Rolex AD and waiting list (UK)

[DPE]

Is this fair ? I thought when you put your name on a waiting list with a Rolex AD it meant you would be dealt with in turn. I went into my Rolex AD in Guildford, Surrey, UK. The AD is called Prestons. So almost 2 years ago I put my details on the list ready for a Daytona with a Black or White Face.

Today I called into the AD to ask where I am now on the waiting list ? The answer was this. "The Manager will decide on the list who she contacts. It is in No order of how long you have been on the list, she will decide".

If they expect Loyality, then they should also give it back. I was also going to buy a Tudor from them, not now.....

[Nairn1980]

Sadly not surprised.
ADs in the UK can "cherry pick" customers for Daytonas, and often that's the biggest spenders. I believe many "lists" are just s front.

[BadBoyR]

I think this is the case with most. WOS told me this straight to my face, they pick who to sell too.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[aussiejoe]

Had a similar less than impressive experience yesterday in one of Sydney's leading AD.
Put my name on the list for a white dial Daytona last year in June.
Decided to pop in their yesterday to see how I have progressed, or at the least my name was on the list (another AD 'lost' my name).
The young salesmen kept his arms folded, refused to even check and simply stated I need to be patient, as it is a popular model.
Such poor customer service. I wasn't expecting such complete lack of customer service skills. If the do call one day, I will buy it; but certainly never walk into that establishment for any other reason. This wasn't an isolated experience in that store.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JR16]

I agree it is short-sighted for AD employees to take this tone with potential customers even if they have never bought from them before. They should be honest but inviting . With that said, I have no doubt that nearly every AD has more than one "list". It makes perfect sense for them to give priority to loyal customers. They should just be up front about it .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Rwatcher]

I have had a similar experience when asking for UK AD update for the white dial Daytona, pretty much laughed at by the new store manager and told there are more high profile customers due before me.

Great way to make customers feel appreciated when buying two watches. Have been on the list since launch.

[DPE]

The waiting lists seem to be a bit of a joke. I think I will put my name on as many lists as possible. To be told the time on the list does not count and the Manager picks out a name.
The professional image of my local AD has gone out of the window !

[zaydans]

I never understood this waiting list thing? How do you know there is actually a real list? Do they show it to you? I'm surprised anyone even waits 1,2,3 yrs for watch!!

[Lemieux66]

Originally Posted by zaydans

I never understood this waiting list thing? How do you know there is actually a real list? Do they show it to you? I'm surprised anyone even waits 1,2,3 yrs for watch!!

They do exist but I'm feeling increasingly fed up with the engineered rarity and hyping of particular models in recent years. Makes me want to give up on the rare pieces and stick to commonly available options like DJ, TT Subs and the like. After all, they're still just as nicely made!

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by zaydans

I never understood this waiting list thing? How do you know there is actually a real list? Do they show it to you? I'm surprised anyone even waits 1,2,3 yrs for watch!!

Lists do indeed exist.
That's how I came to purchase my first and second new Rolex watches.
Also it's how I came to get the call for my second last new Rolex watch(the D-blue).

It's how they're managed by the vendor which is the actual matter in question.
I understand clearly, there is a difference between how the list and the names on it were managed back when I got the first and second new ones back in 2001, and how it's done now with my prefered vendor. Without going into further details.

Assuming we are talking about Rolex AD's and Boutiques.
The major things to consider are as follows.
1, Money always talks.
2, A good and long standing relationship with the staff and or owner/s helps a lot.
3, Persistancy helps as long as one is not a pest and this feeds into point "2" above.
4, Trust is important, especially the kind of trust the vendor has in you that you aren't purchasing to simply flip a hard to get piece for a quick profit which can cause the vendor problems with the mother ship under some circumstances. See point "2" again.
5, Some good luck is helpfull.
But we also tend to make our own luck it's just that some of us have to work harder for it than others. And some people are just plain arssey.

Other more experienced members may wish to add to this list of considerations.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by DPE

The waiting lists seem to be a bit of a joke. I think I will put my name on as many lists as possible. To be told the time on the list does not count and the Manager picks out a name.
The professional image of my local AD has gone out of the window !

This may well be the case with this particular vendor.
They are under no obligation to you what so ever, and they are also at the mercy of the mother ship which you need to respect.
Of course a little more respect for a potential customer would be very nice.
At least they were totally honest with you about the situation, and it should be viewed as the first step in the process of building a trusting and respectful relationship between you both.
Try to turn a negative into a positive.
In this case it will no doubt take time.

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Lists do indeed exist.
That's how I came to purchase my first and second new Rolex watches.
Also it's how I came to get the call for my second last new Rolex watch(the D-blue).

It's how they're managed by the vendor which is the actual matter in question.
I understand clearly, there is a difference between how the list and the names on it were managed back when I got the first and second new ones back in 2001, and how it's done now with my prefered vendor. Without going into further details.

