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Writer's pictureBert Levi

Should You Buy Your Pre-Owned Rolex Online or at a Brick and Mortar Location?

Updated: Mar 22, 2022


Rolex Presidential Mens Gold Watch
A Pre-Owned Rolex Presidential 18038 Men's Gold Watch

There is no more iconic brand of luxury wristwatch than Rolex. That makes it understandable that so many are in the market for a pre-owned Rolex. More than just about any premium timepiece, Rolexes tend to retain their value and sometimes even appreciate. The opportunity to own one of these remarkable feats of timekeeping technology is something difficult to pass up. Now that you want one, should you go online or get in your car?



Online Retailer


In today’s world of interconnectivity, is it any wonder that even a high end item like a Rolex is sold by people who might never even see each other in real life? One of the dramatic advantages of the Internet is that it brings people together when they’re unlikely to ever meet otherwise. This allows people who wouldn’t ordinarily have brick and mortar access to a product or service to get the benefits of that anyway. An online retailer is perfect, for example, for someone living in a small town far away from a jeweler or other retailer who might have a Rolex to sell. What about someone who has a brick and mortar retailer available? The advantages of an online retailer can include price, availability of the model you’d like, and a greater ability to offer service because of streamlined operations and lower overhead. The disadvantages include the potential for fraud, the risks of packages lost in the mail and, of course, no chance to hold the Rolex in your hand before you purchase. A new Rolex has guarantees about the condition and functionality. Pre-owned Rolexes do not. For some, the need to touch and feel the watch and to see it up close is too strong a deterrent to an online retailer.

Brick and Mortar Retailer


Just as there are advantages and disadvantages to an online retailer, there are advantages and disadvantages to buying your pre-owned Rolex from a brick-and-mortar retailer. In San Diego, there are dozens of jewelers, pawn shops, boutiques, and luxury goods resellers where you might buy a pre-owned Rolex. That’s probably true of every major city. So, one of the first advantages you have with brick-and-mortar retailers is simply the ability to visit many of them and browse stock. You can browse online but it’s very different to see the pre-owned Rolex live and in person. Of course, at a brick-and-mortar location, you also get face to face help and interaction from the retailer. There’s a great deal of security in knowing you are dealing with a real human being and that you know where to go if you run into any problems. Of course, there are some pitfalls. First, you may deal with sales pressure you wouldn’t online, and that can make you purchase a pre-owned Rolex that might no be perfect for you. Second, brick and mortar locations have lease payments. They have to keep the lights on. They have a great many expenses online retailers don’t. You can expect to pay a little more at a brick and mortar shop, especially if selling pre-owned Rolexes is their primary business.



Whether you buy a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego at one of the many brick and mortar options or if you choose to buy one online; it is thrilling to put one of these remarkable watches on your wrist. Online or in person, the most critical thing to remember is that you need to ensure you use a reputable Rolex seller when the time comes to buy.

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