Would you buy a non-Rolex watch from a Rolex AD that won’t sell you a Rolex?

[DC116710LN]

Some customers may direct their anger at the AD, particularly if they feel mistreated, but others will direct their anger at Rolex and purchase other brands from the AD instead. I have no problem purchasing another piece if necessary, provided it's a piece that I would enjoy

[RolexSimon]

If you can't get a Rolex at first and you actually like watches rather than just being a status-hunter / flipper (delete as appropriate), it's the right way to gain some respect with your AD. Buy an IWC, Tudor, Omega or JLC if you like them - I wear my Tudor in the garden but am cautious with my Sub. Talk watches with the AD, make them realise you're not a flipper or pure status-w***er and then your time will come - probably far sooner than you think...........
Whilst I love Rolex, I really can't understand the "Rolex is the only watch" philosophy. Horology is about the whole spectrum of watches and far more interesting IMHO.

[johnwigan]

Absolutely not. I would buy elsewhere. I can't imagine what kind of person would shop with a business that tells them to their face that they don't think much of them and will not provide them with a first class service. They would not receive one penny of custom from me, ever. I would purchase elsewhere, even if it cost more, - but where I am treated with the respect.

I can't believe what other people will put up with. Have some self-esteem and self-respect. Good Lord.

Sadly, those people who are prepared to accept being treated as second class citizens, will probably get that level of service. If you give off that vibe, not good. At the end of the day an AD does not know what your bank balance is, it is just the impression you give. I think that determines if you will be one of those people who post on here that they've been waiting two years for a watch, and still waiting. Whilst others actually get the watch they want. This is in the UK at least. No idea about America.

[Singslinger]

I have a friend who walked into an AD to ask about buying a steel Sub.

They said they didn't have one in stock but offered him the JC Deepsea instead at MSRP, provided be also bought a JLC and IWC so as to establish in immediate purchase history with them.

He politely declined...but then again, he didn't quite like the Deepsea to begin with.

As for me, I've bought Sinns, Omegas, a Tudor and a Breitling from my Rolex AD.

[Calborn]

Yes, because Rolex isn't the only manufacturer I enjoy watches from.

[Harry-57]

If my Rolex AD had a non Rolex watch in stock that I particularly wanted and they offered enough discount, I would buy it. I can't think of a reason why I would not. I can't speak for anyone else.

My AD usually comes up with a good enough price to beat the grey outlets. On the rare occasion that hey don't, I go somewhere else. I don't understand all this revenge/payback/hurt feelings anger. But I guess each case is different and you have to be there. If the tone of a relationship with any business was that toxic, we would have parted company already.

[Snerks]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

Absolutely not. I would buy elsewhere. I can't imagine what kind of person would shop with a business that tells them to their face that they don't think much of them and will not provide them with a first class service. They would not receive one penny of custom from me, ever. I would purchase elsewhere, even if it cost more, - but where I am treated with the respect.

I can't believe what other people will put up with. Have some self-esteem and self-respect. Good Lord.

Sadly, those people who are prepared to accept being treated as second class citizens, will probably get that level of service. If you give off that vibe, not good. At the end of the day an AD does not know what your bank balance is, it is just the impression you give. I think that determines if you will be one of those people who post on here that they've been waiting two years for a watch, and still waiting. Whilst others actually get the watch they want. This is in the UK at least. No idea about America.

Imagine thinking an AD not selling you a 35k watch for 13k means they are treating you with disrespect, or like a second class citizen. What on earth.

[doboy007]

If they offered a significant discount on the non-Rolex watch then I would.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by doboy007

If they offered a significant discount on the non-Rolex watch then I would.

So a blue Royal Oak or olive Nautilus at MSRP and you’d tell them to f-off, right?

[Polar Bear]

I'm cheap, so buying any non rolex watch new is not something i would normally consider.
I have no issues with buying pre owned if the price is reflective of that fact.

That having been said, if i wanted to buy an IWC (for example) and a my local Rolex AD had it in stock, I would enquire about the piece.
If they price they offer me is around 10%-15% higher than i could find pre owned from a dealer then i'd probably buy it from my AD as the 10% premium supports my local store and in these times of "relationship building" it never hurts to have an extra purchase on your customer record
However, if the AD was 30%+ more expensive than i can find somewhere else, then i'm walking out and buying online/elsewhere.

As much as i'd love to cultivate a relationship with an AD through legitimate purchases, I'm not prepared to hand over 20% more than i need to just to do that.
I typically only buy one or (maybe) two watches a year, usually in the $5-$10k range so i'm not the sort of customer that is going to be offered a Daytona based on previous purchases
The money i'd save buying IWCs, Panerais and Zeniths pre owned rather than new from a Rolex AD would likely cover the Grey Market Premium on the Pepsi I want.

I totally get that some people may not shop at their local AD because they refused to sell them a Rolex at one point, but in this day and age, taking that attitude means you wont taking your business anywhere that sells Rolex

[kpeco]

Nope

[asiparks]

"Won't" sell to me as I be not worthy, Vs "Can't" due to eleventeen billion in line, in front of me:

"Won't" - well that's a 2 way street.
"Can't"- if the price is best for a watch I want, then sure.

