Buying a ROLEX Online. My Experience!

[@nickbyrne1962]

A very interesting and informative insight into your experiences, Oleg - many thanks for taking the time and trouble to share them online.

[@watchalot919]

It's not unusual for Rolex's to have QC issues such as a misaligned bezel. can't help wondering why they cost so much.

[@grizzlyrunfast]

Hype...that is why they cost so much. Because morons will shell out $20k for a used SS sports watch

[@Cloxxki]

F1 sponsoring :-)

[@jankay8569]

because idiots are willing to pay for it. No thanks, Ill take an skx and 19800 cash in my bank account

[@DM-rc4yu]

Marketing, artificial scarcity. Look at what happens to some watches that get discontinued or are actual limited editions. But yeah, mostly marketing and hype.

[@MisterMaster4life]

@Knowledge is Power The name calling is unnecessary but they are right. 16k is a ridiculous amount of money for a second hand gmt without papers even. I bought the exact same watch new for around $3900 in 2010. Also bought the new gmt for $5000 in 2011. These models are extremely overpriced nowadays. Simple facts. The prices keep rising while there is no real shortage of them. It's an artificial scarcity.

[@jdupuis4829]

For the money, I could not tolerate a bezel looking like that...

[@1984FlyBy1984]

Oleg are you selling any of you watches to downsize the collection ? if so where ?

[@nazimL1011]

Don’t think he’s going to sell you the explorer

[@peterwilliams441]

In you video You said you took the watch to a watchmaker for vindication. How do you decide on a watch maker? Did you go to an authorized dealer or someone else? Thanks Peter

[@anthonysmith2982]

Hey Oleg. Hey Mr Bond. Firstly, congratulations mate. That's a magnificent timepiece and a milestone purchase for any collector. I'm happy for you mate. 👍🏼 Secondly, a really interesting upload. The negatives were surprising. Not so much the misalignment, I think many would be surprised to know that such problems are part of the Rolex experience. Even when buying new. However, the dishonesty of the seller was an eye opener and would have really pissed me off. Especially the 'unpolished' actually being a well executed 'light polish' and the incorrect box. I mean non original but correct era etc., we can all live with and probably would never know, but an era inappropriate box? Not good enough. You obviously did your adequate due diligence, so I guess 'buying the seller' can also be problematic. An eye-opening vid mate. Great work and thanks. Cheers, A.

[@pdug15]

Great video, question how do you go about finding a watch maker? or did you just go to a Rolex AD?

[@christianmotos]

How much does it cost to have the watch authenticated by a local watchmaker or AD?

[@mrworldwide2722]

200,- here

[@kenhendsbee3246]

78 dollars in Vancouver.

[@ruz8099]

Thanks for sharing your insight. How did you decide on what price is reasonable for a 16710 from the 2000s?

[@Nameless-hy7fu]

When you take the watch to your watch maker are you allowed to open the back of the watch? And how much does watch authentication usually cost?

[@CymInUA]

I've never seen a cup holder in a sofa arm before.

[@willyk8296]

That’s how we roll in Canada!

[@robertsacknoff952]

This is a very clever account, Terry. Well played.

[@jswede1]

seating made for home theaters have this.

[@secretsanta9046]

Welcome to the future Teddy!!

[@jamescoburn6789]

Youll be saying you haven't seen a cup holder in a toilet seat, next.

[@georgewilliamson3994]

Good thorough description, Chrono 24 is good place to see a large selection and what the price range is. I Like your presentation style; your English is better than some British people;) lol.

[@vishalkalra2431]

The bezel not aligning at this price point is not acceptable, I would go mad and return it

[@Kanelraketen]

Then don't buy into luxery watches imho

[@garyboyle695]

@@Kanelraketen so you are happy with an obvious flaw?

[@Kanelraketen]

​@@garyboyle695It all depends on what flaw Mr Boyle. A 0.5% misaligned diving bezel? sure, don't care. A COSC watch running +-15 secs per day, hell no.

[@lukaszpspam]

@@Kanelraketen I expect perfection from luxury goods, this is why you pay extra. Logo on my Rolex's crown doesn't stay in correct position when screwed in all the way and I hate it... Also I had this bezel misalignment on my Breitling and I could not stand it, luckily it was fixed on warranty...

