What does it take? (Sydney, Australia)

[sineil]

So, I'm getting quite frustrated trying to enter the leagues of Rolex and start building a relationship with an AD. I'm aware this is a global problem, but don't know where to start. I initially wanted a Submariner which I know is in high demand and low supply, so never got taken seriously in any AD I went into. I've since bought a 16570 off Chrono24 as my first Rolex. Now I'm in the market for a DJ 36, specifically the 126234. I was hoping I could get this in an AD and start building a rapport with them, in the hopes of eventually being able to purchase a Sub, and maybe start working my way up the list to other models potentially. Turns out even getting a 126234 seems impossible right now. Some AD's in Sydney barely even have an Oyster Perpetual in their cases.

My question is, how do you people start? How do you work around the ridiculous shortages of pretty much all models?

[Auto16610]

I'm in the US so may not apply to where you are. I would suggest dropping by your nearest AD and chat with the sales people. Let them know what you are interested in. I wouldn't start out asking for blue Sky Dwellers or Daytonas. Exchange phone numbers and text them now and then. Good luck and maybe it will work out. Plan B go grey.
Oh and welcome to the forum.

[Nikrnic]

Maybe stop into your ADs again and ask if they would order the DJ41 if you paid out front. I did that here (US) on an allocated DJ41 @ a year ago and it was delivered in 4 weeks. Sorry about your situation. It's tough everywhere but it sounds like you Aussies really have a hard way to go.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[NohnV]

If you’re on WUS I shared my story on how I got a Hulk after 8 months with little purchase history at my AD.

Essentially it was making my self familiar with who makes the decision which client gets the piece. For me it was the sales manager who managed the list and the general manager that decided which client.

Once I was on the list I made my self familiar to both sales and general manager. Every month an email that let them know my interest but not too pushy. I also stopped by a few times in those months since I was buying jewelry for my fiancée.

I finally got frustrated with my progress so I posted for some help on a local whiskey group I was a part of. Lucky for me the director of marketing of my AD belonged to the group. Saw my post and PM’d me. A week later I got the call to pick up my Hulk.

In short, be persistent and not too pushy, have somewhat of a purchase history (only spent a few grand there over a few years), use your local network because you never know who could help you with the decision maker when that piece comes in.

I hope that helps and good luck. It was such An amazing feeling when I got the call. Better feeling than any other piece in my collection. Because it wasn’t just the hard work to earn the money to afford the piece. But it was the culmination of patience, legwork and a little luck to get the piece.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[csaltphoto]

I didn't bother starting... I stopped by an AD hoping to buy a sub before I had joined here and learned much about the market. I was so turned off by the experience that I went online and ended up buying it off C24. I've learned a lot in the last year and mostly learned that I don't want to play the AD game. Just no upside to it for me. I do like visiting them though but the experience is totally different. When they ask my what I am looking for I say, "A couple of steel Daytona's and sub date." Laughs all around and then we chat watches for awhile, I might try on something I can't afford, GF gets bored... I figure that maybe after a no pressure chat something might emerge someday. And if not, and I decide I want something, I might ask an AD but I'll probably go online.

[SkyJuice]

Yeah its tough to get even a popular DJ down south, let alone a SS sport model.

[Seibei]

Where there is a will there is a way.

[exador]

Go TS or wait until the madness ends. Subs don’t have as much of a premium as GMTs/Daytonas.

[WatchLurv]

What does it take?
In short: $

That's the only answer that's valid for today's situation.

[Smarties]

Originally Posted by sineil

So, I'm getting quite frustrated trying to enter the leagues of Rolex and start building a relationship with an AD. I'm aware this is a global problem, but don't know where to start. I initially wanted a Submariner which I know is in high demand and low supply, so never got taken seriously in any AD I went into. I've since bought a 16570 off Chrono24 as my first Rolex. Now I'm in the market for a DJ 36, specifically the 126234. I was hoping I could get this in an AD and start building a rapport with them, in the hopes of eventually being able to purchase a Sub, and maybe start working my way up the list to other models potentially. Turns out even getting a 126234 seems impossible right now. Some AD's in Sydney barely even have an Oyster Perpetual in their cases.

My question is, how do you people start? How do you work around the ridiculous shortages of pretty much all models?

You’re not the only one.

To start, buy what is available (that you like of course) at an AD. Then wait for the madness subside......

I wish I had started earlier when anyone can walk-in to buy Sub date, LV, and BLNRat msrp. I’ve seen them on display at AD in mid 2016 around the time when I walk-in to buy my first Rolex (D-Blue).

[copernic83]

I think patience will work eventually

Like others said, start building a relationship. If you are looking to service a watch, go see them. If you genuinely want to buy a DJ, do it with that same AD.

They have to know you, know that you live in the area, and’ that you’re not just passing by and looking to flip watches. Generally you will be asked if the purchase is for a special occasion.

