Building relationship with AD / Building my collection over time

[exador]

Just do what this Dude did - bulk buy from a Grey - instant gratification.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=692154

[AshCashEmAll]

Save your time and money I am currently in the process of doing this and it has not been very successful. I'm not sure how the process works but I think I have spent $50k at least, constantly keep in touch with them, and still nothing. As opposed to my other AD who has offered me a White C Daytona, Blue skydweller, hulk, and the 126710blnr all in six months time if I bundle for them with a pm piece. Rather bundle and lose a couple thousand so I don't pay a crazy premium on the grey market then to lose thousands and be put on an imaginary list with the exact date of when you will get something you want.

[whuang29]

I think playing the AD game does work like you said it does take time. I wouldn't build a relationship with Ben Bridges given how they have a big network of chain stores and from my experience, they aren't willing to work with you.

[mrcsatx]

Originally Posted by whuang29

I think playing the AD game does work like you said it does take time. I wouldn't build a relationship with Ben Bridges given how they have a big network of chain stores and from my experience, they aren't willing to work with you.

Agreed. Go for the smaller AD. Or buy from both and see who starts to come through.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

So, I bought my first Rolex (preowned DJII 116334 blue,oyster,fluted). I love it and wear it everyday. Though, I want to a collection over time.

I want to build a relationship with my local AD. Closest AD is Ben Bridge in Thousand Oaks, CA.

How exactly do I build a relationship with them? I feel like If I chit chat then drop my wish list they will just laugh at me. If I go in there with my DJ they might ask where I bought it and when I say it's pre-owned I feel like they will look down at me. lol

I want to just say like I understand this will take years to build this collection but it's a journey for me and I'm willing to wait and get them piece by piece instead of buying pre-owned/grey market.

Here is the collection I want:

Submariner Black (116610LN)
Submariner Hulk (116610LV)
Daytona Panda (116500LN)
GMT Batman (126710BLNR)

Any advice/recommendations is appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Buy a lot of jewelry and other watches. Once your reach the million $ mark you will be known as a "whale". Find out what sports he likes and send tickets to major events. If he plays golf, invite him to your club for a game from time to time. Find out when his birthday is and send him flowers and a hamper on that date. If you have a beach house or a chalet at a ski resort, lend them to him and his family. Make sure they are well stocked with food, drink and snacks before he arrives and have them serviced/cleaned every day. If you live near a major body of water, take him for a cruise in your boat.

You could of course just go gray and have all those watches tomorrow, but who wants to be cheap and easy?

If they ask you where you bought your DJ, then tell them it was a special gift from the Pope or be honest and just say it is none of their business.

[Rgd5000]

Originally Posted by klenboy

I'm afraid what you're asking is a tall order. The fact that you didn't buy the DJ from them will already set you back. The only way you will be offered one of the pieces on your list is to have significant purchase history of jewelry and/or non-desirable Rolex (other brand watches).

Even for a sub now...??


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Ihatecheese]

These are not business relationships as others also wrote. It's simply a salesperson selling you products to hit their number. Unless your are passing brown envelopes then they're just going to sell at preference to repeat customers. Like selling any luxury jewellery or bags etc. Try to keep the rational head on when buying from the heart!

[Santiago32]

Originally Posted by AshCashEmAll

Save your time and money I am currently in the process of doing this and it has not been very successful. I'm not sure how the process works but I think I have spent $50k at least, constantly keep in touch with them, and still nothing. As opposed to my other AD who has offered me a White C Daytona, Blue skydweller, hulk, and the 126710blnr all in six months time if I bundle for them with a pm piece. Rather bundle and lose a couple thousand so I don't pay a crazy premium on the grey market then to lose thousands and be put on an imaginary list with the exact date of when you will get something you want.

Thanks! I mean I buy jewelry for my wife/daughters from blue nile currently. I can definitely change that. I'm checking out a boutique type AD over the weekend. Your other AD sounds like they've been good to you.

In terms of PM pieces... Does TT count? lol

[AshCashEmAll]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

Thanks! I mean I buy jewelry for my wife/daughters from blue nile currently. I can definitely change that. I'm checking out a boutique type AD over the weekend. Your other AD sounds like they've been good to you.

In terms of PM pieces... Does TT count? lol

Yeah two tone also counts but its hit or miss depending on the model. If it's a datejust then you are definitely doing them a favor but if its a skydweller or daytona then it can be a different story.

