Buying Rolex/Tudor in Hong Kong in 2021

[joe123]

Hi guys,

I recently got interested in buying my first “real” watch. I got interested in the Rolex SS sports models. But of course realized quickly, that they are hard to get world wide, at least at market price.
Based in HK, I had a look of a few ADs (in Shatin and in TST) and they basically only had diamond and gold models as well as some women’s models available.

I saw Tudor also has models I’m interested in, such as the BB GMT or the Prince Day Date. However, I also just saw some other BB at these ADs and no Prince Day Date so not exactly what I want.

I had a look of that building with London Watch Company Pnf and others in Yau Ma Tei. However, it all looks a bit dubious to spend a lot of money on a luxury watch there.

I’m trying to understand the “game” now. I would be happy if some people based in HK could give some insights

ADs:
Are there any non gold/diamond Rolex models for men which are in less demand so might even be attainable at ADs? I did not see any Oyster Perpetual at the ADs I looked at, but also not at the grey/used dealers. What’s the deal with them?

Tudor: As I saw other BB, I guess it might be possible to find the GMT at some point? Is the Prince Day Date still sold through ADs, someone mentioned here on the forum that they are being phased out?

Grey dealers: I find it hard to trust them. At least the ones I saw (pnf, London watches) look like a shabby money exchange shop, do I really want to spend that much money there? Are they really new, or these shops buy 1-2 year old models, polish them a bit and sell for a profit?
I saw some dealers are advertising online, such as that JC-station, Phoenix watches or Montrez watches. Are they better or more trustworthy than those Yau Ma Tei sellers? (Higher chance of getting an actual legit brand new model)

Is there anything in between? I saw this “Wing Kong” watches on Nathan road in Mong Kong right next to a Luk Fook, which looks a bit nicer. Is that more safe than some of the more hidden grey dealers or rather the opposite?

[supernova]

The “game” is same world wide, and unfortunately HK is one of the Rolex capitals of the world so you will have near zero chance of getting any sports models as a new customer.

Your only chance of getting sports Rolex is to go grey and pay the premium. HK has a huge amount of grey shops, probably most for a city in world. Most are safe and genuine, even the shabby ones. Actually it’s usually the shabby ones which present the best deals, but I suggest you bring someone knowledgeable with you to negotiate and purchase, otherwise you may get scalped. I personally never seen any grey selling fake watches, only problem is some have crazy sticker prices and need to be negotiated.

Good luck!


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[joe123]

Thanks! I went to another AD today (just for Tudor). They actually had quite a selection of Prince models (with and without day and date).
I enquired about a BB GMT, which they said is out of stock. They wouldn't order it for me right away. I chatted a bit and tried on some watches and in the end they asked what GMT bracelet I would prefer and I wrote down my contact. If this was genuine or just a polite way to get me out of the store, I don't know.

I saw a few submariners at grey shops for only a bit above list price. However they probably are not really new.

[ks58]

Try to build the relationship with the AD and see what you need to do in order to get what you want.

[peterpl]

In HK some of the dingiest places sell watches worth $1M+

Your safe in HK if you buy from a reputable gray dealer even if his shop is in a alley on level 5 of a place that looks like it hasnt been cleaned for 10 years.

The grays in HK have every single model you could ever want. They will have multiples of whatever model and if they dont they will get it for you within the hour.

[joe123]

Originally Posted by peterpl

In HK some of the dingiest places sell watches worth $1M+

Your safe in HK if you buy from a reputable gray dealer even if his shop is in a alley on level 5 of a place that looks like it hasnt been cleaned for 10 years.

The grays in HK have every single model you could ever want. They will have multiples of whatever model and if they dont they will get it for you within the hour.

In terms of the watch itself being legit, probably yes. In terms of the watch being new, I'm wondering. I saw one submariner on display with Japanese papers from 2016. I doubt if its really unworn...

[S.Explorer]

Personally, I would treat every watch that doesn't come from the AD direct to me as used. You can still find used watches in great condition, just got to check the lugs, crown guards, etc.

[ThatSubGuy]

Forget getting a Rolex in Hong Kong.

Everything and I mean everything goes out at market price, even at AD's.

Don't listen to anyone outside of HK tell you any differently. You can't "build a relationship" in HK unless you plan on spending 6 figures. Even if you buy 3 diamond DJ, you will still only be able to buy a Sub at market price.

I was going to say good luck and have fun - yet there is no fun over there, so just good luck.

[TimepieceRPP]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

Forget getting a Rolex in Hong Kong.

Everything and I mean everything goes out at market price, even at AD's.

Don't listen to anyone outside of HK tell you any differently. You can't "build a relationship" in HK unless you plan on spending 6 figures. Even if you buy 3 diamond DJ, you will still only be able to buy a Sub at market price.

I was going to say good luck and have fun - yet there is no fun over there, so just good luck.

Agree, I have been in HK so many years and follow the forum in HK regarding Rolex. Unless you pay premium, bundles, great networks ( know the top management of the ADs), celebrities, ordinary people like me they won't give a shxt, or if you plan to spend millions u may have a chance, they don't care about relationships but monies.

[joe123]

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by joe123

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

You can buy a Tudor, maybe few weeks of wait..

Nobody cares about tudor tbh (harsh truth?)

[snyde]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

You can buy a Tudor, maybe few weeks of wait..

Nobody cares about tudor tbh (harsh truth?)

Dumb


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[TimepieceRPP]

Originally Posted by joe123

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

Same as PP or AP u may be aware of. AP maybe better, if u have strong background, like a professionals, CEO, they need your business card.

