Finding a Rolex in the Baltimore-DC-NoVa Region

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Gab27

There's really no way to predict it, but they are generally pretty difficult for new buyers to get. If you definitely want the Sub, the question is how much time and effort you wish to invest in getting it from an AD versus getting it elsewhere. I chose the elsewhere option.

I've gone back and forth. I'd pay a small premium to get one now, but not nearly double msrp. I want one, but don't have the money or stomach for that. Also, if I was willing to spend 13k plus I'm already approaching another level and may as well consider other brands.

Tourneau had a 2014 Sub date and their price tag was 14,500. I said " shave off 5k and I'll buy it right now."

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by zewill

A apart from the fact that your collection has tripled in value, where is the good? [. . .]

I did say take the good with the bad, and seemed like I was implying the “good” was the tripling in value. I guess the other good is that Rolex is making some of the best watches they’ve ever made.

But the entirety of the bad is the AD experience. So I’ve moved my old watches for new ones, figuring the premium on the unexpected appreciation covers the current premium from market demand — nothing lost nothing gained, so to speak.

[mcch2233]

If you are interested in other brands that the ADs stock, then buying a few of the more readily available ones will help you to establish an actual purchase history and get you into more real consideration.

However, if all you really have your eye on is a sub, then that'll be a much harder one to get as your first at any AD.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by mcch2233

If you are interested in other brands that the ADs stock, then buying a few of the more readily available ones will help you to establish an actual purchase history and get you into more real consideration.

However, if all you really have your eye on is a sub, then that'll be a much harder one to get as your first at any AD.

I'm not really in position to buy multiple watches. I have the cash set aside for a Sub and that's it. If no one will "permit" me to buy one after a year or so I'll just choose a different brand and model.

On several threads here I've seen folks suggest people in my position shouldn't complain because the market is the market, that's how capitalism works, etc. I respect that opinion. I also think not wanting to pay significantly over retail is a reasonable principle to stand by. If I'm not allowed to buy a Rolex from an AD or directly from Rolex, then I can't really do anything about that.

With that said, I AM handsome and charming, so who knows maybe that alone will get me something with one of these ADs here. Maybe next time I'll bring in one of my very cute kids and say "look at this guy, he'll receive this watch one day!"

[mcch2233]

Totally with you on not wanting to pay over retail! When it comes down to it, these are luxury goods that nobody really needs, so it's not a big deal if you can't get one.

I'm in that boat for a BLRO right now. Especially since the SA that I had gotten a few things from is no longer working at the AD I frequent, I feel like it's a bit of a pipe dream to get one at retail.. if it does happen then I'll be over the moon, but if it doesn't then I'm OK with that.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I've gone back and forth. I'd pay a small premium to get one now, but not nearly double msrp. I want one, but don't have the money or stomach for that. Also, if I was willing to spend 13k plus I'm already approaching another level and may as well consider other brands.

Tourneau had a 2014 Sub date and their price tag was 14,500. I said " shave off 5k and I'll buy it right now."

You can find used ones for way less than $14,500...if you are talking about one that has seen a decent bit of wear time or has been noted to be cosmetically refinished (and let's be real...almost all these used ones are), closer to the $10,000-ish mark is easily doable. It's still a premium and premiums are never fun, but I was in your situation where I absolutely wanted a Sub and so a few thousand over wasn't the end of the world for me to get the watch I wanted. You could try ADs for a few months while simultaneously keeping an eye on the used market?

[Cwillis0001]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I
Tourneau had a 2014 Sub date and their price tag was 14,500. I said " shave off 5k and I'll buy it right now."

For 14K you can get WAY more watch than a 7 year old used Submariner.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Cwillis0001

For 14K you can get WAY more watch than a 7 year old used Submariner.

Shhh

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by beshannon

My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

Maybe this was his way of explaining the wait times

[Cwillis0001]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Shhh

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Maybe this was his way of explaining the wait times

No, he was showing a pre-owned piece, they have 15 cases of air

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No, he was showing a pre-owned piece, they have 15 cases of air

I was joking. I hope. SAs say the darnedest things...

[Cwillis0001]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I was joking. I hope. SAs say the darnedest things...

