Thank you so much for the recommendation and that is great to hear that he is upfront about if a watch has after marketing additions. That would be my BIGGEST concern! Thanks again!
Reseller/ Used Watch Rolex/Cartier advice
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Thank you so much for the recommendation and that is great to hear that he is upfront about if a watch has after marketing additions. That would be my BIGGEST concern! Thanks again!
I just visited this small jewelry store called Burdeens in Buffalo Grove (about 40 minutes north of Chicago) but they had rolex, cartier, omega preowned selections (about 4 suitcases worth).
Awesome. Will definitely look into them. Do you think they were legit? Thanks for the recommendations!
Yes, for most they have the original box and papers as well. They are pretty reputable jeweler 32 years in business. The place looks small (in a strip mall) from the outside but they are moving to their own building this year.
Ben Cuccio was the sales that help me and he was very very nice.
The only thing with after market you have to worry about is not having them disclosed as after market.
I found the legit 'grey market' sellers also care about their reputation so they would not do that.
After market parts & grey market sellers are not the big bad boogie monster Rolex would have you believe.
Yeah it affects Rolex's bottom line. That's what competition does.
Think of all the add ons for the Iphone. Is Apple out there screaming about that? Someone else is making money off of Iphone technology. Big deal. That's how capitalism works.
Some after market diamonds are an even better quality than what Rolex offers.
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Sorry, but much of what you have stated overlooks a few important things.
First, any Rolex with aftermarket bezels, dials etc, is ALWAYS worth less than a Rolex with factory dial, bezel, etc. In addition, its tougher to resell them because many people know its worth less than a factory original watch, and they will not buy things with aftermarket parts. A buyer would be better off skipping the diamond bezel and dial, if the only way they can afford it is aftermarket.
Also, who said that the diamonds used in aftermarket diamonds and bezels are better, the jeweler selling the watches with aftermarket parts? He has a vested interest in selling the stuff. Not to mention, I've personally seen plenty of aftermarket dials and bezels that were pure junk. Unless the stones in it are certified by GIA or another respected gemological company prior to being installed on the dial, then all you are getting is someone's best estimate as to the quality of the stones used...and again that person has a vested interest to sell his merchandise.
Furthermore, at least in the USA, Rolex will NOT service a watch with aftermarket parts. So if you ever need parts or a serious repair and it has to go to Rolex, they will not work on the watch unless the aftermarket parts are converted to factory parts. IMHO, there are simply too many drawbacks to getting a watch with after market parts to make it worth while. But good luck to anyone that chooses to go down that road.
I once contemplated a 2nd hand Rollie too but decided against it.
It was a vintage Rollie. The shop owner is very reputable in my country. He was introduced to me by my friend who collects watches.
Long story short, I found out that alot of these 2nd hand watches have used cheaper 3rd party parts which if you send it to Rolex for servicing, they will replace all the 3rd party parts & charge ALOT of money for it. I found these info from the Rolex centre in my country. Which is why such 2nd hand watch shops always provide cheaper servicing too.
It was a vintage Rollie. The shop owner is very reputable in my country. He was introduced to me by my friend who collects watches.
Long story short, I found out that alot of these 2nd hand watches have used cheaper 3rd party parts which if you send it to Rolex for servicing, they will replace all the 3rd party parts & charge ALOT of money for it. I found these info from the Rolex centre in my country. Which is why such 2nd hand watch shops always provide cheaper servicing too.
First heard this 30 years ago when I got a Rolex in 1984.
The other brands aren't as wrapped up in their own importance as Rolex. I've bought them & have been welcomed with open arms into the store to get my brand new with box & papers, 70 to 80% off, 'grey market' watch serviced. Some with coveted factory diamonds!
If someone is so worried about a watch holding value, maybe one is buying something they can't really can't afford.
There are Rolex's that are worth only the scrap price of gold. We had one. If the model is discontinued, one is just out of luck.
OP what did you buy?
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I on impulse got wrapped up in purchasing a used Rolex. I was on the verge of purchasing a new watch, and while at a jewelry show there were a lot of jewelers selling used Rolex watches. After checking out a few of them I wondered why purchase and spend $10k on a new watch when I could get one for $3k. So here is my story, I purchased a watch that looked in great condition for $3,430, I was happy with a great bargain. Few days later the date was not changing, I took it to a local jeweler who said that while the watch was authentic it needed a full overhaul (the watch I got was a '95 and was never serviced) the cost from Rolex would be $1,000 or so bc it needed some new parts. I contacted the seller who was all to willing to do the overhaul himself... While someone else would not care I don't want a watch that is essentially fully refurbished by someone else, plus I have no way of knowing what parts they would put in it. The seller was telling me that there was no refund blah blah blah...however when I purchased the watch he led me to believe the watch was in working order and great shape, I threatened to resolve the issue with my credit card and he finally agreed to take the watch back and refund me within 30 days (which seems awfully long) but I agreed I figure that if he does not comply I have an email from him agreeing to do so, if he does not I will call the credit card company. So after all that I am just going to purchase the watch brand new, with paperwork etc. My advice on the topic is: I am sure there maybe a good deal to be had purchasing used but you have to know about the condition of the watch and when it was last serviced. Rolex provides a two year warranty when you overhaul a watch. It is also correct that they will not service a watch with aftermarket parts, they will call it a counterfeit. Lastly don't get suckered to paying cash or check to avoid sales tax, pay with credit card so that you have protection in case something is wrong. Sorry for the long post
Thanks so much everyone for great advice! I found a great store downtown Chicago that was recommended and he had a ton of Rolex's however I ended up going for a cartier BB instead and ended up buying it from an Authorized dealer but was able to negotiate 16% off MSRPFirst heard this 30 years ago when I got a Rolex in 1984.
The other brands aren't as wrapped up in their own importance as Rolex. I've bought them & have been welcomed with open arms into the store to get my brand new with box & papers, 70 to 80% off, 'grey market' watch serviced. Some with coveted factory diamonds!
If someone is so worried about a watch holding value, maybe one is buying something they can't really can't afford.
There are Rolex's that are worth only the scrap price of gold. We had one. If the model is discontinued, one is just out of luck.
OP what did you buy?
Having spent so much time researching watches, I can tell a Rolex will still be popping up sometime in my near future =)
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I am so happy to hear you were able to get a refund! Yes that was the problem I was having. I had been recommended a store in downtown Chicago who def had legit Rolex and other brands but at the same time, he seemed to be comfortable with after market pieces. He even was willing to put whatever face I wanted on the watch and this scared me a bit. He seemed nice but at the same time, I could tell he was someone that as soon as he had my money, his attitude would change and who knows what after market pieces might have been in the watch. In the end, I am glad I went new just for the piece of the mind!