N...aytona

[dg88]

First of all, I'd like to start off by saying I have little doubt I'll be laughed off this thread given it is common knowledge how difficult it is to purchase a Rolex thesedays! Recently I visited an AD to register my interest in a Daytona 116500LN (Panda) knowing full well these are classified as a 'grail' watch and having read countless articles warding off the idea due to the obvious insane levels of demand/lack of supply etc. But I still thought I'd give it a try - why not!?

By no means am I someone who takes such an investment lightly. £11,600 (taking into consideration the 2022 10% price hike) is an extreme amount of money in my eyes - an extravagance - especially for a watch. But like all of you, I have a keen interest in horology and the Daytona is my dream timepiece which I have saved for, for a number of years. I appreciate the ridiculous prices this piece goes for on the secondary market, but that doesn't mean anything to me - I would cherish this particular watch. Unfortunately, the sales representative didn't really attempt to find much out about me to develop a conversation, which I found a bit disappointing. He explained the current supply issues and effectively shut me off by advising that because I do not have a purchase history, a Daytona was out of the question (I have a GMT Master II 'Pepsi' and a few other watches but these were not purchased from this AD). I asked whether he would register me anyway - explaining that I am patient and happy to wait a number of years if necessary, and he then obliged; albeit at this point the atmosphere felt a bit negative - as though deep down he felt it was a bit pointless given he explained he had not had sight of a Rolex for sale at this particular branch in over 2 years! I found this quite hard to believe but there was nothing much I could say to that and I felt at least the registration was something achieved rather than nothing!

Overall, I do feel.a bit deflated and as though it's clear I will never be able to purchase my dream watch without needing to spend thousands of pounds more on watches I do not have any interest in or want. Perhaps someone knows any London (UK) based ADs they have had a positive experience with and may be kind enough to help me?

Best wishes.

[1665fan]

Unfortunately you are one of the many millions out there in the same boat

[RJRJRJ]

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

[KVNNSCHNG]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

This.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by KVNNSCHNG

This.

No, he asked for a watch from a shop that retails watches.

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

No, he asked for a watch from a shop that retails watches.

Try asking for a Porsche GT3 or a Hemes birkin handbag, or a PP Nautilus or even an Omega 321 or silver snoopy. Front row box seats for the FA Cup final at RRP might be another example. Just because it's a Rolex AD doesn't mean thy have to sell them to everyone. People they don't know flip +++. Established client has more to loose if they flip so they don't or risk loosing their VIP status - just try talking to the AD about how Rolex treat them if one of their desirable SS watches turns up on the Grey market within a few weeks. That's why the ADs are so careful.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

Originally Posted by KVNNSCHNG

This.

No, he walked into a watch selling shop and asked for a watch.

[dg88]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

No, he walked into a watch selling shop and asked for a watch.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

No, he walked into a watch selling shop and asked for a watch.

OP asked for a realistic outcome or for a suggestion, and that was the advice I gave him. Yes, they sell watches, and they sell them to customers that essentially share the profits with them by buying a lot of other high margin stuff from the store.

Imagine being able to walk into a store, toss them your credit card, walk out and head a few blocks down the street, profit 30k at a grey, and call it a day.

[dg88]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

OP asked for a realistic outcome or for a suggestion, and that was the advice I gave him. Yes, they sell watches, and they sell them to customers that essentially share the profits with them by buying a lot of other high margin stuff from the store.

Imagine being able to walk into a store, toss them your credit card, walk out and head a few blocks down the street, profit 30k at a grey, and call it a day.

With good customer service skills and open-questioning, one would be able to quite comfortably ascertain whether an individual is a flipper or not. As I mentioned previously, very little effort was made to engage with and get to know me - notwithstanding the fact I have a 17 year old Rolex which I treasure, the dealer would have quite easily been able to ascertain whether I'm 'that' person who walks in, says "thanks" and buggers off to sell it for 30k. Not everyone is like that. If I wanted to I could sell my Pepsi for £15k (having originally paid £2k for it!) but no. Again, open questioning, with a warm customer-friendly approach would enable anyone to ascertain I am passionate enough about the Daytona to not wish to do that, but to treasure it for a lifetime. But obviously, of course there are people out there who will happily do that if given the chance. I'm not naive and went into the conversation with the dealer having done my research (including knowing deep down it probably wasn't going to happen!). Of course, when you ARE let down...it'll always feel like a surprise, even if you knew it would happen!