Assuming we are talking about Rolex AD's and Boutiques.
The major things to consider are as follows.
1, Money always talks.
2, A good and long standing relationship with the staff and or owner/s helps a lot.
3, Persistancy helps as long as one is not a pest and this feeds into point "2" above.
4, Trust is important, especially the kind of trust the vendor has in you that you aren't purchasing to simply flip a hard to get piece for a quick profit which can cause the vendor problems with the mother ship under some circumstances. See point "2" again.
5, Some good luck is helpfull.
But we also tend to make our own luck it's just that some of us have to work harder for it than others. And some people are just plain arssey.

Other more experienced members may wish to add to this list of considerations.

This certainly describes ME... just wandering in the the AD on Maui HI and bought my BLNR (which was just sitting in the display cabinet) then a year later I was back in that neck of the woods and they offered me 'first refusal" on the Daytona C... right place at the right time... we were nice to the staff - manners always help, doesn't matter if you're buying a Rolex or a coffee.. a smile and a few nice words go a long way.

good luck in your hunt for a Daytona C guys, it's with the wait....

cheers

[TickTockChuck]

Put your name on multiple AD "waiting lists" for a bit of insurance in case one plays games. This is providing you don't need to plunk down a deposit. Too bad the Daytona creates so much angst. There really is a surplus of watches worldwide as sales have dramatically slumped, but I guess not yet in the UK. Good luck. Cheers!

[zaydans]

Haha, I did actually put myself on a"list" recently in the U.K. for an SD43. I think I am 31 in line!! That being said I only did that because I happen to be in there buying another model!!

[Bluewaveaudio]

Why don't you ship them in from the USA? I know a couple stores discounting them to try and move them

[Robbyman]

I think the communication is to blame here and interpretation as from my understanding what you were quoted is only partly right.

Yes the manager decides, this is a piece in demand and they do not want them to be flipped for a quick profit, expect the stickers off and papers kept for two years.

Yes the manager will check your credentials, have you bought from them before, do you have a history, how sure can they be that you will not flip the watch?

Me, I love mine and I would never sell it, I got the third white dial watch the store got.

These stores are contacted many times everyday and there are well known people who are buying to flip and some who are not well known. Prestons's are trying to stop this and that is a good thing as they want real watch lovers and enthusiasts to get the watches. Can you not blame them for being careful?

If I were you I would go in and see them, explain that you understand the process, what they are trying to achieve, speak with the manager and let them know you. When the time is right you will then get the call as they know you will not be flipping it and happy to let you have a watch.

I am not saying I agree with this, but it is just the way it is and if it stops the watches ending up at grey dealers at over inflated prices I can understand it.

They did this with me and mine has not ended up at a grey dealer.

[Robbyman]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Sadly not surprised.
ADs in the UK can "cherry pick" customers for Daytonas, and often that's the biggest spenders. I believe many "lists" are just s front.

Totally disagree, from my knowledge watches from this dealer have not really gone to big spenders because I can confirm I am not one of them.

[Steve36Efc]

Originally Posted by zaydans

Haha, I did actually put myself on a"list" recently in the U.K. for an SD43. I think I am 31 in line!! That being said I only did that because I happen to be in there buying another model!!

I did something similar when I picked up my LVC in April last year but with a slightly better outcome.
Aware of the hype around the Ceramic Daytona I simply said to the AD put me on the list for one then never gave it a second thought. Fast forward to the 30th March this year I received a nice call out of the blue......... I'm not a big customer with this AD the Daytona was my second purchase.

[DCGuy1965]

Back in 2005 I was turning the big 4-0 and wanted the LV that was the hottest Rolex at the time. To my upmost surprise I walked into the Big T in Boston that everyone loves to hate and spoke to the very nice manager who just asked why do I want it and I told her straight up. She scanned me once over and said sure what the hell. She knew there was one in the company and had it for me in two days. It was the luck of the Irish im sure. So the right person can make it happen.

[peterskinner]

Buy something you actually can buy; the ceramic Daytona is just another mass-produced watch. The hype is just that....hype. Doesn't even have to be a Rolex. There are plenty of fine watches around.
I have a Daytona, but seem to prefer my Zenith on most days....they are just nice toys, nothing more. So relax, breath deeply, have fun. Don't be beholden to a jewellery shop.

[Yvette]

I am not surprised. It looks like they want to sell the watches to their premium or regular customers first. When I was shopping for blnr, 5 shops AD* I called, wouldn't even willing to put my name on their list. All tells me, their list is full already or someone I talked to told me straight, this watch is so popular they are reserved for the premium customers first.

Glad I found one.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

Totally disagree, from my knowledge watches from this dealer have not really gone to big spenders because I can confirm I am not one of them.