And you know a lot of people believe it. Let's face it, most prospective Rolex customers who walk into the jewelry store at the mall aren't die hard watch enthusiasts who are up on the kind of minutiae that we discuss here and other forums.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Gab27

You can find used ones for way less than $14,500...if you are talking about one that has seen a decent bit of wear time or has been noted to be cosmetically refinished (and let's be real...almost all these used ones are), closer to the $10,000-ish mark is easily doable. It's still a premium and premiums are never fun, but I was in your situation where I absolutely wanted a Sub and so a few thousand over wasn't the end of the world for me to get the watch I wanted. You could try ADs for a few months while simultaneously keeping an eye on the used market?

Oh I knew it was a steep price. I actually pulled up watchrecon to prove my point. I don't mind paying a couple bucks on top (maybe 1500 max) but for my one and only Rolex I want it to be new, I don't want to pay a premium for a 10-15 year old watch that may need a service, etc. I want that NIB experience. I know it's a lot to ask, Rolex. Not only do I want you to let me pay you way too much money, but I want it to be a special experience for me as well.

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

With that said, I AM handsome and charming, so who knows maybe that alone will get me something with one of these ADs here.

If you're ALREADY handsome and charming, I'm not sure I want you to get that Sub!!

I'm just thinking of the damage you'll be doing to the ladies, every time you're walking by!!!!

[JeanGenie]

So funny thing. I went back to Tiny Jewelbox to chat again and I mentioned I'd go for a plain DateJust on oyster if they could order one (this is because he told me 36mm DJs can still be ordered to spec with an 8-12 week lead time). Turns out someone had ordered one and chosen not to buy it for whatever reason. I snagged it! Seems it was meant to be.

Not sure a single DJ will get me a Sub, but I did meet the store owner and they assured me they'd get me one and it wouldn't take years. Could mean anything but whatever this is my first new Rolex ever!

[Gab27]

Congrats! Looks good!

[dannyp]

Nice pickup! Can't tell from the lighting, is that blue or black dial?

Either way, size looks spot on; I'll be curious if you find the Sub too big when your number is finally up.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Nice pickup! Can't tell from the lighting, is that blue or black dial?

Either way, size looks spot on; I'll be curious if you find the Sub too big when your number is finally up.

It's black. The sunburst is subtle but really is gorgeous and can take on a bluish grey. I prefer it to the previous lacquered dials.

So while I have skinny wrists I'm actually 6'3 and have bigger upper arms. I can really wear any size, though I don't like anything above 42 aesthetically. The close up wrist shot is deceiving.

[Hillg2784]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Yeah that's what I'm wondering. And Fairfax county Virginia is one of the richest in the country. Way above my league that's for sure. We'll see if they're just giving me the stock response that "they'll take care of me" or if they'll really give me a shot at something.

I'll update this thread if and when it ever happens!

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

I’m in the same area you are and I had no luck at Tysons are anywhere around the beltway. They all basically told me “good luck” your not an established client and that since I don’t own a Rolex my chances are even slimmer.

I have been dealing with place north of me in Pa, about 2 hours from me. She has been wonderful and in the three months dealing with her she has called me on two pieces that were not really on my list, TT CHNR and a DJ. With that I fee there is hope I will get what I want sooner then later.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Hillg2784

I’m in the same area you are and I had no luck at Tysons are anywhere around the beltway. They all basically told me “good luck” your not an established client and that since I don’t own a Rolex my chances are even slimmer.

I have been dealing with place north of me in Pa, about 2 hours from me. She has been wonderful and in the three months dealing with her she has called me on two pieces that were not really on my list, TT CHNR and a DJ. With that I fee there is hope I will get what I want sooner then later.

Tyson's is a nightmare because of your competition in that area specifically - the gov contractor sprawl and ALL those guys want subs.

Stick with it - I'm curious to see where this DJ gets me. I made a comment I can wait a year or two for a Sub and the store owner replied: "you won't have to wait a year." We chatted vintage Rolex for a while so hopefully I doing what I need to establish myself as a "worthy" client. Time will tell...at least in the meantime I'll watching it tick by on this DJ.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

It's black. The sunburst is subtle but really is gorgeous and can take on a bluish grey. I prefer it to the previous lacquered dials.

So while I have skinny wrists I'm actually 6'3 and have bigger upper arms. I can really wear any size, though I don't like anything above 42 aesthetically. The close up wrist shot is deceiving.