All the best.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

This is an interesting comment.
If we assume for a moment that ADs don’t sell to grey market dealers for above retail profits or cash incentives.
Why would they be giving him 30k?
Surely the AD makes a set profit on a Daytona whoever they sell too?
If the AD can sell every Rolex they get why would they care who they sell too?
Surely just set up a list and everyone waits their turn??

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

But it isn't their $30k...unless their alternative is to sell to a dealer out the back door and then it's their $25k probably. Or unless they instead sell to someone who will buy $90k in 50% marked up jewelry, then the world is back in equilibrium.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by zengineer

But it isn't their $30k...unless their alternative is to sell to a dealer out the back door and then it's their $25k probably. Or unless they sell to someone who will buy $70k in 100% marked up jewelry, then the world is back in equilibrium.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

Yes, that is exactly it.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

You essentially cold walked into a store and asked if they would give you $30k.

This

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by dg88

First of all, I'd like to start off by saying I have little doubt I'll be laughed off this thread given it is common knowledge how difficult it is to purchase a Rolex thesedays! Recently I visited an AD to register my interest in a Daytona 116500LN (Panda) knowing full well these are classified as a 'grail' watch and having read countless articles warding off the idea due to the obvious insane levels of demand/lack of supply etc. But I still thought I'd give it a try - why not!?

By no means am I someone who takes such an investment lightly. £11,600 (taking into consideration the 2022 10% price hike) is an extreme amount of money in my eyes - an extravagance - especially for a watch. But like all of you, I have a keen interest in horology and the Daytona is my dream timepiece which I have saved for, for a number of years. I appreciate the ridiculous prices this piece goes for on the secondary market, but that doesn't mean anything to me - I would cherish this particular watch. Unfortunately, the sales representative didn't really attempt to find much out about me to develop a conversation, which I found a bit disappointing. He explained the current supply issues and effectively shut me off by advising that because I do not have a purchase history, a Daytona was out of the question (I have a GMT Master II 'Pepsi' and a few other watches but these were not purchased from this AD). I asked whether he would register me anyway - explaining that I am patient and happy to wait a number of years if necessary, and he then obliged; albeit at this point the atmosphere felt a bit negative - as though deep down he felt it was a bit pointless given he explained he had not had sight of a Rolex for sale at this particular branch in over 2 years! I found this quite hard to believe but there was nothing much I could say to that and I felt at least the registration was something achieved rather than nothing!

Overall, I do feel.a bit deflated and as though it's clear I will never be able to purchase my dream watch without needing to spend thousands of pounds more on watches I do not have any interest in or want. Perhaps someone knows any London (UK) based ADs they have had a positive experience with and may be kind enough to help me?

Best wishes.

That's the typical response. Don't hold your breath and it's not you, it's just the way it is. My experience is the same as yours. I did the same thing 4 years ago and never got a call. I saved up and now waiting on an oysterflex daytona.

[Tim Plains]

Don't take this the wrong way but you are being unrealistic expecting to receive a Daytona ever from an AD as a new customer as long as they remain the hottest model. You should be grateful he was direct with you instead of lying to your face and giving you false hope.

Think about it. How would you feel if you were one of over a hundred other existing good customers who have spent multiple thousands of GBP in that AD who want a Daytona, the AD only gets maybe 20 Daytonas/year, and the AD just skips over all of those loyal customers to hand one to a new customer such as yourself? Bad business.

[inadeje]

OP, I sympathize with your narrative and plight, but sadly you don’t currently qualify to purchase that watch.

A read of this thread may help https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=818218

[dg88]

Originally Posted by inadeje

OP, I sympathize with your narrative and plight, but sadly you don’t currently qualify to purchase that watch.

A read of this thread may help https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=818218

Thank you for sharing the link.

[franktehtank]

I feel for you OP, but chances are basically non-existent. I also love the Daytona and would like to own a steel one, so I'm in the same boat as you, not sure if a Daytona will ever come. I think you just need to be at peace with that and move on, and maybe one day you get surprised.

