AD or Grey Market for Explorer II?

[DD58]

Originally Posted by amh

Yeah never wear your Grey-purchased watches to the AD - only the Omega you bought while climbing the mythical Relationship Ladder!

It’s sad I didn’t even think about it we were out and near the AD and I always stop in to chat and see new stock. I mean 2 1/2 years on a waiting list of course I’m going to go gray and I paid retail minus shipping and insurance.


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[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

Gorgeous piece, well done mate, one of my favourite watches

Thanks

[amh]

Originally Posted by DD58

It’s sad I didn’t even think about it we were out and near the AD and I always stop in to chat and see new stock. I mean 2 1/2 years on a waiting list of course I’m going to go gray and I paid retail minus shipping and insurance.
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I wore one of my grey watches to the AD. SA came over and feigned shock: "I would have helped you get that .... if only had had known you wanted it!"

[Mr Ben]

I went grey and haggled - watch was 4 days old BNIB, unsized from a bricks and mortar store and came with everything including original AD purchase receipt.

Premium was minimal and I’m pretty sure by the time I’d got it from the AD, I’d have paid more with ongoing MSRP rises than I did. Also got it the day I went to see it instead of messing around for a year or two. Been enjoying it for months now instead of waiting!

The grey dealer had good coffee and even texted me after a week to see how the fit was working or whether I wanted it tweaked. I found it a considerably better experience than being told to buy a load of Silverware and crap in an AD while they asked how I expected them to allocate me a watch when I had no purchase history for them to measure me on. I look forward to telling them where they can stick it if they ever do call!

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Hedge your bet.

Go grey for now.

If the AD calls you that it is available, pick it up and cash out one of them. If you make a bit of money great. If you lose a bit consider it the rental fee you paid to have the watch on your arm right now

This is exactly what I did. Went gray, got on a list, got the call 18 months later, flipped out of the grey to a wonderful seller here, and got a brand new watch at the AD.




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[Know1isgod]

Wore my grey 114060 to AD who said "I don't blame you" (quietly of course). It was Rolex Serviced in 2022 so I felt the premium was worth the extra cost. I hated going grey but after 3 years of waiting, life is too short.

[Pinchy]

The EX2 for some inexplicable reason is actually quite rare. So no matter your spending history, it can take a LOT of time for the AD to get for you. Also inexplicably, the secondary price doesn't reflect this reality, so I'd say this is one of those pieces thats actually better to get grey.

You don't pay much premium for a very hard to get watch. Honestly, for many ADs, a pepsi could be delivered much sooner than an EX2.

[911_3.6]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Hedge your bet.

Go grey for now.

If the AD calls you that it is available, pick it up and cash out one of them. If you make a bit of money great. If you lose a bit consider it the rental fee you paid to have the watch on your arm right now

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Ultimately, it’s the OP’s decision, but given the current market, you could go with the gray market and get it now. The purchasing experience from an AD can be memorable, especially it it’s your first Rolex, but nobody can predict when you may get the call.

Good luck!

[larsd4]

I got the bug on the Explorer II and went to my AD. I've previously bought two Datejusts from them over 10 years, so a little history, not much. Salesman explained the process of going on a waiting list and they had a working model they couldn't sell, only show to customers like me. 10 days later, they got a call offering me the demo unit, which was stickered and fully new. I bought it. Not sure what changed in 10 days.

[pa1113]

Originally Posted by amh

This one, definitely grey. Available at minimal difference vs AD.

^^^ this!


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[B2 Stealth]

Go Grey Now! Enjoy that beauty! I have a Polar and it's my daily! Really enjoy the look and comfort. Rolex last true tool watch!

[Sunny Arizona]

My two semi local ADs are in Aspen and Vail. Both 100 miles away. They always have watches for “locals”. Strangely they consider me local but I’ll take it.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Sunny Arizona

My two semi local ADs are in Aspen and Vail. Both 100 miles away. They always have watches for “locals”. Strangely they consider me local but I’ll take it.

Not for Patek anymore!


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[yankeeromeo]

I think when it's so close to RRP just go get it now

[TudorDXB]

The EXP II polar dial is currently at or below retail and black dial is certainly below retail in the secondary market. Get a nice new full set (with a 2023 card) and you will be grand

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by TudorDXB

The EXP II polar dial is currently at or below retail and black dial is certainly below retail in the secondary market. Get a nice new full set (with a 2023 card) and you will be grand

This is totally right. The A.D. “experience” is not worth waiting 6 to 12 months for.


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[Big Kahuna 0311]

I was able to buy my Explorer II black dial (at an AD) this past Fathers Day 2023 after a 1.5 year wait. So there is hope.

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve seen two recent Explorer II’s sell for $8500 on Moda in the last week. Imwould think getting one from AD shouldn’t be that hard but of course will vary regionally.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by travisb

Prices on the Exp2 are not much over retail in the secondary market. Stop waiting, get it, enjoy it.


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This

[John Doyle]

Best steel watch Rolex makes along with the exp 1 - I never buy grey but in your case I would 100% do it as opposed to waiting forever. They should not be that hard to get at retail anymore so if they make you wait a lot, go grey!

[GotRolex]

Try it at AD. Buy it at grey.


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[kkqd1337]

I am also waiting for an Exp II, but white dial. I also think the AD has forgotten me.

But for me - I am in no rush. I don't mind waiting another 12, 24, 36, 48 months.

As a non expert watch buyer, I personally worry about buying a watch (especially Rolex) on the secondary market that has been meddled with in some way, and (for me) what is a significant purchase I prefer the reassurance of buying from AD. I suppose I would consider buying from a dealer with an excellent reputation but then I would expect to pay extra for that and wouldn't want to pay much over retail.

But as others have said there is a lot to be said for the 'moment is now'.

Also - you mention 'AD' you should/or hope you have visited multiple ADs.

[PenDelicate]

One man on a lonely platform
One case sitting by his side
Two eyes staring cold and silent
Shows fear as he turns to hide