[@Kanelraketen]

@@lukaszpspam It might be my mind playing tricks, but the bezel on any of my divers seem to be aligned only to 99.7-99.9% None seem to be fully 100%. I never look at the crown, so I wouldn't know what the correct position would be. But I'm sure your watchmaker can adjust it for you, if you asked them nicely. /cheers!

[@johncoyle8191]

Very helpful video Oleg. That's a beautiful watch enjoy wearing it . Iv never bought a watch from online before , truth be told the thought scares me. But maybe one day . Thanks again

[@chateaubullion2560]

I did buy a Cartier Tank from Chrono 24 and my experience with them was excellent. I liked the fact that the money was in an escrow account until I was satisfied with the watch. The seller was very helpful and sincere and the watch described as "excellent" condition was practically in "mint" condition. Needless to say, I was very pleased with the transaction.

[@JoeyAnswer]

So what are better online places to buy a Rolex online? I’d like a datejust but don’t know where to look and where I need to take it for servicing, I’m new to the higher end time pieces

[@paulruppert7784]

Nice pickup! Looks great in the photos. Well done, and well managed purchase. Thanks for sharing.

[@JLUnit416]

Thank you, I'm a relatively new Chrono24 also in Canada, looking at a timepiece from a dealer in the US, with my finger on the trigger and I found this video very helpful.

[@dgb6355]

The insert has been replaced, it is not a big problem though, you can easily pop the bezel up and fix the insert correctly. This is a lovely watch that will keep its value. Wear it in good health.

[@grizzlyrunfast]

The bezel insert alignment would drive me absolutely insane. Its a $20k watch. I have Seikos with better alignment....and Seiko is terrible with alignment haha

[@chriszivoder2650]

I would think the watch retails for alot less but the demand has driven up the price on the second hand market. It was built to make profit at retail price, so of cause you're not getting anywhere near $20,000 worth of watch in terms of quality. Still, even if it retailed for under $10,000, I would agree that these issues should not exist and are unacceptable.

[@grizzlyrunfast]

@@chriszivoder2650 i understand what they cost. Even at $7-10k this watch is overpriced. $5k or ao is where this watch belongs.

[@davidstewart3868]

I appreciate your honest review if the on line buying experience. Truth be told it is a gamble spending that kind of money on line. It’s all about the seller’s honesty and Crono 24’s reputation and guarantee. Call me old fashioned but for that kind of money I want 100% satisfaction not 90%.

[@shiv4229]

I bought a Seiko Giugiaro Ripley on Chrono24, the seller was from Indonesia Initially I was skeptical but I had a Good experience received the Watch.

[@zjadlemciobiad]

To check the watch, can I take it apart and check the mechanism? Can the seller refuse to allow me to disassemble the watch?

[@TheBadGuy1974]

Just a little tip fly to New York buy the watch put it on your wrist and mail the box and papers back to yourself fly out of the country with the watch on your wrist. No import duty.

[@donkremer6019]

Ah yes, that would be great if tickets to NY were free...

[@ianbrock9430]

Thank you. A very fair and balanced video about your purchase. Top marks to you.

[@mywatchventure8875]

Good video . Not a deal breaker as you said , but they should have been more forthcoming about the alignment. Maybe because they know that these watches sell themselves. Really nice Rolex.

[@VersedNJ]

He should have given him some money back to set the watch strait.

[@brianskipper2352]

Were you charged a service fee for paying by cc? If so, what was the percentage?

[@jrp335]

You’re a better man than I. If I bought a Rolex with a misaligned bezel, I would have been furious.

[@michaelmeloche9207]

I’ve bought 2 watches on Chrono24 a 6917 and a 1601 for myself my wife loves hers and mine looks great, I just sent mine off for service and when mine comes back I’ll be sending hers off. I’m on the app all the time and looking to buy another soon, love Chrono24

[@theaussiewhinger]

Great video buddy. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@abcvision404]

How much did you pay for the watch with all fees included?

