Should I buy a pre owned watch if it doesn't come with the original box or papers?

I am looking at buying a Da Vinci 3750 in yellow gold and there are a number of them available for sale, but a lot of them don't come with the original papers or the original box. I can't understand why the purchaser wouldn't keep these (for such an expensive watch), so it leads me to think that they might be stolen. So should I buy a pre owned watch if it doesn't come with the original box or papers? (even if it comes from a reputable dealer?) (but I suppose that even if it does come with the box and papers then it could still be stolen)

Hi, not all watches that come without box and papers are considered to be stolen.

Many who buy watches abroad while traveling do not want to deal with their local Customs and do not declare the watch, therefore they leave the box & papers behind at the AD. This is actually how I managed to get an empty box for one of my watches that came only with the plastic warranty card, although it is not original to the watch from that era.

Everything has its price and value, even a watch without box & papers. Therefore, if you are comfortable with the authenticity of the watch and especially if you intend to keep it and not sell it, I would think there's nothing wrong with owning a watch that you would enjoy wearing for a long time, even without box and papers.

Just my opinion ;-))))

Good luck and keep us posted!

I've bought watches before without box or papers. To be honest with me boxes don't mean too much unless I know I'm going to resell. As for no papers I'd go with either a reputable second hand dealer with a bricks and mortar presence or if a personal seller ensure that they have great references with the same watch brand over a period of time. In both cases I'd look to get the watch checked out by an authorized service centre the next day. At the end of the day it comes back to buying the seller...

For some pre 1980 vintage watches it is rather rare to get the original box with the watch. For example the Polo Club and Golf Club, Ingenieurs etc. But it is important to get some authenticity of the watch if you wish to feel secure. Reputable sellers may have the original signed warranty card, proof of original purchase and all original paperwork. But as mentioned people dont always want or keep the paperwork and boxes. If the seller is not in a hurry - you can ask them to send the watch or details of the watch as appropriate to Schaffhausen for a Stammbuchauszug - Extract from the archives and then if all is in order then you can buy it feeling more secure.

Personally I prefer where possible to get box and papers - but it is not always possible. Unfortunately I have many box and papers - but not the watches !

Many years ago, I bought a clock via the Internet. I believed in doing everything right. The clock was in the original box, everything seems to be fine until I watched a documentary about fake watches on TV.
The thought, I could be busted with a fake watch would not let me go until I went to a watchmaker. With the question: Is this an original one ? He looked at me a little funny, took out his monocle at hand and within seconds he confirmed the authenticity of the watch to me. I was so relieved when I left the store, that I almost caused an earthquake as the heavy burden got of my shoulders. I never tried it again ;-)

Kind regards,
Daniel

Here's something to consider...

There is a guy in Sweden who is pumping out IWC's built with IWC parts (all genuine) sourced as service parts, then selling the watches.

For example, you may get a 3717 pilot chronograph or Mark XVI for example, but, it was never a watch that has left an IWC factory (except in parts).

I have forwarded info to IWC on this scam that's going on and I didn't even get a response. It would take IWC about 3 hrs of research to figure out who this scumbag is, yet, they seem to not really care.

Point is.. If you buy a watch without papers, you risk getting one of these watches.. I know he has made quite a few models and is making a nice little profit on it.

It infuriates me.