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Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: Dexter Morgan on August 22, 2016, 12:56:21 PM

Title: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on August 22, 2016, 12:56:21 PM
Greetings everyone,
I am thinking of getting a Rolex soon but i think other than the model that i like, i am pretty much clueless on everything else. Appreciate if any Rolex sifus can chip in and enlighten me.

1. For a first rolex, is it better to get a mint pre-owned one or a brand new one?
2. Is it okay to get a brand new rolex from grey market? Will Rolex be servicing my genuine rolex if i purchase it from grey market?
3. How much does it cost to service a rolex?
4. Other than sending it back to authorized Rolex watchmakers(aka HQ), what are the other options in getting my Rolex serviced?
5. Will sending it else where to service affect the value of the watch down the road?

Thanks in advance for your time and for your information the models that i'm looking for is the 114060 no date submariner OR the 116570 Explorer II.

Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ck77 on August 22, 2016, 01:02:09 PM
1. For a first rolex, is it better to get a mint pre-owned one or a brand new one? - both options are ok
2. Is it okay to get a brand new rolex from grey market? Will Rolex be servicing my genuine rolex if i purchase it from grey market? - ok as long as the papars are valid
3. How much does it cost to service a rolex? - 2k  
4. Other than sending it back to authorized Rolex watchmakers(aka HQ), what are the other options in getting my Rolex serviced? - many qualified sifu for rolex movement
5. Will sending it else where to service affect the value of the watch down the road? - no, as long as all parts are genuine
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on August 22, 2016, 01:26:53 PM
Thank you SIR !!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ebertho on August 22, 2016, 01:28:41 PM
1. For a first rolex, is it better to get a mint pre-owned one or a brand new one? - both options are ok
2. Is it okay to get a brand new rolex from grey market? Will Rolex be servicing my genuine rolex if i purchase it from grey market? - ok as long as the papars are valid
3. How much does it cost to service a rolex? - 2k  
4. Other than sending it back to authorized Rolex watchmakers(aka HQ), what are the other options in getting my Rolex serviced? - many qualified sifu for rolex movement
5. Will sending it else where to service affect the value of the watch down the road? - no, as long as all parts are genuine

Bro, point #5...is it easy to get ori Rolex parts outside (referring to those independent service shops)? Dont think Rolex sell their parts w/sale right.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ck77 on August 22, 2016, 01:42:48 PM
Bro, point #5...is it easy to get ori Rolex parts outside (referring to those independent service shops)? Dont think Rolex sell their parts w/sale right.
Usually they have their 'jalan' or 'lubang'.
Can always go back to RSC for peace of mind.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on August 22, 2016, 01:50:58 PM
One more question:

6. How long does a certain Rolex model usually last on the catalog before being discontinued?

Thank you for much!
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: D'Andy on August 22, 2016, 03:27:18 PM
1) Is this a keeper or are you a flipper? With a pre-owned, you could save yourself some monies along the way, which you could spend towards a Rubber B or Everest strap to accessories your sports Rollie. It feels and wears differently with a good vulcanised strap.
2) As long as it's a genuine Rollie, the ASC will service it.
3) Serviced my DJs and it was circa RM2k+ per piece. Sports models could vary slightly.
4) There are independent watch smiths that could service Rollies. Only thing was that you had to choose a trusted party to avoid Franken parts. Officially, ASC does not sell spare parts to independent watch smiths.
5) I prefer to service my modern Rollies in ASC as there would be an additional 2 years manufacturer's warranty down the road.

With these queries out of the way, you're on good track towards your first Rollie. The SubND would be a great start as it's more special and balanced without the Cyclops; or if you need the date mechanism, look at the SD4000  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: JeepWH on August 22, 2016, 03:53:48 PM
Bro, point #5...is it easy to get ori Rolex parts outside (referring to those independent service shops)? Dont think Rolex sell their parts w/sale right.
Usually they have their 'jalan' or 'lubang'.
Can always go back to RSC for peace of mind.

Actually those 'ori' parts mentioned by independent service shops are actually OEM parts. In other words, not ori but made in switzerland/ europe (depending on grade) to the original specs and materials.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Cocas on August 22, 2016, 07:57:10 PM
Greetings everyone,
I am thinking of getting a Rolex soon but i think other than the model that i like, i am pretty much clueless on everything else. Appreciate if any Rolex sifus can chip in and enlighten me.

1. For a first rolex, is it better to get a mint pre-owned one or a brand new one?
2. Is it okay to get a brand new rolex from grey market? Will Rolex be servicing my genuine rolex if i purchase it from grey market?
3. How much does it cost to service a rolex?
4. Other than sending it back to authorized Rolex watchmakers(aka HQ), what are the other options in getting my Rolex serviced?
5. Will sending it else where to service affect the value of the watch down the road?

