Rolex new collector living in big city

[CFR]

Welcome to the forum.

You said you're just beginning to collect watches, and the only brand you mentioned was Rolex. As you know. Rolex just happens to be the most instantaneously recognizable brand, so it seems to me that Step #1 is to figure out if you're really interested in watches more generally vs. if you're interested in the symbolism of owning Rolex. That'll determine which direction you might want to go in now.

To do that, pretend that Rolex doesn't exist and never existed. What other (non-trivial) watches or watch brands really captivate you, enough to want to buy now? Does anything excite you as much as Rolex?

On an unrelated note, not having a car in the city is totally relatable :)

[teck21]

Originally Posted by CFR

To do that, pretend that Rolex doesn't exist and never existed. What other (non-trivial) watches or watch brands really captivate you, enough to want to buy now? Does anything excite you as much as Rolex?

:)

I’m not the OP, but I’m definitely not alone in being someone who is not interested in owning other watch makes.

Perhaps I’m not even interested in watches.

I am however very interested in Rolex.

While I was defending ADs (again) on another thread, I realised how true it is, the popular refrain on this forum about life being too short.

Life is indeed too short to just give up and go grey.


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[Combine man]

Move slowly,evaluate why you want a Rolex specifically,there are other good brands out there easier obtainable.
As people have posted consider investments and buy your watch when some returns come in,it is hard to go to an AD to try on,because of Covid and lack of stock,especially the models you fancy.
Also be aware members who write on TRF are very experienced and knowledgeable watch collectors and owners,and well established in life and businesses.
I doubt if your first car will be a top end Merc or the like,I does not pay to rush in these sort of purchases
Unless one has cash to burn.
Good luck with it all,you will get what you want,just be patient.

[UmichNJ]

Originally Posted by Timnyc

By way of introduction, I’m a rookie in this forum so would like to say hi to you all. Happy to join and hope that I will get all valuable inputs from the TRF members.

I’m currently in my mid-20 starting to build my watch collection. I live in a big city (NYC) so you can definitely tell the competition here to get a sought-after Rolex watches is really challenging. I have read through a number of threads about building the relationship with the ADs, but there seems to be no specific advice given to young professionals to start their hunt for Rolex watches. I understand that the first step for building a relationship with AD is to buy from them those less desirable Rolex models like datejust, cellini... Nonetheless, just wonder at which point should I start telling the SA my dream list of all Rolex watches that I hope to get in the future? Will he/she think that I am too greedy to ask for GMT, Sub AND Daytona? Will the door of getting SS sport models be opened for me as soon as I buy just two or three watches from them? Or will I still have to buy less desirable watches along the way to gradually get all of the SS sport model that I want? All I need is to take the right step at the beginning in order to reinforce the long-term relationship with AD yet avoid buying too many unwanted watches at the same time.

Long story short, my goal is to build a watch collection that ten years down the road, I will still feel proud and hold my interest on to any single one of them. Besides, I am not really into flipping any watches in my collection at all.

Please help me fam and I would truly appreciate of all your honest opinion! If there is any AD in the city that is highly recommend for young watch collectors like me, please share. I also dont have car in the city so ADs in the NJ may not be feasible in my situation.

Thanks you in advance. Cheers, Happy Holidays!l

I’d build a relationship with an NYC AD. It means being focused on a specific reference (not Daytona or BLRO) and just periodically drop by for a chat. At some point, you should be able to get a Sub or equivalent and build a relationship. Yes, there are plenty of whales in NYC, but there are also ADs looking to build lifelong relationships and they know they start with that first black Sub.


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[DCheeta]

Have patience. You don’t need to achieve the Instagram Starter Pack in any hurry. Take your time, build a good relationship with one AD, discover other watches and brands along the way. It’s a journey, not a race to a finish line. Enjoy it.

[Ihatecheese]

Exciting times when you gain a new hobby!
As everyone else writes. Patience is a virtue.