[@kenhendsbee3246]

I have the same question. I'm in Canada as well and I shy away from buying from the US until I have a really clear understanding of overall costs. I can't seem to find the information online anywhere.

[@DM-rc4yu]

That's not slightly misaligned. On a regular 120 click dive watch bezel this would be pretty much as bad as it gets.

[@alohm]

Hello from Canada, as well. Been watching you and Bond for a long time never knew you was a fellow canuck ;) Vostok brought me here, a long time ago.

[@javiercandia3823]

what year is this watch?

[@bernardocourrege6283]

I would be really pissed off if the seller had not been clear about the polishing and box. Being honest is not that hard. Thank God the watch is great, even with the light polishing. Congrats, man. You deserve it. You're one of the good guys.

[@robertsacknoff952]

Did you not see quality macro photos of the dial of the watch you selected before buying?

[@TheBigWrist]

Back in march 2020 I was looking a Rolex OP39 Blue. I have previously bought from Bob's an all was well, but they did not have one. I settled on Watch Box (LNIB unworn, full set) and it was a smooth transaction. No issues and a decent price.

[@itzmillertyme]

What % are import fees? I too am in Canada

[@kkozak]

Very informative video Oleg with lots of great advice. I wish I had seen this video before purchasing a fake Oris 65 off eBay. Luckily I got my money back but still lost a little money on the exchange rate difference from purchase date to refund date. Living in Canada I find our options to purchase certain watches are limited, but if one follows your advice and takes the time to do their proper due diligence it’s possible to get that authentic watch you’ve been searching. Just be careful because some fakes can be difficult to spot.

[@Peterchungsukkim]

A great tutorial video. I will also film unboxing videos from now on to avoid any possible issue with watch sellers.

[@farookywookie]

This was super useful. Thank you!

[@strannostrannovasrr]

My experience with chrono24 is excellent. Btw did mr. Bond agree with your purchase?

[@claudiuvasadi]

congrats on the piece. it's stunning

[@oliverpersson6090]

I would not worry about the misaligned insert. The aliminium inserts can be taken out, and aligned correctly if you want. You can do it yourself, or your watch maker can do it for you. It's not very difficult, and does in no way affect the water resistance or anything like that.

[@3000waterman]

Interesting. I'm in the UK and bought a watch from Europe through Chrono24. There is NIL chance that i would do that again. The VAT was expected (urgh!) but the multiple delays and extra so-called 'disbursal' charges from UPS were a total nightmare. Communication was non-existent, and delivery dates came and went. I suggest, just wait for the watch to come up in your own country, or buy locally, where you can handle the goods and can approve everything before parting with money. I will not make the same error again.

[@reacorp401k2]

Enjoyed the video. Very informative. Thank you

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

I used Chrono24 to purchase a Rolex Datejust in gold & stainless steel. On receipt both the watch and the Rolex box just did not seem right. I compared the box to one from a genuine Rolex and it was obvious that it was of inferior quality. I took the watch to my local AD in Nottingham, they concluded that the watch’s serial number had been tampered with and suggested that I try and obtain a refund. To be honest after a discussion with the seller I was given a refund, but I was still out of pocket for the delivery and return postage costs. I did notice that the Seller placed the same watch up for sale again on the Chrono24 website. I did give the seller a copy of the letter from Rolex stating the issues surrounding this watch but he obviously decided to ignore this. The AD called it a ‘Frankenstein’ watch, made from several other watches.

[@michaelfierman3256]

Really informative. these are a lot of things I have either worried about or considered when buying there. My main problem was what you mentioned. Communication with sellers. I never came across one that seemed helpful in any way. So the end result is, i didn't buy. In fact I haven't bought one from there yet, but if I do it will be from the USA for sure. I never can find out, no matter where I look as to how much import duties will be from other countries. it seems to depend.... great video as always Oleg.

[@gmotionedc5412]

Great video man!!! Very helpful. I have my grandpas GMT and treasure it. I hardly wear it and would if it was serviced.

[@harrylk2729]

Great video Oleg, this is hopefully my next watch!