Thanks in advance for your time and for your information the models that i'm looking for is the 114060 no date submariner OR the 116570 Explorer II.

I am not expert and a newbie owning a preowned Explorer II lately.

If I were you, below would be my answers:

1. Preowned.
2. I don't know. But if Rolex service center doesn't service it, I know a watch Smith that is able to service my Rolex.
3. I don't know it too. But I have set aside the budget of RM 2k for every 5yrs interval service.
4. Answered in no.2.
5. I will not sell my watch so this question is not applicable to me.
6. Just a rough estimate, should be about 12 to 15 yrs.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on August 26, 2016, 09:38:15 AM
Thank you all for the replies !!! The more i learn about them, the more models that i like. HOW LAH!?!?!?......... :Confused:
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: D'Andy on August 26, 2016, 09:49:14 AM
Thank you all for the replies !!! The more i learn about them, the more models that i like. HOW LAH!?!?!?......... :Confused:

Buy the first one that you like and could comfortably afford. You could always flip it later (sometimes at a profit) and add on another. The game goes on and on. I started with the base DJ (flipped), then DJ with diamonds (flipped), then SubLN (flipped), then Eii (flipped), then SubLV, then SDc. Now eyeing another. When I flipped 'em Rollies, I found that they do retain their values quite well (compared to some other brands) and in some instances, I even made some extra; as I travel a fair bit and was able to at times get better discounts from overseas ADs. Just to share, from previous experiences of purchasing at HK, Macau, UAE, and Europe, you could get slightly better offers especially if you were prepared to go cash or travellers' cheque.

But IMHO, you could never go wrong with Subs and SDc as the demand is there.

Good will hunting.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on September 02, 2016, 10:20:11 AM
Thank you all Rolex sifus for the reply. Think i'm almost certain to go for a pre-owned model. Are Rolexes without papers/history a concern?Assuming that the rolex is 100% original and is working fine, do i still need to worry about it's background? I have heard stories of people acquiring stolen rolexes and RSC just wouldn't service such watch. Appreciate you views. Thanks.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ck77 on September 02, 2016, 11:42:26 AM
Thank you all Rolex sifus for the reply. Think i'm almost certain to go for a pre-owned model. Are Rolexes without papers/history a concern?Assuming that the rolex is 100% original and is working fine, do i still need to worry about it's background? I have heard stories of people acquiring stolen rolexes and RSC just wouldn't service such watch. Appreciate you views. Thanks.
Certainly the risks are there for all pre-owned watches, unless you know the owner and history.
Well, if you need 100% foolproof, best to get it new from ADs.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Swoosh64 on September 03, 2016, 03:23:54 PM
Dear all, good afternoon.

Will be travelling to Europe (London, Amsterdam and selected Eastern European cities), am thinking of buying Rolex watch there. Anyone can advise which city and AD gives a better pricing? For popular models, do I need to call/email to reserve the watch?

Thanks a lot for the advice!
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: TickTock on September 03, 2016, 05:03:58 PM
If you have a connection in the Middle East (maybe Dubai) check the duty free in the airport. As a note though I've found the duty free in Qatar at King Hamad airport to be retail when pricing Rolex. However I was just window shopping and not seriously trying to buy. Then when shopping in Europe you have a data point to compare. Just a thought.

I have found some good discounts at shops in Bahrain but that is not likely on your route.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: D'Andy on September 03, 2016, 05:10:55 PM
If you have a connection in the Middle East (maybe Dubai) check the duty free in the airport. As a note though I've found the duty free in Qatar at King Hamad airport to be retail when pricing Rolex. However I was just window shopping and not seriously trying to buy. Then when shopping in Europe you have a data point to compare. Just a thought.

I have found some good discounts at shops in Bahrain but that is not likely on your route.

Yes, would second that you could get Rollies in UAE at a better pricing. Ditto Italy, HK, and Macau.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: TickTock on September 03, 2016, 05:25:33 PM
A note on new vs pre owned.

A Rolex sold after June (I think it was June) 2015 come with a 5 year warranty. Previously sold Rolexes still under warranty got 1 year added for a total of three years.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Swoosh64 on September 04, 2016, 10:11:38 AM
Thanks for the sharing :)

Unfortunately, i wont be transiting in Middle East, straight from KL to London, followed by some cities in Europe. Will bear in mind the info for next trip

Cheers!
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: theseira on September 07, 2016, 06:51:44 AM
Greetings everyone,
I am thinking of getting a Rolex soon but i think other than the model that i like, i am pretty much clueless on everything else. Appreciate if any Rolex sifus can chip in and enlighten me.

