Trying to buy a mens Datejust two-tone for my wife...

philgund · Dec 1, 2015

But i've never bought from Ebay or similar and wanted to know if anyone has some insight to share on this one I found on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRE-OWNED-R...db4ffa8&pid=100033&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=331718861866

The dial looks nice and authentic, but i'm still waiting on more pictures of the movement, service history and stretch.

My wife is looking for a mens size (36mm) with a jubilee band, campaign or white dial, and she seems to like the vintage styles we've seen. I've seen some nice 1601 styles out there, but i'm looking to stay in the 2.5-3K range and dont know if this is still realstic?

Is there anything else I should be looking out for in this vast landscape of vintage Datejusts?

I really appreciate everyones input and help.
Thank you as always.
philip

Canuck · Dec 1, 2015

I noted the seller's policy of "no returns accepted"! The pictures don't permit a real close examination of the watch. Things like chipped sapphire crystals, state of wear of the 18-karat gold links, can the bracelet be adjusted small enough to fit a lady's wrist, AND to be comfortable. That model has been around since the early 1990s, but we have no idea how old this one is as the seller doesn't shows documents. Also, nothing is known of the service record, and if has been serviced, who has serviced it. If you buy it, make certain you have the serial number before you buy it, and get a letter from the seller that it is free of liens and encumbrances. You have to make certain you are buying from the real owner!

As an aside, you might want to check out some Rolex authorized dealers to see if they are offering anything like it. You may have the benefit of being able to judge condition, allow your wife to see the watch, have a choice, some kind of assurance of condition, a return privilege, and buy with no risk! If such a deal is offered, it might even be worth spending a bit more.

calalum · Dec 1, 2015

Don't know too much about that model, other than that there are a lot of them around. But the seller's feedback doesn't suggest that he sells watches or much of anything (unless I am misreading it) and the fact that the auction is almost over and there are exactly 0 bids suggests a problem with the auction, the watch, the price and/or the seller. I would deal with a well known Rolex seller, and there are several out there.

philgund · Dec 1, 2015

That is where my gut was leading me too, but this eBay have is not easy.

philgund · Dec 1, 2015

Canuck
I noted the seller's policy of "no returns accepted"! The pictures don't permit a real close examination of the watch. Things like chipped sapphire crystals, state of wear of the 18-karat gold links, can the bracelet be adjusted small enough to fit a lady's wrist, AND to be comfortable. That model has been around since the early 1990s, but we have no idea how old this one is as the seller doesn't shows documents. Also, nothing is known of the service record, and if has been serviced, who has serviced it. If you buy it, make certain you have the serial number before you buy it, and get a letter from the seller that it is free of liens and encumbrances. You have to make certain you are buying from the real owner!

As an aside, you might want to check out some Rolex authorized dealers to see if they are offering anything like it. You may have the benefit of being able to judge condition, allow your wife to see the watch, have a choice, some kind of assurance of condition, a return privilege, and buy with no risk! If such a deal is offered, it might even be worth spending a bit more.

This is extremely helpful. I never thought of thinking about liens etc.

philgund · Dec 1, 2015

philgund
This is extremely helpful. I never thought of thinking about liens etc.

Again, I really appreciate this details list of considerations.

philgund · Dec 1, 2015

Canuck
I noted the seller's policy of "no returns accepted"! The pictures don't permit a real close examination of the watch. Things like chipped sapphire crystals, state of wear of the 18-karat gold links, can the bracelet be adjusted small enough to fit a lady's wrist, AND to be comfortable. That model has been around since the early 1990s, but we have no idea how old this one is as the seller doesn't shows documents. Also, nothing is known of the service record, and if has been serviced, who has serviced it. If you buy it, make certain you have the serial number before you buy it, and get a letter from the seller that it is free of liens and encumbrances. You have to make certain you are buying from the real owner!

As an aside, you might want to check out some Rolex authorized dealers to see if they are offering anything like it. You may have the benefit of being able to judge condition, allow your wife to see the watch, have a choice, some kind of assurance of condition, a return privilege, and buy with no risk! If such a deal is offered, it might even be worth spending a bit more.

Just a follow up question if you dont mind--specifically around the ebay money back guaranty. Does this not really protect the buyer? If you cant return something, yet the item has a fake dial or something, are you screwed? Or if misrepresented info is given via the message section of ebay? I look at this post and it has more details and looks pretty good at first glance, but should i always be worried when there are no returns? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-2-Ton...686069?hash=item46457f5f35:g:-6MAAOSwnipWXliV

Canuck · Dec 1, 2015

I have exactly ZERO experience with eBay, so I don't know if their money back policy takes precedence over the fact that the seller has a no returns policy. Very often, on pricier items when offered for sale on eBay, and the serial number isn't noted, it could be for a reason! Assume one was stolen in a break in, and the S# was known. There might be an inclination for the person that lost it to watch on line auctions for that item. And if it pops up, guess what! You might want to check the watches for sale forum on this MB, just to see what is available.

Traveler · Dec 2, 2015

I'm not affiliated with them - but have always found HQ Milton to always have a decent selection of DJs http://www.hqmilton.com/vintage-wristwatches/for-sale

I would say all of their watches are 'fairly' priced for a dealer, and you know what you are getting - you are not going to get ripped off at all. They are not known as the Rolex Candy store for nothing! Although as @Spacefruit points out they are trafficking in an increasing amount of speedies!