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Used Rolex Watches
It is pretty easy to understand why someone might be interested in shopping for used Rolex watches. The prestige, quality and reputation of a Rolex is high - unfortunately, so is the price. However, just like many other high priced consumer products, the resale value of a Rolex depreciates the day after it is "new". There are several reasons for this.
The prices of brand new authentic Rolex watches are set by the manufacturer. Authorized dealers are not allowed to discount those prices. Thus, Rolex attempts to protect the integrity of their brand name by strictly controlling the new Rolex watch market. These limitations cannot be enforced when it comes to the market for used Rolex watches and the beneficiaries of this free market are the buyers and sellers.
A Rolex is built to last a lifetime and, with proper care and treatment, it will do just that - which is one of the primary reasons why it makes so much sense to consider buying a used Rolex. However, there are several pitfalls that you should be sure to avoid if you are considering buying a pre-owned Rolex watch.
First, it is important to be aware that there is a huge supply of replica Rolex watches in the marketplace - and this is not just true for new models anymore. One of the growing trends is the production and distribution of "frankenwatches" which are compiled from both genuine and replica parts - making it almost impossible to determine whether or not the item is real or not.
This problem has gotten so big that Rolex recently went after one company that was "refurbishing" Rolex watches and then distributing them to dealers and jewelers as "authentic" Rolex watches. Unfortunately, it is very easy for a replica watch manufacturer to get a Submariner case and build out the watch with aftermarket movements and parts. The resulting product has an authentic serial number but is not 100% authentic.
Another common tactic these days is to disassemble an authentic stainless steel Rolex, remove the movement and dial and put it in an aftermarket gold case - resulting in a product that can be sold to an unsuspecting buyer at a huge profit margin.
A replica watch maker can simply buy one real Rolex and create two very realistic looking fakes. If you want to know more about how to identify counterfeit watches, be sure to read the articles in our Replica Watches category.
While I am sure there are many more scammers and deceivers out there selling Rolex watches, there are a few professional watch dealers that specialize in buying, selling and servicing authentic used Rolex watches.
If you are in the market for a used Rolex watch, not only are you buying a watch but you are also buying the seller. In other words, the reputation of the seller is almost as important as the product itself.
I have spent hours and hours checking out literally hundreds of dealers in an effort to find a few that I can trust. Here are several of the primary factors that I use in trying to determine which dealers would make the cut:
- I am able to independently verify that they have been in this business for years, not months.
- I am able to independently monitor their feedback, reviews and ratings from their previous customers.
- They do NOT sell any "authentic" Rolex watch parts. This is a big tip that they are probably a Rolex chop shop (and you thought that only happened with cars!)
- A huge plus if their service techs have actually been trained by Rolex.
Here is a listing of some watch dealers that I can enthusiastically recommend if you are considering buying a used Rolex watch. Please note that the listings for each dealer are build as datafeeds which means you can add them to your favorite rss reader to receive automatic updates. The links to add the feeds are at the bottom of each listing.
Time and Gems Rolex Watches
Been selling online since 1997. Buy, sell and repair Rolex watches. Rolex certified watchmakers. They have a great selection - over 100 different watches and their pricing is very competitive. Very solid customer satisfaction rating.
Interwatches
Interwatches has been selling watches online since October 2001. They have a very strong customer satisfaction rating. Prices are very reasonable and the include Free Overnight Shipping on all of their Rolex watches.
Anderson Village Antiques
These folks do not have as big a selection. They sell all types of antique products. The reason I am listing them here is because they sell their Rolex watches by using no reserve auctions with 99 cent opening bids - talk about a free market economy! I was amazed at the prices some of their completed sales went for and as far as I could tell from the listings, all of the watches offered are authentic. They have a return policy that offers a 100% refund of the purchase price. Please note that their shipping charges are not refundable and they are rather high. However, their customer satisfaction rating is extremely high and they have sold quite a few items.
I'm sure that there are many other reputable dealers out there and I have not intentionally left them out. However, based upon the standards I outlined above I am unable to verify the integrity of many dealers.
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