Learning how the world (Rolex and AD) works

[Fujiman]

Let's just say, if I were in the market for a new watch these days, it sure wouldn't be a Rolex.

If you don't think Rolex knows what's going on with many of their ADs...

[DubaiRolex2000]

I bought an OP 36mm and DJ 41 TT from same AD within courze of three months..asked him to be put on waitlist for SS sport model and was told waitlist is closed sorry.

I didn’t say anything but quite annoyed, given how much money they have made off me already. Not dealing with AD nonsense anymore, definitely hurts th ebrand...unfortunatelt cant beat rolex for being such good watches...


This was yesterday...

[cvera]

I wonder how many months or years it will take for these practices to change.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by cvera

I wonder how many months or years it will take for these practices to change.

When smartwatch takes over the world lol.

[1William]

I have a great AD and they are very straight with inquires about hard to get watches. This is not personal it is business and you think enough of them to let them service a watch. I would wait till you watch is completed from service and returned and I would make the same inquiry if you really want the watch and are ready to pay on the spot. If the salesman gives you the same response then I would politely speak with the manager and see if he backs the sales person up or handles it better. In the end anything other than we can put on the list, here is the watch or thank you so much for being a valuable customer would make me seek another AD.

[statsman]

Originally Posted by replicator

It’s pretty ridiculous. For the uninitiated pretty crappy experience. You’re willing to spend a tidy sum of money yet they pick and choose who is worthy to get on a list to have the privilege to pay them.

Grey market is the norm for most of us, including myself. I almost stop checking local AD because what they have in stock for sale is such a joke.

On my recent NYC vacation, I stopped into the Rolex boutique and also Wempe across the street. I can report that we are in the golden age of buying Datejusts. 95% of the display were Datejusts. 4% were Day-Dates. Most of the rest were PM sports watches.

They did have pictures of SS sports watches.

[brandrea]

Nothing surprises me anymore.

[GerardoG]

Not a Rolex standard. Many great ADs out there.

[J!m]

You know, this policy sucks for a guy (or gal) who has been saving for years to finally get their first Rolex to replace the tag or whatever they e been wearing. I was a one watch guy for a long time and sold my white omega gmt to get my planet ocean. Same idea.

Rolex only caters to collectors now- obviously not caring about broadening their appeal, only their depth in the hands of collectors.

If I owned a watch company, I would work in the opposite- get my pieces into the hands of as many hard working people as possible.

They treat non collectors as second class citizens. I’m not going to change anything with my words here but the ADs should favor people without huge collections to limit the gray market. What they are doing is feeding right into it.

[slide13]

I’m really glad I got my Sub when I did, before all this craziness started. When I was shopping one dealer had an LV in stock in the case that I could have grabbed easily, but no discount on that or any SS sports model. Went to another dealer to get a discounted price on my 114060 since I really just wanted a basic black Sub as my only watch. Things started getting weird just a few months later with supplies drying up.

[AK797]

It's called bundling and if you are an AD with wait lists on a dozen invisible sports watches but have a fleet of unsold DJs and TTs languishing in your windows then it's inevitable they put two and two together, and Rolex are happy enough with this double sale. In Patek world they want a helluva lot more spent than a DJ, more like 10 of them now, before they sell you their base sports model and sub equivalent.

[Stratos]

things are getting crazy.

ADs nowadays know that their stock of Sport models moves quickly.
no need to build relationships with customers.

this whole situation with Steel watches has increased demand for TT and PM watches as well.

[KBM]

As others stated, not official Rolex policy. They should at least man up and state it's the Ad's policy.

I admire your good spirit, even in the face of this type of AD. Good luck on the hunt for the LV!

[GRUNT_Jarksbro]

Originally Posted by kauebm

As others stated, not official Rolex policy. They should at least man up and state it's the Ad's policy.

I admire your good spirit, even in the face of this type of AD. Good luck on the hunt for the LV!

I'm too old to let stuff like that get to me. I try to enjoy or learn something from every experience.

[GRUNT_Jarksbro]

Thanks for all the comments/thoughts and advice . Cheers

[arosado]

Originally Posted by kauffee

I like how the AD tried to pass this off as official Rolex policy, not their own. "Oh we would love to sell you that watch, but unfortunately Rolex won't allow it." OP don't fall for that BS. Every AD sets their own policies and they can sell to whomever they like.

Bingo!!! Go to another AD.

