Are you an authorized Rolex dealer?

We are not an authorized Rolex dealer. In fact, authorized Rolex dealers are not allowed to sell online as Rolex requires that they only sell through authorized storefronts. We are an independent retailer of high end luxury timepieces. We acquire our inventory from independent distributors, jewelers, and watchmakers, thus giving us the freedom to price our items at our own discretion and carry multiple luxury brands. If we were authorized dealers, we would be unable to offer you the substantial variety in brands and discounts which we offer. Regardless, we guarantee the authenticity on all of our timepieces and pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality goods at the best prices online, bar none.

What are the benefits of buying a preowned Rolex over buying a new model?

Rolex watches, like most luxury items, will incur an initial depreciation in value immediately after being purchased brand new. By purchasing a preowned Rolex, customers can avoid this initial depreciation as the value of their timepiece is expected to increase over time. Rolex watches are well known for holding their value and are considered investment pieces by both collectors and watch aficionados. In fact, Rolex watches are often worth more over time than their original cost when purchased brand new.

Rolex is also a brand which stays consistent in regards to its quality and design, thus, preowned timepieces are often indistinguishable from their new counterparts when on your wrist. Our servicing guarantees your timepiece looks, feels, and functions like brand new upon receipt. We also provide a comprehensive warranty which typically matches or exceeds the manufacturer’s original warranty when the item was purchase brand new.

What kind of condition are your watches in?

The watches we sell are in first-rate, excellent, or “like-new” condition. Many of our watches listed as “newer style” are indeed unworn or in new condition with factory stickers and seals. We guarantee that all of our watches will look, feel, and function like brand new with no visible scratches or nicks on the case, band, bezel, or crystal.

Please note: There may be some very minor wear on items with an original bracelet when compared to a new watch; this is unavoidable as the band on a watch is realistically the only part which naturally wears out with normal use. However, we do guarantee any wear on a preowned band to be neglible and not affect the quality of the wear of the overall timepiece. For items with new Italian-made bracelets, the bracelet is guaranteed to be new and tight to the wrist with absolutely no signs of wear.

All watches are thoroughly cleaned, serviced, inspected, and maintained prior to shipping by our certified watchmakers. We guarantee that our products will give you many more years of service as long as they are properly cared for and maintained by the owner once received. We do improve and upgrade crystals, worn links, hands, and dials as necessary with genuine Rolex parts by Rolex-certified watchmakers.

Do the watches come with box and papers?

With most preowned Rolex watches, as well as other brands, the original box and papers are typically not included with the watch once it is sold to retailers like ourselves. You will find that the majority of watches sold online are sold without original box or papers. This is typically because the box and papers have been misplaced or discarded over time by the original owners. This does not discredit the watches’ authenticity as there are various, more telling and dependable, factors which can be used to verify the authenticity of a timepiece.

For Rolex watches which do not bring original box and papers, we do deliver your timepiece in a luxury watch box with a full appraisal indicating the original Rolex serial number, model number, movement caliber, and current retail replacement value. All of our watches are indeed certified and guaranteed to be original, as stated on the item listing, and have been authenticated by our Rolex certified watchmakers.

The “original paperwork” which is referred to when purchasing a Rolex is one sheet of paper with the serial number and manufacturer’s warranty terms, which have since expired. The serial number on the paperwork is actually inscribed on the watch itself as well and is included in any appraisal papers received from our company. While the majority of our timepieces do not have original paperwork, we do often have a good selection of timepieces with original box and papers. Please check listings for notations indicating original box and/or papers or speak to one of our sales representatives for availability. If original paperwork is an absolute necessity with your purchase, we can check with our dealer network to see if your timepiece is available with papers. Please note that this may increase the price of your watch.

Rolex boxes are indeed available for purchase with any Rolex watch order. Please contact us for details by clicking here.

How do I know what year my Rolex watch was produced?

Rolex inscribes a serial number between the lugs on the 6 o’clock side of the casing. The first letter of the serial number will indicate the approximate year of manufacture, though the exact date of manufacturer is held confidential by Rolex.

How do I know Time and Gems is a reputable dealer?

Time and Gems was established in 1997. We have been selling online for 8 years and hold one of the largest collections of luxury watches in the world. We also have the largest dealer network of any online retailer and typically have any watch you are looking for in stock or can find it within a matter of days. We encourage you to call us and speak to us when shopping for a luxury timepiece as our expert staff is happy to assist you.

Unlike other retailers who operate only online, our showroom is located in the heart of the jewelry district. We welcome and encourage prospective buyers to call and set up an appointment with one of our sales associates.  Also, as members of the International Watch and Jewelry Guild (IWJG), The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), and many other respected industry organizations, we are required to operate at the highest level of morals and legitimacy. It is our goal to provide you with an excellent product and excellent service so you may become a customer for life.

How do you ensure security with online transactions and prevent fraud?

