Hi guys my partner is turning the big 30 this year and I wanted to get him a Rolex. Has anyone had past experience buying a used Rolex before? Any suggestions on re-sellers would be awesome as well as models. I’ve been looking at Datejust, Submariner or Oyster mostly as they fit within my price range
Best place to buy a used Rolex
![](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/g/38.jpg)
Comments
Thailand, same same but better
special price for you today only my friend
buy one get one
Why does it say "Bolex" on the face? Same same.
bikies stores.
Hi sarahx0x
I bought a new Rolex about 20 years ago and it's still as good as new, I plan to give it to my son one day (but not for a long time yet :-))Mine's a simple datejust model, my opinion is a watch is designed to tell the time and that's it, you don't need to be able to send sms's on it.
Whether you buy used or new, make sure it comes with everything, there would be no reason why it wouldn't be there. You don't buy a watch worth thousands of dollars and throw away the receipt, the really nice wooden box, the certificate of authenticity, the extra cuff links…
Secondly, find out how old the watch is and has it been serviced? Just like a car, rolex watches needs to be serviced every 3-5 years. It takes 4-6 weeeks and costs about $600. Mine gets serviced by a technician who trained at Rolex and he basically takes the watch apart, cleans it and puts it back together again. He also buffs the outside metal and gold which is why it is still in great condition.
Hope this helps.
needs to be serviced every 3-5 years. It takes 4-6 weeeks and costs about $600
:o
Wow didn't know that. I didn't think my cheapo Citizen's need a service.
its more of Automatic watches needing services. regardless of the cost of your watch - if you like it, service it :)
Still news to me. I bought an $80 Seiko automatic which is coming up to one year of ownership now. Will it stop keeping time properly if I don't service it?
Different people say different things. For Older Rolexs (Vintage), It isnt always advisable to service them unless there is a need (It is no longer keeping time). And make sure whoever services it uses Authentic and Genuine parts.
https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/how-often-…
This is the procedure, so it isnt a little thing.
https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/rolex-care-and-maintenan…
https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/servicing-your-rolex.htm…
Thanks for the good advice kombi17! I didn’t even think about asking about the servicing. Forgive my naivety but for Rolex is there a logbook of sorts that records this kind of stuff for used watches? ..Similar to a used car?
Theres a facebook rolex group in australia. have a read through the sale posts and threads. Alot of members will give you information regarding how much to expect to pay for certain models and how to legit check ect..
Cool thanks! Just requested to join said group right now
Roger Federer
…can you intro me?
cash converters
I'd rather a brand new Omega for less money than a crusty old second-hand Rolex.
Is he really into watches that much?
Buying even a second-hand Rolex is a lot of coin. I know if my wife gave me a (used) Rolex I'd be telling her she's mad for wasting money.
I'm 39 and wear a G-Shock though… LOL…. Function over form.
Yeah he’s really been set on a Rolex… funnily enough his daily watch at the moment is a G-Shock lol they’re great.
Omegas have the same issue. They need service but realistically, 10yrs is possible. I'd say you can use a generic guy and it should be under $250-$300.
Vintage Watch Co has a store in Sydney and Brisbane. If you are in sydney, in the strand arcade (which is where vintage is located, there is another shop that specialises in second hand timepieces that opened recently called Timekeeper boutique
Awesome thankyou. I work in the Sydney CBD so will definitely check it out
There are actually quite a few shops that have them in the sydney cbd (I would know, I have been to a lot of them ahahaha)
On Castlereagh st near the ANZ building there is another one that has a few in the window. Can't remember the name unfortunately
Edit: L.G.Humphries & Sons
Edit #2 : Master Watchmaking, located 1004/265 Castlereagh St also have some
There's a magnificent used jewellery and watches store in the QVB upstairs. I can't remember their name
believe it or not - 2nd hand stores are safer bet. Only because they check authenticity prior of buying; however they sometimes miss on S grade counterfeits where you can return if needed. Make sure you check TnCs before buying.
