PAY IT FORWARD - I'm going take one away from the flippers!

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Was wondering this too, since OP is a "vetted" customer (and not a flipper off the street - his words) and he buys watches to "flip" to someone else. Not saying that's it's a bad gesture, but that exactly what it is. I find it kind of ironic.

Selling someone an allocated watch at your cost is not flipping.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

Selling someone an allocated watch at your cost is not flipping.

It is indeed flipping (to the eyes of an AD)

Remember, OP was a strong proponent of ADs keeping your warranty card for 5 years, having your license on file, vetting, etc... to prevent somebody from flipping their watch. Yet he's doing this exactly. I don't agree with any of these tactics, btw.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Quick update...

Working with a few TRFers to ensure this piece ends up on the wrist of someone who really loves it.

Some TRFers, to their credit, said they typically don't wear watches smaller than 40mm and they voluntarily gave up their spot in the queue so the piece can go to someone who regularly wears 36mm pieces. (You know who you are.) Love that! Stay tuned!

[DoctorsOrders]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Wednesday Night Update on The Challenge

Just to recap, the challenge was:

1. Walk into the AD
2. If I get offered anything, I have to buy it - no matter what it is.
3. If I don't want it, pass it along to a Rolex-loving TRFer.

And now for the update...

First of all, before I even walk into the AD... based on the six pages of comments, I have a pretty good sense of what models are on the collective wish list of the TRF Community:

"Please get a [insert hot model here]!" Hot models = Batman, Pepsi, Daytona, Submariner, or OP36/41 with one of the harder-to-get dial colors, etc. No real surprises there. But that's part of the challenge -- getting a cool model and stealing it away from the flipper!

Now, I wouldn't call myself a VIP... but I'm definitely a known, vetted, and qualified Rolex lover. When I walk into the AD, the staff and management know me by name. So, I'm not just some flipper off the street.

After I walk in and the customary pleasantries are exchanged, it's time to get down to business. "What's new that you want to show me?"

AD: "We just received a shipment and it contains our first delivery of a new 2021 model. Interested?"

Me: Knowing that whatever they present I have to buy, I don't hesitate. I simply say, "Sure."

AD: AD comes back with the piece. "It's a XXXXXX, the first one we have received. Brand new for 2021. One of the first ones in the United States. It's yours if you want it."

Interestingly enough, this specific reference is NOT on the TRF Community collective wish list. Not a single person mentioned this exact model. And, it's not a piece on my wish list either. But, a deal is a deal. I said, "I'll take it."

I'm now in the possession of a brand new 2021 XXXXXX... but it doesn't have a permanent home. I'm purposely not sharing the reference number at this time... because I want to allow more time for SOMEONE/ANYONE to express their strong desire/love for this specific model in this thread. Please don't try to GUESS what it is. I want to hear from someone who sincerely wants this brand new for 2021 model on his/her wrist.

And that's where we are. To be continued......

I'm happy to respond to questions.

This is really cool OP, love how you’re helping out a TRF’er. I know whoever gets it will cherish it for what it is, a amazing piece of horology, and not it’s monetary value!

[karleone]

That’s very cool! Congrats on the new owner!!

[1665fan]

Vh2k.....I guess you will need to go back to the dealer and get another piece...I’m still on the blnr oyster!!!! Great idea btw

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

Selling someone an allocated watch at your cost is not flipping.

Think it's still flipping. Just not in the way we're used to thinking of it. Maybe we could even say it is flipping for good. A white hat flipper?

I personally think it is a great gesture. As Padi would say in a world where Rolex is nothing more than investments to many people. A member who actually wants the watch for the watch and gets it through this thread is just plain awesome.

[Theewatchgeek]

This thread puts a smile on my face

[harvey]

…so good to read such an original thread! well done!

[zoenatenich]

Congratulations to the recipient and hope you enjoy it. Please post wrist shots.

OP, thank you again for this nice gesture to the TRF community.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Quick update...

Working with a few TRFers to ensure this piece ends up on the wrist of someone who really loves it.

Some TRFers, to their credit, said they typically don't wear watches smaller than 40mm and they voluntarily gave up their spot in the queue so the piece can go to someone who regularly wears 36mm pieces. (You know who you are.) Love that! Stay tuned!

Way to go.

[isgrb]

Congrats to the OP and recipient! Nice TT, I think it looks cool but TT has really grown on me in general over the last 12 months

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Way to go.

AJ, I think you were the first person in the U.S. to snatch up a 124273... and you have a thread on that. Congrats to you.

[WalterE]

Originally Posted by isgrb

Congrats to the OP and recipient! Nice TT, I think it looks cool but TT has really grown on me in general over the last 12 months

In me too. it's called age!

Pity that my hand does not even fit through the bracelet of that particular model (already tried after local AD offered the SS version)

My young daughter looked pretty interested though...

BIG KUDOS to OP!!!

[kip595]

Very cool idea and, in strictly my own opinion, a very cool new watch to whomever ends/ended up with it! :)

[1Daytona]

Congrats to the new owner of the Explorer.
Thanks to the OP!
OP says he is going for Round 2. If so, I'm in for new Stainless GMT Pepsi with Oyster bracelet!
Great post and idea by the OP:)

[Theewatchgeek]

Pssst..not to be a bother but when round 2 comes around my ultimate grail is the 126710BLNR

[Alfa2109]

Thank you again, OC, for doing this. What an awesome, generous and fun idea! I hope it generates more, similar experiments. Bless you!!

[alphadweller]

What a great and generous idea, such a fun thread! Congratulations to the owner of the TT Explorer. I'm based in Europe so I won't be participating (customs nightmare and high import tax) but will definetly follow the thread.

[Emerald4194]

Congrats to the new owner and very cool OP!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Let's finish Round 1 first.



But, Round 2 is being considered for the week of June 14.

Great OC, you already know what I want, hopefully next time!!


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[R@lex]

Great idea! Everyone should do this!

[JodyHighroller]

So who is the lucky winner?!

[Eatapp]

Great thread!

[J-rob]

I had big doubts about this, however I was way off. Excellent thread and an awesome ending.

Now we just need wrist pics from the lucky new owner!

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by J-rob

I had big doubts about this, however I was way off. Excellent thread and an awesome ending.

Now we just need wrist pics from the lucky new owner!

You might actually get wrist shots because it’s not a hot watch. If it had been a white 116500, doubt they dare put it near their wrist on the way to the Grey dealer.


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[Lukebennett21]

I didn’t expect that watch! Fun to see the final result. Thanks for doing it OP and congrats to the poster that gets it!

[gtnator]

I’ve saved up for a SS Pepsi, oyster bracelet. Let me know where to send the money.


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[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Think it's still flipping. Just not in the way we're used to thinking of it. Maybe we could even say it is flipping for good. A white hat flipper?

I personally think it is a great gesture. As Padi would say in a world where Rolex is nothing more than investments to many people. A member who actually wants the watch for the watch and gets it through this thread is just plain awesome.

i certainly don't agree with your assessment. the very basis of the idea of "flipping" is that the person selling the watch is doing so, to benefit themselves via monetary profit. that isn't the case here.

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Quick update...

Working with a few TRFers to ensure this piece ends up on the wrist of someone who really loves it.

Some TRFers, to their credit, said they typically don't wear watches smaller than 40mm and they voluntarily gave up their spot in the queue so the piece can go to someone who regularly wears 36mm pieces. (You know who you are.) Love that! Stay tuned!

excellent, just excellent. this has easily been the most entertaining/heart-warming thread i've been a part of during my short time as a part of this board/community. kudos to you, vh2k.

if you end up doing a round two, i'm still down for that milgauss z-blue