What it took to create a successful AD relationship

[schoolboy]

This has been a common question on the forum. “What did you have to do to be offered a Pepsi or Daytona?” “How much did you spend?”

I recently met someone who has been offered a Daytona twice, so I have a vague idea of the ANSWERS to the above questions.

This is a true story, zero exaggeration.

Scroll to the bottom if you just want the answers. If you want the story, please read along, as it took me a while to type it.

I’m typing this just to answer your questions and out of respect for this great man that I have been fortunate enough to meet.

I met a man that is about 52 years of age, about 8 months ago. I’ll call him Mr. Watch.

We started talking about watches and that led to us having dinner a few weeks later and just kind of getting closer to each other.

He asked me what watch i was interested in next and I said “maybe a GMT but they are really hard to get”

He then told me he wanted to go to the AD to ask for a yellow gold SkyDweller and asked if I would join.

Of course I said yes.

We walked into the AD, and AD that I have been to several times.

When I have walked in (in the past) I am greeted by a “hi, welcome in.” And I walk around and it takes a few minutes for someone to actually come talk to me and ask me if I need help.

When I walked in with my friend, one of the sales ladies said “Mr. Watch! How are you?! Your sales guy is waiting for you, please wait here while I run and get him.”

She speedwalked to the back of the store and got the sales guy.

He said “Mr. Watch! Such a pleasure to see you again. How is the wife? How are the kids? How was your trip to California?”

After they talked about family and church, they talked about watches, just like watch guys talk about watches.

About movements, new releases, old watches, what has changed in their collections and all....

It was amazing. As I’ve never met a sales person that is into watches.

My friend introduced me to the sales guy, and we talked watches for a bit. He then asked me if I am interested in anything.

I shyly and timidly said “I would be great if you can find me a GMT”

He replied “of course I can find you one. I will put you on the list under Mr. Watch as he is one of our PREFERRED customers, and I hope to get your watch sooner than later.”

He told me about how he found TWO Daytona for Mr. Watch but he wasn’t interested, both times, and he respected that.

He then asked for my cell phone number and gave me his.

My friend ordered a YG SkyD with champagne dial, and we left.

When we left I received a message from the sales guy saying how great it was to meet me and saying that he will get me the watch.

That had never happened to me before.

Will he get me the watch?

I really hope so, but even if he doesn’t, I am very thankful for the experience and for the friendship that I have developed with Mr. Watch. I have learned a ton from him and consider him a friend and mentor.

Now to answer the question about how to build the AD relationship.

In talking to Mr. Watch. I learned a few things about his “relationship” to the AD sales guy.

1. Mr. Watch bought his engagement rings from the sales guy 15 years ago, when his finances weren’t what they are today

2. Mr. Watch has bought several watches and other jewelry from the same sales guy for about 15 years

3. Mr. Watch bought a $70,000 USD ring from the sales guy for a wedding anniversary

4. Mr. Watch was offered a Daytona twice and said no twice. (Any flipper would’ve bought to sell, but he said no because he doesn’t like steel Rolex)

5. Mr. Watch is a watch guy and has been one for years. He knows and owns Breitling, Omega, Tag, Panerai and others. He’s not a guy that is just hooked on “hot” Rolex watches.

I think those 5 answers kind of say a lot.

To me, it was a great experience and now I know what a relationship takes.

Thanks for reading.

[schoolboy]

Also, I will add that I typed the above with hesitation.

I know some forum members and maybe even some mods will say my story is a lie, there is no way someone said no to a Daytona twice, and that relationships are non existent or whatever

I just wanted to share a pleasant experience that opened my mind, with the forum, hoping that it will answer the question of “how can I become a VIP”

Will I ever be a VIP? Probably not. But I’m happy I met one and learned from the experience!

Sincerely,

Jesus


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[42itus]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Also, I will add that I typed the above with hesitation.

I know some forum members and maybe even some mods will say my story is a lie, there is no way someone said no to a Daytona twice, and that relationships are non existent or whatever

I just wanted to share a pleasant experience that opened my mind, with the forum, hoping that it will answer the question of “how can I become a VIP”

Will I ever be a VIP? Probably not. But I’m happy I met one and learned from the experience!