[cht]

Originally Posted by GRUNT_Jarksbro

As you can see from the number of posts I have ...I am new to the Rolex world..that’s where I have been . Peace

This isn't a new to rolex world issue though...are you new to how the internet and forums work too? You registered 2016....

In case you are, try browsing through the topics in this forum through the first ten pages or so and reading up on titles/discussions that may relate to your interests....that'll get you current with recent topics and you'll find that yours isn't a new or rare discussion.

[yxc145]

Originally Posted by SG56

They won't sell you a Sub, although you are already a tag and a tudor customer and they are servicing your rolex?

I'd walk away. F that. Most of us work very hard for our money.

This. Don't think this is a Rolex policy. Crappy dealer policy to get you to buy more.

[jaySL350]

Your spending good money only to be patronised by some factious SA,,,
Unacceptable and really hope you walk away and into a AD that appreciates you,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GRUNT_Jarksbro]

Originally Posted by cht

This isn't a new to rolex world issue though...are you new to how the internet and forums work too? You registered 2016....

In case you are, try browsing through the topics in this forum through the first ten pages or so and reading up on titles/discussions that may relate to your interests....that'll get you current with recent topics and you'll find that yours isn't a new or rare discussion.

Thank you for your advice on how to browse the forums.
Have a great day

[Finslayer83]

I politely told an AD two weeks ago that the forums never forget and that the tide will turn one day.

He laughed and told me "good luck finding a batman" - I showed him my watchrecon app and grey availability, he was shocked there were so many available but with premium.

Fortunately the local AD is playing the long game and is the opposite - they are helpful and are not pulling the "buy this to get that" bullpoopy.

[Dayton ssb]

You may want something bad, but purchase in Your terms. I do not get frustrated with waits and run arounds. Here in Illinois, the AD seem to be straightforward. Was close to pulling trigger on blue speedy, but got the call for one of my favs.for potential arrival in 3 weeks. Happy I have been patient. The hunt for me and talking with ADs is half the fun. I got a call out of nowhere after hunting for 7 months.


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[SoCal_Batman]

It’s a crazy world out there!

[keschete]

The AD's have been warned about selling to watch flippers on the stainless pieces. So many AD's need to know you. My AD had the Hulk in his vault because he was getting out of state callers. Rolex told him that they didn't want watch flippers buying at retail and flipping them for mark up. The AD's all have their own way of dealing with this. Mine knows I won't flip.

[Etschell]

the very fact that a black sub date is commanding a premium is quite telling of where the industry is today.

i am never one to care about another's business practices. i simply refuse to play in a rigged game.

i foresee much pain for alienation of the next generation of the consumer base. pure brand enthusiasts only take you so far.

I am all for protecting brand value but these extremes are protecting an outdated distribution system that is based more on the 19th century than the 21st. Not that it is shocking, it took Rolex something like 20 years to implement a rubber strap which is a day late and a dollar short.

and this is all coming from someone who thinks Rolex makes the best automatic wrist watch in the world.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by DubaiRolex2000

I bought an OP 36mm and DJ 41 TT from same AD within courze of three months..asked him to be put on waitlist for SS sport model and was told waitlist is closed sorry.

I didn’t say anything but quite annoyed, given how much money they have made off me already. Not dealing with AD nonsense anymore, definitely hurts th ebrand...unfortunatelt cant beat rolex for being such good watches...


This was yesterday...

Not trying to be rude at all, but you haven't spent much and they haven't made that much off of you. An OP36 and a TT DJ41 are great, but not significant purchases.

Especially in Dubai.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by AK797

It's called bundling and if you are an AD with wait lists on a dozen invisible sports watches but have a fleet of unsold DJs and TTs languishing in your windows then it's inevitable they put two and two together, and Rolex are happy enough with this double sale. In Patek world they want a helluva lot more spent than a DJ, more like 10 of them now, before they sell you their base sports model and sub equivalent.

That makes it all better,At least someone is getting screwed worse than me

[Brian Page]

I was in Minneapolis last weekend at Ben Bridge. Their stock is so low it's embarrassing... Used to be the small dealers had pressure to keep a lot of inventory in stock, now they just don't have anything...My buddy there told me they haven't seen a steel sub in 7 months...

[pickettt]

I like Rolex watches, but they're not so awesome that I'd let them make me their bitch.

[DLRIDES]

I would suggest calling your “sales guy” and tell him he is a LIAR, plain and simple, because it’s the truth.

Customers are treated this way because they TOLERATE it and say NOTHING about it !