[ADINVA]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

Agree, I have been in HK so many years and follow the forum in HK regarding Rolex. Unless you pay premium, bundles, great networks ( know the top management of the ADs), celebrities, ordinary people like me they won't give a shxt, or if you plan to spend millions u may have a chance, they don't care about relationships but monies.

So true! Can't agree anymore! $$$ is all it counts to these ADs unfortunately. Unless you intend to buy numerous pieces before getting your prized watch, otherwise you are not going to be viewed any different from any Tom, Harry Dick walking into the shop.

[AuspiciousCat]

Hi Joe! I am not based in HK, but I have bought 2 watches from PnF, and as far as my experience, it was pleasant and friendly. I was a relatively newbie then, and I learned a lot about vintage pieces just by chatting with them. I would have no issues getting a 3rd watch from them if the opportunity arises.
I just want to comment on your hunt for the Tudor GMT (Pepsi). I have 3 friends who owns this model and all 3 had issues with the date wheel. Whether or not Tudor has already fixed this issue, I really don’t know. Having said that, I am a big Tudor fan and I have a BB58 as my daily, plus I have another Tudor incoming. I think some Tudor models are underrated, and offer great value.
I wish you good luck in your hunt, for me, the hunt is always more exciting than the kill.

[joe123]

Originally Posted by AuspiciousCat

Hi Joe! I am not based in HK, but I have bought 2 watches from PnF, and as far as my experience, it was pleasant and friendly. I was a relatively newbie then, and I learned a lot about vintage pieces just by chatting with them. I would have no issues getting a 3rd watch from them if the opportunity arises.
I just want to comment on your hunt for the Tudor GMT (Pepsi). I have 3 friends who owns this model and all 3 had issues with the date wheel. Whether or not Tudor has already fixed this issue, I really don’t know. Having said that, I am a big Tudor fan and I have a BB58 as my daily, plus I have another Tudor incoming. I think some Tudor models are underrated, and offer great value.
I wish you good luck in your hunt, for me, the hunt is always more exciting than the kill.

Thanks! I'll have a look at PnF again, at least to see a bit more before buying.
And yeah, you're absolutely right, researching and hunting is definitely a big part of the joy!

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by joe123

Hi guys,

I recently got interested in buying my first “real” watch. I got interested in the Rolex SS sports models. But of course realized quickly, that they are hard to get world wide, at least at market price.
Based in HK, I had a look of a few ADs (in Shatin and in TST) and they basically only had diamond and gold models as well as some women’s models available.

I saw Tudor also has models I’m interested in, such as the BB GMT or the Prince Day Date. However, I also just saw some other BB at these ADs and no Prince Day Date so not exactly what I want.

I had a look of that building with London Watch Company Pnf and others in Yau Ma Tei. However, it all looks a bit dubious to spend a lot of money on a luxury watch there.

I’m trying to understand the “game” now. I would be happy if some people based in HK could give some insights

ADs:
Are there any non gold/diamond Rolex models for men which are in less demand so might even be attainable at ADs? I did not see any Oyster Perpetual at the ADs I looked at, but also not at the grey/used dealers. What’s the deal with them?

Tudor: As I saw other BB, I guess it might be possible to find the GMT at some point? Is the Prince Day Date still sold through ADs, someone mentioned here on the forum that they are being phased out?

Grey dealers: I find it hard to trust them. At least the ones I saw (pnf, London watches) look like a shabby money exchange shop, do I really want to spend that much money there? Are they really new, or these shops buy 1-2 year old models, polish them a bit and sell for a profit?
I saw some dealers are advertising online, such as that JC-station, Phoenix watches or Montrez watches. Are they better or more trustworthy than those Yau Ma Tei sellers? (Higher chance of getting an actual legit brand new model)

Is there anything in between? I saw this “Wing Kong” watches on Nathan road in Mong Kong right next to a Luk Fook, which looks a bit nicer. Is that more safe than some of the more hidden grey dealers or rather the opposite?

Regarding the BB GMT, just go into a Tudor boutique and ask for it. A few weeks max wait time.

[joe123]

Little update:

Looked around a few ADs in the past week. I kind of don’t want Rolex anymore cause of the retail problem and I feel wearing a Rolex might be too flashy.

Anyway, enquired about the Tudor GMT at a few places. Sold out everywhere, but they were writing down my name and number at all places. Yesterday, I went to one AD, first SA said sold out, another person came and told me to wait, while they “check”. Then they got a GMT from the back. Said someone reserved it but didn’t pick it up.

I did not pull the trigger though, as it was nice but I’m not sure its the best I can get for this amount of money. Will think and research for a bit longer. I asked the SA about her green submariner, and she told me upfront I could not buy those for the original price...

[Lennxi]

Yes, good luck! HK is the worst place to buy rolex as rolex grey market started there. It is laughable when I hear to build a relationship with ADs. They are busy wholesaling their inventory to the grey market dealers. When they can bulk selling to the grey market, why they bother to build a relationship with you while you maybe buy 2 or 3 at most per year?
I have done quite a bit research of the hk rolex market, checked local grey market and Facebook market. Some of the models you might be able to negotiate for a good price for very little premium, but overall it is still pricy. So if you don't care spending a little bit more than the retail, go find a reputable grey market dealer or even find someone sell on FB privately. Stop wasting time because they ain't getting any cheaper while rolex increases the retail price every year. Also life is short, just get whatever while you can enjoy.