Also Rolex. Do you really want to get that watch? Presumably most of your friends who are also in same mindset may buy the same watch? When so many amazing brands and models I'd shy away from Rolex if paying over MSRP. If you are working then rolexes are like salads in the city!
Unless your spending power is v large then you are one of thousands of not more in NYC chasing popular Rolex sports models (as well as other us people thinking they can buy in NYC and then take back to their state). It will b v difficult not to pay silly money. Especially if they know you're new to the game and are after the standard Instagram hot watches. In short. Now's not the time. Also be careful your taste may change. If I got into watches now then I would have so many posts for those specific Rolex models that I'd naturally gravitate towards them. Beware of marketing!

[Aquinas]

It depends on why you want exactly those models:
Do you like the magic of watchmaking, the intricate technology and workmanship? Then a Lange is for you.
Do you like the feeling of tradition, being handed down from generation to generation? Get a JLC.
Do you like diving, racing or flying (which is what you models your listed are associated with)? Get a Blancpain FF, a Chopard Mille Miglia or a Breguet XX, respectively.
Do you like the thing you see on instagram and want to brag a bit? Get an hommage or a replica.
Hope that helped :-)

[Vivalas]

I can’t offer advice on NY AD’s, just wanted to say good luck on your watch building journey. You have a lot of time ahead of you so enjoy it :-)

[ChugachEagle]

The premium to buy from a quality grey like DavidSW might be less than buying a single watch that you do not want. If you insist on making a NYC AD your primary source of collecting it might be a longer wait than maybe if you found a smaller AD in a place you travel to frequently? A place you are connected to? Whatever the case good luck. Do not let watches become more to you than they are; but enjoy. It’s a really fun hobby. And expensive.


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[Nairn1980]

Good luck, you’ll definitely need it where you are.

If you want to go the AD route, I’d forget steel GMTs and Daytonas for now. How about a nice DJ41? Work up as it takes time. Even a steel sub as a first purchase in NYC will be really difficult, so starting with a window model could get you in the door.

[Miker86]

First off good luck with your search.

Amazes me when people say they have zero interest in any other watch brand. There’s so much variety out there, feels like you’re limiting yourself so much.

[jimcameron]

What watch are you wearing now?

[espanol]

Your ONLY shot is to leverage your network to see if you have an "in" at any local AD. Is your boss into watches? Does anyone in your family collect? Do you have a friend that spends an ungodly amount at one dealer or dealer(s)? Get someone you know to make an introduction.

Getting a GMT, Sub, or Daytona is going to be a tall-task when just starting out. You should not be buying pieces you do not want, as you should be investing excess funds at your age.

Delayed gratification seems to be lost on this 20-something generation. Perhaps look at other brands for now, or go grey

[Sublovin]

Here’s the good news...your cost of living should continue to decrease as Cuomo and DeBlasio continue to ruin the city. More money for watches!

[Little machines]

Welcome to the forum ! Rolex AD’s in the metro area will talk to you. I’ve experience mostly good some bad. Build a legit relationship with the jeweler you can connect with (AD) and you will be surprised with the outcome. No expectations be patient ,real and the Rolex watch will come sooner than later. Rolex AD’s want a steady customer who will buy jewelry and a Who is committed. MY experience has led me to some great pieces of jewelry and Rolex watches. I didn’t spend $$$$ I just built a real friendship and didn’t purchase watches I didn’t like. Good luck

[mykii]

Originally Posted by vh2k

This “You need to spend $100,000” nonsense is straight out of the Watches of Switzerland sales playbook. It’s BS and pure laziness on the SA’s part.

No it isn't, my AD isn't WoS and they have provided me a BLRO and Hulk so why would they lie to me? By all accounts, I'm a great customer.

The WoS playbook is buy a Patek Calatrava to get a sub, which is also true. There is no supply, and only money talks. Every time I enter my AD there is someone buying multiple Pateks, don't know what version of NYC you live in

[mykii]

Originally Posted by PaulEvansLoafers

I'm in your same shoes. Early 20's, starting out my career in the city and it has been nearly impossible to build relationships.

I see it the same way you do, probably. I'm just starting out, and have many many years of watch buying/collecting. A diamond in the rough, if you will. But they don't care about that. NYC, per capita, has more millionaires and billionaires than almost any other place in the world. For every one of us, there's 5 millionaires that won't hesitate to spend $50k any other day.