[al7391z]

That’s a hard no

[NachoNeal]

Depends.

[doboy007]

Originally Posted by dannyp

So a blue Royal Oak or olive Nautilus at MSRP and you’d tell them to f-off, right?

I would want to since I don’t care for either one but I can’t due to resale value

[AF_Rob]

To answer the question, "can't", yes I would... "won't", no I wouldn't

In reality, no. I don't buy consolation watches. If I want a particular piece, I'll either wait for it, or go grey.

[Beto737]

Not a chance

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

Absolutely not. I would buy elsewhere. I can't imagine what kind of person would shop with a business that tells them to their face that they don't think much of them and will not provide them with a first class service. They would not receive one penny of custom from me, ever. I would purchase elsewhere, even if it cost more, - but where I am treated with the respect.

I can't believe what other people will put up with. Have some self-esteem and self-respect. Good Lord.

Sadly, those people who are prepared to accept being treated as second class citizens, will probably get that level of service. If you give off that vibe, not good. At the end of the day an AD does not know what your bank balance is, it is just the impression you give. I think that determines if you will be one of those people who post on here that they've been waiting two years for a watch, and still waiting. Whilst others actually get the watch they want. This is in the UK at least. No idea about America.

With respect, the numerous posts from decent watch-lovers in the UK imply that there is ZERO way you can walk into a Rolex AD with no prior purchase history and get on a meaningful list for a Pepsi / Daytona / SS Sports in any time soon. The "never, never" list, maybe - at least that might reassure you you're "not being treated as a second class citizen" - when in fact you are. Purchase history - first class!! In the UK, Australia or the USA.

[new_yorker917]

Nope

[t65tampa]

Personally, I wouldn’t. But I’m lucky to have great options with local Rolex ADs, so it hasn’t been an issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by RolexSimon

If you can't get a Rolex at first and you actually like watches rather than just being a status-hunter / flipper (delete as appropriate), it's the right way to gain some respect with your AD. Buy an IWC, Tudor, Omega or JLC if you like them - I wear my Tudor in the garden but am cautious with my Sub. Talk watches with the AD, make them realise you're not a flipper or pure status-w***er and then your time will come - probably far sooner than you think...........
Whilst I love Rolex, I really can't understand the "Rolex is the only watch" philosophy. Horology is about the whole spectrum of watches and far more interesting IMHO.

Excellent post!

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I have a friend who walked into an AD to ask about buying a steel Sub.

They said they didn't have one in stock but offered him the JC Deepsea instead at MSRP, provided be also bought a JLC and IWC so as to establish in immediate purchase history with them.

He politely declined...but then again, he didn't quite like the Deepsea to begin with.

As for me, I've bought Sinns, Omegas, a Tudor and a Breitling from my Rolex AD.

I would laugh at a deal like that myself.

All my comments in this regard, presuppose and honest dealership, not an extortionist.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by hark

Just wondering whether in some cases a Rolex AD may lose non-Rolex watch business simply because the AD can’t (or won’t) fulfill people’s Rolex requests.

'A Rolex'? Any Rolex? A specific Rolex?

Is there some AD/beef you're not telling us about?

[JSCP]

I have two AD’s. One has been mc amazing to h my in the last 5 years, getting me coveted models and they have other watch lines, incl Patek. Try two
more difficult Patel’s come also from them. I would but from them anything else I need and I’m sure at good price or fair price, so yes would buy other brands from them.

The other AD has not been as good to get harder to her Rolex, but I still had spent a good over 100k of both watches/jewelry., and all my repairs, and battery changes, and referrals i had sent and know owners, manager, etc., etc.—yet haven’t been not so “honest” or truly care to allocating pieces I wanted, that happened to be harder, so I won’t waste my time , but only use them for repairs, and occasionally other purchases if I want or have a good deal, but won’t go out of my way to give them other brands purchases.


In other words, an AD treats me decently and they get my business, treat me so so, kind of game-playing, and I will respond accordingly.

[Peter992]

I have been waiting for a Rolex Datejust Jubilee and a Daytona from my AD since 2019. I still do not own even one Rolex. So I bought Patek and JLC instead.

[Goin2drt]

Can’t or won’t completely different. If they can’t then it is not their fault so yes I would buy something else from them if they had what I wanted. Won’t sell you a Rolex because they don’t think you are a big enough customer, then they can go pound sand and I would take my business elsewhere.

[joli160]

No, I’d find another dealer

[LA_LEC]

No F-ing way!

[1William]

For me it is about the watches. I don't take it personal and I always act in my own best interest. I don't get emotional and get my feelings hurt, it is just business. Do I like the current situation on availability, no, but such is the market. I will not let the fact I can't get a hot model from my AD stop me from getting a desirable model from them that I want.

[brandrea]

I sure as heck would.

We have one of the largest Rolex ADs in the country here, and they sell other brands that I’m equally interested in.

Problem is, they won’t sell me the Ed White 321 either