Time and Gems uses secure socket layer (SSL) technology to provide a secure and safe shopping experience. All customer information provided during the shopping and checkout process is encrypted and credit card information is never held or stored.  We also do not sell any customer information, including names or contact information to third parties.

For our customers’ protection, each credit card order is reviewed by our credit card security department. All information is verified before the watch is shipped and customers are contacted to ensure their order has been placed with their consent. We do not process orders until we have confirmed legitimacy with the order placed. Customers who wish to expedite the processing and handling of their order should call and speak to one of our sales associates when making a purchase.

Where do you get your watches?

The vast majority of our watches are obtained through a private network of suppliers which we have established over many years. Our vast jeweler network is one of our business’ core competencies which allows us to purchase and provide an array of inventory which cannot be found with other online retailer. Without this network, we would not be able to supply our customers with a steady source of watches at the discounts we offer. We only deal with reputable dealers and verify all timepieces upon receipt. When an item is purchased directly from a customer or taken in trade, every part of the watch is inspected by our in house Rolex certified watchmakers before being accepted.

How do I know these watches are authentic?

Time and Gems does NOT deal in replicas or non-authentic merchandise. Replicas are illegal. Every preowned Rolex we sell is thoroughly inspected, authenticated, cleaned, polished, and maintained by one of our Rolex certified watchmakers. Any custom or aftermarket parts are disclosed in the item listing and can be further clarified by one of our sales representatives by clicking here.

Please note that the use of custom parts does not discredit the authenticity of the core components which we guarantee to be original.

Are your bands and parts genuine Rolex or aftermarket?

We offer both genuine Rolex parts and aftermarket parts on the watches we sell. Use of aftermarket parts will be noted in the listing. For further clarification, please don't hesitate to speak to one of our experts who would be happy to assist you before, during, or after the purchase. Our diamonds will be aftermarket unless otherwise noted in the listing. It is common practice to use custom diamond additions in original Rolex dials or aftermarket diamond bezels as one can save a substantial amount of money with quality aftermarket diamonds, which are often indistinguishable from the diamonds set by Rolex.

These diamond dials and bezels are disclosed as being "custom" diamond dials and bezels.

Italian-made bracelets are listed on the item and meet or exceed the industry standard for Rolex replacement bracelets. It is common practice to replace the bracelet on original Rolex watches as the original bracelets have often been worn out through normal use. Rolex bracelets, though masterfully engineered, are not impervious to normal stretch. We do indeed carry original bracelets which are in excellent condition. Please contact us if you are interested in an upgrade or double check that the item you are interested in does not already come with an original bracelet. We will note the use of original bracelets on our listings as we do indeed have the largest online inventory of all original timepieces.

Where do I find the model number and serial number on my Rolex watch?

You will find the model number of any Rolex watch on the case of the watch between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side. The serial number can be found between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side. Please remove the band in order to clearly see these inscriptions. We will also notate the model number and serial number on your appraisal. All of the watches we sell will have these identifying numbers intact.

What are your qualifications to work on my Rolex watch?

We employ a team of Rolex-certified watchmakers. Our watchmakers have all been trained by Rolex in Switzerland, and most have formerly been employed by Rolex. They have a combined experience of over 100 years working on fine Swiss timepieces and can work on an array of automatic and quartz timepieces.

What is your turn around time when working on my Rolex watch?

Of course, this will depend on the work that is being done, but we always try to get your watch back to you as timely as possible. For service work on outside timepieces, we will usually deliver your watch within 2 to 3 weeks. For warranty repairs and service work, we will deliver your watch in 5-7 business days. For information on your current repair status, please feel free to speak to a customer service representative or email salesteam@timeandgems.com.

What precautions should I take when shipping my Rolex watch to you for repair?

We ask that you please pack the watch in the watch box in which it was received and then into a larger cardboard shipping box with several soft packing layers of padding. Please do not indicate one the box what is inside the package. The idea is to minimize the chance of theft. We strongly recommend that you ship UPS or FedEx air, and insure your watch for its full value. We always ship next-day air whenever possible, and recommend you do the same. Also, take note of the tracking number, since both FedEx and UPS will provide tracking information online.

How often should I have my Rolex watch serviced?

A Rolex is an investment that will run for decades and keep its value if serviced regularly. We recommend that you have your Rolex cleaned and serviced about once every 3 to 5 years. A Rolex watch needs regular maintenance in order to maintain optimal running order even if it is not malfunctioning or showing signs of decomposition. Just like any mechanical device, it is critical to keep mechanical watch parts well lubricated and clean. While your watch may run smoothly for several years past the recommended service date, we do advise that you wait no longer than 5 years to service a timepiece in order to prolong its longevity.

I have a really nice imitation Rolex. Can you get parts, or work on it?

No, all imitation Rolex watches are trademark infringements, and are illegal contraband in the United States. We are a legitimate business, and do not support the sale of counterfeit/illegal goods.