. Scratches and scuffs are a natural part of a watch’s life. However, these flaws reduce the watch’s value.
This is why you need to be aware of these things before you buy. If the watch has significant or even minor scratches, you should know this long before the purchase is complete. This way, you avoid the disappointment of finding out later.
If you are buying your used Rolex online, make sure to take a close look at the pictures provided. If you want, you can even ask for additional photos.
If you are buying online, make sure to also view any videos that are available. Videos may reveal more than photos would and, thus, are a slightly better option.
Buying a Used Rolex
Purchasing a used Rolex can be an intense process. However, as long as you are aware of what to look for beforehand, you should be able to complete the purchase without too much trouble. Then, you can enjoy your new watch for decades to come.
If you are in the market for a Rolex, make sure to check out the selection from [redacted] today!