[@liveroy]

I don't get it either..... you paid a hefty price and the damn thing came with misaligned bezel? If that was done 200-500 bucks watch, I wouldn't mind it either, but gmt master 2 .... not acceptable

[@marianobergamino8104]

Hi, Oleg! I bought a Seiko SKX from Chrono24 but the bezel was properly aligned, so I had to return it. For sure it was fake! Jokes apart, congratulations for your great watch. It's a beauty. One question though: how did you notice that it has been polish? Cheers!

[@michaelriera6277]

Best comment bro!

[@charlieboylol527]

I bought a Datejust 41 new from Chrono24 from Joseph Stein diamonds In LA ,no problems and saved £2300 ,Everose with chocolate dial and got a extra link ,I stay in Scotland and was golfing in Florida and he sent it to my hotel in Florida and it saved me the taxes ,I hope this helps,stay safe everyone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

I purchased from Chrono24 many times. Even from private sellers. The escrow part is really the main reason as security.I also film the unboxing experience and the delivery (I.e. when DHL presses the door bell and accepting the package and the unpacking). It is a good service. But for Rolex I would like to see and feel it and too much room to be a Frankenstein watch.

[@MrChickster12]

I have bought 2 watches on Chrono24 both new, one was a Rolex OP39. Happy with both experiences. I am reluctant to buy a new one for the reasons you mentioned like not the original box or bezel alignment.... they would just rankle me too much

[@georgiebestmanutd4746]

Wud rather get Rolex OP from AD i/o Rolex Yachmaster (waitlisted at AD) from grey market. Just too risky.

[@StephenOshea]

great information , much appreciated

[@horologyproject]

I just got an Explorer 114270 online. Similar situation described as unpolished, all links, and no scratches on crystal. Turns out it had scratches on crystal, was lightly polished, and was missing one link. The seller and I worked out a discount, but had I not known what to look for or ask, I would have overpaid.

[@Romanellochw]

I use my CC through PayPal. Its an additional layer of protection. I can stop payment through my CC company or PayPal. I also get an additional layer of protection for any kind of disputes with 2 companies paying instead of 1.

[@jellfree9858]

Import taxes was high and it was and original watch with fake part...Now i don't know if i would have my money back because on the case BEWARE

[@paulvon2378]

Thanks for sharing. I buy from a certified Rolex dealer because I know it's a real Rolex, Guarantee card and a 6 year warranty.

[@albertc6486]

I only bought luxury watches in the full set including all papers and the warranty card. Without identification, the seller could easily replace parts like bezel with the aftermarket one. It is getting harder to check the difference now.

[@Leventgursoy11]

Only 1 week ago I bought a brand new omega seamaster aquaterra from chrono24. Basically I had pretty nice experience and I can recommend this platform. I totally agree your points. Kind Regards Levent

[@realdiggerz6914]

I’d be very disappointed if I’d spent decent money on watch and bezel didn’t line up.

[@amitkar5316]

How does an independent watch dealer verify authenticity?

[@michaelturcotte5814]

Same experience. Same emergency block by mastercard but they never mention gambling things. The process its stressful for the first expensive watch, but everything was sweet and soft with chrono24 so far. And yes calculate import fee first lol. And yeah make it verify the watch even if its a quick case back check. Very similar experience for me as you had. I would say you knowledge of the watch will impact your general experience.

[@michaelturcotte5814]

And my dial and crystal was miss aligne too the watchmake told.me it could happen when service.

[@trogpo]

The brushing on the upper side of the lugs looks course (9:56). That's very strange.

[@kennycheung3495]

Definitely not the factory grain brushed finished as it has been polished before and more likely by third party rather than Rolex.

[@altamushg]

Where abouts in Canada are you located? I’m in Vancouver and I’m trying to find a decent local watch repair store.

[@renenaude8122]

Check out "The German Watchmaker" Norbert Zerbes.

[@altamushg]

@@renenaude8122 thanks for the tip! I really appreciate it

[@Treetopflyer777]

Any in Toronto?

[@duraace]

I had a successful experience buying from Chrono24 verified NYC dealer, living in Canada. I used the escrow service paying with my Visa card. I had to contact them regarding the purchase, which I didn’t mind doing, as it suggested they were concerned with security. They did not mention thinking it was a gambling website. I bought a new Panerai Luminor GMT, date, Power Reserve and 3 day automatic. Free 1 day delivery to the west coast Canada. I felt confident in the purchase.

