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Roger Lococco · 27 April 2018, 09:43 PM

Back from a one-month vacation where my wife had the patience to allow me to poke my head in Rolex ADs as we passed them. A few observations from a limited data set. No major surprises, but thought I'd share.

Inventory. At 14 of 15 ADs, the same essential inventory. As a blended average: both Explorer IIs, an Explorer I, maybe 1 - 2 Milgauss, an occasional Deep Sea.

At 1 AD (the Thai airport), a white Daytona, a black Daytona, a BLNR, a James Cameron, an SD43, a Hulk, a white Sea Dweller, and probably others that I didn't see or ask ask about.

Daytona waiting list. Quoted 6 - 10 year waiting list at almost every AD. Enough consistency that it almost seemed like a talking point, rather than necessarily reflecting reality. Was only invited to join the wait list at 1 -2 shops.

Service ethic. Caveat, I was stopping by ADs as an obvious tourist and asking if they had hard to find stainless steel models. Certainly not the type of customer that the ADs wanted to see. That said ...

A noticeable difference to me across countries and to some degree if the AD was a small business or part of a chain.

Best service, by far, was in the U.S. In short, the reps enjoyed talking about watches and hanging out. Obviously enjoyed the service in Thailand at the airport. The rep opened the Rolex catalogue and pointed out the difficult to find models he had available. Entire transaction to buy the white Daytona took 5 minutes and all his hard to find watches were in caskets and fully stickered.

Attentive, but in some cases somewhat terse service in Switzerland. Polite, but in a few shops it was clear they didn't want to spend much time chatting even though they weren't busy in general. One exception in Laussane, which was genuine even though they didn't have an interesting inventory.

Really didn't enjoy the 'experience' in the Netherlands ADs I visited. Double secure door security and a general sense that they simply wanted me to go away as soon as I asked about stainless steel models. In a few cases, unprofessional.

Overall, better service at small businesses than at the larger chains.

Conclusion. ADs are in a tough spot and for the most part I was wasting their time by asking for models they didn't have and probably knew that I knew they were unlikely to have or be able to sell to me. In that regard, I was impressed with the U.S. ADs. The highlight of the trip clearly was the unexpected treasure trove at the first AD I visited on the way through Bangkok.

dmash · 27 April 2018, 09:52 PM

Nice find! The airports are gold mines if you catch them at the right time. Your collection is looking pretty good with that white-black-blue dial combo

Roger Lococco · 28 April 2018, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmash

Nice find! The airports are gold mines if you catch them at the right time. Your collection is looking pretty good with that white-black-blue dial combo

Thanks for noticing! I love dials that pop. I'd like to add the new Pepsi, but at the same time had hoped to keep to a 3-watch collection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by codecow

What percentage offered you a choice of beverage? Out of those, were any colas offered? Out of the colas how many were offered with ice?

Only in the U.S. stores.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiboy

Interesting read, thanks! You got a SS Daytona at MSRP at an airport AD? I am never sure when it's an Asian AD whether they have tacked on their "market premium" or not. Either way, beautiful piece!

No markups. He was quoting prices that were printed in the Rolex catalog he had. I couldn't resist asking for a discount for the white Daytona as a joke.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap1

I would have cleared that thai AD out

I wish that I had bought the black Daytona too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by liuk3

Visit 15 ADs, and you didn't come home with anything? ;-)

Just the white Daytona :). And I had an SD43 already waiting for me in the U.S.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yxc145

I did not know there is a white sea dweller...

So did you pick up the Daytonas in the Thai airport?

Jet lagged today from a long flight back and can't edit the original post. The white SD was meant to be the Sky Dweller. Very beautiful watch btw. It was sitting out in his display.

I picked up the white Daytona :).