I've had some luck with lesser popular models. Was able to get an Airking, but was ghosted by the SA after that. And then was put on a list for a BB58 and got the call about 3 weeks later (different AD). But again, those aren't really hard to get watches so it isn't indicative of much.

Lastly, its hard being respected as a 20 year old. Most people will think you're there to waste their time. You can tell by the looks.

I wanted a 116610LN and got tired of the games so I went grey (about 8-9 months ago). Couldn't be happier. I paid a premium but i've enjoyed it A LOT. No regrets.

You did the right thing, you got the watch you wanted without playing the games. NYC is probably one of the worst places in the world for getting a foot in the door, just because of the sheer number of people willing to spend money and the extremely long client lists that are already established.

Basically the "I'm going to be a long term customer" line is every new customer that walks in the door. What they want to see is the customer who is buying 3-5x a year dropping coin each and every time. Once you're in the 50-100k spend range you will have new options materialize, albeit slowly, to you.

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by mykii

Honestly, you're in NYC. Just go grey. Don't waste your time buying unwanted models. This is the land of the big dogs, if you're not going to drop $$$ you're not going to get all the watches you want.

My NYC AD has made it clear that a Daytona allocation is on a $100k+ account as a minimum consideration. The BLRO is basically the same. You could probably get a sub in the intermediate future, but even those are not easy to get.

If you're hellbent on going the AD route in NYC, be prepared to waste a lot of time at a minimum.

100%

and welcome to TRF! Best wishes to my favourite city!!

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by mykii

No it isn't, my AD isn't WoS and they have provided me a BLRO and Hulk so why would they lie to me? By all accounts, I'm a great customer.

The WoS playbook is buy a Patek Calatrava to get a sub, which is also true. There is no supply, and only money talks. Every time I enter my AD there is someone buying multiple Pateks, don't know what version of NYC you live in

Are you saying Tourneau told you you need to spend $100,000 to get steel models? If so, that’s just silly. Tourneau is one of the best places for a new Rolex customer to acquire his first piece.

[mykii]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Are you saying Tourneau told you you need to spend $100,000 to get steel models? If so, that’s just silly. Tourneau is one of the best places for a new Rolex customer to acquire his first piece.

I didn't say anything about Tourneau, and no I did not say that you need to spend $100k to get "steel models". I specifically said in my first post that getting a SS Sub in NYC would be achievable as an intermediate goal. But to get a Daytona, yes, I have been told by management that their minimum criteria for allocation is $100k. This is nothing new. There is a multi-page thread on this very forum discussing "accounts" required for a Daytona at various local ADs. What I said beyond that was that a BLRO is not far under a Daytona in "difficulty to achieve" status in the city. Amongst many other coveted models and manufactures (e.g. Aquanauts, Nautilus, ROs etc.) the top models are strictly allocated. Again, nothing new.

Getting a Sub in the city is hard but achievable. Getting a lot more than that, especially coveted models from any manufacturer, is progressively more difficult than that even with (minor) spend history.

[kearez]

A lot of great advice and I’ll add my 2c in. As you already who NYC ADs will have a huge list of clients ready to spend at the drop of a hat. This actually goes for most major US cities.

As an example, I was in my AD, guy walked in SA asked what he was looking for he responded a steel watch for a meeting he has this afternoon. Once he also let he know what else what in his collection (Patek) they ushered him to the VIP seating area.

Question is are you willing to compete with those VIPs? Who can drop 10K in afternoon with out a second thought?

Second thought is at your age I wouldnt want to be funnelling extra liquidity into watch I dont want. Rather it goes into a brokerage, but thats just me.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by mykii

I didn't say anything about Tourneau, and no I did not say that you need to spend $100k to get "steel models". I specifically said in my first post that getting a SS Sub in NYC would be achievable as an intermediate goal. But to get a Daytona, yes, I have been told by management that their minimum criteria for allocation is $100k. This is nothing new. There is a multi-page thread on this very forum discussing "accounts" required for a Daytona at various local ADs. What I said beyond that was that a BLRO is not far under a Daytona in "difficulty to achieve" status in the city. Amongst many other coveted models and manufactures (e.g. Aquanauts, Nautilus, ROs etc.) the top models are strictly allocated. Again, nothing new.

