Observations from Barcelona on Rolex availability :)

[majidessa]

Hi there,

We just came back from a 1 week trip and I have to say the city is very beautiful and walkable. Also, the weather was really good when we were there which is always a plus.

While I was there, I wanted to check some Rolex Boutiques / ADs to see if they are still hard to get. I decided that I would ask for a specific model that I liked that is not too much hyped, yet it is elgant and a practical piece.

The first AD I visited was Rabat at the famous de Garcia street, to my surprise the store had 2 stainless pieces avilable for sale, a 43mm sea dweller, a deep sea with blcak dial, in addition to 2 full gold pieces, one of which is a lady datejust in full gold. I know, these watches, might not be very much in demand but for me it was a nice surprise and boosted my hopes that I might be able to find the piece I was looking for, the staff there were nice and welcoming, noting that my attire was very casual with a smart watch on hand.

The second boutique I visited was Rolex TOUS, same street, this time the staff there (2 ladies) where not very much interested to talk or show me anything, and told me that only have a gold sub avilable for sale. This visit was a miss and similar to the bad reputation of Rolex ADs, which is a shame, because the staff did not seem professional at all unlike the first store.

Finally, I visited the 3rd boutique, JOIERIA GRAU, the staff there were very welcoming, polite, and professional. I inquired about the model I was interested in, the sale person told me they have one that I can try but it already on hold for another customer, and they are displaying the piece. I tried on the watch, which I really liked. Then we chatted a little about watch collecting, and where i am from and so on. I told him I'm interested in buying the watch, although he said it is sold, because I know that if an AD has a watch in display even if it is for exhibition only, it means that it is avilable for sale. Any how we exchanged our phone numbers on the hope if something becomes avilable, as I would be leaving Barcelona after 3 days. He told me to check again in 2 days before I leave, as he would check again with managers.

Well 2 days later, I sent a text msg hoping that I get an update, my msg did not seem to have reached him, and so I decided to visit the store again with 1% hope.

Once I arrived back to the store, I asked about sales person that I met before but unfortunately he was out for lunch, and I will be assigned to another one, they seated me as the store was full with clients. This time around my hopes dropped to 0% and I thought to my self that I must be wasting my time in Barcelona. Any how the receptionist was a very nice lady, who quickly asked what I would like to drink, and made sure that I am comfortable (again very professional).

A few minutes later, the new sales person came and obolagized for making me wait, I told him what I was looking for and that I visited the store 2 days ago and the little chat I had with other sales person. We talked a little and he told me that the watches they have are display pieces, and in order to sell any piece he needs to get management approval. And so, he picked up his phone and called a few who did not answer (it was lunch time), a few minutes later someone called back and I was able to get this beauty, Explorer I in 40mm


Attachment 1445107Attachment 1445108

[2001jesper]

Congrats on the Explorer and sounds like an overall great experience

Can only ecco your experience - Joieria Grau and Rabat are both great and with good people! Especially the selection in Rabat is a paradise for any watch enthusiast.

[bibbi]

Great tactics! Enjoy your new piece.


bibbi

[Yobber76]

Congratulations!!!

[Harry-57]

Congratulations. A holiday you won't ever forget.

[joli160]

Well done, great watch, enjoy wearing it

[garyk]

Good story. I had some great times visiting Barcelona a few years ago. Great city and nice people!

[brandrea]

Wow, congratulations

Buying a watch on vacation has to be a real thrill and memory you’ll never forget

Enjoy it in the very best of health

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by majidessa

Hi there,

We just came back from a 1 week trip and I have to say the city is very beautiful and walkable. Also, the weather was really good when we were there which is always a plus.

While I was there, I wanted to check some Rolex Boutiques / ADs to see if they are still hard to get. I decided that I would ask for a specific model that I liked that is not too much hyped, yet it is elgant and a practical piece.

The first AD I visited was Rabat at the famous de Garcia street, to my surprise the store had 2 stainless pieces avilable for sale, a 43mm sea dweller, a deep sea with blcak dial, in addition to 2 full gold pieces, one of which is a lady datejust in full gold. I know, these watches, might not be very much in demand but for me it was a nice surprise and boosted my hopes that I might be able to find the piece I was looking for, the staff there were nice and welcoming, noting that my attire was very casual with a smart watch on hand.

The second boutique I visited was Rolex TOUS, same street, this time the staff there (2 ladies) where not very much interested to talk or show me anything, and told me that only have a gold sub avilable for sale. This visit was a miss and similar to the bad reputation of Rolex ADs, which is a shame, because the staff did not seem professional at all unlike the first store.

Finally, I visited the 3rd boutique, JOIERIA GRAU, the staff there were very welcoming, polite, and professional. I inquired about the model I was interested in, the sale person told me they have one that I can try but it already on hold for another customer, and they are displaying the piece. I tried on the watch, which I really liked. Then we chatted a little about watch collecting, and where i am from and so on. I told him I'm interested in buying the watch, although he said it is sold, because I know that if an AD has a watch in display even if it is for exhibition only, it means that it is avilable for sale. Any how we exchanged our phone numbers on the hope if something becomes avilable, as I would be leaving Barcelona after 3 days. He told me to check again in 2 days before I leave, as he would check again with managers.

Well 2 days later, I sent a text msg hoping that I get an update, my msg did not seem to have reached him, and so I decided to visit the store again with 1% hope.

Once I arrived back to the store, I asked about sales person that I met before but unfortunately he was out for lunch, and I will be assigned to another one, they seated me as the store was full with clients. This time around my hopes dropped to 0% and I thought to my self that I must be wasting my time in Barcelona. Any how the receptionist was a very nice lady, who quickly asked what I would like to drink, and made sure that I am comfortable (again very professional).

