Buying a Rolex is not easy. That applies to new and pre-owned Rolex watches. With a new Rolex watch, the problem is availability. If you don’t want to become a victim of the entire waitlist scheme, there’s the pre-owned market, for example. But buying a pre-owned Rolex watch isn’t easy either. I experienced that as recently as the last few weeks while I was hunting for one…
In this buying guide, you will find some tips on what to look for, where to look, and how to prevent you from ending up with something you don’t want. If you are in the market for a used Rolex watch, there are a number of important things you need to know before you make the purchase.
“Do your homework”. That actually sounds easier than it is. It is the most commonly given advice to people who are looking for a used Rolex watch. But where does one start? With this Buying Guide for pre-owned replica watches UK, we hope to give you some guidance in this process. In the past two decades, I have purchased a pre-owned Rolex watch more than once. In fact, I have done so very recently. I noticed it took me quite some effort to find all the things I needed to know. It also made me realize that we don’t have a pre-owned Rolex buying guide on Fratello. With my own experiences fresh in my mind, I thought now was a good time to change that.
The good thing is, there’s an incredible market out there for pre-owned Rolex watches. Whether you’re looking for a Rolex Datejust 16234, Submariner 116610LN, Yacht-Master 116622, or Daytona 116520, there are a number of possibilities out there for you. It is important that you buy from a trustworthy source. If you have a local pre-owned or vintage Rolex dealer nearby, it is a matter of checking references and going see the watches in person. But, as always, most searches start online. Chrono24 is an easy and accessible source to use for finding pre-owned perfect fake Rolex watches. But it is essential to realize that websites like Chrono24 are a market platform and do not sell watches directly. There are also initiatives like Mondaniweb, that have a network of trusted (Rolex) dealers.
On Chrono24 and other online market platforms, you can narrow your search down to Rolex watches offered in your country or region (European Union, for example), enabling it for you to visit them in their shop and to ensure you don’t have to bother with customs. Shops like Bob’s Watches or Amsterdam Vintage Watches are specialized in pre-owned Rolex, have tremendous expertise on the subject, and also offer you some kind of securities. Chances are incredibly little you end up with a watch that is faulty, they will surely take it back. The wheeling and dealing in used cheap Rolex copy watches has become a game that everyone wants to play, so we advise you to stay away from private sellers. Unless you really know what you’re doing and are able to have the watch checked before you buy it.
Depending on the age of the Rolex, you should always try to get a complete package. This is often referred to as a “full set”. This means that besides the watch, there should be the Rolex box, instruction booklet, service booklet, warranty cards etcetera. Often, the Rolex box consists of the actual box with a pillow or little stand that holds the watch and an outer box. Always ensure that the accessories, boxes, and booklets belong to the specific watch you are looking for.
Now, if you are planning to wear the watch on a daily basis and don’t care about anything other than the watch, you can skip a few paragraphs below. Just make sure that you understand that a Rolex without all of its accessories and paperwork, will be significantly cheaper on the market. The good news is, that when you purchase one without all those things, you also have to pay less. In that case, it is a matter of focusing on the right Rolex watch and the condition it is in.
Are there scratches, dings, blemishes, and so on? These should be identified in the pictures and not surprise you upon receiving the watch. The small polished facets on the lugs of a Rolex are an easy give-away. Are they still visible and looking sharp or have they been polished off? Are the crown guards still thick, or have they been polished to sharp pointy sticks? With a Yacht-Master or Daytona, for example, it becomes even more difficult, as these watches have more polished surfaces than other Rolex sports top replica Rolex watches.
Perhaps even more important is the use of original and authentic parts. With original, I mean time-correct parts. The parts that were used for that specific watch at the time of production. With authentic parts, I mean the genuine Rolex parts. Especially with vintage Rolex watches, you want to be careful. An early service bezel on an old Submariner 5508 is not half as bad as an aftermarket bezel. Identifying these parts is very tough, and here you need to rely on expert knowledge. As indicated above, look for reputable dealers that know what they are doing. Don’t just buy a vintage Rolex watch based on the blue-eyed seller.
There are a number of important things when buying a pre-owned Rolex watch. One of them is the condition of the bracelet. And, whether this bracelet actually belongs to the Rolex watch you are looking at (more later).
Whether it is a Rolex Oyster, Jubilee, or President bracelet, these are prone to show some wear over time. With older 1:1 Rolex fake watches, you often see that the bracelet has been replaced at some point. It is not a bad thing, as using a worn-out bracelet is kind of dangerous and you will risk losing your watch. But, in the best-case scenario, the bracelet is original to the watch you are buying and doesn’t show much stretch.
When you buy a pre-owned Rolex from a dealer, always make sure to ask about the warranty and their terms and conditions. Especially when you can only purchase online, the pre-owned Rolex watch might not be up to your standards. If the watch shows more stretch or damage than on the pictures, agree upfront that you can return the watch to the dealer at no cost (other than shipping). In certain countries and regions, laws regarding warranty are very clear, but might not apply to used goods. So always ask about the warranty period you will receive with the watch.