[SlideRacker]

Originally Posted by Seibei

Buy a lot of jewelry and other watches. Once your reach the million $ mark you will be known as a "whale". Find out what sports he likes and send tickets to major events. If he plays golf, invite him to your club for a game from time to time. Find out when his birthday is and send him flowers and a hamper on that date. If you have a beach house or a chalet at a ski resort, lend them to him and his family. Make sure they are well stocked with food, drink and snacks before he arrives and have them serviced/cleaned every day. If you live near a major body of water, take him for a cruise in your boat.

And tell him the next 10 allocation pieces go directly to you or he can kiss this jet setting lifestyle goodbye.

[AK797]

If you have got years then try to find a small Mom and Pop style AD with whom you could build a watch friendship over the years, it's all very unlikely to pan out but if u won't go grey then this is the only viable option.

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by NWNL

Start with buying a lot of other brands, jewellery and gold models ...

[Nikrnic]

Greetings... I used to live in the SF valley. It sounds like your going to have long and tough struggle ahead of you. I'd suggest looking for another stratedgy than Ben Bridge. It doesnt sound good. I wish i could help, sorry not trying to bum you out, maybe i should delete my post.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Santiago32]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Greetings... I used to live in the SF valley. It sounds like your going to have long and tough struggle ahead of you. I'd suggest looking for another stratedgy than Ben Bridge. It doesnt sound good. I wish i could help, sorry not trying to bum you out, maybe i should delete my post.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

No worries. Just curious. Living in SFV did you end up buying gray? I think Ben Bridge in the Topanga Mall is really the only AD around there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

No worries. Just curious. Living in SFV did you end up buying gray? I think Ben Bridge in the Topanga Mall is really the only AD around there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

O gosh when i lived there in Reseda i was more into hot cars, pistols and owned a pool hall in sepulveda. I was just getting into watches and started buying Seikos and Citizens. Not dogging on BB but just thinking on all of the negative member views I've read and knowing your in a pretty tough area for buying new at msrp. I really wish you the best in your quest and the best of timing possible but i think you may be climbing a long uphill battle without going grey..

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[ArtNouveau]

I’m in the No Way camp. I think by connecting with the right SA you might get the Sub within a reasonable time but going in asking for those four will result in an immediate snub.

[Cocopop]

I feel trying to build a relationship with an AD is a combination of alot of factors. I will detail my experience and purchase history including the $ value.

For me i first went in to my local AD to get my Omega Seamaster serviced - Ref 2230.50.00
This cost about $1,200 NZD in November 2018

Once i received that back i took my Rootbeer GMT for a Service - Ref 16753
This cost about $2,200 NZD (had to replace some internal parts) in February 2019

After that i took my Tudor Snowflake in for a Service - Ref 94110
This cost around $4,000 NZD (it was in super bad condition and need ALOT of work, also got a new bracelet) in November 2019

Last week i went in and purchased a Rhodium DateJust 41 - Ref 126300 (11,950 NZD). While i was in store i tried on various watches from Rolex and Tudor , but this was a reference i had been after for a while. I mentioned that i really also liked the Tudor GMT.
After i had paid for the Datejust, the sales person, which i now presume was the sales manager, spoke to one of her colleagues, he then disappeared out the back and emerged with a Tudor GMT on Bracelet for me to look at, try on, and purchase if i so desired.
It was very unexpected, she didn't have to bring it out or even let me know they had it. Needless to say i bought that also (6,100 NZD).
While i was getting them both sized a man came in. The Sales Manager went out to the vault and came back with a Panda Daytona Ceramic. I did speak to him and he said he had been waiting a while for it, i don't know what his purchase history was, i just had a good look at his watch and congratulated him.

So i think for me , they can see from my service history that i am a watch enthusiast from the $$ i spent to restore 2 vintage watches. Also i never try on any watches i have no intention of actually buying, and when i say i'm after a certain model, if they have it, i buy it, i don't mess them around. I do converse with them about watches and current events and i do pop in once a month to see what they have in store. I'm assuming from the fact they bought a watch out of the vault for me to look at, and purchase, that i am to some degree, in there good books.
The Tudor Pepsi GMT on a bracelet sells itself, they don't need to offer it to anyone they don't want to.

Obviously you need money to play the game, otherwise its going to be very difficult to purchase any hot model with no purchase history, but i think being a genuine watch enthusiast, them knowing you wont flip the watches, and just being a nice person in general goes a long way. I haven't spent any money in the store i didn't want to spend, and i do plan on purchasing more watches from them in the future.

Anyway that's my experience for what its worth.

[Rolexforthewin]

Not all AD's are the same. I had only purchased one watch from my AD, which was a Panerai, and I was able to pick up a new Sub w/date and a new Batgirl. Since picking up the Batgirl in February, I've had two other AD's contact me offering the Batgirl that I have no purchase history from.

