What's the situation with Rolex ADs in London UK?

[MrMJP]

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?

Thanks!

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by MrMJP

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?

Thanks!

Go and see the London AD's what do you have to lose? Explain what you are looking to do, the occasion etc etc.

The worst that they can say is 'No Chance', the best they can say is 'yes we can work with you to get you a (insert watch)'.

The AD's hear stories everyday so you will need to be honest, polite and patient with them but at the end of the day they do want to sell you a watch, giving them a 2 year window is useful.

Let the forum know how you get on.

Good luck.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by MrMJP

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?

Thanks!

Hi there,
I’ve recently had success with 2 different ADs in London with no prior purchase history. On one occasion was able to walk in and buy the watch I wanted and the other I had to wait only a couple of months.
My advice would be to completely avoid the watches of Switzerland group (goldsmiths, mappin and Webb, WOS). Every time I wet into a WoS group shop I was made to feel like a leper and it was clear they were not bothered about me and some SAs were actually quite rude/disinterested.

The other ADs were so nice, and we had a lovely chat about watches, what I did and didn’t want- and the experience was completely different.

Good luck!!

[Lewi777]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Hi there,
I’ve recently had success with 2 different ADs in London with no prior purchase history. On one occasion was able to walk in and buy the watch I wanted and the other I had to wait only a couple of months.
My advice would be to completely avoid the watches of Switzerland group (goldsmiths, mappin and Webb, WOS). Every time I wet into a WoS group shop I was made to feel like a leper and it was clear they were not bothered about me and some SAs were actually quite rude/disinterested.

The other ADs were so nice, and we had a lovely chat about watches, what I did and didn’t want- and the experience was completely different.

Good luck!!

I can concur re: WOS in London

[SpiritSoul]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Hi there,
I’ve recently had success with 2 different ADs in London with no prior purchase history. On one occasion was able to walk in and buy the watch I wanted and the other I had to wait only a couple of months.
My advice would be to completely avoid the watches of Switzerland group (goldsmiths, mappin and Webb, WOS). Every time I wet into a WoS group shop I was made to feel like a leper and it was clear they were not bothered about me and some SAs were actually quite rude/disinterested.

The other ADs were so nice, and we had a lovely chat about watches, what I did and didn’t want- and the experience was completely different.

Good luck!!

Out of interest, which 2 watches did you get?

WoS group is a mixed bag, with some treating you like a leper, as you mentioned, especially in Central London. But found some stores outside of the Central city area are more helpful and respectful to say the least.

Never had any luck with Bucherer or DMR groups.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by SpiritSoul

Out of interest, which 2 watches did you get?

WoS group is a mixed bag, with some treating you like a leper, as you mentioned, especially in Central London. But found some stores outside of the Central city area are more helpful and respectful to say the least.

Never had any luck with Bucherer or DMR groups.

Yeah, I’m sure it is a mixed bag- I’m just going off my experiences. I’ve seen other people really like WoS group.

I got a Milgauss and an Explorer (39mm just before discontinuation), the Milgauss was 3 weeks ago.

[Harry-57]

I would get in there and start talking to people. They have the watches, ask them.

[SpiritSoul]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Yeah, I’m sure it is a mixed bag- I’m just going off my experiences. I’ve seen other people really like WoS group.

I got a Milgauss and an Explorer (39mm just before discontinuation), the Milgauss was 3 weeks ago.

Nice watches! I was lucky enough to get a Milgauss as my first watch a couple of years ago with no prior purchase history from a WoS store in Central London. I had a 1 week wait! Admittedly they were not that hard to get then.

But as soon as that particular store manager left, that branch went downhill in my eyes. Claimed it would take 6+ months to get a certain DJ36, but another WoS store ordered it in from another branch up in the Midlands that had it in stock within 3 weeks!

Sometimes i think different WoS stores are managed by people with different aims and perspectives.

[SpiritSoul]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I would get in there and start talking to people. They have the watches, ask them.

I'm still "waiting" for a GMT :( . You got lucky.

Seen your post's of your Oyster bracelet version. How you finding the wear and fit?

[kacey1001]

Originally Posted by MrMJP

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?

Thanks!

Hi.

Individuals on this forum can be very sceptical, but that is what happened to me. I am based near Manchester, and was visiting London on vacation in the summer of 2019. I am a watch enthusiast (collect other brands other than Rolex), so I was visiting AD’s “browsing”. To cut a long story short, I visited Mappin & Webb, on regents street, had a pleasant discussion with one of their sales associates, and was offered a ND Sub (which I had discussed as my grail Rolex) a few months later. So it does and can happen.

[Buckhurst Hill]

I approached both Bucherer in Selfridges and WOS Oxford Street in Sept '21, looking for an OP for my wife.

WOS are more pleasant to deal with.

Got a call from WOS mid November, being offered a 34. It was too big for my wife's wrist and too small for me.

Got another call from WOS yesterday for an OP 28 but I already bought a NOS OP from another AD. I thanked and apologised to the SA.

I hope the next call would be my first Rolex.

Good luck.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by MrMJP

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?

Thanks!

Sadly you’ll struggle.
ADs have dozens of walk ins a day, all with a story of why they need a watch. It’s someone’s 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th etc….wedding anniversaries and so on.

Of course it depends on what you’re after. To stand a chance, maybe aim for a first purchase of a TT date just, steel datejust, yacht master, air king, milgauss, explorer 1. You have a chance of one of these within 2 years.

Steel subs, GMT’s , Daytona etc I wouldn’t bother.

