m32
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Buying advice needed...long post
I'm about to close on my first AP and thankfully, it'll be my grail ROO (rb2ti). I know that everyone says buy the seller and not the watch. I did reach out to a few reputable sellers here and they did find me a few rb2s but there's one that I am going to go with as it's in better condition for marginally more. This watch is being sold by a private seller.
First, the seller (original owner) has been very accommodating with pics of the watch, box, books, etc and whatever pics I requested. The watch appears to be complete. Second, I asked for a pic of the back and called AP clearwater to confirm the serial number and everything matches. Third, I reached out a friend of mine that lives in the seller's city and asked him if he knew anyone at the local AP dealer that could look over the watch for me. He gave me a name that he trusts and I called the him at the boutique. Apparently they are no longer selling AP earlier this year (although they are still listed on AP's website) and said they can't look over it for liability reasons. When I told him the name of the seller, he immediately said that the seller "is golden" and whatever he says, he's legit and he's quite the collector.
So far so good... complete watch... good pics... solid reference... last step is to meet him in NY at the AP boutique to have them look over it. Before I booked my flight, I called AP and to my surprise, they said they can't authenticate it and basically can't do anything for me.
I will be calling AP Clearwater again tomorrow to see if they can confirm where the watch was sold initially to confirm what the seller told me.
Like I mentioned, I will be going to meet with him in NY and look over the watch so I will see it and handle it. So my question is what else can I/should I/need to do to get comfortable with this purchase? What would you do?
Here are some pics of the watch the seller sent me
[/URL] [URL=http://s89.photobucket.com/user/edwinlau32/media/watch/A28D76E5-47F8-43D1-8090-D354F2F7113D_zpsfcglwamj.jpg.html]
Edwin
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Buying advice needed...long post
I'm about to close on my first AP and thankfully, it'll be my grail ROO (rb2ti). I know that everyone says buy the seller and not the watch. I did reach out to a few reputable sellers here and they did find me a few rb2s but there's one that I am going to...
Sounds like you have a very accommodating seller.
Here is a recent review by a member here that may be useful to look at. It looks like you are on the right track. I am not sure If any boutique will want to get in the middle of a second wrist deal so the easy option is for the owner/seller to take it to...
thanks!
Yes, I did see that post and it definitely got me even more excited about it! Thanks for your input!
You cannot do much more than what you already did.
All seems to be good. Best, Nicolas
Looks legit!
Hi Edwin. From where I sit, the watch looks pretty legit. Unfortunately there are plenty of fake APs out there so it never hurts to be be cautious. I've taken a close look at your uploaded pictures and they look pretty legit to me. Please check the docume...
Documents
the seller did send me the documents that he had and it looked legit. the only thing that is still uncertain right now is a missing instruction booklet specific to the RB2. I have done a lot of research and inquiry and it appears there's a book that may b...
Yes, as I messaged you several days ago, the instruction booklet
Or "Mode d' emploi". The cover should green with the white stripe area, and say "Rubens Barrichello Chronograph Selfwinding Limited Edition". If the seller is missing this booklet, the watch can still be perfectly correct, but for a collector it does dimi...
Message
Thanks for chiming in, Michael. Yes I did receive your message and agree he is missing that booklet. Long shot but I'm going to call AP and ask if they reissue them (highly unlikely I imagine)
Thanks Michael!
Thanks! I did call AP and as expected... no go on getting a replacement book
My pleasure. It would not deter me...
If I were in your position. You can't wear the booklet ;-) But, I would also not pay a premium knowing it is not included.
Sound Advice!
I agree... the booklet is mainly for "completeness" and piece of mind when I sell... but maybe I won't ever sell!
Nope!
I can't remember seeing this special book on how to care for the RB II to be honest. I'll have to check. Yes I do own the RB II and wrote that long diatribe on how F1 possibly inspired the design of the RB II. I've got good news for you though. You've mad...
Original owner?
Thanks! I am excited and anxious to pick one up... just doing my due diligence. Question for you... are you the original owner of the rb2? The seller says he is and he said he has never seen that book before... and he also purchased his rb2 rose gold new ...
No Edwin.
I bought if from a collector who was the first and only owner till then. He sold me the full set so if the special book was part of the original set, I'd have it. I'll check and get back to you when i can.
I'm now 1 out of 1000!
thanks to all who chimed in on my many threads. I'm happy to report that I've now join the ranks of rb2 owners and am truly blessed to own one of our grails. Met the seller in NY and as described, the watch appears to be NIB and unworn. I'll create a new ...
Awesome! Huge congratulations, it looks great on your wrist!
Such a watch was never intended to sit "new in box" (IMO, none are really). So wear it, enjoy it, and add a new post when you can!
Congrats!!!!
Welcome to the exclusive RB II Owners' Club, my friend! The world has truly turned for you!