Way OT (Sorry!): Rolex watches

Sorry, I know this is way off topic, but I've searched the web for a long time and have not found what I am looking for. (There are some BBS for vintage watches, but that is not what I am intested in).
There seems to be an expert here for just about every subject (amazing, really), so, here goes.
I am looking to buy a Rolex watch for someone. I am looking at a Ladies Datejust.
Any purchasing tips? Whats the best way to get a good deal on one? Or do people normally just pay the list price (does anyone do that anymore these days on any expensive product?)
Also, in searching the web, there seems to be a huge trade in used Rolexs. But, giving someone a used watch as a gift seems kinda tacky to me. Also, the Rolex warranty does not seem to be transferrable.
Sorry for the way OT nature of this, but I am desperate! Any expertise would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I can help 1st i purchase one for the wife cost was $3500 USD,in return i got a free coca-cola wow how nice of them,you can purchase them second hand that look like brand new with a 2 or so warranty,one think i dont like about those tham things leave it alone a couple of day and they stop what kind of bs,my $7.00 dollar timex dont do that i think they go hand on hand with the porsches overprice and non practical.my 00.02

sorry, i'm no rolex expert by a long shot but i did find a merchant who carries the ladies datejust.

Time Merchants
http://www.timemerchants.com/rolexes_ladies_Datejust.htm

i went to mysimon.com and they listed a few merchants. the good thing about that site is they provide gomez ratings so you know if a merchant is reputable or not. unfortunately, they don't provide ratings for all of the listings including timemerchants.com.

as a suggestion, you might go to a local watch store and inquire about that particular model and price. if they can get it for you cheaper than this place, great. if not, you might want to call timemerchants to get a feel for them and i'd also post a question about them to those vintage watch BBSs you mentioned. see if anyone has done business with them in the past and how they'd rate them.

other than that, most credit cards these days encourage shopping online and provide protection against online fraud. i'd call my credit card company first.

OOPS!
these are also pre-owned. i went to the rolex site and it says:

"Genuine Rolex products are sold through Official Rolex Jewellers and are not available on the Internet."

looks like you'll need to find a local jeweler. or try this site, they offer pre-owned WITH a 3 year warranty:

Jewel Avenue
http://www.jewelave.com/

good luck,




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Jeff
Euro '78 911SC Targa

Everything is negotiable! The mark up on those watches is very high. I am not sure about Rolex because of there good warrenty, but most jewlers try to sell you some sort of warrenty or service contract. The best negotiating advice I can give, is: once they bring up the extra coverage, ask them if you bought the "coverage", how much would they be willing to sell you the watch for. I have struck several good deal with such lines. If they don't offer such things on Rolex's, then it can't hurt just to ask what the best price they offer. If they there is no better price, tell them you will go elsewhere. It's just like buying a car.

Good luck.

Use the internet. - I bought a few pieces of jewelry at great prices recently by telling the salesman (with a handful of printouts) that I would like to buy locally, but I have researched pricing on the net and believe I know what a fare price is. Since most internet "dealers" have no salesmen nor storefront, their overhead is very low and they can offer VERY competitive pricing. Works like a charm. I saved almost $800 over their “best price for you buddy” on a recent car stereo system with this tactic. I guess any profit is better than none at all...

Back when I had money (last month), I asked my wife to go and look at ladies' Rolex, her reply was, "there is no such thing as a $3000.00 wristwatch". She's a keeper! Now she wants a Harley Sportster 883. At least I would feel better about borrowing the Harley.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

I collect watches: try posting on these two sites. They are just like this BBS, plenty of help and advice. Bet someone will have knowledge of a place where you can get a good price on a new watch. Good Luck...

http://www.timezone.com
http://www.watchnet.com

Bill Carcot
1979 911SC
Diablo Region, P.C.A.