[gunhose]

Buy used or pony up and go grey. Life is to short to wait and play the AD games !

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by gunhose

Buy used or pony up and go grey. Life is to short to wait and play the AD games !

It's playing the Rolex games. They could just flood the market with SS and we wouldnt be in this situation. Back to basics where we would discuss discounts with ADs instead of discussing bundles.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Maybe stop into your ADs again and ask if they would order the DJ41 if you paid out front. I did that here (US) on an allocated DJ41 @ a year ago and it was delivered in 4 weeks. Sorry about your situation. It's tough everywhere but it sounds like you Aussies really have a hard way to go.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[george023]

I must have got real lucky. I walked into an appliance store three years ago to buy a fridge. Complimented the sales guy on his five digit ref GMT. We got talking a bit about watches. Told him I was looking for a Sub but was bummed about the lack of supply.

He picks up the phone, calls I don’t know who, then hangs up. Tells me to go see this guy, writes his details down. Turns out the guy is a jeweller who brings them in from overseas. I paid $400 over retail and got my Sub the next day. Worth every cent.

Then this week, a friend of mine who also happens to be a jeweller calls to say he has a mint gmt Batman from a former Australia Olympic silver medallist and did I want to see it. Granted the guy was asking over retail but it has a story and provenance. Checked it out, looked great, wore great. He gets the guy on the phone, I ask if I can have a photo with him to add to my story and prove it came from him in the event I sell it one day. He says no problem, he’ll be in town next Friday and would be happy to.

I’m about to post the incoming shots.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SoTaxLaw]

Originally Posted by sineil

So, I'm getting quite frustrated trying to enter the leagues of Rolex and start building a relationship with an AD. I'm aware this is a global problem, but don't know where to start. I initially wanted a Submariner which I know is in high demand and low supply, so never got taken seriously in any AD I went into. I've since bought a 16570 off Chrono24 as my first Rolex. Now I'm in the market for a DJ 36, specifically the 126234. I was hoping I could get this in an AD and start building a rapport with them, in the hopes of eventually being able to purchase a Sub, and maybe start working my way up the list to other models potentially. Turns out even getting a 126234 seems impossible right now. Some AD's in Sydney barely even have an Oyster Perpetual in their cases.

My question is, how do you people start? How do you work around the ridiculous shortages of pretty much all models?

I visited Sydney two months ago. Sydney has lots of great watch stores but the Rolex ADs have less inventory than I’ve seen anywhere. The airport AD didn’t even have employees when I walked through. I’d try shopping for a Rolex at the Strand. Forget new if you’re in Sydney.

[peterpl]

If you got money you can get any watch in Sydney tomorrow. You'll be wearing whatever model you want by lunchtime.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by peterpl

If you got money you can get any watch in Sydney tomorrow. You'll be wearing whatever model you want by lunchtime.

What kind of model?

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

What kind of model?

Not the models your thinking off.

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by sineil

So, I'm getting quite frustrated trying to enter the leagues of Rolex and start building a relationship with an AD. I'm aware this is a global problem, but don't know where to start. I initially wanted a Submariner which I know is in high demand and low supply, so never got taken seriously in any AD I went into. I've since bought a 16570 off Chrono24 as my first Rolex. Now I'm in the market for a DJ 36, specifically the 126234. I was hoping I could get this in an AD and start building a rapport with them, in the hopes of eventually being able to purchase a Sub, and maybe start working my way up the list to other models potentially. Turns out even getting a 126234 seems impossible right now. Some AD's in Sydney barely even have an Oyster Perpetual in their cases.



My question is, how do you people start? How do you work around the ridiculous shortages of pretty much all models?

I guess most of us started back in the day when you could choose any Rolex you could afford and so the AD relationship already existed before the shortage.

If your objective is to just buy a Sub, just go grey and try to get a good deal.

If you want to collect new Rolexes from ADs, best way is to go to an AD in your area and start buying watches that you like and are available. They’ll tell you what you need to do in order to get some of the more ‘hot’ models. If you feel tht’s too much then just go grey or chose another brand/hobby


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Harry-57]

In the current climate I wouldn't bother. There are lots of nice brands and models, new and used out there for less than MSRP. Maybe revisit Rolex if the situation changes. Or choose your grail, the one Rolex above all others which you (believe) you can't live without, and go grey.

This is how I got my 116610LV and I've never regretted it. The two models I want to finish off my Rolex collection are both TT and available to mere mortals like me if prepared to go on a list. I don't know what the situation is in Oz. I believe it may be even worse than the UK, but the Internet isn't exactly accurate when it come to fact checking stuff like this.

[Harry-57]

Oops double post.

[george023]

The airport Rolex store should be an embarrassment to them. They spent god knows how much refurbishing and expanding it over 12 months, then they fill it with about 10 watches in a display area that can accommodate about 50. What’s the point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk