How to Buy Your First Rolex

Buying
your first Rolex is a massive decision — one that should include lots of
thought and consideration. Typically, people make such a purchase to celebrate
a significant accomplishment, like reaching a new milestone in their career or
retiring. Naturally, this is a means for pure excitement. However, if you’ve
never bought a watch before, much less an expensive one, you’ll want to do some
research first. 

Do Some Soul Searching 

First
and foremost, ask yourself why you want to buy a Rolex because it’s probably
not so you can tell the time. Do you like the style or aim to wear it as a
status symbol? Will you be able to pair it with outfits you already own? How
often do you plan to slap a shiny watch onto your wrist? 

Asking
yourself these questions will help you pinpoint the motivation behind buying
such an expensive item — and if you’re purchasing for the right reasons. 

Save, Save, Save 

You’ll
also have to ask yourself if you have the money to afford a Rolex right now.
The new, most basic models are $5,000, but most pieces
run between $7,000 and $12,000. To most people, that’s no small chunk of change. 

Instead
of charging it to your credit card and paying interest on an accessory, save up
the money and proudly make your purchase in cash. Doing so will make the whole
experience that much more meaningful. Plus, you won’t have to worry about
making payments on it later. 

New vs. Used vs. Vintage 

Once
you’ve determined that now is the right time to buy a Rolex, your next step is
to choose whether you want a new, pre-owned or vintage watch. Newer Rolex
models are made of the latest, most durable materials and are practically
indestructible. Plus, you’ll receive the box, all the paperwork and everything
else there is with your purchase. 

Used
Rolexes will likely come with a smaller price tag and look slightly worn.
Vintage watches, however, are 20 to 30 years old and may be more or less
expensive than a new or used watch. Nevertheless, you get to wear a small piece
of history.

Find Your Style 

Visit
a store and try on watches to find the right fit. A properly sized Rolex will cover two-thirds
the width
of your wrist. Then, search for your favorite style. 

Do
you want stainless steel, silver or gold? Are you looking for diamond inlays or
other embellishments? What colors are you interested in, and are they
versatile enough to wear with most of your clothes? Discovering what your dream
Rolex looks like will help you narrow down your search to a few specific
models. 

Pick a Model 

Once
you’ve discovered your affinity for a particular brand, material and watch
face, begin trying on models that match your interests. For example, if
you lean more towards
a sporty style,
a GMT Master II, Submariner, Sea-dweller or a Daytona may appeal to you. 

However,
if you like showier or dressier models, you might choose a Datejust II or a
Day-Date II, as both are excellent first-time Rolex models. If you find
yourself coming back to one watch over and over again, you may have found a
winner.

Buy from a Reliable Rolex Dealer

Once
you’ve made your decision, find a reputable dealer through whom you’ll make
your purchase. Then, head to the store in person to seal the deal. This method
is the most reliable way to buy a Rolex. 

Avoid
purchasing one online — especially off of a site like eBay — as there is any
number of counterfeit items in circulation. Plus, if the price of a watch is
too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research and buy from a reliable
dealer to ensure you’re getting an authentic piece.