Learning how the world (Rolex and AD) works

[GRUNT_Jarksbro]

Thought I would share what I learned today. Probably not news to those who have purchased a few Rolexes.
AD called me today to let me know that the repair to my vintage 6694 was going to take a bit longer as they needed some parts from Switzerland...no big deal.
Also to tell me that my Tudor GMT was in ... Hoorayy ...but available with a strap and not a bracelet ...Boo.
I politely declined as I want what I want and don’t want to buy and sell.
While I had my sales guy on the phone I asked what the wait time was on a Submariner 116610LV and was told that since I have not bought a Rolex from them before that Rolex would not sell me that model until I had purchased another model... ok I did not know that! Cool information. (I have bought a Tudor and a Tag from them).
I asked what I needed to buy from them to get Rolex to let me give them a pile of money and he said “another more commen model or if I buy the Tudor GMT I could get the Sub. Again I politely declined (I’m just a working man and cant afford both).
I am not angry nor discouraged by this conversation, just found it interesting how it works and I thought I would share the story
Cheers y’all

[Dj_masse]

Welcome to the world of Rolex Steel Models! The view is shit....

[cht]

Originally Posted by GRUNT_Jarksbro

Thought I would share what I learned today. Probably not news to those who have purchased a few Rolexes.
AD called me today to let me know that the repair to my vintage 6694 was going to take a bit longer as they needed some parts from Switzerland...no big deal.
Also to tell me that my Tudor GMT was in ... Hoorayy ...but available with a strap and not a bracelet ...Boo.
I politely declined as I want what I want and don’t want to buy and sell.
While I had my sales guy on the phone I asked what the wait time was on a Submariner 116610LV and was told that since I have not bought a Rolex from them before that Rolex would not sell me that model until I had purchased another model... ok I did not know that! Cool information. (I have bought a Tudor and a Tag from them).
I asked what I needed to buy from them to get Rolex to let me give them a pile of money and he said “another more commen model or if I buy the Tudor GMT I could get the Sub. Again I politely declined (I’m just a working man and cant afford both).
I am not angry nor discouraged by this conversation, just found it interesting how it works and I thought I would share the story
Cheers y’all

lol...where have you been?

[JWC76]

Nothing surprises me anymore. Basically pushing people to the grey market. It’s a sellers market for now...the market will turn. I remember when the ADs used to try to make the relationship with the buyer; not the other way around. I will not buy from an AD that pulls this shy&!t.

[Dj_masse]

I just messaged the AD where I got my BLNR from last year (my primary relationships are at two other AD’s) how long the wait is for a hulk, out of curiosity. Response was “presently unavailable. Come in and we’ll show you what IS available”

Basically, they shut me down. Won’t even offer to put me on the list. Hahaha. No big deal since I have one incoming in a couple of months (supposedly). Just thought it was funny.

[Fujiman]

Deleted

[GRUNT_Jarksbro]

Originally Posted by cht

lol...where have you been?

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

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by GRUNT_Jarksbro

While I had my sales guy on the phone I asked what the wait time was on a Submariner 116610LV and was told that since I have not bought a Rolex from them before that Rolex would not sell me that model until I had purchased another model... ok I did not know that! Cool information.

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.

[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.

[sutats]

This practise used to apply only to the stainless steel Daytonas a decade ago. lol

[oldman2005]

That's the way Rolex has been for the past ~9 months when it comes to SS sports. Unfortunately you get into Rolex SS sport late.

[Uppersouth]

This is not a Rolex Policy. I’d find another AD.

[JWC76]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

This is not a Rolex Policy. I’d find another AD.

^this.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

I've also heard that apparently if you bring the entire AD staff gifts, food, and boos throughout your wait, it may hurry things up too!?

SMH

[superconductor71]

Agreed with what was said above. This is an individual AP policy, not Rolex.

I am new to Rolex as well, with no purchase history with my AP and they sold me an SD43.

Now there’s a little more to the story as to how I was fortunate enough to get this watch, but the point is that there is no such policy stipulated by Rolex (or if there is, my AP ignored it).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mray6375]

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

Just ignore the snarky comments. You can gain a wealth of knowledge here from a lot of friendly people.