1. For a first rolex, is it better to get a mint pre-owned one or a brand new one?
2. Is it okay to get a brand new rolex from grey market? Will Rolex be servicing my genuine rolex if i purchase it from grey market?
3. How much does it cost to service a rolex?
4. Other than sending it back to authorized Rolex watchmakers(aka HQ), what are the other options in getting my Rolex serviced?
5. Will sending it else where to service affect the value of the watch down the road?

Thanks in advance for your time and for your information the models that i'm looking for is the 114060 no date submariner OR the 116570 Explorer II.


1) Depends on the piece and the price. For example if you can get a Daytona C at retail or below new, go for it.
2) Grey market is fine. no issues with warranty. I have purchased from Grey market and had warranty covered by rolex service centre singapore.
3) Service rolex normally as the members have mentioned around 2k ringgit so its not too bad comparing to other lux brands.
4) I prefer to send to rolex service centre
5) sending elsewhere normally depends on what was done. Generally the problem can be fixed by authorised service centre.

Get the Subby.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Dexter Morgan on September 13, 2016, 01:32:19 PM
Thanks to all sifu, i got myself a new toy:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8265/29649254985_b2cac3a405_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mb1bxt)
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8273/29024930253_06bad6cf31_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LdQmxX)
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: dualcarb on September 13, 2016, 06:23:48 PM
Well well...what a nice example...congrats and enjoy your new toy...
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Swoosh64 on October 01, 2016, 05:30:21 AM
Congratulations on your new toy!
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: spacewalker on December 11, 2016, 12:29:03 PM
Hi. I'm planning to buy my first Rolex.I have a zero idea about Rolex. So,  I'd visit to AD and try the Submariner ND which is my target but I forgot to ask the reference of that Submariner. I guess it is a 114060 as in Rolex website. Hope anyone here can help me.

- Is there any other version of Submariner still available in AD nowadays beside the 114060?

- I had read there is Submariner with the aluminum bezel, the 14060, 14060m which is confusing.

- All submariner even with no date use ceramic bezel?
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ndtaan on December 11, 2016, 01:00:21 PM
Ask Mr.Google :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: yehlai on December 11, 2016, 02:01:26 PM
New, grey dealer or pre use?
For rolex I will go for reputable grey dealer or a new piece
Because pre used Rolex retain their value too well
Let's use Submariner for example..

Submariner date, new is 33.5k, used is 29k
Submariner, new is 27.5k, used is 24k

If you get a 2012 watch on 2017 which you need to service it soon, then it's really not justified. Because at the end you're paying 24k + 2k for a pre used piece

Bro, point #5...is it easy to get ori Rolex parts outside (referring to those independent service shops)? Dont think Rolex sell their parts w/sale right.
Usually they have their 'jalan' or 'lubang'.
Can always go back to RSC for peace of mind.

Actually those 'ori' parts mentioned by independent service shops are actually OEM parts. In other words, not ori but made in switzerland/ europe (depending on grade) to the original specs and materials.
That's why,  for peace of mind, I will only send back to RSC. If you have those vintage old watch, don't take a risk, high possible sc outside will use 3rd party parts as those parts are discontinued and almost impossible to find.
Moreover, newer Rolex services interval is increased to 10 years, so their service cost is relatively 'cheap'

But I'm not sure those pre 2016 will still have this extended service interval after new service? Could someone share some inputs?
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: mikeylacroix on December 11, 2016, 02:13:46 PM
Hi. I'm planning to buy my first Rolex.I have a zero idea about Rolex. So,  I'd visit to AD and try the Submariner ND which is my target but I forgot to ask the reference of that Submariner. I guess it is a 114060 as in Rolex website. Hope anyone here can help me.

- Is there any other version of Submariner still available in AD nowadays beside the 114060?

- I had read there is Submariner with the aluminum bezel, the 14060, 14060m which is confusing.

- All submariner even with no date use ceramic bezel?
6series reference are the modern references.
114060 is the subc. 116610 is the subc with date.
The older variants are 14060 and 16610. U getz?
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: yehlai on December 11, 2016, 02:17:25 PM
Hi. I'm planning to buy my first Rolex.I have a zero idea about Rolex. So,  I'd visit to AD and try the Submariner ND which is my target but I forgot to ask the reference of that Submariner. I guess it is a 114060 as in Rolex website. Hope anyone here can help me.

- Is there any other version of Submariner still available in AD nowadays beside the 114060?

- I had read there is Submariner with the aluminum bezel, the 14060, 14060m which is confusing.

- All submariner even with no date use ceramic bezel?

