Do you own a Rolex that does not have papers? Or are you planning to buy a second-hand Rolex and want to make sure it’s not fake?
It has all the trademarks that make it real, but how do you sell or buy it without its original documents? Don’t worry. We got you covered.
To help speed up the sales process and still get the best deal, let’s find out below how much a Rolex is worth without papers and why these documents are essential in the first place. Keep reading until the end to learn how to sell Rolex with no papers.
Let’s begin!
Are Papers and Watch Boxes Important When You Sell a Rolex Watch?
Yes, the papers and original box are essential when you sell your Rolex watch, especially if it’s still within the standard five-year warranty period.
Many buyers prefer buying a luxury watch with important papers because it ensures that the watch is neither fake nor stolen. Unfortunately, there are counterfeit sellers nowadays making replicas of famous watches. But, of course, you can always look for obvious defects or mistakes on the watch before buying one.
Still, it makes a difference when the watch has original papers, especially if it’s a sought-after collector’s item. Therefore, the documents can make all the difference, increasing the Rolex watch’s value by 10 to 30, sometimes even 100%.
After the five-year warranty period, Rolex papers will essentially be useless, except for watch collectors and enthusiasts. So, the older the Rolex watch is, the less important the original documents are.
How Do You Get Rolex Papers?
The Rolex documents come with the new watch upon purchase. Sometimes, even if it’s a second-hand watch, it still comes with the papers if the seller still has them.
But if you’re just after the watch’s guarantee, you can find it in the plastic card tucked into a watch box compartment.
Moreover, the Rolex papers contain the watch’s serial number, reference number, official Rolex retailer, and date of purchase.
Can You Get Replacement Papers for Your Rolex Watches?
No, you cannot get replacement papers for your Rolex watch. However, the good news is there are a few alternatives you can make.
1. Have it authenticated by a certified Rolex Watch center
An alternative to Rolex papers is the service guarantee card you receive when you get your Rolex serviced at the certified Rolex watch center.
The card helps raise the timepiece’s value and makes it more appealing to the potential buyer because it’s “proof” of authenticity. In addition, the potential buyers will see that the watch has been inspected, disassembled, and warranted by a qualified Rolex servicer.
2. Obtain a letter of authenticity
Another form of Rolex paper is the letter of authenticity. If you don’t have the original Rolex documents, brain a letter of authenticity from a credible and respected source to help you sell your watch. One good option is to obtain it from an authorized service or Rolex retailer.
3. Buy an original booklet
Rolex watches come with booklets, and these “papers” are inexpensive. You can even purchase it to make your timepiece more appealing to potential buyers.
So, How Much is a Rolex Worth Without Papers?
Your Rolex watch’s value drops by about 10% if you sell it without papers. If it’s a vintage Rolex, the matter may decrease by about $1,000. To help increase the watch’s value, obtain a certificate of authenticity.
The watch market Chrono24 shows that the price difference between a Rolex Submariner with and without papers and boxes is about 17.8%. That means the pre-owned luxury is worth $10.000 with documents and $8.220 for the same watch but without the papers.
Moreover, the price difference between the Rolex GMT-Master II model, with and without documents and the original watch box is 23.3%. For the Rolex Omega Speedmaster, it’s 13.2%.
Of course, the value we shared above isn’t a hard and fast rule. Some models, such as the limited models, have increased in value because of the market conditions.
These Rolex models are some of the most popular pre-owned Rolex watches for investment. The other hottest Rolex models include the Day-Date President, Daytona, Sea-Dweller, and Oyster Perpetual.
Understanding the Value of Your Rolex
You need to understand the value of your pre-owned Rolex watch before selling it to get the best deal. You can speak with qualified sellers or look for information online.
As previously stated, the absence of papers while the Rolex luxury watches are still in their five-year warranty could reduce the time value. There are also instances when the collector prefers vintage watches to keep their box and papers.
How to Sell Your Rolex Without Papers (and Still Get the Most Cash)
Selling Rolex without papers is possible. To make it as simple and quick as possible yet still get the most money.
1. Verify its authenticity other than the original papers
The sales process will be straightforward if you have the original paperwork of your Rolex. But if you don’t, you can always contact a trusted professional dealer or get your Rolex serviced. Rolex will verify and check if the watch originated from them.
2. Take great photos of your Rolex
Great photos help sell your watch successfully and fast. Good photos are the best indicator of the timepiece’s condition. Don’t worry; you don’t need a fancy camera or setup for this step.
You can even use your smartphone camera. What’s important is to have decent daylight when taking photos.
Give it time for trial and error. Avoid glare on the dial as much as possible and get your photos in focus. Instead, your goal should be presenting your watch in well-lit, clear pictures.
3. Be honest about your watch
Whether you’re planning to sell your Rolex Submariner (or other models) without papers online or in person, be honest and upfront about your timepiece details. Doing this makes the sales process move smoothly.
Remember that trust will be the cornerstone of the sale with no original papers. There is a higher chance the potential buyer will purchase if they trust you.
4. Determine the best way to sell
There are various ways to sell your watches, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Some of the options you have are to sell it through auctions, pawn shops, or private sales. Many Rolex owners prefer to sell via a reputable reseller because it is the safest method.
Wrap Up
Many Rolex owners are unsure of the worth of their timepieces without their original papers. If you are one of them, this guide will give you the confidence and education you need to decide.
If you’re a potential buyer, don’t let the lack of papers and boxes stop you from purchasing a genuine Rolex.
If you’re considering buying a new watch, please read our other watch reviews at EvesWatch.com.
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My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