Sincerely,

Jesus


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That’s a cool story. It must have been fun to experience that. I think you will get your GMT very soon.
Regarding declining a Daytona, I totally believe this and I think it happens all the time. If I were that wealthy to be that much of a VIP I wouldn’t bother. Think about it, if you could afford solid gold or platinum without batting an eye why on earth would you bother with stainless steel? Maybe it’s just me but there’s no way I would consider stainless steel.


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[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by 42itus

That’s a cool story. It must have been fun to experience that. I think you will get your GMT very soon.
Regarding declining a Daytona, I totally believe this and I think it happens all the time. If I were that wealthy to be that much of a VIP I wouldn’t bother. Think about it, if you could afford solid gold or platinum without batting an eye why on earth would you bother with stainless steel? Maybe it’s just me but there’s no way I would consider stainless steel.


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Thanks for reading Tom!

You’re right. I am not wealthy and for me SS is a lot more accessible than PM or even two tone.

When he said he wanted a SkyD, I mentioned that the SS blue one seems to be the one everyone is after, and he curiously said something like “really? I like the yellow gold one with champagne dial a lot more.”

So I agree with you.

To someone with that kind of money, maybe SS just isn’t a big deal.

I add that he is very respectful and polite by the way.

Not rude or condescending at all.


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[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I know some forum members and maybe even some mods will say my story is a lie, there is no way someone said no to a Daytona twice,

If I had been offered a Daytona twice I would have turned it down twice. I don't like it. Why would I buy something I don't like?

Last week I was offered a BLNR out of the safe. I turned it down. I want the BLRO and will wait my turn.

The "spend X to get Y" equation doesn't work once you introduce humans. We're complex and irrational. People form likes, dislikes, have good days and bad days.

I have an excellent relationship with a number of businesses who over the years have given me goods or services in exchange for money. Sometimes they have gone out of their way to help me, or appeared to. Inserting myself into their business operations as someone who is somehow special and needs most favoured status would say more about me than the seller. Businesses are in business to generate business.

People who are good at selling make every customer feel like the most special person who has ever walked in. This generates business.

[Little machines]

Nice story ! Thank you for sharing !

[Talbel]

I can echo the OP's experience. I have been a pretty loyal customer of my AD for about 7 years. I am not a big spender by their standards, but have probably spent about $50K - $60K or so over the years (a lot by my standards). I started with a Breitling, bought my wife some earrings and maybe a necklace. Bought an Omega, a JLC, a Datejust and a GMT over that time period. Plus I am sure a couple that I am forgetting. When I am in the area I stop in and say hi because I like the guy and we talk watches etc.. I have never asked for any hard to get watch or to be put on any type of "list". I was offered a Daytona and declined (not my thing). Then right before Christmas on 2018 he offered me a BLRO which I bought. Since then he has offered me a CHNR, a BLNR and a back dial Daytona (all of which I declined) For me the key is that I have been a loyal customer, he knows I will come to him if he carries the brand I am interested in and I have never asked him for any special favors. We have a relationship and he treats me well and for that I remain loyal. There was no plan, nothing was contrived he just provides good service and that keeps me coming back. Just my 2 cents

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Talbel

I can echo the OP's experience. I have been a pretty loyal customer of my AD for about 7 years. I am not a big spender by their standards, but have probably spent about $50K - $60K or so over the years (a lot by my standards). I started with a Breitling, bought my wife some earrings and maybe a necklace. Bought an Omega, a JLC, a Datejust and a GMT over that time period. Plus I am sure a couple that I am forgetting. When I am in the area I stop in and say hi because I like the guy and we talk watches etc.. I have never asked for any hard to get watch or to be put on any type of "list". I was offered a Daytona and declined (not my thing). Then right before Christmas on 2018 he offered me a BLRO which I bought. Since then he has offered me a CHNR, a BLNR and a back dial Daytona (all of which I declined) For me the key is that I have been a loyal customer, he knows I will come to him if he carries the brand I am interested in and I have never asked him for any special favors. We have a relationship and he treats me well and for that I remain loyal. There was no plan, nothing was contrived he just provides good service and that keeps me coming back. Just my 2 cents

Awesome


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[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Little machines

Nice story ! Thank you for sharing !

Welcome!


