First Rolex: Please provide any advice/experience regarding picking up at AD

[Michaeli Paulo]

Hello,

Super new member here, but I’ve read much and learned a lot since joining. Thank you all for your wealth of experience and willingness to share.

I did several searches and read numerous threads on this, but I want to be sure I’ve covered all the bases.

I’ve visited three local Rolex AD’s and left my information with them for my first luxury watch, a Submariner. I realize I’ll have some wait time, and I’m using that time to be well prepared for “pickup day.”

I’d appreciate knowing what I should expect to happen on Pickup Day as well as what should not happen.

My biggest concern is possible damage during “sizing” by the AD, as I‘ve read the horror stories.

Also, wondering what I should receive regarding the full package.

In addition, any information on the importance of receiving the “hang tag” which seems randomly included or excluded.

Under the circumstances, considering the rarity of new Submariners at AD’s, I feel like bringing the AD an appreciation gift, like a box of candy or something. I’ve read about bringing champagne, but my wife and I no longer drink, so it might be kind of awkward if he were to pop the cork right then.

(God forbid he enjoys the bottle alone before taking my watch into the back for sizing!!)

Thank you in advance and please don’t hesitate to point me in the direction of an old thread on this topic which I may have missed.

I wish you all the best,

Michael

[huncho]

you're overthinking this. walk into the AD, get it sized, take the box and papers home and enjoy your watch

[Tom5518]

Originally Posted by huncho

you're overthinking this. walk into the AD, get it sized, take the box and papers home and enjoy your watch

This, exactly. I walked into the AD on the spur of the moment wearing my old stinky winter coat and $6 Walmart gray sweatpants and bought a Yachtmaster out of the case because it was pretty. It's not a big deal....

[jlovda]

Watch the Seinfeld episode of "Soup Nazi." I'll bet if you come in, stand silently with your credit card out, the owner will allow you to enter the store in the future to buy things.

[Blicky41]

Just relax and enjoy the buying experience.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[42itus]

They won’t damage anything but be sure to check everything before you go. Other than that, treat it like any kind of jewelry or high end purchase. No gifts.
Like others have said, you’re overthinking things. It’s just a watch.


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[timepiecegentleman]

First off, I've purchased dozens of watches at AD's and reading this just gave me anxiety. I'll go ahead and warn you now, KEEP IT SIMPLE. Quit reading into the forums too much and stressing yourself out. You are purchasing this watch for enjoyment but if you go in there as stressed out as you sound now, you're going to stress the salesman out and he WILL make a mistake. And you will surely never enjoy the timepiece if you're constantly worried about all the things that can go wrong. This is supposed to be a pleasant experience.

You will get a call, you answer and say you're on the way. Pay for the watch. Let them measure your wrist and they take a link or two out an then put it on. It's literally that simple.

FYI, you are eventually going to scratch it. It will get desk dives. You're definitely going to bump it into a desk or door like 10x a year at least. It's OK! It's a Rolex. It's made to handle it. I wear my watches to the gym for heaven sakes. I've bumped them on weights, dropped them out of my bags, wear them to bed, etc.

As far as contents: Inner Green Box, Outer Beige Box, Green Leather Warranty Card Holder, Warranty Card, Booklets, Green or Red Hangtag, White hangtag with Serial Number on it, and Bezel Protector.

Hope this eases your mind.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you all for your very kind replies!!!

You have certainly eased my mind! I am so stoked that this is finally happening, (I’ve wanted a Submariner my whole life and I’m turning 60 this year) so it seems so much bigger than walking into a store and buying a watch. I’ve done that plenty of times but never on this scale!

Honestly, I don’t think I would have been concerned about damage during sizing had I not read several threads here documenting it with cringeworthy photos.

My goal is to enjoy every part of this process; my wife and I already had a blast just visiting with the AD’s so far.

And I’m going to insure the watch immediately, so I can relax and wear it everyday and everywhere with peace of mind!!!

Thanks again!

