Help purchasing my 1st New Rolex

[Polo3478]

Hi all,

I’d like to hear about your experiences buying a new Rolex from an AD. I’m receiving my doctorate in the spring and am very interested in rewarding myself with a classic No-Date Submariner.

For example: How do I start the process? What advice do you offer? Should I expect a negotiated price? Is it wise to buy in a different state in an effort to avoid taxes?

I live in Wisconsin, with easy access to a local AD, semi-local ADs in Chicago, and wouldn’t be against non-local dealings as well.

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Polo

[watchwatcher]

I would start the process by looking at what price the watch you're interested in is going online. The TRF classifieds or watchrecon.com would be good places to start.

When you have a feel for a fair price, then go to the store and try a few models on...who knows, you may see something you like better. And you can get a feel for what the dealer is willing to sell it to you for vs. what you can get it online.

Finally, you don't "avoid taxes." You're still responsible for paying them. And if you are going to avoid taxes, I wouldn't broadcast it on the internet.

Good luck,

[Spoonage]

Best thing to do is build a relationship whether it's an AD or trusted seller. Hard to do with a single (or first watch purchase) but engage in good honest conversation with whomever the potential seller is and be polite. Goes a long way.

BTW congrats on the doctorate, and congrats on the upcoming watch. Post pics once you receive it. Always good to see pics of great timepieces.

[WAK4]

I think the first two replies pretty much said everything I had in mind.

Congrats and look forward to what you work out

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

Best thing to do is build a relationship whether it's an AD or trusted seller. Hard to do with a single (or first watch purchase) but engage in good honest conversation with whomever the potential seller is and be polite. Goes a long way.

BTW congrats on the doctorate, and congrats on the upcoming watch. Post pics once you receive it. Always good to see pics of great timepieces.

X2

Start stopping by the AD or AD's every week or two and build a relationship with the sales team and owner if possible. Best chance at discount of any kind is to use a small mom & pop AD in your area. The larger chain store AD's don't care about you at all.

When you stop by tell them your story - be upfront that you are just looking for the next couple of months - as this is your first big watch purchase. You are trying to educate yourself in the coming months before the purchase will occur.

If you can build a good relationship with the store prior to purchase you might have a shot at a small discount, but expect to pay MSRP. Nothing wrong with MSRP on the watch you are looking to purchase.

In my experience they have to know who you are - you don't need a $100K - $200K purchase history - they just need to know who you are and that you are serious about buying soon. Also offer to do a bank wire - you might get the discount vs. paying with a credit card.

Most of all have fun and enjoy the process.

Congrats on the doctorate degree!