Are you considering getting a Rolex but can't seem to decide between a brand-new one and a pre-owned one? Like the watches, the answer to whether you should buy a pre-owned Rolex or a brand-new one has also evolved with time.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex isn't about the price difference; they have many other benefits. Pre-owned Rolex watches depreciate slower than new ones; you also get a wider variety of watches to choose from, they can be restored to look brand-new, and you can buy the model you always wanted.
Anyone trying to get their hands on a Rolex would know the impossibility of getting the one they want, with some even struggling to get in line for a multi-year waiting list. But that's not the case when you get a pre-owned Rolex.
In this post, we'll discuss why you should get a pre-owned Rolex instead of a new one, what benefits a pre-owned one brings, and the key things to consider when buying one.
Why is a pre-owned Rolex better than a new one?
Over time, Rolex has evolved into the ultimate luxury watch brand since its inception in 1905. The demand for Rolex is always high – it's called the king of Swiss watches for a reason.
The rising demands have led the brand to restrict its production and make it highly exquisite.
Not only does Rolex offer some amazing models, but it also offers a great customer experience and truly feels like a luxury brand.
It's the same with a Rolex; a pre-owned one will barely lose its value. Instead, its value increases over time and becomes an exquisite piece in your watch collection.
In this case, a pre-owned Rolex becomes a collector's model that'll increase in value with time. You may be skeptical about buying used items.
However, if you buy from authorized dealers, you won't ever have to worry about the authenticity of its parts, and you can even demand the Rolex with its original box and certificate of authenticity.
The question remains: Is buying a pre-owned Rolex better than a new one?
Let's look at some arguments that prove why a pre-owned Rolex is better than a new one.
You may also like to read: 7 Best Custom Rolex Models to Buy in 2023
The resale market gives a high return on investment and a slower depreciation
Rolex watches appreciate in value over time. The older or rarer the collection, the more it’ll increase in value despite being a Pre-owned watch.
Unlike buying a new car or appliance that’ll lose 20% to 30% of its value the moment you walk out of the store with it, a Rolex doesn’t lose its value.
Although a pre-owned watch may lose some value, the depreciation would be significantly slow.
Depending on the model and its demand, you may even find that the price exceeds what you initially paid for the Rolex. Some vintage Rolex models, for instance, have soared in value in recent years.
The watch you buy may be extremely rare or from a discontinued collection, thus amplifying its rarity.
However, all that entirely depends on the pre-owned watch for sale. For instance, the GMT – Master II (pre-owned) is a rare model.
So, collectors and Rolex enthusiasts would be willing to pay a higher price for a pre-owned model.
Therefore, it is important to note that pre-owned Rolex watches can be more expensive than new ones due to their limited availability.
Rolex watches are robust and engineered to last a long time
From a watch brand to a luxury watch brand and now an ultimate luxury one, if there's one thing that Rolex has never compromised on, it is its quality.
The watches produced by the brand are exceptionally well-built. The brand puts the utmost focus on quality in both engineering and design.
So in case you thought a pre-owned Rolex watch would have a limited shelf-life, you thought incorrect.
All Rolex watches are engineered to last and are manufactured from the best materials that'll keep them running for decades.
You may also like: These Are The Best Pre-Owned Rolex Watches for Investment.
Pre-owned Rolex watches have a history, rarity, and design that makes them an irresistible package
Thanks to its endurance, Rolex watches last for decades. The allure of a used timepiece is much more attractive to people looking for a watch with a history, craftsmanship, investment potential, and design.
All these factors combine to offer the ultimate, irresistible package that captivates the interest of enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe.
Classic styles hold their value, no matter what time.
Some exquisite pre-owned models include the Rolex Day-Date 40 Platinum Meteorite, which has an Automatic-self-winding movement, and the Rolex Day-Date 40 (pre-owned), which are excellent pre-owned watches.
You get more Rolex models to choose from
When buying a new Rolex watch, the fact of the matter is you only have the new, limited models to choose from. That means if you ever liked an older model, you won't have the option to look through the catalogs and buy that particular model.
Or, if the same collection gets a redesign, the one you had your heart set on might no longer be part of it. There's also a chance that the model was from a limited-time collection, making it all the more exquisite.
In contrast, if you look at the pre-owned market, you'll find a far greater collection of timeless watches. This gives you several options, even from discontinued collections, previous versions of existing models, and extremely rare, timeless watches.
You can restore your pre-owned watch to look entirely new
If you're contemplating whether to buy a pre-owned or a new watch, the one thing that you may be worried about is how the watch would look and feel. This thinking is natural and applies to everything you'd buy.
You might worry the watch you buy will have scratches, be discolored, dented, or look worn.
However, the truth is Rolex watches are designed to endure everyday use without any apparent signs of deterioration.
With that said, we ensure that the used Rolex watches we sell go through several quality assurance tests so that you can get a watch as good as a new Rolex.