[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.

[2nastie]

Nothing is impossible, you can get anything you want for almost any AD...

The question you should ask yourself... How much would you like to spend and how many PM watches would you like own from that AD before you are offered a SS piece?
Or, how much does it cost to buy an AD?

That is pretty much the policy throughout the ADs here. You'll get the odd SS sport watchethat hit the case (Milgauss, YM, Air King).

[SG56]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

Nothing is impossible, you can get anything you want for almost any AD...

The question you should ask yourself... How much would you like to spend and how many PM watches would you like own from that AD before you are offered a SS piece?
Or, how much does it cost to buy an AD?

That is pretty much the policy throughout the ADs here. You'll get the odd SS sport watchethat hit the case (Milgauss, YM, Air King).

I disagree.
It might depend on a location, but this retailer is clearly being an asshole, given that the OP is an existing customer.

This is not Rolex policy and I assure you not all the retailers ask you to buy a PM in order to buy a sub date. In fact, I'd think most of them don't.

So the op didn't just walk in and said I'd like to buy, he IS a customer. That's ridiculous.

[CLG23]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

This is not a Rolex Policy. I’d find another AD.

Yep... granted I’m tight with my AD, stock just isn’t around but it’s classic up-sell tactics to say “buy this to get to that”

[Dirt]

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 just about sums it up nicely

[N5XTC]

I was told the same thing, only it was like buy SOMETHING else in here, something expensive. lol. i went with the Rolex Explorer 1 MK2 and am very happy with her. great watch and well under the radar, unlike the sub.

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by SG56

I disagree.
It might depend on a location, but this retailer is clearly being an asshole, given that the OP is an existing customer.

This is not a Rolex policy and I assure you not all the retailers ask you to buy a PM in order to buy a sub date. In fact, I'd think most of them don't.

So the op didn't just walk in and said I'd like to buy, he IS a customer. That's ridiculous.

I never said it was Rolex policy. It is certainly the policy ADs have in place here (again not everywhere). Whether it is the correct approach or not, that’s the way they have decided to conduct business.

And again, my standment is rhetorical. Not all watches requires a purchase of a PM piece. To get specific Subs are purely waiting list, but anything else with a hint of limited availablity (Hulks, Batman, GMT, Daytona’s, etc.) there is certainly an AD policy on who they permit their sales staff to sell to.

Thus my statement, it’s not impossible to get any watch in general. You just have to be prepared to spend above and beyond to be allocated one.

I’m totally on board of not playing these games. Just decline and move on.

[Al1969]

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.

X3. OP, let your $$ do the ‘talking’.

Not to many places that insult you and your intelligence, when you’re ready to spend thousands!!

Personally, I’m happy with my small collection and there’s only one watch I’d like to get the call from the AD.

Can’t see myself playing these AD games and I’m sure things will change.

[Brazicano]

Patek will require a purchase history for exclusive models, Rolex does not, it’s at the AD’s discretion. Sounds like that AD is a dick.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by Dj_masse

Welcome to the world of Rolex Steel Models! The view is shit....

I know that's why I'm considering going back to a two tone piece.

[PLNYC]

That’s the new norm for ADs nowadays

[coralfarmer84]

Try buying a gold piece at no discount and trying to pair it with a harder to find SS and still get declined. True story

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by GRUNT_Jarksbro

I asked what I needed to buy from them to get Rolex to let me give them a pile of money and he said “another more commen model or if I buy the Tudor GMT I could get the Sub. Again I politely declined (I’m just a working man and cant afford both).

Personally, I think that's an AD policy to encourage people to buy their current stock and not a Rolex policy. I could be wrong, but seems to me that it's easier for an AD to blame Rolex than it is to tell a customer that they are bunch of asshats.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[newatch321]

I am new to Rolex also. My experience has been awful to say the least with AD. Again I know what I want but the company is destroying future clientele by the current production backlog or other issues??? Good luck in your search.