Enter the World of Pre-Owned Rolex Watches where you can save money, gain access to unique models and avoid the waiting lists of the AD.
Buying a Rolex watch should never be complicated yet buying a brand new one entails complex processes that prevent customers from obtaining the watch they truly want. Instead, the perfect solution is to enter the world of pre-owned Rolex watches where life is much easier for customers to acquire their desired piece.
Horological enthusiasts know of the daunting waiting lists from the Rolex AD (Authorised Dealership) and the obstacles a customer has to take in order to buy a new Rolex watch. However, if you are a stranger, oblivious to this complicated process, trying to get your hands on a new Rolex watch, it is essential to be made aware of the impossibility in getting the one you want. Here, we address the alternate process and simpler solution of buying a pre-owned Rolex watch.
In this post, we'll discuss why you should get a pre-owned Rolex instead of a new one, emphasising the benefits a pre-owned one brings, and the key things to consider when buying one. There are multiple advantages of buying a pre-owned Rolex watch that demonstrate why it is easier to buy from the secondary market, highlighting the difficulties in buying a new Rolex.
Affordability & Cost Saving
When buying a pre-owned Rolex watch, it is highly possible to save costs because some Rolex watches trade below their retail price. An example is the Rolex Sky-Dweller reference 326938 which was retailing for around £40,000 before its discontinuation but we have one for sale priced at £33,995. This pre-owned Rolex watch is significantly cheaper than the retail price offering a fairer and more affordable value, saving your money.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18ct Yellow Gold White Dial 326938
- ▪Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- ▪Bidirectional rotatable bezel
- ▪Automatic Movement Calibre 9001
If there is concern surrounding the investment aspect of Rolex watches trading below retail, pre-owned Rolex watches depreciate slower with a greater chance to increase in value in the future, than the instant loss in value a new Rolex watch faces as soon as it comes out of the AD.
Instant Availability & Zero Waiting Lists
Over time, Rolex has evolved into the ultimate luxury watch brand since its inception in 1905, now being known as the King of Swiss watches. The demand for Rolex is always high causing the Crown to implement methods in order to control the demand by limiting the supply and restricting models for certain clients, making them highly exclusive.
As mentioned in the introduction, Rolex have implemented waiting lists for years and is common knowledge of the brand but for some models, you could be waiting years and the AD may suggest to buy some alternative pieces in order to speed up the process and increase your chances of buying your most desired new Rolex watch.
This is where pre-owned watches have a huge advantage because they are open and accessible to everybody as all it takes is a walk-in or an appointment with zero waiting lists. Forget being told to go through unwanted and unnecessary loopholes for your most desired watch, go down the pre-owned route where the Rolex watch is ready and waiting for you!
Access to Discontinued Models & Wide Range of Diverse Options
Every year, Rolex discontinues some models and replaces them with new and exciting pieces ahead of the year however, there have been times where the Crown have scrapped models in which customers were desiring and on waiting lists for. Simply, the only place you are able to find a discontinued watch is by going down the pre-owned channel by visiting a trusted and certified dealer of luxury watches which is one thing we can guarantee here at Time 4 Diamonds due to our 20 years establishment.
Not only are discontinuations accessible but also a wide range of different material and dial configurations as there are some dials that also follow a similar process in the methods of obtaining a Rolex watch from the AD. Certain dials are very exclusive and near impossible to get from the AD like the Arabic dial which has featured on the Daytona reference 116506.
Rolex Daytona Platinum Ice-Blue/Arabic Dial 116506
- ▪Chronograph made in platinum
- ▪Brown Cerachrom bezel
- ▪Automatic Movement Calibre 4130
Not only are there limitations or, in some cases, impossibilities in buying a new Rolex watch, but there is also access to pre-owned vintage Rolex watches. The majority of vintage Rolex watches possess similar traits to new Rolex watches featuring beautiful and durable movements with a timeless and classy appeal. Linking to the idea of costs, there are a variety of vintage Rolex watches with beautiful aesthetics and unknown history, made affordable and accessible due to the pre-owned and secondary market.
Exceptional Craftsmanship & Insane Durability
Rolex’s main focus relies on their craftsmanship with watches being produced with the finest quality and intricacy. An example of this would be Rolex’s very own Oystersteel which is their patented form of stainless steel, using a blend of 904L which has stronger corrosion resistance, in comparison to the conventional 316L.
This enhances the durability of Rolex watches resisting types of damage better than other steel watches. Also, Rolex sports models are known as tool watches requiring high levels of durability in order to withstand everyday wear and tear, even hold out against extreme conditions.
Investment Potential
Although pointing out that pre-owned Rolex watches are subject to depreciation, there are various models available in the secondary market with strong investment potential that you can buy pre-owned - a topic we recently explored and discussed in a recent blog.
Rolex Daytona 126500LN Steel White Dial Watch
- ▪White dial and Black Cerachrom bezel
- ▪Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- ▪ Automatic movement calibre 4131
For example, certain Rolex models like the Daytona “Panda” or GMT-Master II “Pepsi” have demonstrated strong appreciation in the market. Yes, the main comparison is made to their retail price and market value, however, if you were to buy either models pre-owned, there is no doubt for these two models to appreciate further in the future due to their high demands and limited supply.
Rolex GMT-Master II Black Dial Pepsi Oyster 126710BLRO
- ▪Blue/red "Pepsi" Cerachrom bezel
- ▪Oyster bracelet
- ▪ Automatic movement calibre 3285
Referring to vintage Rolex watches, there are some antique pieces that possess strong investment potential because of the story and heritage behind the model. Potentially, this could be an anniversary piece, exclusive edition offered to specific clientele or collectible due to nicknames from enthusiasts
Breaking down the Barrier of Pre-Owned Rolex Watches
Yes, a brand new Rolex watch provides positives allowing the buyer to be the first owner and an ensured security with the AD’s warranty but, as highlighted, a pre-owned Rolex watch has its own benefits of being more cost-effective, ready-made availability and access to the brand’s discontinued models and most rarest watches.
When buying a pre-owned Rolex watch, it is essential to conduct research on who to purchase from. It is highly suggested to buy from a reputable and trusted dealer, possessing years of experience and proven establishment in order to receive a positive buying experience. Here at Time 4 Diamonds, all areas are covered, established since 2005 supplying pre-owned Rolex watches the best way possible ensuring customer satisfaction.
