Being built to last, Rolex wristwatches often have several lives. And because they can also change hands, the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme now offers specialist dealers in the official Rolex distribution network the opportunity to sell pre-owned watches with a certificate of authenticity.
The programme makes it possible to purchase second-hand wristwatches that have been checked by the brand itself and come with a certificate of authenticity and a twoyear international guarantee. In other words, the watches meet all the quality criteria for which Rolex products are famed. The idea behind this is to enhance the status of the existing range of used Rolex watches. A special seal identifies models that have been examined and registered by Rolex.
Given that Rolex manufactures its products with longevity in mind, the brand now wants to accompany the second life of its products that are already on the market – guided by the idea of preserving, servicing and providing a guarantee for those that already exist. This approach is an expression of the Perpetual philosophy: the relentless pursuit of excellence and a long-term commitment to future generations.
3 QUESTIONS FOR DÖRTE HEROLD
BEYER’S PRE-LOVED SPECIALIST ON THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
A Rolex-certified watch will cost more than a non-certified one. Why is a certificate nonetheless a good idea for customers?
The price of certifying younger models is not going to be much of a factor. For older ones, it may vary more, depending on the amount of research involved. But even then, the charge will hardly be significant. What it does give customers is the assurance that their vintage watch is one hundred percent genuine.
What are other aspects of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme?
Until now, Rolex was one of the few watch manufacturers where it was not possible to do any research on dating. Things will be different now. It will dispel even the slightest of doubts: only models with data that matches the details in the Rolex archive one hundred percent are issued a certificate. Just as important as authenticity is the certainty that the watch has not been reported stolen in the past. Rolex will confiscate any such watches sent in for inspection. Thanks to Rolex’s research, nasty surprises can be all but ruled out from now on.
Beyer has been offering Pre-Loved watches since 1965 – and has never once been suspected of falling for a fake. What is your recipe for success?
t is extremely important and helpful for us to be an official Rolex Service Centre. Our watchmakers are trained by Rolex and have very different tools and research capabilities at their disposal than non-official dealers and watchmakers. Moreover, any time there was even the slightest doubt as to their authenticity, Beyer has always sent models to Rolex for inspection. Incidentally, it has happened before and still happens from time to time that we’re offered counterfeit watches by private individuals. The owners are always bitterly disappointed when we show them the evidence. None of them is expecting to hear they own a fake.