Bigblu10 · 27 April 2018, 09:54 PM

So how does this speak for the brand overall? Not good I would imagine. Is this the brainchild of the CEO? I believe if this was any other company he would be on the hot seat or on his way out.

watchwatcher · 27 April 2018, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

So how does this speak for the brand overall? Not good I would imagine. Is this the brainchild of the CEO? I believe if this was any other company he would be on the hot seat or on his way out.

True...but with Rolex, he's probably getting a raise and/or a bonus.

codecow · 27 April 2018, 09:58 PM

What percentage offered you a choice of beverage? Out of those, were any colas offered? Out of the colas how many were offered with ice?

Chiboy · 27 April 2018, 09:58 PM

Interesting read, thanks! You got a SS Daytona at MSRP at an airport AD? I am never sure when it's an Asian AD whether they have tacked on their "market premium" or not. Either way, beautiful piece!

tomilg · 27 April 2018, 10:27 PM

I live in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and we have 1 AD with multiple locations, I can't say enough about Ultrajewels. Their attentiveness and customer service are fantastic. Even when we told them we weren't buying, they were still happy to chat about watches.

They also will usually have a pretty good selection of stainless sport models. Last time I stopped in, I ended up with two complimentary shots of Tequila!!

themast · 27 April 2018, 10:28 PM

Thanks for the summary.

Just one note. If a shop is empty, I do not feel like "wasting their time" when I ask to check out a model that I know I am not going to buy. Actually, you may be doing them a favor by showing interest in the shop/merchandise to people outside the store.
This being said, if I am not serious about buying a product I never "waste" salespeople time in a busy shop.

colonelpurple · 27 April 2018, 10:32 PM

congrats on the Daytona
interesting notes
probably the average numbers per dealer you quote the same in London

busytimmy · 27 April 2018, 10:45 PM

Time to go to Thailand me thinks xD

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

AK797 · 27 April 2018, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Time to go to Thailand me thinks xD

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Not after Rolex read this, no more Rolexes going there till 2020 now.

superstarmar · 28 April 2018, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK797

Not after Rolex read this, no more Rolexes going there till 2020 now.

ap1 · 27 April 2018, 11:45 PM

I would have cleared that thai AD out

116710er · 28 April 2018, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap1

I would have cleared that thai AD out

I know right! Lol! I would then have every modern model that I want (except the Deep Sea...that's just too over the top for me)...oh, and I'd be broke.

ap1 · 28 April 2018, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 116710er

I know right! Lol! I would then have every modern model that I want (except the Deep Sea...that's just too over the top for me)...oh, and I'd be broke.

Carpe diem

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dwjez14 · 12 February 2019, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap1

I would have cleared that thai AD out

This here. Had I seen those watches I would have taken as many as they would have sold me

T01 · 27 April 2018, 11:57 PM

Interesting.

Royalex · 28 April 2018, 12:45 AM

I have never seen any Rolex sport models available at the Thai airport. Everytime I go to Suvanabhumi airport, I ask them about sports models. They just simply say not available and long waiting list. They may have the policy just to keep these models for foriegners.

tgoddu · 28 April 2018, 12:59 AM

Really cool! Thanks for Sharing!

liuk3 · 28 April 2018, 01:14 AM

Visit 15 ADs, and you didn't come home with anything? ;-)

glassdial · 28 April 2018, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liuk3

Visit 15 ADs, and you didn't come home with anything? ;-)

He picked off a white dial Daytona, I think thats pretty good.

Timrolexnl · 28 April 2018, 01:17 AM

Thanks for Sharing!

Quamby · 28 April 2018, 01:18 AM

I'll be flying to Munich en route to ski in Dolomites in January 2019. Anything at the Munich airport or in Munich? Thanks in advance

dmash · 28 April 2018, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quamby

I'll be flying to Munich en route to ski in Dolomites in January 2019. Anything at the Munich airport or in Munich? Thanks in advance

Let us get right on that, as I’m sure the stock will remain the same for the next 9 months.....oh not to mention an airport AD, that literally has the highest turnover.