[L_S_SHOE]

I have a feeling that a relationship with an AD will be of far less importance in the near future.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[carolina23]

Purchased at MSRP everyone of your choices thru AD, So its possible thru a good relationship and Time...

[Morrison0]

I think the good old rules will still apply especially with the luxury market. One has to build a relationship, I have picked up 4 Rolexes, 3 “hot” SS models only on the strength of the relationship with minimum wait times though most people who have bigger purchase histories have not been able it.

People work with people in the end. I’m sure there will be a sell off for a year or so...after that it will be BAU and new models and offerings will follow the same trend.

Showing up once in a while, being polite and showing a genuine interest in the product worked for me across two AD’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[enjoythemusic]

Patience is rewarded, gentlemen. A most humble thanks to Nick @ Mayors Jewellers in Tampa as this just arrived.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

So, I bought my first Rolex (preowned DJII 116334 blue,oyster,fluted). I love it and wear it everyday. Though, I want to a collection over time.

I want to build a relationship with my local AD. Closest AD is Ben Bridge in Thousand Oaks, CA.

How exactly do I build a relationship with them? I feel like If I chit chat then drop my wish list they will just laugh at me. If I go in there with my DJ they might ask where I bought it and when I say it's pre-owned I feel like they will look down at me. lol

I want to just say like I understand this will take years to build this collection but it's a journey for me and I'm willing to wait and get them piece by piece instead of buying pre-owned/grey market.

Here is the collection I want:

Submariner Black (116610LN)
Submariner Hulk (116610LV)
Daytona Panda (116500LN)
GMT Batman (126710BLNR)

Any advice/recommendations is appreciated. Thank you in advance!

If you have an AD in mind, then outline your list and see what they can do. I did that with my AD. I asked to be considered for a BLRO, and then I had my DJ serviced with them, and my watch collection appraised. 11 months later, I got offered my BLRO.

All you can do is ask, and all they can say is no. If they try to finesse you for more business that is up to you to decide.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Patience is rewarded, gentlemen. A most humble thanks to Nick @ Mayors Jewellers in Tampa as this just arrived.

Very nice, congratulations Steven!

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Patience is rewarded, gentlemen. A most humble thanks to Nick @ Mayors Jewellers in Tampa as this just arrived.

Congratulations, Steven! Awesome
How long did you have to patiently wait?

Wear it in great health.

[Cool watch]

Congratulations Steven!

[IndianRider]

To the OP’s question, there are no rules but here are some guidelines.

Best practices are frequent in person contact with many ADs. Talk watches with them. Make friends with the reps. Bring them business. Learn the management and owners. Make it be as much about building relationships with the people as it is purchasing the watches. If you go on a trip to an area they say they like to visit, bring them a souvenir and drop by after you get back to talk about the experience. Send them emails from time to time asking if they may have received anything you may like. Just be part of their lives and have them part of yours. And then, from time to time, you’ll get offered something you may want.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

Congratulations, Steven! Awesome
How long did you have to patiently wait?

A most humble thanks.

The wait was not too bad, a few years. To be fair, we moved many thousands of miles away a few years back and my previous ADs... one retired, the other had their partnership split up, so had to start a totally new AD relationship.

Nick @ Mayors Jewellers Tampa now really knows me well and late last year he surprised me with an OMEGA 50th 'Buzz butt' i didn't even know existed! At first i (stupidly) passed, then that night my wife came back from a trip, she took one look at the OMEGA 50th and said it is the 'me' of watches (am a big NASA fan and coder) and i should get it.

So yes, good AD relationships are worth it!

Wear it in great health.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

A most humble thanks.

The wait was not too bad, a few years. To be fair, we moved many thousands of miles away a few years back and my previous ADs... one retired, the other had their partnership split up, so had to start a totally new AD relationship.

Nick @ Mayors Jewellers Tampa now really knows me well and late last year he surprised me with an OMEGA 50th 'Buzz butt' i didn't even know existed! At first i (stupidly) passed, then that night my wife came back from a trip, she took one look at the OMEGA 50th and said it is the 'me' of watches (am a big NASA fan and coder) and i should get it.

So yes, good AD relationships are worth it!

“A few years” wow! Hats off to your patience, Nick’s commitment, but especially, your wife for how thoughtfully she supports your love of watches.

All my Rolex have come from Mayors, their customer service is exceptional. I’m somewhere on their list for the panda as well, and hoping it’s not a few years of waiting!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk