Inherited Rolex

[Wanderlust2022]

A recently deceased relative left me their Rolex. I want to keep it but would like to have it appraised. Can a reputable jeweler/watch dealer do this or is there somewhere special I need to take it? I do not live in a city that has someone who sells Rolex’s. It is a “vintage” Rolex if that makes a difference.

[bogleVol]

First and foremost sorry for your loss of a family member. Very thoughtful for this person to have left their Rolex to you.
Appraisals are a good resource to have for multiple reasons, valuation is one of them. Go to the official Rolex website and look for a local authorized dealer in your area:
www.rolex.com/store-locator/unitedstates

A next resource may be be a highly reputable jewelry dealer in your area that is certified to work on Rolex watches. Either one should have an appraiser available for your watch to be looked at…important to note is the the watch has the original box and papers included. These are both important and useful for the appraisal as well as, future appreciation.
Best of luck!

[FellsGuy]

A friend just had the same experience and received a very high appraisal followed by a crazy town repair estimate. This was for a high end 1920’s model. Stores dealers etc are one place but I would go to a Rolex collectors forum with some good pics and ask them. Ultimately the 30k repair cost was too much for him and I suggested selling as is to a collector / Hobbyist.

[Wanderingwheelz]

LIf you know the specific Rolex model you are in possession of, sign up for an account at liveauctionaeers.com. Look at “Price Results Only”. You’ll see past auctions to see what the recent ones have sold for, check specific dates if you want the freshest info. That’s what it’s worth, regardless of what someone tells you. An appraisal won’t do you much good in a dynamic marketplace like vintage Rolex watches.

I just put in “Rolex 16710” (my watch) and quickly saw what recent auction prices have been. Prices are down quite a bit from two years ago for anyone who is curious.

Also there are way more fake Rolexes that real ones. I have a relative that asked me for help just like you’re seeking and all 3 were fake. One was a good fake, but still fake. You definitely do not want to see a second hand that’s ticking. lol

[ETK517]

You will likely want to insure the watch which will require a real appraisal, not your own amateur internet research. Any authorized Rolex retailer can and will do this for well-known and relatively recent Rolexes. If they know it's for insurance purposes they are likely to appraise at the high end of the range of potential values, which is what you want. If it's a really rare or super high value piece (say >$50k) I would consider going to a major auction house or vintage dealer for an appraisal, which might be more accurate than a conventional retailer who likely rarely deals in such pieces.

[BruDude]

Post detailed pictures of it on the /r/rolex sub on Reddit and you will get a whole lot of info about exactly what it is and what it's probably worth. Unless you're looking to do a formal appraisal for insurance, in which case you should contact a Rolex authorized dealer and a couple of independent watch specialists.

[Normchad]

Post detailed pictures of it on the /r/rolex sub on Reddit and you will get a whole lot of info about exactly what it is and what it's probably worth. Unless you're looking to do a formal appraisal for insurance, in which case you should contact a Rolex authorized dealer and a couple of independent watch specialists.

Very true.

Be forewarned, lots of inherited Rolexes are fake.

Or just not worth much because they either aren’t in demand, or are in poor condition and need $1000+ in service…. Having the original certificate and tag seem to be a big factor in worth…..

If you’re curious, there are lots of websites that sell used Rolexes in great condition. Go there and see what your reference number is going for…..

The Rolex subreddit will give you a quick insight into what you have, and what direction you might want to go with it.

Good luck with it.

[devillif311]

Post detailed pictures of it on the /r/rolex sub on Reddit and you will get a whole lot of info about exactly what it is and what it's probably worth. Unless you're looking to do a formal appraisal for insurance, in which case you should contact a Rolex authorized dealer and a couple of independent watch specialists.

OP, Watchuseek forum is another great one. Lots of intelligent watch collectors on there

[Wanderlust2022]

I appreciate the help!

[Jack FFR1846]

I've been recently interested in just the way dealers work with these watches. Easy enough with the internet these days. I don't pretend to know anything about present values. From what I've seen, though, models go in and out of favor and can do so very quickly. Even brand new watches will go above list price brand new. 2 years later, they can be worth 1/2 list price. Number of links in the bracelet is important and if yours is missing any, the value goes down. Everything being original brings the best value. As mentioned already, having papers and the box is worth significant money. The watch alone is called "naked" and brings less. Condition is important as is any attempt to over-polish the watch. Watches have been known to have a real case and fake movement. Fakes have been around for a long time. I bought one in Hong Kong about 30 years ago and was able to only find one thing different from real besides the bracelet whose gold flaked off after a month.

[TSR]

I agree on going to a forum like Watchuseek or reddit. There are also decent grey market stores like DavidSW or other spots where you could get a sales price subject to further inspection. I write separately to say that I am certain the forum would love to hear what you find out.

My condolences on your loss.

[Chardo]

Does the Rolex have one L or two?

[Franklin]

Does the Rolex have one L or two?

one!