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[ToyotaMoe]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Jesus. I’ve read it twice now. A lot of lessons to be learned. I’ve only started a relationship with a salesperson with my local AD as I’m fairly new to the hobby. My coworker introduced me to her a month ago as I was looking for a YM 40mm blue dial. He has purchased a few watches from her. She said she can get it and I pulled the trigger instantly. We actually stopped by the AD during lunch today just because we were bored and gave her a heads up that we were coming by. She greeted us both by our names and we just talked about watches for 30min. Second time I’ve met her but it felt like we knew each other for years. I feel that’s how you start a relationship and down the line I might be offered a hot watch (after a few purchases of course). You have to start somewhere. Getting on the forums and crying about not getting the hottest watch out there only side tracks your relationship building with that AD.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by ToyotaMoe

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Jesus. I’ve read it twice now. A lot of lessons to be learned. I’ve only started a relationship with a salesperson with my local AD as I’m fairly new to the hobby. My coworker introduced me to her a month ago as I was looking for a YM 40mm blue dial. He has purchased a few watches from her. She said she can get it and I pulled the trigger instantly. We actually stopped by the AD during lunch today just because we were bored and gave her a heads up that we were coming by. She greeted us both by our names and we just talked about watches for 30min. Second time I’ve met her but it felt like we knew each other for years. I feel that’s how you start a relationship and down the line I might be offered a hot watch (after a few purchases of course). You have to start somewhere. Getting on the forums and crying about not getting the hottest watch out there only side tracks your relationship building with that AD.

Thanks for reading Moe. Sounds like you guys are off to a goood start! I hope all goes well

[illiguy]

No surprises here. Spend a lot, don’t flip, and actually like watches. I assume the first factor is most important.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by illiguy

No surprises here. Spend a lot, don’t flip, and actually like watches. I assume the first factor is most important.

I think the “actually like watches” factor is overlooked

Also, when people say “spend a lot” I never knew what they meant

Now I feel like it means “spend a ton”

But I guess that’s relative

[ratty]

I’ve turned down new SS Daytonas.

In one day about three or four years ago I was offered a white dial watch, I already have one and didn’t want two, and a black dial watch. These were both 116520s and I thing the sub dials on the black dial version is a bit too bright for me. I was offered the watches at different ADs. I had bought a WG Daytona at one of these ADs previously, but nothing at the other. I think the new ceramic version had just come out and everyone wanted one of those.

It’s easy to say that I should have bought both and just sold them for a profit, but I didn’t want to do this for various reasons.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by ratty

I’ve turned down new SS Daytonas.

In one day about three or four years ago I was offered a white dial watch, I already have one and didn’t want two, and a black dial watch. These were both 116520s and I thing the sub dials on the black dial version is a bit too bright for me. I was offered the watches at different ADs. I had bought a WG Daytona at one of these ADs previously, but nothing at the other. I think the new ceramic version had just come out and everyone wanted one of those.

It’s easy to say that I should have bought both and just sold them for a profit, but I didn’t want to do this for various reasons.

I believe you. And yes, you would’ve maybe ruined the relationship.


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[ratty]

Originally Posted by ratty

I’ve turned down new SS Daytonas.

In one day about three or four years ago I was offered a white dial watch, I already have one and didn’t want two, and a black dial watch. These were both 116520s and I thing the sub dials on the black dial version is a bit too bright for me. I was offered the watches at different ADs. I had bought a WG Daytona at one of these ADs previously, but nothing at the other. I think the new ceramic version had just come out and everyone wanted one of those.

It’s easy to say that I should have bought both and just sold them for a profit, but I didn’t want to do this for various reasons.

I would also say that I rang the AD who I bought the gold Daytona from at 10am on the day that the new ceramic Daytona was announced and asked to be put on the list for a black dial version. I think that was 2015 and I hold that I was second on the list. I’ve yet to hear from them!

As someone said on this thread, I suspect that someone has to be either famous or spends lots of money regularly to get any sort of favours at most ADs.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by ratty

I would also say that I rang the AD who I bought the gold Daytona from at 10am on the day that the new ceramic Daytona was announced and asked to be put on the list for a black dial version. I think that was 2015 and I hold that I was second on the list. I’ve yet to hear from them!

As someone said on this thread, I suspect that someone has to be either famous or spends lots of money regularly to get any sort of favours at most ADs.

Have you continued to buy since?
If not sadly you’ll likely always have a VIP ahead of you .

