Rolex experts - is it wise to purchase a Rolex from 1995?

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fashiongal1

fashiongal1

O.G.
Apr 20, 2009
729
189
#1
I found a good deal on a pre-owned Rolex at a local reputable store. But the Rolex was from 1995. Is it wise to purchase a watch this old? Does anyone know the difference between the older models and the newer ones? The watch was a Gold Presidential/Oyster band.
 
#2
The most important thing is having full confidence in the seller. Are they giving you a year store warranty? I'd aim for that.

In terms of technical issues with a watch that old, do you know its service history? If not within recent years figure in a service for it, which can run $600-900. Is the bracelet in excellent shape? That's really important, because a gold bracelet would cost a fortune if you'd have to have it replaced.
 
#4
Don't be discouraged to buy old watches. I wear my grandmother's cartier tank from the 60's and it's keeping time. It's like 3 minutes ahead after 24 hrs but I was told that that was normal with manual wind watches. My husband has a comex rolex from the 80's and it is in good condition. Just like when buying new you have to take your watches every couple of years for a check up.
 
#5
You should find out when the watch was last serviced. That can make a huge difference, I just had an experience with that, the watch I bought was never serviced. It was going to cost me an additional $1k to do the service, I sent the watch back. If you get a great deal you can get the watch serviced yourself by Rolex, and they will provide an additional 2 year warranty.
 
#6
Especially with Rolexes is it very common to wear older models. Technically nothing has changed much in all these years. In fact, I prefer the Rolexes from the 80's and older. Rolexes are built to last! I have friends who wear Rolexes from the 50's who never been serviced and they still run like champs.

What you need to check is indeed the bracelet, especially with the jubilee. Check if there is not too much stretch in the links. Als check if the case has not been polished. The lugs should be thick and not pointy.

As others said, buy the seller!
 
#8
It is very important to trust the seller of course. But even more important is it to be sure that the bracelet is in great shape as mentioned before. My mother sold Rolexes for the last 20 Years and she said that they changed the quality of the bracelets around 2003, so they don´t get worn out so fast. It would cost a fortune to replace a golden one especially. Also most older Rolexes do have Plexi glass instead of Sapphire glass. Plexi scratches very easily and isn´t as durable as Sapphire glass.
So you CAN get a "old" and preowned Rolex as long as it is in great shape, has Sapphire crystal, is from a reliable dealer and does come with papers. Never buy such an expensive watch without papers!
 
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