Check out this web site, you'll be amazed at what you see and the price. www.http://jewelave.com/jewelave/rolmenpres18.html

Thanks, all!
Stormcrow, could you repost the link, it doesn't work. I'd like to check it out!
Robert, "there's no such thing as a $3000 watch"??
I suppose, but then it would follow that there is no such thing as a $60,000 car, or a $15,000 motorcycle, either.
Although she may have been right that there is no such thing as a $3000 Rolex! They all cost more than that, as I am unfortunately finding out!

Sorry, got it backwards http://www.jewelave.com/jewelave/rolmenpres18.html.

Steve

Here is another website where you can really get a good deal. www.showtimereplicawatches.com. Try it.

Steve

I was in the same situation last christmas. Being the tight wad I am I searched extensively, several e-tailors and national retailers. When it all came down to purchasing, I found the best price on a Cartier Tank thru ashford.com. they had the best price, would overnight it at no charge and did not charge for shipping.

I own a Rolex GMT II myself and am always pricing watches. My wife works for a jewler that carries rolex new. The most Rolex will discount the watches is 30% to employees. Typical retail discounts are never more than 5-10%. When demand outstrips supply you can do that.

Good luck! Michael W

Thanks! You and "Showtime" have saved me thousands! LOL!
I wonder how they can get away with that? Hard to believe its legal.

I've read some bad things about ashford.com on some of the watch forums.
They say that most of the watches sold on ashford are "grey market", and that ashford is one of the largest dealers of "greymarket" watches.
See this link, for example:
http://www.watchnet.com/boards/message_detail.cfm?messageid=5063&pageno=1
Not sure what that means in the watch context, but people seem to use the term with disdain.

[This message has been edited by Jim T (edited 03-22-2001).]

Jim:

I highly recommend Stephen Wisely Jewelers Haddonfield NJ. He has a good inventory and service that cant be beat. He will extend the warranty on any Rolex that he sells to 5 years!!!!

By the way Rolexes dont keep time for sh_t!!!


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CM Wagner

1968 911 S Coupe
Light Ivory

Jim- if you are serious, find the exact watch that you want-model # ect, then call "Brown and Company Jewelers" in Roswell Ga. Don't know the # offhand. Ask to speak to Ian Brown, Tell him Doug Martin referred you to him and he will cut you a deal. He and his Dad own the place, which is a TOP NOTCH authorized Rolex dealer, I am very good friends with Ian. They gave me 20% off MSRP and if you are out of state, you can save the tax. Good luck and buy CORRECTLY as these watches are valuable if all the paperwork is correct and in order.


Doug

Not a recommendation but I saw some on overstock.com . They buy out other merchants and have some good deals. Make sure that Rolex will honor the warranty, etc...

George
83 911SC Cab/Euro

Alan Marcus sells well below retail and will not tax you. Here's there link: http://www.alanmarcusco.com/amc-cgi-bin/noframes/webcart.cgi?ENTER=YES&CONFIG=amc

I bought my GMT II from them.
Good luck
John
79 930

Wow, thanks guys. I was right, I think there are few subjects on which there is not an expert or someone with a lot of experience on this site.
Didn't see any Rolex on overstock.com. Although I wish I did, their prices on other watches are fantastic!
I checked out Brown and Co.'s website, they don't list any Rolex watches. Lots of other brands, but no Rolex. I may give them a call, though.
Alan Marcus' site is great! Its the only one that I have seen that has new Rolex's and shows their list price and discounted price.
Thanks a bunch, guys.

Hello

I would get a TUDOR as it has better value for the buck and look much nicer ( not prolo ). And haven´t seen a Tudor fake.

Ever consider a IWC, Glashütte or Breitling ?

> By the way Rolexes dont keep time for sh_t!!!

That is true and not true. Every Rolex must be adjustet to the owner. Rolexes doesn´t like if you don´t wear them all the time.
Also you have to bring it regulary to a maintance. It is pure and sophisticatet machanic on the edge of technological possibilitys.

Just a bit like Porsches.

Grüsse

( 1962 IWC Ingeneur SL, 1980 Swatch, 1998 TAG/Motochron speedo face )