Literally driving across America this summer - swing by AD's worthwhile or no?

[kip595]

I recently found out that for unexpected (but very pleasant) reasons I'll be driving cross-country to begin a new position; having been recruited by a group and selling my portion of my current small business.

I haven't driven such a long distance in years, since well before the great 'Rolex shortage', but used to enjoy popping into random AD's and even second-hand jewelers when I would regularly commute from the Gulf Coast to L.A.

While I've little doubt there will be still some gems (perhaps too expensive, but such is inflation) here and there at second hand and estate jewelers, anybody think stopping at actual AD's will have any point? Particularly as in these I'll be completely unestablished as a patron.

Particularly curious as my route will be primarily along the sort of 'mid-west' freeways, largely the 29 and 64, which I don't think I've driven at all, except in brief day trips.

All thoughts appreciated, no AD bashing or anything please, just curious as to everyone's thoughts.

[S52]

Originally Posted by kip595

I recently found out that for unexpected (but very pleasant) reasons I'll be driving cross-country to begin a new position; having been recruited by a group and selling my portion of my current small business.

I haven't driven such a long distance in years, since well before the great 'Rolex shortage', but used to enjoy popping into random AD's and even second-hand jewelers when I would regularly commute from the Gulf Coast to L.A.

While I've little doubt there will be still some gems (perhaps too expensive, but such is inflation) here and there at second hand and estate jewelers, anybody think stopping at actual AD's will have any point? Particularly as in these I'll be completely unestablished as a patron.

Particularly curious as my route will be primarily along the sort of 'mid-west' freeways, largely the 29 and 64, which I don't think I've driven at all, except in brief day trips.

All thoughts appreciated, no AD bashing or anything please, just curious as to everyone's thoughts.

Don't bother- Airline pilot here. I gave up on checking out AD's across the country on my overnight layovers 2 years ago. Will find nothing but barren display cases, and even if they have watches in stock they won't want to sell to a passerby. Locals only.

[burnthesehills]

There have been some recent posts of forum members walking into AD’s cold and being offered a decent model with no purchase history. There have also been some rumors that Rolex is encouraging AD’s to sell to first time buyers.

I think it would largely be a waste of your time. Best case there may be a slim chance of being offered a model you may or may not want. Almost no chance you are going to luck out and get a Rolex model and combo you have been after.

I mean, if you’re driving by an AD go for it. But I would not go out of your way.

[kip595]

Kind of confirming what I figured. I'll probably drop by the ones like 30 mins or less off the route, but most of them carry other marques I enjoy like Omega and Breitling as well, so who knows what I'll end up with, if anything?

Thanks guys!

[mfserge]

Sure if you want to waste your time then absolutely a good idea.

[Oystersteel92]

If you go through Kansas City, let me highly recommend Meierotto Jewelers in North Kansas City. Very convenient to where I29/I35 comes into town on the north side. Tons of used Rolexes (though few if any sport models the last time I was there in mid-December) - think an entire case of 4 and 5 digit yellow gold Day Dates and two tone Datejusts. They also have an entire case of "never sold" discontinued models. Think Men's Masterpiece and bejeweled DJ and ladies models. There's just so many it's very cool to look at even if not my style.

They also have preowned watches of all brands, including Patek. In new watches they carry Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Breitling, Casio (the big boys), Grand Seiko, premium Seiko and several others I was less interested in. They're also very nice to deal with and the building, though built just a few years ago, resembles a 1930's bank. I go there any time I'm in KC.

[Glenmorangie77]

I did this throughout the Midwest in August. It was educational and fun to travel along a pre-planned route of Rolex ADs. But in the end, nothing gained.

[kip595]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

If you go through Kansas City, let me highly recommend Meierotto Jewelers in North Kansas City. Very convenient to where I29/I35 comes into town on the north side. Tons of used Rolexes (though few if any sport models the last time I was there in mid-December) - think an entire case of 4 and 5 digit yellow gold Day Dates and two tone Datejusts. They also have an entire case of "never sold" discontinued models. Think Men's Masterpiece and bejeweled DJ and ladies models. There's just so many it's very cool to look at even if not my style.

They also have preowned watches of all brands, including Patek. In new watches they carry Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Breitling, Casio (the big boys), Grand Seiko, premium Seiko and several others I was less interested in. They're also very nice to deal with and the building, though built just a few years ago, resembles a 1930's bank. I go there any time I'm in KC.

Great to know, thank you and quite useful to know as well.

Originally Posted by mfserge

Sure if you want to waste your time then absolutely a good idea.

Again, not a rabble-rousing thread - spare ALL of us the 'ADs are totally useless whine', por favor, i.e. - not useful.

[kip595]

Originally Posted by Glenmorangie77

I did this throughout the Midwest in August. It was educational and fun to travel along a pre-planned route of Rolex ADs. But in the end, nothing gained.

Thanks, at the very least an interesting insight to know. :)

[Rick_Nashville]

Big congrats on your new job. Have fun with the road trip! If it doesn't have to be a Rolex, maybe a Breitling, Omega, or a Tudor would be fun to acquire.

