Buying a Rolex

Posts
466
Likes
1,388
I’ve searched through this forum and have come up with Bobs Watches, HQ Milton and Crown/Caliber as sites to look into. Any other suggestions?

Any suggested grey market dealers?
 
Posts
13,734
Likes
53,606
European Watch Co as well.
 
Posts
390
Likes
214
Try the Rolex forum there are dealers on there. The one that springs to mind is called DW sorry don’t know the full name.
 
Posts
1,492
Likes
2,407
Check out Hess Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. He does a brisk business in Rolex, and is a good guy to deal with.

http://www.hessfineart.com/

Hess does a large ebay operation that all start at $1 with no reserve but magically they always end up not being sold when they don't reach the price the seller was looking for. Look at nearly all the high end watches that Hess sells on ebay and you'll see "not a return. this watch never left our safe". Apparently an effort to placate bidders and watchers as to why the "no reserve" watch didn't sell.

To the OP: If you're looking for newer Rolex I'd go with DavidSW but older ones certainly HQMilton is a good choice.
 
Posts
466
Likes
1,388
From what I’ve gleaned, HQMilton is a bit more quality focused than Bobs. Is this a correct interpretation?
 
Posts
1,492
Likes
2,407
From what I’ve gleaned, HQMilton is a bit more quality focused than Bobs. Is this a correct interpretation?

I have purchased from Jacek at HQMilton and was pleased. No super discount prices but they’re honest and you’ll receive what you’re expecting. Never bought from Bobs but I’ve read some up and down reviews.
 
Posts
24,485
Likes
54,440
From what I’ve gleaned, HQMilton is a bit more quality focused than Bobs. Is this a correct interpretation?

I think they both sell good quality watches in general.

I would say that HQ Milton caters more to collectors, focusing on vintage but with some occasional modern pre-owned pieces. You can see it in the quality of their descriptions and photos, which are pretty honest and comprehensive for each watch. Bob's is more a a mass seller of pre-owned Rolex, with some occasional collectible vintage pieces, and their descriptions are more generic.

If you provided more detail about what reference you are looking for, I think people would be able to provide you with better advice. Your question is a bit vague and general. We don't even know if you are looking for a vintage watch, a modern watch, sport watch, DateJust?
Edited:
 
Posts
1,023
Likes
762
Try the Rolex forum there are dealers on there. The one that springs to mind is called DW sorry don’t know the full name.
David S Williams.
Takuya, and OCRolexguy- Patrick... All reputable.
 
Posts
944
Likes
11,117
Some chrono24 sellers are private and legit, and just want to swap out for a different brand or model. always do your homework but sometimes you can find a nice 1 owner safe queen that someone's just trying to replace/upgrade.
 
Posts
466
Likes
1,388
I think they both sell good quality watches in general.

I would say that HQ Milton caters more to collectors, focusing on vintage but with some occasional modern pre-owned pieces. You can see it in the quality of their descriptions and photos, which are pretty honest and comprehensive for each watch. Bob's is more a a mass seller of pre-owned Rolex, with some occasional collectible vintage pieces, and their descriptions are more generic.

If you provided more detail about what reference you are looking for, I think people would be able to provide you with better advice. Your question is a bit vague and general. We don't even know if you are looking for a vintage watch, a modern watch, sport watch, DateJust?

I’m looking for a no date sub, 14060, tritium.
 
Posts
24,485
Likes
54,440
I’m looking for a no date sub, 14060, tritium.

Also, keep an eye open on watchrecon.com for forum sales.
 
Posts
212
Likes
566
It depends on whether you're looking to buy a vintage/classic Rolex or a modern Rolex. So, so many options and variables.

One suggestion is to go on the sales site at TRF. That's a smorgasbord of Rolexes, old, new and in-between.
 
Posts
168
Likes
114
Bobs Watches, HQ Milton and Crown/Caliber don’t sale really high quality pieces. Sure they are vintage, but there is many level of quality in vintage and this companies tend to sell lower grade vintage. I would not buy from them personally.
Check out
http://rolexpassionmarket.com/
They have a link to better regarded vintage watch dealers.
 
Posts
251
Likes
671
I've bought a few modern Rolexes from DavidSW - he's legit and v easy to deal with.
 
Posts
251
Likes
671
I have purchased from Jacek at HQMilton and was pleased. No super discount prices but they’re honest and you’ll receive what you’re expecting. Never bought from Bobs but I’ve read some up and down reviews.

I bought a 16750 from HQMilton and they'll discount if you pay in cash 😀
 
Posts
77
Likes
266
I've bought a few watches from Jomashop and I don't have anything to complain about.
 
Posts
1,258
Likes
2,736
I bought a 16750 from HQMilton and they'll discount if you pay in cash 😀
Did you make an apointment and paid cash at the store? Also I noticed that HQ usually polished their Rolex before putting them on sale, is it their practice?
 
Posts
168
Likes
114
DavidSW is very reputable but only sales modern Rolex, no vintage.
For modern Rolex, you have a l9t of great reputable dealers, but your best and cheaper bet is buying from an A.D.