Many ADs will want purchase history to entertain you, which is tricky when they won’t let you buy anything you want. ADs who sell other brands and jewellery might be a start, maybe buy something for a loved one (watch or jewellery), or a cheaper watch for yourself whilst you wait (from the AD)

Good luck

[johnwigan]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Hi there,
I’ve recently had success with 2 different ADs in London with no prior purchase history. On one occasion was able to walk in and buy the watch I wanted and the other I had to wait only a couple of months.
My advice would be to completely avoid the watches of Switzerland group (goldsmiths, mappin and Webb, WOS). Every time I wet into a WoS group shop I was made to feel like a leper and it was clear they were not bothered about me and some SAs were actually quite rude/disinterested.

The other ADs were so nice, and we had a lovely chat about watches, what I did and didn’t want- and the experience was completely different.

Good luck!!

Yes. WOS Group are appalling. Perhaps they were better before the present shortages. They are happy to waste your time and their customer service is terrible. But other people may have different experiences.

I would try all options, including WOS Group. Nothing to lose and you never know. The present shortages situation may improve also. It is still possible to get a Rolex watch from an AD, so you don't have to use the grey market, if you have a little patience.

[DoricSpiker]

Its dire yes. I did see a 36mm TT Datejust in DMR Canary Wharf for sale. First watch 36mm or above that I have seen for sale in London for some weeks.

Over the next few months visit a few of them and be realistic about what you want. Thats my advice if you have no history. If no joy you can always buy another brand for your birthday. Rolex don't own the rights to quality timepieces.

[Waldorf369]

I've gone into at least 10 ADs (mix of WoS, Bucherer, DMR, Wempe etc) and it's appalling how each store has less than <5 watches for sale. Everything is exhibition only, even your TT DJ 31s etc.

[Alex71168]

Originally Posted by MrMJP

Hello there,

I'd like to get myself a Rolex (I have a couple of models/references in mind) for my 40, which happens to be in 2 years time.

Knowing about the dire supply/demand situation, I've been only looking at the secondary market, without even attempting to step into an AD.

I'm based in London and I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to drop into an AD boutique (or more than one) and put my name down on the "waiting list".

What's your experience? Any advice specific to the London ADs?


Thanks!

I’d go in and chat to them, tell them it’s for a 40th as I know that they will try harder to get you one as they know it is for a major event. It may well also depend on which reference you are after….

You have nothing to lose

[asiparks]

I've just come back- WOS in the Westfield shopping centre, in Stratford, have quite a few exhibition models you can try on- The guy in there was actually very pleasant, but almost zero chance of being able to buy one.
I'll second what most have said about WOS- except if you're not after Rolex- I went into the Oxford street store, opposite Selfridges, to look at some GO and Blancpain watches and Josef ( think I spelled that right), was really patient, pleasant and helpful. I think they just get bored with fielding a billion Rolex related questions every day...

If anyone is gagging for a white dialed Daytona, 2020 model, w boxes and papers and has GDP30K spare, they can go on a day trip to Scarborough to pick one up...

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by asiparks

I've just come back- WOS in the Westfield shopping centre, in Stratford, have quite a few exhibition models you can try on- The guy in there was actually very pleasant, but almost zero chance of being able to buy one.
I'll second what most have said about WOS- except if you're not after Rolex- I went into the Oxford street store, opposite Selfridges, to look at some GO and Blancpain watches and Josef ( think I spelled that right), was really patient, pleasant and helpful. I think they just get bored with fielding a billion Rolex related questions every day...

If anyone is gagging for a white dialed Daytona, 2020 model, w boxes and papers and has GDP30K spare, they can go on a day trip to Scarborough to pick one up...

Agree with using WoS for other brands, there are so many great brands out there but we forget them because of the clamour to own a Rolex.

[GW44]

Originally Posted by kacey1001

Hi.

Individuals on this forum can be very sceptical, but that is what happened to me. I am based near Manchester, and was visiting London on vacation in the summer of 2019. I am a watch enthusiast (collect other brands other than Rolex), so I was visiting AD’s “browsing”. To cut a long story short, I visited Mappin & Webb, on regents street, had a pleasant discussion with one of their sales associates, and was offered a ND Sub (which I had discussed as my grail Rolex) a few months later. So it does and can happen.

2 and a half years ago is a lifetime in the watch game Kacey…..it’s totally different now.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by SpiritSoul

I'm still "waiting" for a GMT :( . You got lucky.

Seen your post's of your Oyster bracelet version. How you finding the wear and fit?

Absolutely love it. I can't take it off. It wears and fits very nicely on me. I still don't have a Rolex on Jubilee but the next one will address that - if I live long enough!

I hope your GMT turns up sooner rather than later. It really is a lot nicer in the metal and the latter bezel inserts look like more traditional approximations of classic red and blue, although ceramic will never be able to replicate them.

Go for it OP. Nothing will come of nothing. Get stuck in with a few ADs and see how it feels. And never assume you won't get lucky. It could happen.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Hi there,
I’ve recently had success with 2 different ADs in London with no prior purchase history. On one occasion was able to walk in and buy the watch I wanted and the other I had to wait only a couple of months.
My advice would be to completely avoid the watches of Switzerland group (goldsmiths, mappin and Webb, WOS). Every time I wet into a WoS group shop I was made to feel like a leper and it was clear they were not bothered about me and some SAs were actually quite rude/disinterested.

The other ADs were so nice, and we had a lovely chat about watches, what I did and didn’t want- and the experience was completely different.

Good luck!!

Great advice.