Consider one of the other Rolex models that is "more attainable" (even though they're all hard to get). I recently picked up a BLNR from the AD to join my sub. Definitely eases the Daytona pain with those to keep me company.

Edit: I just read that you have a few Rolex models. Enjoy those and move on from the Daytona. Consider it a nice little extra surprise if you get the call one day. Otherwise, grey is your only option.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Keep saving, you'll have the money to go grey sooner than receiving a call from the AD.

[Ravager135]

I don't know what's up with some of these responses. You did nothing wrong. While obtaining a Daytona from an AD at MSRP without a purchase history is likely impossible, I'm not sure how else someone would expect you to express interest.

The salesman is absolutely lying when he says they haven't sold a Rolex in two years. He just means they might not have sold one out of the case. While I understand that it gets boring telling customers "no" all day, they are still salesmen and should still possess courtesy. I get tired telling patients the same thing for the millionth time, but it's called "my job."

I'd advise you to find an AD you seem to click with, buy pieces you want from this AD, ask to be put on a list, and wait. It seems to me like this particular AD just lost a customer who might have spent money there waiting years for a Daytona if they were only a little more professional. I've heard this time and time again, but are all ADs this snooty in the UK? Don't get me wrong, we have issues like this here in the US, but it seems like every time someone mentions a UK AD, it seems like there's an attitude.

[dg88]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I don't know what's up with some of these responses. You did nothing wrong. While obtaining a Daytona from an AD at MSRP without a purchase history is likely impossible, I'm not sure how else someone would expect you to express interest.

The salesman is absolutely lying when he says they haven't sold a Rolex in two years. He just means they might not have sold one out of the case. While I understand that it gets boring telling customers "no" all day, they are still salesmen and should still possess courtesy. I get tired telling patients the same thing for the millionth time, but it's called "my job."

I'd advise you to find an AD you seem to click with, buy pieces you want from this AD, ask to be put on a list, and wait. It seems to me like this particular AD just lost a customer who might have spent money there waiting years for a Daytona if they were only a little more professional. I've heard this time and time again, but are all ADs this snooty in the UK? Don't get me wrong, we have issues like this here in the US, but it seems like every time someone mentions a UK AD, it seems like there's an attitude.

This is a very kind response and appreciated, thank you. I expected to receive the other snipey, sarcastic ones - not to worry!

I wonder if you're right re UK ADs too. This is the only one I have experience with to be honest as they have serviced my Rolex in the past and done a first class job. They were straight to the point which has saved me from unnecessarily raising my expectations, but I think the structure of the conversation could have been a bit warmer (from my years or customer service experience, if anything!). I have also read of similar experiences with UK ADs from people. There's a saying I really value - "courtesy and kindness costs nothing".

All the best to you.

[jcapulet786]

Very simple.

Trade your Pepsi and add the 10-15k and you'll have your dream

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by jcapulet786

Very simple.

Trade your Pepsi and add the 10-15k and you'll have your dream

This. You’re never going to get a Daytona from the AD.
If you want the Daytona and that’s your dream then you can trade your way into it quite easily from the sounds of your collection.

[dg88]

Originally Posted by jcapulet786

Very simple.

Trade your Pepsi and add the 10-15k and you'll have your dream

Pepsi will never be sold (sentimental value + I absolutely love the watch).

[brucethemanlee]

£35k is the bare minimum for 116500 Daytona nirvana (go grey market)

Simple business for short supply goods. ADs will always source for their best customers. If you owned AD, what would you do. Sell to some random person walking in or to your best customer who has large spending history over the years.

[GB-man]

Don’t feel bad. I had bought half a dozen Rolex from my AD when the 116500 was announced in 2016-17 and my AD still charged me over msrp lol

Forget the watch or pay up. Your call.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Sorry for the reality check my friend but unless you know the AD owner there’s no shot in getting a stainless daytona as your first piece in today’s market climate.

[WatchesNBlondes]

You need to go back to the AD you bought your other watches and work with them. If they sold you a Pepsi, they like you.

[RolexLoveBug]

No chance to get one in London without a purchase history.

If you only want this model you’ll have to save up and go grey.