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Old 8 July 2024, 04:26 AM   #1
PhilSF
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Rolex AD hierarchy

At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?
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Old 8 July 2024, 04:27 AM   #2
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At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?
Joking right? Obviously an OM. The best is an owner at an independent dealer. They can give you what you want for any reason.
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Old 8 July 2024, 04:33 AM   #3
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Deal with whoever can get you the reference you want
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Old 8 July 2024, 04:36 AM   #4
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Deal with whoever can get you the reference you want
And you know they will, right? You can just tell they will come through. Sales 101 intuition.
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Old 8 July 2024, 05:03 AM   #5
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At my AD, my SA was off on the day I went in, and got the royal treatment, and the impressive gift. It was the store MGR who told me he will get me my Explorer. I believed him, because he is the person in charge of allocations. So, I would say the Mgr has more sway.

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Old 8 July 2024, 05:24 AM   #6
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Why would you have an operations manager at a retail store?

I can understand Sales Manager, Senior Sales Assistant, Sales Supervisor, Shop Supervisor, Shop Manager, Deputy Shop Manager, Assistant Shop Manager and a hundred and one other connotations but not Operations Manager, that's a really bizarre job title in a retail outlet.

If you were working in the head office where all the watches arrive before they were sent to the stores then I can understand the role of an Operations Manager.

Must be a US thing.
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Old 8 July 2024, 06:00 AM   #7
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At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?
Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.
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Old 8 July 2024, 06:41 AM   #8
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Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.

Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

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Old 8 July 2024, 07:11 AM   #9
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Each AD may be different. In most cases, your best bet is to attempt to talk directly to the owner or GM of the store. This is the person making the allocation decisions on limited watches. If they want, they will deal directly with you or refer you to a sales associate.

I doubt there is any business where an employee holds sway over the owner or GM.
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Old 8 July 2024, 07:24 AM   #10
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They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others.

And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
Man, where do you shop?
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Old 8 July 2024, 10:27 AM   #11
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Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.
All rinky-dink?
Mine is owned by WOS. If that’s rinky-dink, I’m speechless.
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:07 PM   #12
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Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

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Exactly my point. Rolex should take ownership and run these places instead of letting a bunch of “ADs” ruin their reputation in the long run.

And yes, apparently it’s now hard to even get a simple DJ. Checked numerous places in the US and in Europe. All you get is: no can do, may take years, get in line, may never happen. Which is a bit difficult to believe. When I go to an Omega operated boutique, I can place an actual order and make a down payment. They may not know either when something will show up, but at least you’re treated like an actual customer.

Here’s what I don’t get: why doesn’t anyone - or Rolex for that matter - let you place an order? I’m a musician. I can think of several places that are in high demand and work custom orders. I recently purchased a really nice effect pedal for guitar. It’s highly sought after and goes for silly money on the used market. The manufacturer lets anyone who wants one place a very basic order online. The website looks like it was made in 1994 (probably was). After that you get an email and a link that will tell you how far back in line you are and which order dates are currently being processed.
I waited for a little over five years. That didn’t bother me at all because at any given time I could see that I was still in line. It’s not that hard.
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:10 PM   #13
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All rinky-dink?
Mine is owned by WOS. If that’s rinky-dink, I’m speechless.
Well, that’s one of them. Same non-committal attitude as in we sell what comes in and don’t really care. Hey, how about a tennis bracelet?
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:34 PM   #14
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With an attitude like that, I’m shocked you get told no on a DJ!
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:48 PM   #15
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:51 PM   #16
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Ask the store manager or owner, not us.

And if the question behind the question is, "Who's in a better position to get me the watch I want, the operations manager or the SA?" then the answer is, "Whoever has the better relationship with the store manager or owner."
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Old 8 July 2024, 12:53 PM   #17
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With an attitude like that, I’m shocked you get told no on a DJ!
Look, I know how to behave. I’m also pretty good at reading people. I have to make very far trips to even get to an AD. Went through all the motions. I did not walk away with the impression that I will ever hear from anyone again.

I also put a good friend on the case who, unlike me, has a real substantial “purchasing history” with some of her local places in Europe. We’re talking big ticket items and not just Rolex. She was given the same answers. Not going to name the stores but they are well know in the world. They all act like spoiled brats and like they’re doing you a favor.
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Old 8 July 2024, 01:15 PM   #18
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Look, I know how to behave. I’m also pretty good at reading people. I have to make very far trips to even get to an AD. Went through all the motions. I did not walk away with the impression that I will ever hear from anyone again.

I also put a good friend on the case who, unlike me, has a real substantial “purchasing history” with some of her local places in Europe. We’re talking big ticket items and not just Rolex. She was given the same answers. Not going to name the stores but they are well know in the world. They all act like spoiled brats and like they’re doing you a favor.

