Okay, so, I’ve been on a bit of a watch hunt lately. Specifically, I was after this older model, the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600. It’s not the newest one, but it has this classic look that I really dig. I wanted to get my hands on it to add a vintage piece to my collection. So, I started looking around online, and man, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
First, I checked out a bunch of different websites. You know, the usual big online marketplaces. Some of them had listings for the 16600, but it was a real mixed bag. Some were in pretty rough shape, others seemed way too expensive. And of course, you always wonder if they’re even legit, right? That was a big thing for me, I needed to know I was buying an authentic watch.
Then I started looking at some specialized watch dealer sites. There were a few that seemed pretty reputable, they had detailed descriptions and photos, and they mentioned things like “superb condition” and “1997 model,” which sounded promising. I also stumbled upon a place called BQ Watches, they apparently specialize in these things, buying, selling, the whole nine yards. That seemed like a good lead, but I still wasn’t sure.
I even found some listings in other countries, like one in Japan. That one was from 1998 and looked like it was in good shape, but dealing with international shipping and all that seemed like a headache. I kept looking, and eventually, I came across a physical store, a Rolex Boutique in Omotesando that sells certified pre-owned watches. They had the steel Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, 40mm, just what I was looking for.
- Condition: I mean, it’s an older watch, so I expected some wear and tear, but I didn’t want something that looked like it had been through a war.
- Authenticity: This was huge. With all the fakes out there, I needed to be 100% sure I was getting a real Rolex.
- Price: Of course, I had a budget in mind. I wasn’t looking to break the bank, but I also knew I’d have to pay a fair price for a genuine watch in good condition.
- Seller Reputation: Whether it was an online marketplace or a specialized dealer, I wanted to buy from someone trustworthy.
Here’s what I really focused on during my search:
After weighing all my options, I finally pulled the trigger and bought the watch from the physical store. It was a bit of a process, lots of comparing, researching, and second-guessing, but in the end, I’m pretty happy with my purchase. It is really a great experience. I successfully got this watch and added it to my collection. Now I’ve got this awesome, classic Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, and it feels great to finally have it on my wrist.
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