Rolex

Buying a vintage Rolex can be a traumatic experience. Even the most experienced collector will have horror stories to tell of buying a watch only to find it is not quite what was expected. Sometimes, parts will be replaced incorrectly, incorrect hands and...  

There is very little that I disagree with on your thoughts. With the more rare pieces the paper punched, letters, receipts all help to paint the picture of the history of the watch. An as noted with rare pieces you don't have a s many pieces flying around...  

.....I guess one of the things I wanted to get across is that so often new collectors will place a significant importance on box and papers as a form of authenticity passport....whereas in fact, this type of thinking only really applies to a few rare exce... 

There is also a range of papers from stamped to punched and hand written to blank all with validity but must be understood. There are many cases where you have a large chrono certificate and the guarantee is not filled in. But the date of the guarantee an... 

And what an insert you found! Best, my friend. Nicolas.

It was owned by a British serviceman Royal Navy. The case back is engraved. Bill

When a nice watc comes with the box and the papers, ok, I will not cry... But if the same very nice Watch comes without, I will not pass on it. An example? This 6542, which came with its papers. Not the box, but while I am at it, why not trying to hunt th...  

....as some often see B&P as some form of guarantee....which it never is.

Especially when you're dealing with diamonds and/or rubies. I have here a "L" series NOS from 1989, and I can tell you that if it didn't come with the original papers certifying the diamond dial, I would not have purchased it. A watch "making you smile" w...  

" my problem with many Comex is that, so often , it's hard to tell weather a watch is authentic or not " .... if you well know them it's not so hard as every Comex model has some peculiar tips you must know to do a correct IFF ( Identification Friend or F... 

....what i am saying is that there are plenty that have been "put together" in a not-so-authentic way.

But unless provenance is important such as Comex or any military piece, theye are an added benefit. Ialways try and find a piece with papers but it not essential I have this striped Prince with papers and found an original Prince box - voila B&P ...  

....i do wonder whether this vintage reference will make a strong comeback...it should...it really should

and have a nice Rolex collecting handbook at the ready! Thanks for putting it all together. I surely learned a lot and have a better appreciation for vintage :-)

.....but what you really need is to become a mind-reader and extract everything in that brain of Marcello.....now that would be priceless!!

I was going to ask the same question on the importance of box and papers when it comes to vintage pieces. Since I pass on my watches to my sons and don't sell any, I wasn't quite sure if B&P made too much of difference, except for specific pieces. And... 

& indepth Nico, Bill & Baron you bring across is a reason I remain an ardent fan of your posts… Great read. Cordially Mally

......very kind of you to say so, but to be honest, its great fun to do!

After all we are not wearing boxes and papers on our wrists. So not vital at all. Getting a full set gives however a particular satisfaction, most of the times that illusion of being the first time owner of the watch. In fact I would think that any inform... 

Joe- you bring a very important and relevant post that I am sure many collectors have appreciated reading. I really can't add much than to say that I share your view. I will chose a nice watch any day over a mediocre watch but that comes with box and pape... 

....i think people will vary from one to another. I know in the past that one some watches I have been very swayed by having paperwork....but it is usually when i am insecure about a purchase....and usually not in Rolex territory. I think its fair to say ...