We restore watches to make them brand new and look straight out of a box.
There are many pre-owned Rolex investment watches that you can look at, but one of the best is the Rolex Sky-Dweller pre-owned, which comes at an affordable price tag and is an exquisite model.
Not only does time4diamonds UK provide a variety of pre-owned Rolex watches, but we also have options like financing and warranty for the used Rolex watches we sell.
Avoid the hassle of buying a new Rolex and purchase a pre-owned one without getting on the waitlist
Walking into a Rolex store, or an authorized dealer, you may think you'll get the Rolex model you always hoped for. However, that's not the case. Almost every new model is subjected to a waitlist, and if you're impatient to buy a Rolex, getting a new model you like is rare.
Also, if you're looking for collectible editions like the Rolex Daytona, the waiting list is even more daunting, stretching up to 5 to 10 years.
The waitlist is this long due to the model’s rising popularity and short supply, which makes the waitlists extremely long.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II pre-owned is a great option that comes at a great price and is part of a beautiful collection.
Why are pre-owned Rolex more expensive than new ones?
Vintage Rolex watches are in high demand due to their rarity, timelessness, and history they carry. Due to this, a pre-owned Rolex can be pricier than a new Rolex; pre-owned Rolex models for sale can be as old as 25 years old, making them one-of-a-kind, hence the increased price tag.
Furthermore, these older models come with rare features and parts that collectors highly seek. The features include an exclamation point dial, meters first dial, pointed crown guards, and so on.
Another reason for the pricier tag can be a retired timepiece. For instance, numerous Rolex models have been discontinued. Once the manufacture of the particular model stops, it becomes finite.
When those limited prices enter the pre-owned market, they become highly coveted and, thus, highly valuable.
The limited edition watches only have a few pieces you can purchase as a pre-owned Rolex. A few examples of the limited edition watched include the 50th Anniversary Rolex Submariner 16610LV.
The Rolex Submariner was launched in 1953 to celebrate the collection's 50th anniversary.
Rolex is known for its enduring quality, so even if a watch is over 20 years old, you get the same technology, scalability, and precision as a watch recently rolled out in the market.
Another reason why pre-owned watches are more expensive than new ones is the piece of history they offer. As the watch ages, the price also goes up, making it a timeless investment in a few more years to come.
What are the key things to consider before buying pre-owned Rolex watches?
If you're a Rolex enthusiast, there's no doubt you've spent many hours searching the internet and the market for different Rolex models. You may have found models with long waiting lists or models with very high price tags.
However, that's not the case with pre-owned Rolex watches. At Time4Diamonds, we have the best pre-owned Rolex collection. But what considerations should you make to buy a Rolex that also works as a smart investment for you?
Some key things to focus on include the dealer's reputation, the last servicing date for the Rolex, ensuring that the watch has original parts, buying the Rolex with its original box(and authenticity certificate), and getting an appraisal for the Rolex.
Let's take a closer look at these critical considerations.
Inquire about the servicing date
The last time a Rolex was serviced is an essential factor to consider when buying a pre-owned watch. On average, a Rolex needs to be serviced every four years.
The servicing helps to ensure that the watch's internal mechanics are oiled and function properly.
Service helps evaluate the watch's functionalities, inspect what repairs it needs (if any), and oil the mechanics.
Buy from a reputable source
The dealer's reputation is another crucial aspect to consider when buying a Rolex. It should be one of the first things you focus on to protect yourself from a bad investment.
Just like you spend time researching the Rolex model you're interested in, you should also be learning about the dealer and their history. Consider questions like:
- What are the options to resell the watch at the dealer?
- Do they deal in other luxury watches?
- How long have they been in business?
Most authentic dealers would be more than happy to provide answers and walk you through their entire authenticity path.
You may also like: All You Need to Know While Buying a Second-Hand Rolex.
Look for original parts
It is important to verify that the parts used in the Rolex are authentic. They should be sourced from authentic Rolex dealers, and there shouldn't be any unauthorized parts.
Some dealers may invest in non-authorized Rolex parts to reduce their investment.
So, research the dealer and ensure that authentic parts are used.
Always ask for the original box
When buying a pre-owned Rolex, ask for the original box and papers, increasing Rolex's value by about 20%. A box is almost as important as the watch itself.
Each box has the finest design and is beautifully made with the best material. These boxes are also very high in demand when you think of selling the pre-owned watch.
Also, original boxes are an absolute must if you're looking for the highest return on investment.
On the other hand, you can save a lot if you buy an original pre-owned Rolex without the box.
Get an appraisal
An appraisal verifies that you’re getting exactly what you want. It lists every detail about the Rolex, its manufacture number, serial numbers, etc., and also includes the retail replacement value. This is especially important when you’re getting your Rolex restored.
If you’re looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex with a timeless design and great models that come at a lower price tag than new models, browse through the catalog on Time4Diamonds and find a pre-owned Rolex watch that matches your taste.
