In short
- Decide on the exact reference, not just the model name.
- Check that the reference and serial on the watch match the papers.
- Judge condition and originality honestly, and ask about servicing.
- Box and papers help, but the watch itself matters most.
- Buy where you get authentication, a warranty and the right to return.
A pre-owned Rolex can be an excellent way to own the watch you want, including models that have been discontinued. The checks below are worth making wherever you buy, whether it is your first Rolex or your fifth.
Why choose a pre-owned Rolex?
The most popular Rolex models are often hard to buy new from a retailer, and some of the references people want most are no longer made at all. The pre-owned market gives you a far wider choice: different years, dials, metals and bracelets, all available to compare side by side.
There is a practical benefit too. With a pre-owned Rolex you are buying a specific watch you can see and inspect, not an allocation you are waiting for. You know the exact condition, whether it has its box and papers, and whether it is still within Rolex's guarantee before you commit.
Pre-owned, unworn and vintage: what the words mean
Sellers use these words loosely, so it is worth knowing what each one means before you compare one pre-owned Rolex with another.
- Pre-owned. The watch has had at least one previous owner and has usually been worn. Condition can range from barely worn to well used, so the description and photographs matter.
- Unworn. The watch has been sold before but has not been worn. It may still have its protective stickers. It is still a second-hand watch, with its original warranty card dated from the first sale.
- Vintage. An older reference, often several decades old. Vintage pieces need a specialist eye, because originality of the dial, hands and bezel affects them more than anything else.
1. Know the exact reference
Many Rolex models look alike but differ in size, metal, bezel and movement. Decide on the reference, not just the name, and make sure the watch you are offered is that reference. Our guide to Rolex reference numbers explains how to read them.
If you can, try the size on before you decide. A 36mm and a 41mm Datejust feel very different on the wrist, and a sports model with a thicker case wears differently again. Think about the bracelet, whether you want a date, and whether a precious-metal or two-tone pre-owned Rolex suits the way you will wear it day to day.
2. Check that the numbers match
Every Rolex has a reference number (the model) and a serial number (that individual watch). If the watch comes with papers, both should match what is engraved on the watch. On modern watches the serial number is engraved on the rehaut, the inner ring between the dial and the crystal, at 6 o'clock. On older watches it is engraved between the lugs.
Look at the papers themselves as well. The warranty card or certificate should show the reference, the serial and the date of the first sale. Papers can be copied, so they only mean something when the numbers on them agree with the numbers on the watch, and when the watch has been checked by someone who knows what a genuine one looks like.
3. Look at the condition honestly
- Case. Sharp edges and crisp lines between polished and brushed surfaces suggest light polishing. Soft, rounded edges suggest heavy polishing.
- Bracelet. A stretched bracelet sags between the links. Check the clasp closes firmly.
- Bezel and crystal. Look for chips, cracks and deep scratches.
- Dial and hands. Any marks here are harder to put right than marks on the case.
Light wear on a pre-owned Rolex is normal and, for many owners, part of the appeal. What you want to avoid is a watch whose wear has been hidden. Ask for photographs in daylight, from the side as well as the front, and ask whether the watch is keeping good time.
4. Make sure it is original
Ask whether the dial, hands, bezel and bracelet are original to the watch, and whether any diamonds were set by Rolex. Aftermarket diamonds and replacement parts usually lower the value and can make the watch harder to sell later.
5. Ask about servicing
Ask when the watch was last serviced and by whom, and whether there is paperwork for it. A recent service is a plus, and knowing the history tells you when the next one is likely to be due.
Service history matters most on an older pre-owned Rolex. If the watch has been serviced, ask whether any original parts were replaced and whether the seller still has them.
6. Box and papers
A full set with the original box and papers is reassuring and helps the watch hold its value, but it is not essential. What matters most is that the watch itself is authentic and in the condition described. See box and papers explained.
7. Warranty
Rolex's own guarantee
Rolex watches sold new since July 2015 carry Rolex's five-year international guarantee, so a recent watch may still be within it. The warranty card shows the date of the original sale.
Beyond that, ask what warranty the seller gives.
Every pre-owned Rolex we sell comes with our 12-month mechanical warranty from the date of delivery, unless the listing says otherwise. Where a watch is still within its manufacturer's warranty, the manufacturer's terms apply. Our warranty page sets out the details, and the official Rolex website explains Rolex's own guarantee.
Questions to ask about any pre-owned Rolex
Whoever you buy from, these questions give you a clear picture of the watch. A good seller will answer all of them without hesitation, and the answers are worth writing down.
- Has the watch been authenticated, and by whom? Ask what was checked, including the movement.
- Is it in stock and can I see it? In person, or in fresh photographs and video.
- What comes with it? Box, warranty card, booklets, spare links and any service papers.
- When was it last serviced? And is there paperwork to show it?
- Is everything original? Dial, hands, bezel, bracelet and any diamonds.
- What warranty and returns do I get? Ask for both in writing before you pay for a pre-owned Rolex.
Warning signs when buying a pre-owned Rolex
Most sellers are honest, but the same warning signs come up again and again. If you notice any of these, slow down:
- A price well below similar watches. There is usually a reason, and it is rarely good news for the buyer.
- Pressure to pay quickly. A genuine seller will give you time to ask questions and check the watch.
- No chance to see the watch. Be wary if you cannot view it, or at least see detailed photographs and a short video.