I'm similar, 6'1 w/wrists slightly disproportionately skinny (still 7'' though). But I traded a 40mm for a 36 recently and have found I prefer this size in every way. In fact, for my next purchase I'm eyeing an OP34 in silver...

The 40 looked fine on me but I just found myself preferring this size after wearing for, I don't know, like an hour, lol.

Edit: I’m also the guy who recently found his wife’s Cartier Santos midsize TT quartz (not worn since she got a Rolex, lol) and said “oh, yea, I could see myself wearing that from time to time.”

[911991]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

My experience is they all have great customer service and friendly. Tourneau got me a DSSD JC in about 2 months. Tiny Jewelbox did a cleaning on my Sub, there is a store in Montgomery Mall that is related to Lillenquist I believe, and they are very friendly, they made several bracelet adjustments for me, and recently installed a Rubber B on my Sub. I offered the guy some money and he would not accept it, but said please come back if you need anything else. But sadly as mentioned above inventory is nil. There is also a Rolex AD in downtown Fredrick Md.

[911991]

Tiny Jewel Box moved to a nicer store with more room

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by CJ703

Have a buddy that was able to get a BLRO from the Tourneau Pentagon City back in Dec 2020. He established a relationship with their manager and didn’t necessarily have purchase history himself, but did refer quite a few people (around 6 or so) who purchased other non-Rolex brands. Said he waited about 4months. Of course, I find out about his relationship with Tourneau only after I got impatient with searching the local ADs and picked up a yachtmaster from one of the sellers I found here on TRF that’s local (great experience btw, and couldn’t be happier). Hope tourneau is able to come through for you!

Just think of all the people a store manager has to put up with that want to be his BFF.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

So funny thing. I went back to Tiny Jewelbox to chat again and I mentioned I'd go for a plain DateJust on oyster if they could order one (this is because he told me 36mm DJs can still be ordered to spec with an 8-12 week lead time). Turns out someone had ordered one and chosen not to buy it for whatever reason. I snagged it! Seems it was meant to be.

Not sure a single DJ will get me a Sub, but I did meet the store owner and they assured me they'd get me one and it wouldn't take years. Could mean anything but whatever this is my first new Rolex ever!

This is a fantastic reference, my favorite in the entire Rolex lineup. I hope you wear it in happiness and health, and that your first choice Sub comes in before long. In the meantime, well done!

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

This is a fantastic reference, my favorite in the entire Rolex lineup. I hope you wear it in happiness and health, and that your first choice Sub comes in before long. In the meantime, well done!

Thank you!! I agree 100%. It was dumb luck this was the configuration that someone else ordered and didn't want (the original customer thought it was too small smh). I am really blown away by the dial too- rolex knocked the brush technique out of the park.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Thank you!! I agree 100%. It was dumb luck this was the configuration that someone else ordered and didn't want (the original customer thought it was too small smh). I am really blown away by the dial too- rolex knocked the brush technique out of the park.

Agreed, and it’s amazing to me how sporty a DJ can look when you go smooth bezel and oyster bracelet. You got super lucky and got a GREAT Rolex right off the bat and made headway building a solid relationship with an AD. You’re in great shape, just be patient and you’ll get your Sub (and more, if you want it). It’s just a matter of patience and following up with the AD in a friendly way from time to time in the coming months. Keep us posted!

[Cwillis0001]

I got really lucky at Tysons. Waited about 6 weeks for a no date Submariner. I happened to be wearing a work related tee shirt that the sales guy asked about and long story short we ended up talking about my stupid job and for whatever reason he thought it was kind of cool and a month and a half later he called me. You never know what's going to happen.

[DC116710LN]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

So funny thing. I went back to Tiny Jewelbox to chat again and I mentioned I'd go for a plain DateJust on oyster if they could order one (this is because he told me 36mm DJs can still be ordered to spec with an 8-12 week lead time). Turns out someone had ordered one and chosen not to buy it for whatever reason. I snagged it! Seems it was meant to be.

Not sure a single DJ will get me a Sub, but I did meet the store owner and they assured me they'd get me one and it wouldn't take years. Could mean anything but whatever this is my first new Rolex ever!

Congrats! An all-time classic that will serve you well for years to come