[@dc1735]

I too bought off C24 recently. First GMT I bought came from Italy, the dealer was super helpful and willing to sort any issues i had. As I complained the case back was too overpolished, the Dealer offered to refinish the case to so called Rolex exacting standards but unfortunately, the work carried out was poor and I unfortunately requested a refund. Months later, second GMT also came from Italy , checked out the dealer reviews 4.9/5.0, watch advertised as never polished but after telephone call, dealer informs me the watch is not polished and went on to say he would not know if it had been previously been polished. After receiving further requested photos, I purchased the watch, which was a full set about lower end of price range. Unfortunately, after 2 weeks, I noticed that a part of the case had been polished to such an extent, it was about 0.5mm out. Not a show stopper but when weighing up the cost of returning watch fully insured would have cost me about £350 , I decided to keep the watch and use this to fix the watch at later date. In future, I will scrutinise the watch more carefully and use a tick sheet to mark the watch condition.

[@briancolyer8483]

Cracking video brother....⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@phmwu7368]

Never buy a wristwatch based on photos, ... moreover chrono24 listed wristwatches mostly have: Year of Production = Unknown ( enough said )

[@jb6027]

Educational video. Thank you!

[@markpass4215]

So right about the risk of vintage Franken Rolexes...particularly beware with the 16610lv Kermits..there are plenty of genuine submariners which have had maxi dials and green bezels swapped in..the financial incentives for doing this are enormous..and completely crooked. The best way to check this, even if the watch you buy has papers is to take it to your local Rolex service centre..they can immediately check if it’s a Franken Sub or a genuine Kermit by checking the serial number

[@adaptivekalman]

Bond seems sad you bought a Rolex instead of Grand Seiko or Omega.

[@kdids]

great video. Thanks for explaining it all to us. Next time you make a online purchase id love to see if you would go with Crown and Caliber - I trust them more than Chron24 and want to probably use them if i go the used online route.

[@hambone988ubet]

I would agree. I recently sold them an Omega Seamaster and the price and experience was very good. Based on that experience I would then purchase from them.

[@robertn3121]

If you are going grey for a Rolex, there are better options.

[@fire_watch7735]

Hey Olwg, Great video. I'm in the same position to you... Looking for a Pepsi and I live in the same region of Canada as you. I was wondering what percentage of your purchas went towards shipping, duties, and brokerage fees? That uncertainty is what's holding me back from ordering from Chrono24. Cheers and enjoy your Pepsi.

[@kenhendsbee3246]

Same question here. Curious if you found the answer anywhere?

[@fire_watch7735]

@@kenhendsbee3246 I did... Factor in a least 20% for taxes, duties, and brokerage fees... It's quite a bit and I was able to source one in Canada with a little patience for a reasonable price. Good luck!

[@kenhendsbee3246]

@@fire_watch7735 ok cool, thank you. I figured it wouldn't be worth it! I'll stick to Canadian sellers!

[@fire_watch7735]

@@kenhendsbee3246 Good thinking... smaller market in Canada but the costs add up purchasing abroad. Also, if you have a problem it's much harder to ship back because you've already paid the duties. Cheers

[@tywinn5786]

Red Flag 🚩..Please do not pay for any transaction outside of Chrono 24. I had a verified dealer asking for a wire transfer outside of Chrono 24 transaction system. I reported them and of course Chrono 24 did nothing.

[@ezee-e]

maybe its the accent but what's a Franklin watch

[@triniboy05]

I only buy from Verified Dealers on Chrono24. I go to the Seller’s website and shop from there. Chrono24 is just a reference for me.

[@privatethor724]

Eh there is False Creek what watch do you were at the golds gym arnie seiko

[@mc3524]

I bought a watch off Chrono24 and had a good experience. I “only” spent $2,000 but was still nervous about it. I live in the US and bought from a dealer in Germany with good reviews. It was a pain dealing with Customs and I thought they were going to send the watch back to Germany. They spent several days asking for information until they finally decided on a tax amount for the watch. There was no point of contact with Customs so you don’t really know what’s going on. So I agree with buying one in your home country if you can. The watch I bought was new but made in 2007. I had been looking for this limited edition Tutima watch since seeing it in a Cigar Aficionado ad in 2007. Tutima is a German watch maker and apparently this dealer bought the leftover watches the factory couldn’t sell. Do your homework before buying a watch off the web.