Lol sorry, but seriously?

liuk3 · 28 April 2018, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmash

Let us get right on that, as I’m sure the stock will remain the same for the next 9 months.....oh not to mention an airport AD, that literally has the highest turnover.

Lol sorry, but seriously?

Quamby · 28 April 2018, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmash

Let us get right on that, as I’m sure the stock will remain the same for the next 9 months.....oh not to mention an airport AD, that literally has the highest turnover.

Lol sorry, but seriously?

Okay, so no shop worth visiting in Munich?

Navarino · 28 April 2018, 02:59 AM

Thanks for sharing.

I've seen a few of these Daytona stories this year where people just get super lucky at airport ADs, especially when traveling internationally. Looks like I need to start traveling overseas more and make time at the airport for AD visits!

Congrats on the white Daytona!

yxc145 · 28 April 2018, 03:55 AM

I did not know there is a white sea dweller...

So did you pick up the Daytonas in the Thai airport?

987fanatic · 11 February 2019, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

Thanks for sharing.

I've seen a few of these Daytona stories this year where people just get super lucky at airport ADs, especially when traveling internationally. Looks like I need to start traveling overseas more and make time at the airport for AD visits!

Congrats on the white Daytona!

A few years back I stopped by the Doha airport and they had 3 (!!!) Daytonas on display. Two black and one white. They said they had another one in the safe. This was around 2014, before the new Ceramic Daytonas were announced.

27 April 2018, 09:43 PM	#1
Roger Lococco "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Real Name: Roger Lococco Location: Asia Watch: 126719BLRO Pepsi Posts: 2,977	A few notes from visits to 15 ADs in 4 countries Back from a one-month vacation where my wife had the patience to allow me to poke my head in Rolex ADs as we passed them. A few observations from a limited data set. No major surprises, but thought I'd share. Inventory. At 14 of 15 ADs, the same essential inventory. As a blended average: both Explorer IIs, an Explorer I, maybe 1 - 2 Milgauss, an occasional Deep Sea. At 1 AD (the Thai airport), a white Daytona, a black Daytona, a BLNR, a James Cameron, an SD43, a Hulk, a white Sea Dweller, and probably others that I didn't see or ask ask about. Daytona waiting list. Quoted 6 - 10 year waiting list at almost every AD. Enough consistency that it almost seemed like a talking point, rather than necessarily reflecting reality. Was only invited to join the wait list at 1 -2 shops. Service ethic. Caveat, I was stopping by ADs as an obvious tourist and asking if they had hard to find stainless steel models. Certainly not the type of customer that the ADs wanted to see. That said ... A noticeable difference to me across countries and to some degree if the AD was a small business or part of a chain. Best service, by far, was in the U.S. In short, the reps enjoyed talking about watches and hanging out. Obviously enjoyed the service in Thailand at the airport. The rep opened the Rolex catalogue and pointed out the difficult to find models he had available. Entire transaction to buy the white Daytona took 5 minutes and all his hard to find watches were in caskets and fully stickered. Attentive, but in some cases somewhat terse service in Switzerland. Polite, but in a few shops it was clear they didn't want to spend much time chatting even though they weren't busy in general. One exception in Laussane, which was genuine even though they didn't have an interesting inventory. Really didn't enjoy the 'experience' in the Netherlands ADs I visited. Double secure door security and a general sense that they simply wanted me to go away as soon as I asked about stainless steel models. In a few cases, unprofessional. Overall, better service at small businesses than at the larger chains. Conclusion. ADs are in a tough spot and for the most part I was wasting their time by asking for models they didn't have and probably knew that I knew they were unlikely to have or be able to sell to me. In that regard, I was impressed with the U.S. ADs. The highlight of the trip clearly was the unexpected treasure trove at the first AD I visited on the way through Bangkok. __________________ 116500 Daytona White Dial 126710BLNR GMT II 126719BLRO Blue Dial Pepsi GMT II

27 April 2018, 09:58 PM	#7
Chiboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Chicago Watch: Daytona Posts: 5,549	Interesting read, thanks! You got a SS Daytona at MSRP at an airport AD? I am never sure when it's an Asian AD whether they have tacked on their "market premium" or not. Either way, beautiful piece! __________________ Datejust w/black Tapestry dial (1985) / Daytona (2016)

28 April 2018, 01:14 AM	#21
liuk3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,354	Visit 15 ADs, and you didn't come home with anything? ;-) __________________ "Appreciate your life!"