- Numbers that do not match. The serial and reference on the papers should match the watch exactly.
- A vague history. The seller cannot say where the watch came from or whether it has been serviced.
- Unusual payment requests. Be cautious with anyone who wants payment to a third party or in a way you cannot trace.
Counterfeits have become more convincing, which is why an inspection by people who handle genuine watches every day matters more than any single check you can do at home. Our articles on why fake Rolexes are harder to spot and on replica and authentic watches explain more.
8. Who you buy from
A private sale can be cheaper, but it usually comes with no authentication, no warranty and no way to return the watch. Buying from a dealer should give you all three. At Kings & Queens every watch is inspected and authenticated by experienced watch specialists before it is offered for sale, and its serial number is recorded before dispatch.
- Inspected and authenticatedEvery watch is checked by experienced specialists, with serial numbers and components verified before it is offered.
- 12-month warrantyPre-owned pieces carry a 12-month warranty against movement defects. Unworn watches carry the manufacturer's own cover.
- Fully insured deliveryFree, fully insured and signed-for delivery across the UK.
- 14-day returnsFourteen days to change your mind from the day your watch arrives. We cover the return postage.
You are welcome to view any watch at our Hatton Garden showroom by appointment. A £100 deposit reserves a watch for 3 working days while you arrange to see it.
How buying a pre-owned Rolex from us works
Every listing on our site states whether the watch comes with its box and papers, and unless a listing says otherwise, every watch is physically held in stock and available for inspection before dispatch. This is how a purchase usually goes:
- Choose and ask. Browse the listings and ask us anything about a pre-owned Rolex that interests you, by phone on 0330 043 7777 or on WhatsApp.
- Reserve if you need time. A £100 deposit keeps the watch aside for 3 working days. The deposit is non-refundable, but on request it can be used as store credit towards another watch.
- View it, or buy it online. Book an appointment to see the watch in person, or complete your purchase online.
- Preparation and checks. Orders are prepared within 2 to 3 working days of payment clearing, covering final quality checks, verification and secure packaging. We may ask for identity or payment verification first, to prevent fraud, and we ship only to verified addresses.
- Delivery. UK delivery is free, fully insured and signed for, and tracked once dispatched. International shipping is available on most orders.
If the watch is not right for you, you have 14 days to return it for a full refund, made to your original payment method once the watch has been returned and inspected. See delivery and returns and refunds for the full terms.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex at a distance
Not everyone can come to Hatton Garden, and you do not have to. If you are buying a pre-owned Rolex from home, ask for whatever helps you feel sure: extra photographs of a particular angle, a close look at the clasp, a short video of the watch on the wrist, or a check of how it is running.
Be wary of any seller, anywhere, who cannot or will not answer those requests. A watch that is physically in stock can be photographed on demand, and a dealer who has inspected it should be able to tell you about its condition in plain terms.
Trading in or looking for something specific
If you already own a watch, you can part exchange it towards a pre-owned Rolex. The value of your watch is offset against the one you are buying in a single transaction, and if your watch is worth more, we pay you the difference.
If the reference you want is not in stock, ask us. We source specific watches for clients on request, so tell us the reference, dial and any preferences about year or box and papers, and we will let you know what we can find.
Looking after your pre-owned Rolex
A Rolex is built to be worn, but a little care keeps it at its best. Make sure the crown is screwed down fully after setting the time, rinse the watch in fresh water after swimming in the sea, and keep it away from strong magnets such as speakers and phone cases with magnetic clasps.
Have the watch serviced when it needs it, for example if it starts gaining or losing time noticeably or the power reserve drops. Our sister business, Alpha Group, is in the same building and carries out watch servicing, repairs and restoration. See Service & Repairs. Keep the service paperwork with your box and papers, as it adds to the history of your pre-owned Rolex.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a pre-owned Rolex online?
It can be, if you buy from a dealer that authenticates every watch, gives a written warranty and lets you return the watch. With us, UK delivery is fully insured and signed for, and you have 14 days to return the watch for a full refund.
Does a pre-owned Rolex come with a warranty?
Ours do: 12 months of mechanical cover from delivery under our own warranty, unless the listing says otherwise. A watch sold new since July 2015 may also still be within Rolex's five-year guarantee, in which case Rolex's terms apply.
Should I only buy a pre-owned Rolex with box and papers?
Not necessarily. A full set is reassuring and generally holds its value better, but an authentic watch in good condition without papers can be a sensible choice. Every listing on our site states whether the box and papers are included.
Can I see a pre-owned Rolex before I buy it?
Yes. Viewings at our showroom at 9 St. Cross Street, Hatton Garden, are by appointment, so the visit is private and uninterrupted. A £100 deposit can hold the watch for 3 working days while you arrange to come in.
Can you find a specific pre-owned Rolex for me?
Yes. We source specific watches for clients on request. Give us the reference, dial and any other preferences, and we will report back on what we find.
Are you part of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme?
No. Kings & Queens Watches is an independent dealer. We are not an authorised Rolex retailer, we are not part of Rolex Certified Pre-Owned and we are not affiliated with Rolex. Every watch is inspected and authenticated by experienced watch specialists before it is offered for sale.
Can I part exchange my watch towards a pre-owned Rolex?
Yes. We value your watch, offset that value against the one you are buying in a single transaction, and pay you the difference if your watch is worth more.
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Kings & Queens Watches is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with Rolex.