A few minutes later, the new sales person came and obolagized for making me wait, I told him what I was looking for and that I visited the store 2 days ago and the little chat I had with other sales person. We talked a little and he told me that the watches they have are display pieces, and in order to sell any piece he needs to get management approval. And so, he picked up his phone and called a few who did not answer (it was lunch time), a few minutes later someone called back and I was able to get this beauty, Explorer I in 40mm


Attachment 1445107Attachment 1445108

Long journey but you got a watch. Enjoy it in good health. Image is not working. Can you repost it?

[1William]

Congratulations.

[majidessa]

Thank you all for your warm wishes.

It was a long hunt, but that is part of the excitement and fun. I believe this is a good addition to my Rolex collection.

I have reposted the pics I hope they work this time around

Sent from my SM-S928B using Tapatalk

[Steele]

That’s awesome I have had amazing luck in Barcelona at the AP house

[aboutime]

Persistence and determination pays off! Well done to you and great watch!

[alphadweller]

That's excellent. Well done and congratulations!

[Calatrava r]

It is nice to hear of stories of stores actually selling watches without crazy long waits.

[IGY]

Cool story and cool watch. Very good.

[996marty]

Nice looking watch congrats to you

[Robf52]

Persistence pays. Well done!

[Oldfellow]

Congratulations, well done. Enjoy that Explorer, and the memorable purchase.

[JSCP]

Congrats !

Street is Paseo de Gracia (Passeig de Gràcia in catalan), not Garcia.

[Zach69SS]

Bravo! Congrats enjoy it!

[stark1]

Thanks for sharing that experience. Quite a nice memento from your trip.

[rfs]

Congratulations

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by majidessa

Hi there,

We just came back from a 1 week trip and I have to say the city is very beautiful and walkable. Also, the weather was really good when we were there which is always a plus.

While I was there, I wanted to check some Rolex Boutiques / ADs to see if they are still hard to get. I decided that I would ask for a specific model that I liked that is not too much hyped, yet it is elgant and a practical piece.

The first AD I visited was Rabat at the famous de Garcia street, to my surprise the store had 2 stainless pieces avilable for sale, a 43mm sea dweller, a deep sea with blcak dial, in addition to 2 full gold pieces, one of which is a lady datejust in full gold. I know, these watches, might not be very much in demand but for me it was a nice surprise and boosted my hopes that I might be able to find the piece I was looking for, the staff there were nice and welcoming, noting that my attire was very casual with a smart watch on hand.

The second boutique I visited was Rolex TOUS, same street, this time the staff there (2 ladies) where not very much interested to talk or show me anything, and told me that only have a gold sub avilable for sale. This visit was a miss and similar to the bad reputation of Rolex ADs, which is a shame, because the staff did not seem professional at all unlike the first store.

Finally, I visited the 3rd boutique, JOIERIA GRAU, the staff there were very welcoming, polite, and professional. I inquired about the model I was interested in, the sale person told me they have one that I can try but it already on hold for another customer, and they are displaying the piece. I tried on the watch, which I really liked. Then we chatted a little about watch collecting, and where i am from and so on. I told him I'm interested in buying the watch, although he said it is sold, because I know that if an AD has a watch in display even if it is for exhibition only, it means that it is avilable for sale. Any how we exchanged our phone numbers on the hope if something becomes avilable, as I would be leaving Barcelona after 3 days. He told me to check again in 2 days before I leave, as he would check again with managers.

Well 2 days later, I sent a text msg hoping that I get an update, my msg did not seem to have reached him, and so I decided to visit the store again with 1% hope.

Once I arrived back to the store, I asked about sales person that I met before but unfortunately he was out for lunch, and I will be assigned to another one, they seated me as the store was full with clients. This time around my hopes dropped to 0% and I thought to my self that I must be wasting my time in Barcelona. Any how the receptionist was a very nice lady, who quickly asked what I would like to drink, and made sure that I am comfortable (again very professional).

A few minutes later, the new sales person came and obolagized for making me wait, I told him what I was looking for and that I visited the store 2 days ago and the little chat I had with other sales person. We talked a little and he told me that the watches they have are display pieces, and in order to sell any piece he needs to get management approval. And so, he picked up his phone and called a few who did not answer (it was lunch time), a few minutes later someone called back and I was able to get this beauty, Explorer I in 40mm


Attachment 1445107Attachment 1445108

Congrats! I went to Barcelona two years ago and the Rabat location was my favorite store. the staff was so nice and I tried on so many different watches. I also agree that Rolex Tous was awful, that store is a prime example of most people hate about the current Rolex environment.

[majidessa]

Barcelona is a beautiful city and the people are very nice it was a memorable trip with the family which was on concluded with a great ending for us as I had to treat my wife with a nice handbag since she is putting up with my watch sickness :)

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by garyk

Good story. I had some great times visiting Barcelona a few years ago. Great city and nice people!

There's a story circulating that outdoor restaurants in Barcelona that are frequented by tourists are being targeted by gangs with high powered water pistols, all the people sitting outside are given a good soaking before the gang ride off on bikes.

Apparently its something to do with the ongoing protests in Spain against tourism.

You may want to take a dive watch if visiting

[majidessa]

He he he :) just saw the news but if we were there, only a Hulk can save us

[rmlovett1]

Congrats and enjoy!

[rockysw]

Amazing story. I loved reading it. Congrats on the great watch.

things are getting better!

[Toptimes]

It's great that you ultimately found the watch you were looking for. Enjoy your new Explorer, and may it remind you of your time exploring Barcelona!