Im not specifying an AD, Jeremy saying that if you think lists are run strictly as lists and that the next in line gets the DaytonaC, then I'd say you're wrong overall.

Many VIPs will jump lists.

I'm not saying this happens all the time but often.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Bluewaveaudio

Why don't you ship them in from the USA? I know a couple stores discounting them to try and move them

If you know a couple of ADs with DaytonaC in stock at RRP who are further "discounting them to try and move them" then Rolex need to know about this. This is absolute craziness. To be fair they shouldn't still be ADs if they can't sell a DaytonaC without discounting.

If you can get an idea of their "discounted prices" please let me know. However as USA members constantly forget, the exchange rate alone makes USA watches more expensive - add VAT on entering the UK and the price shoots up to way above U.K. RRP.

However please let me know their discounted prices.

[Keanuchan]

Originally Posted by Rwatcher

I have had a similar experience when asking for UK AD update for the white dial Daytona, pretty much laughed at by the new store manager and told there are more high profile customers due before me.

Great way to make customers feel appreciated when buying two watches. Have been on the list since launch.

similar when i was told by one of the ADs in Zurich.....

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Im not specifying an AD, Jeremy saying that if you think lists are run strictly as lists and that the next in line gets the DaytonaC, then I'd say you're wrong overall.

Many VIPs will jump lists.

I'm not saying this happens all the time but often.

This is about the size of it.

I jumped the list at home to get my D-Blue. I'm not even a VIP; it was my one and only purchase with them. The reason I was able to score mine was because I'm a personal friend of the supervisor, whom I've known for 30 years (and I've spent a shed load at her previous establishment).

I think some of it also boils down to the old adage; it's not what you know, it's who you know.

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

This is about the size of it.

I jumped the list at home to get my D-Blue. I'm not even a VIP; it was my one and only purchase with them. The reason I was able to score mine was because I'm a personal friend of the supervisor, whom I've known for 30 years (and I've spent a shed load at her previous establishment).

I think some of it also boils down to the old adage; it's not what you know, it's who you know.

Yep - gotta agree with this....

cheers

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by DPE

Is this fair ? I thought when you put your name on a waiting list with a Rolex AD it meant you would be dealt with in turn. I went into my Rolex AD in Guildford, Surrey, UK. The AD is called Prestons. So almost 2 years ago I put my details on the list ready for a Daytona with a Black or White Face.

Today I called into the AD to ask where I am now on the waiting list ? The answer was this. "The Manager will decide on the list who she contacts. It is in No order of how long you have been on the list, she will decide".

If they expect Loyality, then they should also give it back. I was also going to buy a Tudor from them, not now.....

I feel your pain but from your description of timing the list you were on was for the previous non ceramic Daytona? Then for 2 years you haven't spoken to the AD?
I have an extremely good relationship with my AD and spend a lot of money with them, I ordered a white face on the day of release with a 25% deposit and then called my contact atleast once a month until delivery whilst continuing to spend on other pieces.
They will reward repeat customers ahead of a non spending/non contacting name on a list.

[WatchWeb]

I'm on 2 lists for the ceramic Daytona too.

I have also heard a few times here in the U.K., the lists do exist but it depends how good a customer you are and not in order.

Unfortunately it's our passion but for them it's just a business. For example they would pick 5 people out of a list who can pay £9k cash over 5 people who would pay on finance & take them 3-5 years to get that £9k.

It should be a first come first served basis but as it's a business, money talks. The quicker they get it then that's the way they'll go.

The same as they will favour someone who has a history of buying from them and a collection, over a walk in customer who has 1 model from them & no history.

Money talks unfortunately...

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by Rwatcher

I have had a similar experience when asking for UK AD update for the white dial Daytona, pretty much laughed at by the new store manager and told there are more high profile customers due before me.

Great way to make customers feel appreciated when buying two watches. Have been on the list since launch.

Goldsmiths in Trafford Centre by any chance?

Originally Posted by WatchWeb

I have also heard a few times here in the U.K., the lists do exist but it depends how good a customer you are and not in order.

The same as they will favour someone who has a history of buying from them and a collection, over a walk in customer who has 1 model from them & no history.

Money talks unfortunately...

I've bought 2 watches in last 2 years from the same AD (and same sales lady). They won't even allow me to go on a list and these are the one's that quoted a 30 year wait
I feel like i'm being treated as if they'd never dealt with me before.

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

as USA members constantly forget, the exchange rate alone makes USA watches more expensive - add VAT on entering the UK and the price shoots up to way above U.K. RRP.

Please excuse my ignorance but if we were to purchase a watch in the US and pay taxes there surely we wouldn't need to pay VAT again when re-entering the UK? There is no requirement to pay VAT twice?

I could understand that if you bought the watch in the US (Tax free) then you would need to pay VAT upon your return.

Is this not the case?

Many thanks in advance (as i'm seriously considering it for my next purchase).