How to Buy Antique Rolex Watches

Only buy authentic antique Rolex watches from reputable sellers. Owners of pawn and jewelry loan businesses find opportunities to buy antique Rolex watches from customers in need of ready cash. Evaluate pre-owned Rolex watches for authenticity.

Earliest Rolex Watches

Alfred Davis and brother-in-law Hans Wilsdorf opened their company in 1915. In 1919, the company moved from the United Kingdom to Switzerland. Most pre-owned Rolex watches in the trade are considered "vintage" at 30-plus years, according to Rolex Forums. Valuable antique Rolex watches command high resale prices. Identify the Rolex watch under your consideration as an authentic early Rolex watch if collecting antiques.

For example, a simple, silver-lever wristwatch hallmarked 1916 and signed Rolex sold for $1,233 in 2010. A simple 9-carat case ladies' wristwatch from 1922 sold for $957. A Rolex Oyster cushion steel case wristwatch from 1930 sold for $1,298.

Features

Look for the Rolex signature and date on early watches. Part of the Rolex company story includes how the partners chose the name of the company. Rolex, a short moniker, fit neatly onto the company's watch faces.

Choose clear, unscratched bezels and clean cases. Consider a Rolex antique watch with name recognition to most buyers, such as the Oyster. Verify serial numbers for authenticity.

Considerations

Experienced jewelers and watch repair professionals buy broken antique Rolex watches. Buy working watches without watch repair experience.

References

• Repair Place: Rolex
• Rolex Forums: vintage 30+ years
• Antique-Watch: hallmarked 1916
• Antique-Watch: 9-carat 1922

Resources

• Rolex
• "Rolex Wristwatches:"; James M. Dowling, Jeffrey P. Hess; 2006
• "Complete Price Guide to Watches"; Cooksey Shugart, Tom Engle, Richard E. Gilbert; 2010