Michael

[THC]

Drink decaf on your pickup day too

[OpusXIII]

An AD appreciation gift? Wow, this is your first rodeo, isn't it. That's the problem these days. The AD's know there are folks out there who will step and fetch to most any demand, etc. When, in reality, it should be the other way around. Who's spending the coin here? We are. The AD's should be giving 'us' the swag, courting our business, etc. Not the other way around. They are not doing us any favors, mind you. Most AD's don't lose any sleep over any one of us. That, I'm fairly certain.

[inadeje]

I can understand the excitement and overthinking. Back in the 80s I saved for a watch for months and, worked through the famous “pick up day” in my mind 10s of times until the big day came (and went) without much fanfare. Sadly, it gets less and less of an event as you get old ditto more watches. Hence, the replies you’re getting are underwhelming.

Make it an event, if its your first and an achievement, make it feel that way OP. Don’t listen to us long-timers who’ve lost their AD passion and, zeal for the event.

[MinMay]

No need for gift. If you want to thank them, then buy another watch or jewelry from them. That's how you win a business...not a box of candy or wine.

[Pw92676]

Go and enjoy. Thank the folks at your ad. Size it and walk out then go get a celebratory meal with your wife

[Scapegoat]

Don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the moment.

Not many of us gets to enjoy such a moment, when daily sustenance is already an issue.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thanks everyone! I feel better already and am ready for the call!!

[Investr]

Oh brother! Your picking up a watch not a newborn child. If u don’t trust an AD to size a watch u might want to re-think this purchase all together.

[Coolex]

While this is a big purchase for you it's nota big deal at all for them. Many of their clients will spend more with them in one purchase than you will in a lifetime. Don't worry about it. Treat it like yo9u're buying a cup of coffee.

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by Michaeli Paulo

Hello,

Super new member here, but I’ve read much and learned a lot since joining. Thank you all for your wealth of experience and willingness to share.

I did several searches and read numerous threads on this, but I want to be sure I’ve covered all the bases.

I’ve visited three local Rolex AD’s and left my information with them for my first luxury watch, a Submariner. I realize I’ll have some wait time, and I’m using that time to be well prepared for “pickup day.”

I’d appreciate knowing what I should expect to happen on Pickup Day as well as what should not happen.

My biggest concern is possible damage during “sizing” by the AD, as I‘ve read the horror stories.

Also, wondering what I should receive regarding the full package.

In addition, any information on the importance of receiving the “hang tag” which seems randomly included or excluded.

Under the circumstances, considering the rarity of new Submariners at AD’s, I feel like bringing the AD an appreciation gift, like a box of candy or something. I’ve read about bringing champagne, but my wife and I no longer drink, so it might be kind of awkward if he were to pop the cork right then.

(God forbid he enjoys the bottle alone before taking my watch into the back for sizing!!)

Thank you in advance and please don’t hesitate to point me in the direction of an old thread on this topic which I may have missed.

I wish you all the best,

Michael

You should be expecting a frenzy in the store because your AD would have received a shipment of Sports Models and phoned a number of customers to tell them so. I wouldn't be waiting by your phone. As to appreciation, a valid credit card will do. You are spending a heck of a lot of money for a stainless steel watch that likely didn't cost anything close to what you are paying to manufacture.

Have things come to the point where we are providing gifts for the privilege of spending thousands of dollars on a stainless steel watch? Gotta admit, Rolex has a heck of a marketing machine.

[DoctorA]

Congratulations on your near future purchase
Remember, you’re giving them your money so walk in and ask to see what’s available then decide on what you like and buy it!

[WatchLurv]

Sizing can be a nerve-racking moment. They can butcher the screw, but besides that, it's all good.

Show up, pay for it, let them size it (or go to your RSC and get it sized), and then you leave the shop after giving many thanks and showing a smile across your face.

Hang-tag is kept if the shop has a subpar way of keeping track of inventory. Ask for merchandise if you're cheeky.