Aluminum bezel with smaller lug is 14060 or 14060M
using 3130 in house movement
release in the 90s and discontinue in 2012, but some AD still have new old stock until 2 yrs ago

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: spacewalker on December 11, 2016, 08:46:57 PM
Thank you yehlai and mikeylacroix for the reply. I had narrow down my search  to 114060 SubC NO date. I'm really new to Rolex. The glossy bezel of that SubC is really nice. I still do some research before buying.
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Shyn on December 11, 2016, 09:12:28 PM

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

The latest model 114060 still using 3130 movement.
3135 movement it is date version for sub date, sea-dweller, yacht-master etc...
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Timeless on December 12, 2016, 06:52:56 AM
Hi. I'm planning to buy my first Rolex.I have a zero idea about Rolex. So,  I'd visit to AD and try the Submariner ND which is my target but I forgot to ask the reference of that Submariner. I guess it is a 114060 as in Rolex website. Hope anyone here can help me.

- Is there any other version of Submariner still available in AD nowadays beside the 114060?

- I had read there is Submariner with the aluminum bezel, the 14060, 14060m which is confusing.

- All submariner even with no date use ceramic bezel?

Aluminum bezel with smaller lug is 14060 or 14060M
using 3130 in house movement
release in the 90s and discontinue in 2012, but some AD still have new old stock until 2 yrs ago

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

good info
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: yehlai on December 12, 2016, 09:35:05 AM

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

The latest model 114060 still using 3130 movement.
3135 movement it is date version for sub date, sea-dweller, yacht-master etc...
thanks for the heads up.. yes 114060 is 3130 movement but with Parachrom Bleu hair spring

3135 is for Submariner date
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ndtaan on December 12, 2016, 10:46:38 AM

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

The latest model 114060 still using 3130 movement.
3135 movement it is date version for sub date, sea-dweller, yacht-master etc...
thanks for the heads up.. yes 114060 is 3130 movement but with Parachrom Bleu hair spring

3135 is for Submariner date

The last issue of 14060M with random serial numbers is also fitted with Parachrom Bleu hair spring.
Although only a small fraction of it is fitted.(making it a real collectors).
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Shyn on December 12, 2016, 10:50:41 AM
thanks for the heads up.. yes 114060 is 3130 movement but with Parachrom Bleu hair spring

3135 is for Submariner date

U welcome, just sharing knowledge.

Now all sport model and mostly model are using parachom blue hair spring, except ladies, boy size DJ and some small size OP  :Cheers:
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: yehlai on December 12, 2016, 11:00:50 AM

Ceramic bezel with bigger lug is 114060
this is the current model
using 3135 movement

The latest model 114060 still using 3130 movement.
3135 movement it is date version for sub date, sea-dweller, yacht-master etc...
thanks for the heads up.. yes 114060 is 3130 movement but with Parachrom Bleu hair spring

3135 is for Submariner date

The last issue of 14060M with random serial numbers is also fitted with Parachrom Bleu hair spring.
Although only a small fraction of it is fitted.(making it a real collectors).
Yes, my very late batch 14060M also don't have Parachrom Bleu, but not sure if RSC can have change if you willing to pay.

BTW, the 14050M you posted is Parachrom ed?
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: ndtaan on December 12, 2016, 11:02:50 AM
yes,it P/B hair spring
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: mikeylacroix on December 12, 2016, 08:19:25 PM
(https://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag448/qrchandc26/14060m%20vs%20114060/2016-03-27%2012.24.31_resize_zpsi8irlhyt.jpg)

(https://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag448/qrchandc26/14060m%20vs%20114060/subvssub0013_zpsly7mu1oc.jpg)

(https://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag448/qrchandc26/14060m%20vs%20114060/subvssub0005_zps9imuhvkr.jpg)
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Him Who Watches on December 13, 2016, 08:11:43 AM
Sigh .. I wish they'll revert back to the two-liners.

Not a fan of the "new" 4-liners - (you too, Tudor)
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: yehlai on December 13, 2016, 09:30:08 AM
Sigh .. I wish they'll revert back to the two-liners.

Not a fan of the "new" 4-liners - (you too, Tudor)
from what I know it's not about 2 lines or 4 lines
Its the COSC, old COSC 5512 also a 4 liners
5513 without COSC,  2 liners
Title: Re: Rolex questions
Post by: Him Who Watches on December 15, 2016, 12:19:36 PM
Sigh .. I wish they'll revert back to the two-liners.

Not a fan of the "new" 4-liners - (you too, Tudor)
from what I know it's not about 2 lines or 4 lines
Its the COSC, old COSC 5512 also a 4 liners
5513 without COSC,  2 liners

I am coming from a purely cosmetic point of view. I prefer less text on the dial.