27 April 2018, 09:52 PM	#2
dmash Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: USA <> BKK Posts: 6,160	Nice find! The airports are gold mines if you catch them at the right time. Your collection is looking pretty good with that white-black-blue dial combo

27 April 2018, 09:54 PM	#4
Bigblu10 Banned Join Date: Jul 2017 Real Name: Jaime Location: Here Posts: 5,606	So how does this speak for the brand overall? Not good I would imagine. Is this the brainchild of the CEO? I believe if this was any other company he would be on the hot seat or on his way out.

27 April 2018, 09:58 PM	#6
codecow "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Louis Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: PP 5131R Posts: 5,149	What percentage offered you a choice of beverage? Out of those, were any colas offered? Out of the colas how many were offered with ice?

27 April 2018, 10:27 PM	#8
tomilg "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Tom Location: Sarasota, FL Watch: 5513, SD4K Posts: 462	I live in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and we have 1 AD with multiple locations, I can't say enough about Ultrajewels. Their attentiveness and customer service are fantastic. Even when we told them we weren't buying, they were still happy to chat about watches. They also will usually have a pretty good selection of stainless sport models. Last time I stopped in, I ended up with two complimentary shots of Tequila!!

27 April 2018, 10:28 PM	#9
themast "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: US Posts: 2,707	Thanks for the summary. Just one note. If a shop is empty, I do not feel like "wasting their time" when I ask to check out a model that I know I am not going to buy. Actually, you may be doing them a favor by showing interest in the shop/merchandise to people outside the store. This being said, if I am not serious about buying a product I never "waste" salespeople time in a busy shop.

27 April 2018, 10:32 PM	#10
colonelpurple 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: London Posts: 431	congrats on the Daytona interesting notes probably the average numbers per dealer you quote the same in London

27 April 2018, 10:45 PM	#11
busytimmy "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 3,745	Time to go to Thailand me thinks xD Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

27 April 2018, 11:45 PM	#14
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,508	I would have cleared that thai AD out

27 April 2018, 11:57 PM	#18
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,490	Interesting.

28 April 2018, 12:45 AM	#19
Royalex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Bangkok Posts: 762	I have never seen any Rolex sport models available at the Thai airport. Everytime I go to Suvanabhumi airport, I ask them about sports models. They just simply say not available and long waiting list. They may have the policy just to keep these models for foriegners.

28 April 2018, 12:59 AM	#20
tgoddu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Real Name: Batman Location: New England, USA Watch: 16600 Posts: 64	Really cool! Thanks for Sharing!

28 April 2018, 01:17 AM	#23
Timrolexnl "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Real Name: Tim Location: Holland Watch: Patek Posts: 177	Thanks for Sharing!

28 April 2018, 01:18 AM	#24
Quamby "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 307	I'll be flying to Munich en route to ski in Dolomites in January 2019. Anything at the Munich airport or in Munich? Thanks in advance

28 April 2018, 02:59 AM	#28
Navarino 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: USA Posts: 3,410	Thanks for sharing. I've seen a few of these Daytona stories this year where people just get super lucky at airport ADs, especially when traveling internationally. Looks like I need to start traveling overseas more and make time at the airport for AD visits! Congrats on the white Daytona!

28 April 2018, 03:55 AM	#29
yxc145 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Real Name: David Location: Chicago Watch: SkyD,JC, BLNR, Ex2 Posts: 1,578	I did not know there is a white sea dweller... So did you pick up the Daytonas in the Thai airport?

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