[kip595]

Originally Posted by Rick_Nashville

Big congrats on your new job. Have fun with the road trip! If it doesn't have to be a Rolex, maybe a Breitling, Omega, or a Tudor would be fun to acquire.

Thanks man! Much appreciated!

[ArtNouveau]

I guess it all depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a specific model, the slim chance depends on which one. If you’re fishing for ANY Rolex you might come across something like a 31mm Datejust with jewels.
I will still drop into the occasional big city watch store because I like watches, but stick with my regular AD if I want to buy a Rolex. I have impulse bought a couple of Seikos and a GShock over the last couple of years.

[ExplorerI]

Never know I dropped in to an AD on a trip and walked out with a Wimbledon DJ41. Not terribly hard to get but still kind of surprised to see it in stock.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by kip595

I recently found out that for unexpected (but very pleasant) reasons I'll be driving cross-country to begin a new position; having been recruited by a group and selling my portion of my current small business.

I haven't driven such a long distance in years, since well before the great 'Rolex shortage', but used to enjoy popping into random AD's and even second-hand jewelers when I would regularly commute from the Gulf Coast to L.A.

While I've little doubt there will be still some gems (perhaps too expensive, but such is inflation) here and there at second hand and estate jewelers, anybody think stopping at actual AD's will have any point? Particularly as in these I'll be completely unestablished as a patron.

Particularly curious as my route will be primarily along the sort of 'mid-west' freeways, largely the 29 and 64, which I don't think I've driven at all, except in brief day trips.

All thoughts appreciated, no AD bashing or anything please, just curious as to everyone's thoughts.

As above, depends on what you’re after.
ADs these days are literally empty to walk ins. You could strike lucky and get a datejust, but even that is so unlikely just now.

If you’re physically passing the door, no harm in dropping in, but I wouldn’t go off the beaten track.

[Qngo516]

I’d avoid big cities ADs, they are cleaned out years ago.

However, my AD told me they don’t hold anything for anyone anymore (lol), whichever shipment they received that day, they’ll display it for sale. So technically, some lucky Joe camping outside the door can pick up a sport Rolex. It’s now a game of chance. The more doors you opened, the higher your chances, I guess.

Congrats and have a good trip.


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[norcalctr]

I would stop by if you're very close in the area, but not worth really going out of your way.

[emtee]

Originally Posted by Qngo516

I’d avoid big cities ADs, they are cleaned out years ago.

However, my AD told me they don’t hold anything for anyone anymore (lol), whichever shipment they received that day, they’ll display it for sale. So technically, some lucky Joe camping outside the door can pick up a sport Rolex. It’s now a game of chance. The more doors you opened, the higher your chances, I guess.

Congrats and have a good trip.


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I always find this hard to believe. Why not set up a tent outside their front door, you could make hundreds of thousands a year flipping all the watches you got as you were first in line.

[1William]

I would find second hand dealers and Trusted Sellers with brick and mortar stores to check out. I would try to time it, if possible, with breaking up the trip. It sounds like it could be fun. Keep us posted on what you decide to do and anything you might find.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by emtee

I always find this hard to believe. Why not set up a tent outside their front door, you could make hundreds of thousands a year flipping all the watches you got as you were first in line.

Indeed, professional flippers will rejoice.


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[brandrea]

Congratulations on your new job and sounds like a great road trip!

I’d absolutely stop by a few ADs along the way … not sure I’d drive alot out of my way to find them, but if they’re handy to where your route takes you, why not

[HHIslander]

I travel lot and did that for years. Mostly just to talk watches and do a little research, see what they have and what’s moving. Stopped about 4 years ago as the reps started getting less polite and more unwilling to talk to strangers. Had a few downright rude encounters. I wouldn’t waste my time OP.

[rmwill]

I pop into AD's when traveling. I have zero expectations about getting a watch from them and don't even bother asking. Almost always the staff is kind and eager to talk watches. Each AD seems to have a different selection of exhibition watches, and usually other brands our on display. Hitting Raffi at Yorkdale Mall on Saturday. Very nice folks.

[Qngo516]

Originally Posted by emtee

I always find this hard to believe. Why not set up a tent outside their front door, you could make hundreds of thousands a year flipping all the watches you got as you were first in line.

I don’t buy it either.
However you aren’t guaranteed a sport Rolex simply by standing outside the door. There’s alsmost always a queue at the entrance now. so It’s more like musical chairs.

They now baked “chance” into the formula.


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[Seddyspaghetti]

No

[cszy67]

"Who Dares Wins"

Begin a new thread when you depart, take pictures, share updates - we will cheer you along. At worst, you end up with no new watch and many fond memories. Although, if happen to be in the right place at the right time...

[214270Explorer]

Waste of time. But it is yours to waste.
(Many won't even sell to non-locals anyway.)

[Wcdhtwn]

It's worth going to ADs. Not Rolex ADs...

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by kip595

Again, not a rabble-rousing thread - spare ALL of us the 'ADs are totally useless whine', por favor, i.e. - not useful.

Than u should not have made ur title to include “swing by AD's worthwhile or no?” Lol

U asked. He answered with his opinion. And u call it rabble rousing?? