Getting Started
So I’ve always wanted a Rolex Day Date 40 but man, that price tag. Decided buying used is smarter if you’re careful. Started googling like crazy late at night – checked forums, YouTube, Reddit threads. Saw horror stories about fake watches and screwed-over buyers. Freaked me out bad so I grabbed a notebook and started writing down warning signs people mentioned.
Doing My Homework
First thing I did? Hit all the local jewelry stores that deal in secondhand watches. Picked three shops and spent Saturdays handling Day Dates like they paid me for it. Turned those watches upside down, checked the weight, squinted at dial printing under magnifying glasses. Asked the dealers tons of annoying questions until they sighed. Learned:
- Real Rolex wind is super smooth, fakes feel scratchy
- Cyclops magnification should be perfect 2.5x
- Second hand sweeps, doesn’t tick
The Hunt Begins
After two months hunting online, found five decent options from Japan and Italy sellers. Got paranoid about getting scammed so made sellers do stupid stuff:
- Made them send video showing watch at weird angles
- Asked for macro shots of serial numbers
- Required timestamp photos with yesterday’s newspaper
Three sellers ghosted me immediately. Good riddance. Got three serious offers and almost bit on one until I noticed bracelet links looked wonky in the video. Saved myself big trouble there.
Closing the Deal
Finally found this dealer in Germany who looked legit. Met him face-to-face near his shop. Did the unboxing outdoors in bright sun so I could see every scratch. Made him wait while I:
- Tested every single bracelet link for squeaks
- Opened the caseback to check movement engraving
- Made him provide original warranty papers
Haggled hard for two hours over coffee. Knocked off $700 pointing out tiny dings on the clasp. Paid through bank transfer with paper trail. Still remember walking out with that green bag sweating like crazy.
Tips That Saved Me
Would I do this again? Hell no – too stressful. But if you must:
- Bring a loupe everywhere – saved me from a frankenwatch
- Make sellers prove timekeeping – filmed a 24hr test
- Check service history paperwork – don’t take their word
Now this beauty sits on my wrist while typing this. Got minor swirls but at least I’m not stuck with fancy paperweight.
