Syndey AD - scored a 40mm Explorer on the spot !

[dmhines]

Wife and I took a 26 day Transpacific cruise this month from Seattle to Sydney . I always try to find a Rolex dealer in port when cruising to see what they have that isn't exhibition .

There are 3 Rolex AD's within a block in Sydney. First 2 I went in had just "woman" watches for sale they told me. Then I went in the Hour Glass which was very busy and I had to wait my turn to speak with a sales person. After about 30 minutes it was my turn and they asked how they could help me. I said I am looking for a 40mm Explorer. The sales person thought about 5 seconds about it and said I may have one .. let me check.

5 minutes later there she is with green box which opened up to a glistening 40mm Explorer ! She said is this the one ? I said thats the one !

Then she asked where I was from .. I explained I was on the cruise ship that just pulled in and am only here for the day .. i just cruised from USA to Syndney and I am from the USA.

She said oh .. we dont normally sell to non-Australian customers. She then started asking if I had an Australian address, contact, phone number etc. I said all I have is my Passport and my electronic Australian visa.

She then started asking questions. She asked if the watch was for me. I said yes. She asked was there a special reason or occasion I was buying it for. I said yes .. I just cruised 26 days across the pacific and crossed the equator so what better souvenir from Australia could there be than a Rolex Explorer ! .. She seemed to like that answer and said she would talk to manager to get OK to sell it to me .. obviously he approved or I woudln't be posting. The great thing is that it was $11,100 AUD .. so cheaper than USA $7,700 .. and I was refunded the 10% sale tax at the airport thanks to the Tourist Refund Scheme. So I paid about $7450 tax free ...

This is my first RETAIL Rolex and am in love with my souvenir. After the deal was done the salesperson said consider yourself very lucky and that they had just gotten that watch in.