In all honesty, had Rolex years ago and considering Rolex is everyday wear, I didnt really like it as it felt too … out of place for my age. As someone mentioned - Omega has some lovely revivals launched in 2017; ranging from 5k-10k audIn Aus, i found it cheaper to buy from Jomashop than 2nd hands as they are authentic and provides 1 year JOMASHOP warranty (painful procedure though).
Depending on your budget, you could also look at Halios Seaforth II launching next week or two for unique style for ~1k aud which comes with ETA movements.
Im tossing up between Bahamas yellow or pastel blue.hope this helped!
written on mobile, excuse my grammars and typos
Thanks for the useful insights Changskies! He’s wanted a Rolex for a while but i’ll triple check if there are any other brands on his radar
I like older breitlings. I have two and they are my favorite watches. I never liked Rolex.
its hard to find Halios seaforth. did you end up getting one?
Hey again sarahx0x, seems like quite a bit of interest in your topic since this morning.
The watchmaker that services my watch leaves his mark on the inside of the rolex case, that way he can see when it was last serviced.
Can I ask what your price range is? I paid about $9000 for mine new, no idea how much it would be worth now but I wouldn't sell it anyway. It meant a lot to me when I bought it and would like to keep it in the family. My son is a bit torn, he likes the idea of owning his old man's watch but not so keen on the servicing costs.
Good luck with your research and I hope you find your watch, your partner is a lucky guy. Take your time, don't be rushed into buying a watch until you're 100% happy with it and 100% certain it is legit. I can tell you that even now after 19 years, whenever I put on the watch it still feels special.
Hi kombi17 that's interesting, I'll be sure to raise the question on servicing when I go to have a look at some watches.
Price range wise I'm hoping to fall between the $5k-$10k mark. I've seen a few good condition ones around that range, the tough decision at the moment is what model and colour…
I think passing it down to your son is a really nice sentiment, a Rolex definitely makes for a good heirloom. I'm sure he would get used to the servicing costs over time ;)
Thanks again for your comments, has been very useful!
It sounds like you will know more about Rolex more than you ever thought you would by the end of all this.:-)
For that price range, you should definitely by able to find something. Here's another option I'm not sure whether you've considered or not, have you thought about going overseas for a day to buy it?
A quick google search shows flights from around $350 to Singapore and back, not sure if it's high/low season but it's not that expensive. In Singapore there are plenty of Rolex stores selling new and old watches and as Rolex's are a lot more common in Asian countries than Australia, you will have an advantage with price and range. You will also have the peace of mind knowing if you bought new, it would come with all the accessories and wouldn't need to be serviced for a few years.
Can't stress the servicing part enough, like buying a car it may look good on the outside but could be a complete dud on the inside, the financial cost to repair it would be extremely high - the $600 cost is IF the watch doesn't need major parts replaced or repaired. Here's a great video on just how beautiful and complex the inside of a Rolex is and how to service it yourself! hahahaha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PdyN2doV7A
Hmm thats something to consider! I actually went Rolex hunting this weekend (partner was so happy he got to try a few on lol) and a few of the shop attendants suggested the same thing.
Noted on the servicing too, wow I can’t get over how complex it is!
Try a reputable pawn shop. And know your prices and be prepared to haggle heavily.
Also do a lot of research in how to detect a fake. It's one of the most counterfeited watches. Even the experts can sometimes struggle to catch a fake and inviolves taking the watch apart and closely examining the parts inside.
If uncomfortable try a quality store with antique or used Rolexes like people have suggested above.
Thanks Brendoo. I think my biggest fear is accidentally purchasing a knock-off but I'm reading as much as I can about Rolex's. Will probably stick with the quality stores people have suggested
http://clockmaker.com.au/rolex.html
represents the high end, and maybe j. farren price and that sort
but IMO if you're after ANY rolex and you just want the badge, get an Explorer 1 or air king which is under $5k
the subs and datejust are pretty much $10k?
If you can stretch to $10k, that's easily Air-King/Exp 1/2/Milgauss/Datejust (probably not the 41's) so why bother chasing an used one.
Other sport/professional models are getting thin on the ground though.
pub