How To Buy a Rolex: A First Time Buyer's Guide - What You Need To Know | Bob's Watches

Rolex is one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands. While it might not be the most expensive and exclusive company on the market, it’s still widely sought-after for its iconic status and association with power and success.

It might seem overwhelming to buy a Rolex. They do require a substantial investment for collectors of all budgets, after all. However, if you do your research before you invest, the process isn’t as overwhelming as it might seem.

CATALOG
The Rolex catalog is divided into two categories: classic and professional. The classic series consists mostly of dress watches developed for daily wear and finer occasions, such as the Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Day-Date, and Cellini.

The professional series includes sport and tool watches that cater to various lifestyles and professions, such as the Submariner, GMT Master, Explorer, and Cosmograph Daytona. This category is known for its robust styling and additional functions not commonly found within the classic range. It also often commands a higher price, depending on the model and market demand.

CHOOSING YOUR ROLEX
The first thing to consider when choosing a Rolex is your budget and style. It’s important to stay realistic as to which models fall within your budget while keeping the styles you love in mind. For example, the Daytona is out of reach for most with an entry-level budget. However, a timepiece within the dress watch collection might be just as classic without breaking budget.

It’s also important to consider how you will be wearing your Rolex. Do you plan on reserving your shiny new investment for finer occasions? In that case, a sophisticated dress watch might be more suited to your wrist. If you’re in the market for a tough, ready-for-anything tool watch, a model from the professional series might speak to your lifestyle more.

Do you travel often? In that case, we recommend the GMT Master, complete with additional time zones.

NEW VS. PRE-OWNED
There are indeed benefits to buying a Rolex brand-new. You will be the first person to wear that watch. Additionally, the watch’s authenticity is not questioned because it was purchased from an authorized dealer. Another bonus is that brand-new watches might even cost less than pre-owned, depending on the model and current market demand.

With that in mind, it isn’t always possible to buy a brand-new watch either. For example, many of the hottest watches on the market right now are completely sold out on the retail level. Many can’t stroll into an authorized dealer and just purchase models such as the stainless steel Daytona ref. 116500 or the newest stainless steel and Pepsi bezel GMT Master II ref. 126710.

Many of the most desirable watches on the market require a years-long wait, which sends collectors to the secondary market, where prices are often double and even triple retail. However, there are also used Rolex watches that sell for less than retail. In that case, you stand to save money by shopping pre-owned, depending on the model.

That leads us to our next topic, where is the best place to buy a pre-owned Rolex? The top concern for most collectors is the watch’s authenticity. Buying from a reputable reseller is one of the smartest choices you can make when shopping pre-owned, and Bob’s Watches is one of the most well-known and trusted names in the game.

A 1-year warranty accompanies every Rolex to ensure it is in proper working condition. Additionally, every Rolex is certified pre-owned by an independent third party to guarantee the watch’s authenticity. You can rest assured that your Rolex is genuine and competitively priced when you shop with Bob’s Watches.

If you aren’t already familiar with the Rolex brand, it might seem like a daunting task to distinguish between the different models produced by the company. Take the time to do your research to ensure that you choose the best watch for your wrist. That might include reaching out to our knowledgeable team for guidance or even hitting the Rolex forums to ask fellow enthusiasts for their advice.

Buying a Rolex shouldn’t be intimidating or overwhelming. Follow the tips outlined in this video, and you’ll be well on your way to buying your very own Rolex!

[exkal]

I’ll get my Rolex eventually. I’m in no rush. Money needs to be saved and bills need to be paid first.

[mranderson]

I got my first Rolex last week from a local AD, managed to get a Yacht Master 40 grey dial with blue second hand as a first watch…couldn’t be happier!

[bobbyp]

Great video! Does your website only list prices in USD?

[bmikesmellz]

How can you tell the difference between new and worn 2022 model. The owner could polish watch and say it's new and wore the watch for a year. When light touch up wears off you see the scratches and that's hard to catch

[divymathur]

I want a rolex. I'm flying to Europe next week. Any advice on how to get a professional one without a waiting list

[markn]

Nice intro video, however do know that if you are buying a watch from Bob's or anywhere else for that matter, be sure that you're getting a watch with all matching serial numbers and not a Frankenstein model where the watch was pieced together from various watches as it will affect the value. I learned this the hard way after buying a President that I found out later had a Rolex bracelet but one that was not original to the watch and had been reconditioned. The same was true for the dial and watch hands. All parts were Rolex, but a mash-up from other watches that dramatically affected the watch value.

[XLRbg]

5:38 Ah, yes, nothing says "we stand behind our products" like providing the minimum warranty period required by law.

[vangledosh]

You don’t buy a rolex. You buy a spot on a 2 year waiting list.

[full]

Listen. In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the Rolex.

[NYC--BKK]

I currently own 2 Rolexes which I bought new from my local AD. Waiting for the call for the next one is never ending.

[davidye]

Some watch stores selling Rolex brand new, with box, tag, document but without Rolex Certificate card. They say they can authenticate their Rolex watches are real ones. What do you think about that, and I don't understand why these real Rolex Watches have no certificate cards to identify they are the real Rolex watches?

[weatherman]

Bought my first one. Already want another.

[countalucard]

I have the basic OP with the silver or platinum face, I have heard it called different names. It’s about 6 years old and I wear it everyday. I have ALL the things it came with and is in excellent condition. Anyone have an idea how much it would sell for today?

[robertbrandywine]

Do you go on a waiting list if you visit an AD in an international airport terminal?

[obnoxioulicious]

Please help

As someone who don’t wear jewelry or accessory, I’ve been wanting to get myself a Rolex watch for some time now.

I would only wear it during special occasions since my skin can’t tolerate daily usage. I tried wearing both metal and leather straps and can only last for few hours before it feels like I’m being restraint.

I’m eyeing the classic model and has an extra focus on Oyster Perpetual Explorer.

I would love for this to be my one and only watch that I can passed on to my family.

Any thoughts?

[bendago]

I wish that I started earlier in life buying Rolexes

[fproszek]

1966, nam, i was issued a army wrist watch and a rifle. Watches became hard to get. Gave mine to a friend that had a long tour left. I see e-bay prices are very high, i cant imaging a grunt ever selling his, the greedy, grieving, families must put it on line.

[inlandwatchreviews]

I just bought my 5 th Rolex. OP 34 mm explorer blue dial. Most people don’t notice the watch your wearing, my oyster perpetual slides under the radar.

[jeffreyrivera]

I am in my mid 50s and now financially able to buy a Rolex. What is holding me back is to whom shall I pass it to when I am gone . For now, I will keep wearing my Breitling.

[jltsvlogs]

Looking at getting my first Rolex this year