What is the "AD experience"?

[TerryTibbs]

Went through the AD experience on Saturday for the first time. For my first and probably only Rolex purchase, which is a Wedding/30th birthday present from the o/h, I wanted all the right paperwork, recipt etc and to be able to see the unit before buying.

Getting a discount was not a concern, getting extra 1Yr warranty and purchasing before the price goes even higher was in effect my discount.

Ok the experience: I phoned up and put a deposit down on a GMTIIC so they knew I was coming. A busy AD in a shopping centre (nothing special about the AD btw) straight to the 'Rolex corner' which was empty, while the rest of the shop was busy. Tea for myself and my fiancee while they got the watch out the safe. Sales assistant breaks out a glove and the illusion was complete. No sales patter, some discussion with my boss and decided it was now or never.
It then took 1 1/2 hours before finally walking out with it. Manager introduced himself etc.
We did feel looked after and it did add to the experience of simply buying a watch.
I realised afterwards that I didn't even wind or set the watch!

[buke45]

Its that feeling you get when you pay over 30% to 50% more than you had to.

[evilfij]

Originally Posted by buke45

Its that feeling you get when you pay over 30% to 50% more than you had to.

Depends on the watch.

A good AD should give you a competive, albeit not the lowest, price and high demand watches are actually less at an AD.

I mean some AD had to sell the watch to the reseller, why wouldn't the AD cut out the middle man and sell to you at a discount? I get that some ADs are MSRP take it or leave it, but not all are.

[lady yachtmaster]

I have had the pleasure of buying both fron a TRF member and an AD. I can certainly see both sides as they both have definite pros and cons. If its the best price you are after, it is hard to argue the discount offered by most of the top sellers here on the forum. If buying a Rolex is an event (which I think it should be), then find the right AD..... someone who loves watches, is knowledgeable in Rolex, has a great assortment to try on and also who also thinks it is a special event to buy a Rolex. At that point you will have had the proper experience. Just my opinion.

[jamesbondOO7]

Possibility to try on the watches. It is available on the spot. They size it for you and take off all the stickers. You don't worry about shipping, payment and otherwise.
Just a simple transaction: you look, you try on, you buy, you wear.

[Maxseven]

My usual AD experience is at a fine local watch store with several watch freaks on staff. They are not a Rolex AD, but they do sell used Rolex watches and are Authorized Dealers for several other brands. They usually have a huge variety of nice pre-owned watches (Rolex, Panerai, Omega, Patek etc). They are courteous, well-mannered, and love to talk about watches. I suppose I enjoy the atmosphere of the store - very European looking with old-world charm, yet modern lighting and touches throughout the small store. It's always an enjoyable experience buying a new or used watch from them or just stopping in to talk about watches in general or specific models. The staff is highly knowledgable, and have long experience in the industry. The actual buying process is enjoyable as well. I also like the fact that the shop is close to many restaurants and bars, so one can have a Martini after walking out of the shop with a new watch. If you live in Michigan around Detroit, then you probably can guess what store I am referring to. I suppose if I were only looking for the best price I would buy from TRF sellers - but instant gratification has its value.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

What exactly is the AD experience?

Buying for more from someone who knows less and treats you worse.

But, that's just like my opinion, man.

[lady yachtmaster]

Well said Maxseven! It is a great experience if you find the right Watch store, otherwise it may be a let down. I personally love the AD experience, but......I also love saving alot of money with TRF sellers. Choose whatever will make you happy and go for it. It should be enjoyable when you buy a new or long sought after vintage Rolex!

[Gaijin]

My old AD in the States was awesome. Unfortunatly they went out of business or were closed down by Rolex last year.

Discounts. A full bar. I always had a few Scotches when buying. Beautiful and very knowledgable sales staff who knew me by name. White gloves, try anything I wanted on at my own pace and gave discounts to anybody I referred there. Also no sales tax. Those were the days.

Now my AD is DavidSW. Or a good used one if I can find it.