where to buy vintage rolex watches?

[onegirlcreative]

i am only interested in vintage men's stainless steel watches, not a leather band or anything for women. i like the bigger, oversized ss watches since i have larger wrists.

i honestly don't know much about authentic rolex watches, especially a vintage one. how would i know its authenticity? where would i look since they're obviously no longer for sale via rolex directly? what is the average price range for something like this?

i guess if anybody has any websites they could recommend or a reputable ebay seller, that would be wonderful.

thanks!

[couturequeen]

I'd check out some of your local private-owned jewelers. Also Tourneau. They sometimes have a collection of Rolex watches. Prices will likely be 2-4K, depending on the model, condition and year.

[Lzamare]

I know a GREAT place in LA

[onegirlcreative]

^^^a name would help?

[ssc0619]

You might look at portero.com. They say that there watches are authenticated by Tourneau and come with a 1 year warranty from Torneau.

[onegirlcreative]

^^^awesome. thanks!

[Juilletdix]

Try pawnshops, especially those located near the more affluent neighborhoods in your city.

You might try Googling individual jewelry stores in Houston and/or Dallas, TX. I traded my old 14K/SS ladies Datejust in for a men's SS Date model a few years ago at Bullock's in Houston. The owner specializes in used Rolexes. I'm sure, with a little research, you could do a deal via the internet or over the phone.

[onegirlcreative]

Originally Posted by Juilletdix

Try pawnshops, especially those located near the more affluent neighborhoods in your city. You might try Googling individual jewelry stores in Houston and/or Dallas, TX. I traded my old 14K/SS ladies Datejust in for a men's SS Date model a few years ago at Bullock's in Houston. The owner specializes in used Rolexes. I'm sure, with a little research, you could do a deal via the internet or over the phone.

that is so funny that you mention pawn shops. i have recently become a pawn shop addict looking for stackable/eternity rings. even though i don't live in a dilapidated area, it definitely isn't affluent either. i may have to take a drive down to the wealthy areas of denver and check a few out. thanks for your suggestion.

[friendlyviper]

Having a number of Rolex stainless, Your looking at 2K+ if you are looking for the Daytona, SeaDweller, GMT expect to pay much more. Go to your local/nearest certified Rolex dealer, they usually have used watches, or know where these can be found. This will give you insight as to the current $ in your area. Be really careful in your purchase of a used one. If you need to have the watch serviced, Rolex will keep all your original parts, including the face and hands if they need replacing.
Rolex watches are all mechanical in nature. They have a sweep of the second hand. Fakes are usually quartz, and the second hand 'clicks'. The crowns click when opened, there is a seal there for water resistance. The serial number is behind the band on the head. The edges of the head should be sharp not rounded. Many used watches get a cleaning, and they buff the head to the point of rounding the case.

[onegirlcreative]

Originally Posted by friendlyviper

Having a number of Rolex stainless, Your looking at 2K+ if you are looking for the Daytona, SeaDweller, GMT expect to pay much more. Go to your local/nearest certified Rolex dealer, they usually have used watches, or know where these can be found. This will give you insight as to the current $ in your area. Be really careful in your purchase of a used one. If you need to have the watch serviced, Rolex will keep all your original parts, including the face and hands if they need replacing. Rolex watches are all mechanical in nature. They have a sweep of the second hand. Fakes are usually quartz, and the second hand 'clicks'. The crowns click when opened, there is a seal there for water resistance. The serial number is behind the band on the head. The edges of the head should be sharp not rounded. Many used watches get a cleaning, and they buff the head to the point of rounding the case.

excellent advice, friendlyviper. thank you so much. i admit, i am very ignorant when it comes to an authentic rolex and a fake one. however, i did know about the sweeping second hand of an authentic one, but that's it. definitely good to know.

i saw a gorgeous vintage ss men's air king at an online pawn shop in philadelphia. i guess this guy sells tons and tons of used/vintage rolex watches and he takes a pic of them with the certificate/authenticity papers, but of course, before i purchase anything (especially at a place like that), i would post pics at this other forum that specializes in nothing but rolexes, so i imagine those people on there are extremely knowledgeable and like us with handbags, people post pics of watches they want to purchase to verify authenticity.

who knew. there's a forum for everything nowadays. lol