Getting a Sub in the city is hard but achievable. Getting a lot more than that, especially coveted models from any manufacturer, is progressively more difficult than that even with (minor) spend history.

Noted. Thanks for clarifying. But, as long as you are vetted and qualified, Tourneau is an excellent AD to acquire a Sub with zero purchase history. They are probably Rolex’s biggest US dealer and new customer acquisition is important for them.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by mykii

Honestly, you're in NYC. Just go grey. Don't waste your time buying unwanted models. This is the land of the big dogs, if you're not going to drop $$$ you're not going to get all the watches you want.

My NYC AD has made it clear that a Daytona allocation is on a $100k+ account as a minimum consideration. The BLRO is basically the same. You could probably get a sub in the intermediate future, but even those are not easy to get.

If you're hellbent on going the AD route in NYC, be prepared to waste a lot of time at a minimum.

I agree with the post above. At this point in the game if you don’t already have an AD relationship or very deep pockets it’s hardly worth trying. Most ADs will humor your and entice you to buy other items. But truth is you’re probably just better off going gray.


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[Jack T]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

I’m in NYC, this is the best advice yet. I have no patience to play the AD game. Go grey and buy what you want instead of buying unwanted pieces with the hope of getting what you want. Life is short! Go Grey!

I agree; with the big retailers in Manhattan there’s no cultivating a relationship, the foot traffic through these places is like a train station, tourists, office workers (if and when they return) along with long, long lists of established customers that have spent oodles of money over the years.
Don’t spend a nickel on anything you don’t want, try to get to the outer boroughs or train it out to the suburbs and see what you can do. In the end, grey market may be the best bet.

[mykii]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Noted. Thanks for clarifying. But, as long as you are vetted and qualified, Tourneau is an excellent AD to acquire a Sub with zero purchase history. They are probably Rolex’s biggest US dealer and new customer acquisition is important for them.

I won't disagree with that . I would go to Tourneau ahead of Wempe, and I'd only consider Watches of Switzerland only if I had a gun to my head. .

[tyler_win]

It depends how long you are willing to wait. Admittedly if your sights are the hottest sport watches it will be hard to get your foot in the door without patience. I would start with one easier to obtain watch on your list and work your way from there, but do not buy anything you don't see yourself keeping.

I was in the same boat as you earlier this year. Mid 20s with no purchase history and living in tech central of Washington (Amazon, Microsoft, etc). Thankfully one of my friends referred me to a SA at an AD and that was something that really helped solidify some sort of relationship.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by tyler_win

Thankfully one of my friends referred me to a SA at an AD and that was something that really helped solidify some sort of relationship.

Absolutely true this.

Even better if this friend has enough clout to get you something nice like a ND Sub right off the bat.

Referrals count for a lot at mine. Again that’s just good business practice.


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[Me4u2night]

Originally Posted by vh2k

I won’t question why someone in his mid-20s would want to blow a bunch of money on watches instead of investing for the future.

With that out of the way, if you have $50,000 you want to spend on 3-4 Rolex watches... just go to one of the trusted sellers on this forum.

I agree with this. You’re in your mid twenties, take that money and invest it.

And if you’re looking to build your collection over ten years, you have plenty of time to build relationships. It doesn’t happen over night. Take your time, explore all watches. You’ll be surprised there are other watches outside of the hype watches that you like.

[UmichNJ]

Originally Posted by mykii

I won't disagree with that . I would go to Tourneau ahead of Wempe, and I'd only consider Watches of Switzerland only if I had a gun to my head. .

I’d suggest Wempe as they seem to have low turnover. Great place to build a long-term relationship.

[MrSlacker]

I live just minutes from Lorilil in Queens. I stopped by this week for first time to see if they have any Tudor BB 58s. I said that I know its impossible to get a Rolex sports watch so I want to look at Tudor. He said "oh yeah, we get 30-40 calls every day". Also a HUGE part of people who work on 47th St live in Forest Hills / Rego Park which is exactly where this AD is located, so I am sure they get asked alll the time.

I ended up getting a DJ41 from this forum for list price and had it on my wrist next day...