[@VersedNJ]

Bought a BB58 Blue from C24. New, AD and basically list price. I'm from NJ, so paid sales tax, as was the dealer he said it wanted I can drive (like 80miles) and check it out before I buy. I guess I could have brought my notebook and paid on the spot. Never went up and actually wouldn't change the price. Watch came as promised, warranty card, box and tags on watch. Except for fee's and such, like you used a CC. If there was a problem would just drive up, got it in a nice bag and business card, I did speak to him once on the phone. No complaints. He had a good rating. I'm mixed they are legit (C24) but there are other US based resellers with excellent reputations that if had what I have used and would again. And may call the that dealer I used through C24 if I wanted something or just look around.

[@AliasEveWatches]

Thanks for sharing the experience! Sounds like it's a much much better experience vs ebay.

[@hoops3166]

I love the dog snoring. Lmao. Frenchies are great dogs. Congrats on the watch.

[@nikolajovicic174]

What a mess! The watch that's supposed to be unpolished is actually touched up. The bezel doesn't align like it's supposed to and it's a question weather or not originally belonged to this watch. The box is completely wrong and doesn't belong to the watch .. I would return it straight away. No wonder bank has this website marked as a gambling one .. Who knows how many ppl got screwed so far.

[@Reza.El-Fatih]

nice one bud. congrats!

[@florianhess]

Thanks for this step by step guide how to do online shopping in 2020. ;P

[@edteach3r]

Thanks for sharing, Oleg. I don’t like the fact that the watch is polished, or that the box is not original to the watch. As far as misalignment goes, it has never bothered me, as long as I know about it. I am currently in the process of buying a Seiko on eBay and the seller sent me pictures of the watch, as per my request, and the misalignment is quite visible. As I plan on replacing the bezel insert in any case at some point, it is not an issue. But, then again, I have never paid so much money for a watch, and probably never will.

[@InGratitudeIam]

The one thing I like about Chrono24 is the escrow feature. Beyond that, there are some great sellers and some not so great sellers. I did not have my bank ask me about spending money on a gambling site, but you are taking a risk of losing at least a few hundred dollars should you decide to return the watch after having it inspected by your jeweler/watchmaker. Didn't that misaligned bezel show up in the seller's pictures? If he didn't post a picture of that, forget it. Personally, for the issues you mentioned, I wouldn't have even taken the watch to my jeweler. I would have returned it immediately.

[@maitrehg]

I will never pay that kind of money for a used watch. The bying experience of a new watch is so better.

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Thanks Oleg, very much appreciated but I must say that misalignment would drive me mad! Regards from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@h111551]

I am a private seller. I have sold over $40,000 in watches without incident on Chrono 24. The Chrono 24 staff has performed flawlessly and have always been responsive.

[@ResetToZero3210]

Great video man. Funny, my $50 Casio Duro looks better!

[@andrewgiblin3468]

I’ve returned to Europe through Chrono24 and customs Canada is a pain in the ass to get your taxes and duties back and it probable took 8 weeks to finally get a cheque back. They make it as difficult as possible!!

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

For a watch of this quality/brand, the bezel shouldn't be misaligned.

[@maffintono7790]

Love these videos

[@angelos6817]

Misaligned bezels are a complete no no for me. There is no way I would keep such an expensive watch with an issue I will stare at all day. I have sold every watch I've had with a misaligned bezel because they drove nuts. So far two Seikos and a Yema ended up on ebay to be resold after discovering they had misaligned bezels. If I bought a Rolex and it had a misaligned bezel it would be returned to the seller on the same day I received it.

[@KC-bv9kf]

Lol, my gmt2 from 2002 came with misaligned bezel. Never had it corrected. Still have box and paper, and probably 5000 wearing since. Other’s come and some go, including a 17 y marriage, but this thing will probably get passed on, misaligned.