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Writer's pictureBert Levi

Three Things to Keep in Mind When You Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex in San Diego

Updated: Mar 22, 2022


Rolex GMT II Coke Mens Watch

There are a great many reasons a pre-owned Rolex is an attractive option for people who want to own a fine luxury timepiece. Whether you’re hoping to have something you can pass down for generations or you just want something stunning on your wrist, a pre-owned option might be a great choice for you. With Rolex’s meticulous attention to quality in manufacturing, their production capacity is limited. This has created waitlists for popular models, and these waitlists can often go on for more than a year. Since Rolex’s are built to last, you can buy one ten, twenty, thirty or even seventy years old and get a beautiful watch in fine working order.

Here are some three tips when you want your timepiece.



Buy the seller before you buy the watch.


A simple fact about the Rolex secondary market is that most of what is sold is no longer covered by the Rolex warranty. In addition, with a great many unscrupulous people attempting to sell counterfeit Rolexes, there are a great many potential pitfalls possible. This means the very first thing you need to do is find a dealer you can trust. This relationship will be critical if you need service later, if you decide to buy another Rolex or if you decide to sell your Rolex or upgrade to a more expensive model. A trusted dealer is the first step, even before you search for a watch. A dealer you can trust can help you find the perfect Rolex even if they don’t have it in stock. An untrustworthy dealer who happens to have that watch in stock will cause you nothing but headaches. You buy the seller first, always.



Buy with papers if you can.


Depending on how recently the model you want to buy was manufactured, you may be able to get the original paperwork from the original sale. This is important because it offers verification of the authenticity of the watch as well as direct information about its manufacture. Although these aren’t going to make a difference for you when it comes to enjoying your watch, they nonetheless will impact the value when it comes to insurance and eventual resale value. This can be of significant importance. If you are working with a reputable dealer and papers are not available, it may not impact your confidence about the watch’s authenticity at all. In that case, you should buy because you enjoy the watch but know the resale value is impacted. Buying with papers will cost a little more but on balance it’s always a better idea when you buy a pre-owned Rolex.



Buy with investment as a secondary concern.


Although there are many people who flip Rolex wristwatches and people who buy them as investments, the reality is such a plan isn’t right for most people. Rolexes certainly retain their value better than most luxury goods. However, there can also be very wild swings in the market. Making luxury timepieces part of your investment strategy is probably unwise. Buying a Rolex just for eventual sale is probably unwise as well. While it is a good idea to consider the eventual resale value, purchase one of these luxury watches because you want to wear it and because you love fine timepieces. Any appreciation or return on the watch ought to be something nice you discover in the future, not a reason for buying.



When you want to buy a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, there are a number of things you’ll want to consider. These three, though, are probably the best place to start. Buy the seller first. Buy with papers when you can. Buy for pleasure, not just for investment. If you keep those thoughts in mind, you’re already ahead of the game.

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