UK merchant recommendations

[exp90]

Hi all - I’m new both here and to Rolex - and have started to scout prices and general advice around buying new (via an AD) or from a reputable merchant. Primarily I’m looking at a 14060m or if viable, a 124060. An Explorer I is also of interest, but these two summarise it for now. What I’d like to ask is, are there any recommendations for merchants in the Uk, based on integrity/reputation, price point and communication? I’m not interested to buy into favour with an AD, so expect to buy grey. I recently stepped into a Bucherer store who implied getting a new Sub ND is unlikely, ever, and their prices for used looked high. They do, as I was informed, include a Rolex service, Rolex 2Y international warranty and full verification of the watch. I’m unsure of this is standard or worth the premium. Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Ranger67]

Hi, welcome to the Forum. The best experience I had from an AD was from Pragnell in Stratford upon Avon, they were very welcoming, unlike most others. They have other branches which I can’t comment on but maybe worth checking them out.

[exp90]

Originally Posted by Ranger67

Hi, welcome to the Forum. The best experience I had from an AD was from Pragnell in Stratford upon Avon, they were very welcoming, unlike most others. They have other branches which I can’t comment on but maybe worth checking them out.

Thanks appreciate the recommendation 👍

[exp90]

Any other recommendations?

[Miker86]

Never buy preowned from an AD, their prices are always miles too high.

In terms of reputable grey dealers I’ve always found Watches of Distinction prices to be very fair, with a very good reputation.

Honestly though whoever you go with preowned I would negotiate quite hard, with the state of the UK economy prices will continue to go down for a while yet IMO. Good luck.

[Mercmanr]

https://theluxurywatchcompany.com/
Try Charlie here, comes across a a really decent bloke with a good YouTube channel, always answers my questions honestly

[exp90]

Thanks both, very helpful. That also answered what I was querying about the preowned route via an AD.

[Wilco68]

I’m also from the UK & new to Rolex, although I did a significant amount of research about the products, company & market before ‘stepping in’.

On my first visit to my local AD I made sure I looked & sounded ‘the part’. Did not want to appear a tyre kicker. Made a big point of stating I wanted to deal on a local level.
Asked lots of questions about watches in the hole range, but was very specific about what I wanted when I left.

Also a factor at the moment in the UK is due to the cost of living crisis, many people are turning watches down when they get the call, so the AD’s are working through their lists quicker.

End result for me was picking up my new YM 4 weeks after my first meeting. On their list for three more models now too, & plan to build on the relationship with the SA who has been with AD for 12 years.

[Harry-57]

My understanding is that UK ADs tend to sell only to their local catchment area and well established customers, although this may vary. I know of one large London department store which sells Tudors nationwide, I don't know if that also applies to their Rolex sales.

On the grey front I recommend only using sellers who are well established, well known, and have physical locations. Because of the unfortunate economic strife the UK is currently experiencing, the chances of getting a Rolex from an AD, or for a good price from a grey are improving for those who are still formulate enough to be able to afford luxury goods.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by exp90

Hi all - I’m new both here and to Rolex - and have started to scout prices and general advice around buying new (via an AD) or from a reputable merchant. Primarily I’m looking at a 14060m or if viable, a 124060. An Explorer I is also of interest, but these two summarise it for now. What I’d like to ask is, are there any recommendations for merchants in the Uk, based on integrity/reputation, price point and communication? I’m not interested to buy into favour with an AD, so expect to buy grey. I recently stepped into a Bucherer store who implied getting a new Sub ND is unlikely, ever, and their prices for used looked high. They do, as I was informed, include a Rolex service, Rolex 2Y international warranty and full verification of the watch. I’m unsure of this is standard or worth the premium. Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Try Mike Wood @ the old watch shop I’m sure he had two of the watches mentioned plus he’s a great guy to deal with

[tommm]

Seconded on Pragnell. I’ve sourced 3 stainless steel Rolexes, 2 of which were sports in 2 years with zero previous spend.

The guy I know there says they get alot of subs. I reckon you’d get one in 6 months

[exp90]

Thanks a lot all for the advice. Certainly feel more confident to go the AD route having read the replies above!

[Swearengen]

I've bought from Mike Wood, well recommended.

I would also mention BQW and Official Watches, I've had good dealings with both.

Originally Posted by 996marty

Try Mike Wood @ the old watch shop I’m sure he had two of the watches mentioned plus he’s a great guy to deal with

[the_wristlist]

Regarding the Explorer 1 I walked into Harrods Rolex this Saturday just gone, Tried on an explorer and the SA kindly advised they had a brand new one out back for me to purchase. Im not from London and never brought anything from there before or had any relationship with them. I would definitely shop round different AD's.

[RJM25R]

Haywood Milton is a member on here and I’ve had several watches from him, he’s based in the north west with branches in and around Liverpool.

Very knowledgeable and helpful chap, and a pleasure.

https://www.miltonaires.com/

[exp90]

Small way of an update. So far have been advised by a few (large size) ADs that
1) OPs, DJs, AKs and Exp1s are fine as first watches, but forget being considered for Professional watches (eg Submariner) until at least one of the previous list are purchased
2) Waiting many years for a Sub is likely, unless I wanted to buy jewellery. Buying an OP and DJ is absolutely fine and quick however (not Exp1 with this AD)

I’m trying a variety of ADs, small and large, to see what they indicate. While it may be reasonable to get a lower cost Rolex ahead of a slightly more expensive but more sought after watch, it’s not reasonable whatsoever (IMO) to casually double/triple the cost of acquiring the desired watch as the per two points above. I get why the ADs are behaving like this though, they can keep their affluent active customers happy and dump the rest. When you look at the shop windows (exhibiting many brands, not just Rolex), it’s the Rolex windows that have the crowds, while IWC/Panerai/Omega etc have none (I love these brands fwiw!).