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Elements of a Pre-Owned Rolex’s Condition

Updated: Mar 22, 2022


Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens Gold Watch
A Pre-Owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 126333 Men's Watch

If you want to buy a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, understanding what impacts the value of a watch is important. This is true, in fact, if you’re buying or selling anywhere whether in person at a brick-and-mortar location or online. Two different watches, even if they are the exact same Rolex model, can have a vastly different condition and therefore a vastly different selling price. Here are some factors that impact condition and value.



WEAR


Rolexes and other fine timepieces are designed to be worn. Naturally, wearing them and going about a normal daily routine will affect the watch’s condition. Scratches, dings, blemishes, fading, and staining are all common signs of wear. Naturally, a pre-owned Rolex with less visible wear will usually command a higher price than a watch where wear shows more obviously.



BOX AND PAPERS


Not only do the original box and original papers help authenticate a pre-owned Rolex but they’re also often considered as part of the product in the same way other collectibles might be considered “mint in box.” If you buy a newer model pre-owned Rolex, you may want to buy only when you get the whole thing. On the other hand, you may pay an exorbitant premium to get box and papers for older models.



RESTORATION


Maintenance and improvement are standard with pre-owned luxury watches. However, the value of a pre-owned Rolex will be impacted greatly if after-market parts are used. This is especially true for vintage watches. Not only should parts in watches be genuine Rolex parts for maximum value but they should be parts appropriate for the time period, parts that were available during the watch’s production. Custom work outside of Rolex will diminish the value of the watch, so be aware if you buy a watch with aftermarket customizations. the watch.



SERVICE HISTORY


If your seller (or you, if you are the seller) has records of the service history of the pre-owned Rolex, this adds to the value. A Rolex ought to be serviced every five years (some suggest between three and five years) and that includes opening the case and cleaning and fixing or replacing parts. A record of that work will provide evidence of the wristwatch’s good working order.



BRACELET


You’ll want, when possible, to buy a pre-owned Rolex with the original bracelet. One thing you’ll face is bracelet stretch, which is caused when friction makes the pins on a bracelet smaller and the holes on a bracelet bigger. This makes it looser and it “stretches” more. The less stretch, the better condition of the watch and, therefore, the higher price you can expect.



This post is only a starting point to understand how condition impacts the value of a Rolex. You definitely want to work with a reputable pre-owned Rolex seller when you want to buy or sell your watch because they can guide you to a thorough understanding of the particular watch involved and that kind of guidance is priceless.





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