How to protect myself in a private purchase?
Discussion
OK, so I no this isn't a good idea, but MUST all purchases be from a retailer to give comeback?
Let's say I've found a Rolex Sub at a good price from a private seller. He says he bought the watch from Watchfinder two years ago without box or papers (yes, I know, I know...).
Will the WF receipt show the serial number? Is that any guarantee the watch is genuine? No.
I have agreement from a well regarded Rolex trained watch repairer to check out any watch pre-purchase as to authenticity (I've know him 15 years or so).
So I go see the watch to check condition and if happy suggest to the seller we meet at the repairers, get it checked out, and agree a price.
I'd still have to factor in £500 for a Rolex service, if needed.
How do I know it's not stolen? The repairer isn't a Rolex agent, just a Rolex specialist.
No doubt there are other issues you'll think of which make it a bad idea to try and save £500 - £1000 going it "cheap"? But how then do private sellers ever sell a Rolex, or is it always to the trade who'll spot a fake a mile off?
Let's say I've found a Rolex Sub at a good price from a private seller. He says he bought the watch from Watchfinder two years ago without box or papers (yes, I know, I know...).
Will the WF receipt show the serial number? Is that any guarantee the watch is genuine? No.
I have agreement from a well regarded Rolex trained watch repairer to check out any watch pre-purchase as to authenticity (I've know him 15 years or so).
So I go see the watch to check condition and if happy suggest to the seller we meet at the repairers, get it checked out, and agree a price.
I'd still have to factor in £500 for a Rolex service, if needed.
How do I know it's not stolen? The repairer isn't a Rolex agent, just a Rolex specialist.
No doubt there are other issues you'll think of which make it a bad idea to try and save £500 - £1000 going it "cheap"? But how then do private sellers ever sell a Rolex, or is it always to the trade who'll spot a fake a mile off?
If he bought it from WF without box and papers (which is quite possible) , their receipt will show the serial number. Depending on the age of the watch, the serial number will be visible either engraved on the shoulders between the lugs with the bracelet off, or on the rehaut. If you can have it authenticated by your friend, then don't discount it out of hand.
Alternatively, if you are definitely going to get it serviced by a Rolex, why not suggest to the seller he sends it off for service, which you will pay for? If it's stolen it should flag at Rolex, if not, you will have it back freshly serviced, with new 'papers' . You can buy an authentic box and manuals off eBay in time, and compete your box and papers set if you want to.
Alternatively, if you are definitely going to get it serviced by a Rolex, why not suggest to the seller he sends it off for service, which you will pay for? If it's stolen it should flag at Rolex, if not, you will have it back freshly serviced, with new 'papers' . You can buy an authentic box and manuals off eBay in time, and compete your box and papers set if you want to.
DJMC said:
Don't the "papers" include the original registration document showing the serial number and date of purchase?
If there is any doubt whatsoever simply don't proceed.How would you know that the box and papers are for that particular watch and could you be 100% that both aren't faked?
The reason private sales are cheaper is due to this extra bit of doubt.
I've bought several watches privately but been able to check out the seller each time, even abroad.
(eg get a work landline number and call them)
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