It’s possible that whomever you’ve dealt with can sense your disdain, even though you think you are hiding it. I’m a nobody, and have gotten 2 new Rolexes in less than a year, without any significant spend history.
I’m waiting on a call for a third. Should be soon. My AD is just a regular family owned jewelry store, where they treat their customers well, like any successful retailer should. I say keep trying. The MGR. told me the story of a guy visiting from the UK, who had been on the waiting list for 3 years for a BLRO, and just happened to visit my AD. The store happened to take delivery of one that very day, and sold it to this guy on the spot. That’s my kind of risky dink AD!

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Old 8 July 2024, 01:52 PM   #19
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I got a list, here's the order of my list that it's in
It goes: Reggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac and Biggie, André from OutKast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas, and then me
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Old 8 July 2024, 02:41 PM   #20
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“Assistant [to] the ops manager”


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Old 8 July 2024, 02:46 PM   #21
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Look, I know how to behave. I’m also pretty good at reading people. I have to make very far trips to even get to an AD. Went through all the motions. I did not walk away with the impression that I will ever hear from anyone again.

I also put a good friend on the case who, unlike me, has a real substantial “purchasing history” with some of her local places in Europe. We’re talking big ticket items and not just Rolex. She was given the same answers. Not going to name the stores but they are well know in the world. They all act like spoiled brats and like they’re doing you a favor.
Hmm…

The reality is that it is in fact a favor. My guess is that fact being oblivious to you (among other things) is why you get told that’s it’s not going to happen.

Best of luck with the IWC!
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Old 8 July 2024, 03:22 PM   #22
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At my AD, my SA was off on the day I went in, and got the royal treatment, and the impressive gift. It was the store MGR who told me he will get me my Explorer. I believed him, because he is the person in charge of allocations. So, I would say the Mgr has more sway.

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I dont think you need to befriend the manager to get an explorer
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Old 8 July 2024, 03:54 PM   #23
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I dont think you need to befriend the manager to get an explorer

I don’t think so, either. My SA was not there, so he took care of me that day. All I meant was the MGR is above the SA in the hierarchy, thus addressing the OP’s original question.

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Old 8 July 2024, 07:31 PM   #24
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Exactly my point. Rolex should take ownership and run these places instead of letting a bunch of “ADs” ruin their reputation in the long run.
When they've ripped up their infrastructure so that you can get your watch, you'll wake up and you still won't have it.
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Old 8 July 2024, 08:34 PM   #25
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Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

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2 customers are after a Submariner. One has spent over 80K in jewelry, and the other has no spend history. I'm pretty sure I know who's going to get the allocation......
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Old 8 July 2024, 08:55 PM   #26
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It’s possible that whomever you’ve dealt with can sense your disdain, even though you think you are hiding it. I’m a nobody, and have gotten 2 new Rolexes in less than a year, without any significant spend history.
I’m waiting on a call for a third. Should be soon. My AD is just a regular family owned jewelry store, where they treat their customers well, like any successful retailer should. I say keep trying. The MGR. told me the story of a guy visiting from the UK, who had been on the waiting list for 3 years for a BLRO, and just happened to visit my AD. The store happened to take delivery of one that very day, and sold it to this guy on the spot. That’s my kind of risky dink AD!

Kat


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Not disagreeing and not dissing your watch but getting "the royal treatment" and being assigned a ladies explorer is hardly what 95% of the members of this board are after.

I'm happy you're happy but let's call a spade a spade - an EXP I is not exactly making people faint and you're still waiting for that celebration dial if I recall...
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Old 8 July 2024, 10:01 PM   #27
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When they've ripped up their infrastructure so that you can get your watch, you'll wake up and you still won't have it.


I'm not sure the OP will understand this. His posts ooze entitlement. Bu aggressively 'going through the motions' he will never get the DJ...
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Old 8 July 2024, 11:24 PM   #28
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Rolex AD hierarchy

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Not disagreeing and not dissing your watch but getting "the royal treatment" and being assigned a ladies explorer is hardly what 95% of the members of this board are after.

I'm happy you're happy but let's call a spade a spade - an EXP I is not exactly making people faint and you're still waiting for that celebration dial if I recall...

This guy was saying he can’t get a DJ. I got my DJ Wimbledon, and an OP 36 Also, what is a ladies Explorer? I don’t have any ladies’ Rolexes. As for getting the royal treatment, I was talking about the nice gift I was given. I expect gifts at pick up, but not for just dropping by. I’m not sure what it is you are trying to say, unless you ARE dissing my watches.

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Old 8 July 2024, 11:33 PM   #29
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Not disagreeing and not dissing your watch but getting "the royal treatment" and being assigned a ladies explorer is hardly what 95% of the members of this board are after.

I'm happy you're happy but let's call a spade a spade - an EXP I is not exactly making people faint and you're still waiting for that celebration dial if I recall...
Not sure what a ladies explorer is, but not everybody wants a men’s Daytona.

I have never met Kat personally, but she seems like an effusive character and I’m sure she can probably turn on the charm at the AD with the store management.
I’ll just give her the benefit of the doubt after viewing her thousands of posts on TRF.
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Old 8 July 2024, 11:39 PM   #30
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It goes: Reggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac and Biggie, André from OutKast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas, and then me
I have Elon and Jeff ahead of me.
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