[MRPWRPATX21]

I can guarantee you that relationships matter...doesn’t mean you automatically get a Daytona if you are friends with an AD, but it goes so much farther than you think- like a lot in life.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by MRPWRPATX21

I can guarantee you that relationships matter...doesn’t mean you automatically get a Daytona if you are friends with an AD, but it goes so much farther than you think- like a lot in life.

As I near the end of my twenties, one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is the value of relationships (not with ADs but in other things in life)

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

As I near the end of my twenties, one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is the value of relationships (not with ADs but in other things in life)

^^^ relationships matter

Good to read your story and I hope you land your GMT very soon

As a side note, there are ADs that cater to the enthusiast. I am by no means a big spender like Mr. Watch, but my AD has provided me with every reference I’ve ever inquired about.

Like Mr. Watch, I turned down the Daytona and I also declined the SkyDweller as well. Both just didn’t suit my eye and I think my AD respects that and he knows I’m just a watch lover.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by brandrea

^^^ relationships matter

Good to read your story and I hope you land your GMT very soon

As a side note, there are ADs that cater to the enthusiast. I am by no means a big spender like Mr. Watch, but my AD has provided me with every reference I’ve ever inquired about.

Like Mr. Watch, I turned down the Daytona and I also declined the SkyDweller as well. Both just didn’t suit my eye and I think my AD respects that and he knows I’m just a watch lover.

The “I’m just a watch lover” message has been hard for me to deliver as I am always met with sales people that don’t care for watches.

Good on you for turning down watches you don’t want, and thanks for the comment


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[Jonah10]

In most cases it takes a spending ton of money to get treatment like that. In my personal experience I have referred many customers, so now I get treatment like that. It also has to do a lot with the fact about how nice I am to everyone there and they like. I never ask for coffee or water, never really ask for anything.

In the end it’s all about sales, you have to bring in money. You can do it by referring or spending, then you will get preferred treatment.


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[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Jonah10

In most cases it takes a spending ton of money to get treatment like that. In my personal experience I have referred many customers, so now I get treatment like that. It also has to do a lot with the fact about how nice I am to everyone there and they like. I never ask for coffee or water, never really ask for anything.

In the end it’s all about sales, you have to bring in money. You can do it by referring or spending, then you will get preferred treatment.


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Referring customers that buy a lot and being polite does sound like a great idea to me.


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[Moondoggy]

Have been offered a Daytona, Pepsi etc endless times, not for me, been a conservative buyer for 25 years (still have all my watches) they respect that and I respect them, pretty simple really.

Good people and things can be found if you look.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Have been offered a Daytona, Pepsi etc endless times, not for me, been a conservative buyer for 25 years (still have all my watches) they respect that and I respect them, pretty simple really.

Good people and things can be found if you look.

I like what you say about “good people.”

Honestly I’m more excited to learn from my new friend than I am about the watch.

He’s a good guy and I’m glad I met him.


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[iTreelex]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Have been offered a Daytona, Pepsi etc endless times, not for me, been a conservative buyer for 25 years (still have all my watches) they respect that and I respect them, pretty simple really.

Good people and things can be found if you look.

This +100. Thanks for sharing OP. It's easy, drop a ton of cash and of course they will cater to you. Unfortunately money talks in this kind of hobby but good for Mr. Watch and his salesperson that they actually like watches.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by iTreelex

This +100. Thanks for sharing OP. It's easy, drop a ton of cash and of course they will cater to you. Unfortunately money talks in this kind of hobby but good for Mr. Watch and his salesperson that they actually like watches.

I’m pretty sure you’re right.

I just figure if there are other people dropping tons of cash at the same AD, maybe the other 4 factors come into play to separate you from the rest.


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[LF1925]

Thank you for sharing this. Love the story woven within about the importance of relationships and how a little courtesy and respect sometimes is one of the best forms of currency someone can have.

Even if you're unable to secure a watch near term, you've got a fantastic intro to a long standing relationship with a AD.

[joli160]

Story makes sense, if you buy a ring of 70K you are a preferred customer.
Nice that you get to ride along.

It’s not strange to say no to a Daytona.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by LF1925

Thank you for sharing this. Love the story woven within about the importance of relationships and how a little courtesy and respect sometimes is one of the best forms of currency someone can have.

Even if you're unable to secure a watch near term, you've got a fantastic intro to a long standing relationship with a AD.

You’re welcome and thank you for reading.

As I mentioned, it was a great experience. We’ll see what happens.




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