The type of work done during a service can range from “checked over,” to “regulated” to “cleaned and lubed” (which is an iffy answer), to “fully disassembled and rebuilt.” If any parts were replaced, ask if they used genuine Rolex parts if they did not, there is actually a legal precedent in the US Courts that requires that (a) third-party Rolex parts be stamped as not original, and (b) the parts be marked “third party” on any service receipts. If a service was done properly, the movement would have been disassembled to some degree, cleaned, rebuilt, and lubricated, and there should be a receipt from the service center detailing the work performed If there are no service records, then ask the seller for the service history. Any service records are going to add assurance, but likely also raise the price. Unfortunately, many watches do not receive regular service. Most mechanical watches need to go through service every 5-7 years (though modern lubricants and non-metallic materials are extending service intervals). It's worth giving them a call and stopping by to chat in person. In short, there's no shortage of reputable pre-owned dealers online, many (if not most) of whom have dedicated shop or office space in which to try on pieces. Then there are sellers of both vintage and pre-owned watches that include Rolex, such as Analog/Shift (now Watches of Switzerland's vintage/pre-owned division), HQ Milton and Tropical Watch. These include dedicated Rolex experts such as the folks at Bob's Watches, as well as the team at Crown & Caliber, which recently became HODINKEE's pre-owned watches division. Speaking of buying the seller, you're in luck - there's a whole host of notable resellers of pre-owned Rolex models whose catalogs you can peruse online. If possible, get the seller on the phone or meet in person to get a vibe reading. You may even ask and individual or a dealer for references. Most forums have a way to gauge a seller’s reputation. eBay’s is proven, and Etsy’s is great, too (you’d be surprised how many Rolexes show up on Etsy). Whether your target Rolex is with an individual or a dealer, do not make the purchase until you’ve gotten to know the seller. Why is that steel Rolex in the safe? And who’s gonna get to purchase it? If you’re pushy, as we were recently in Paris, you might convince the salesperson to pull a steel Rolex sports watch out of the safe just to check it out, but even that is a rare privilege, perhaps afforded only to pushy journalists. From the legendary Parisian dealer Bucherer to the lovely Betteridge Jewelers in Vail, Colorado and Greenwich, Connecticut, to the Rolex boutique on Madison Ave in NYC, we (mostly) haven’t seen a steel Rolex sports on display for at least a couple of years. What you won’t see at an authorized Rolex dealer these days are steel sport watches - Daytonas, Submariners, Seadwellers, Skydwellers, GMT Masters, Explorer I and II in steel are nowhere to be found. Prices on new Rolexes are typically non-negotiable, and if you find what you like among the Rolexes on offer, then it’s a fairly straightforward purchase. You might see a few sport watches in precious metals like a Skydweller, a Yachtmaster or even a Submariner or you might not. You’ll always see a swath of women’s models. Walk into any authorized Rolex dealer, and you’re going to see a lot of Datejusts, Day-Dates, Oyster Perpetuals, perhaps a Milgaus, maybe an Air-King, and usually a fresh batch of Cellini dress watches in a wide range of sizes and colors.
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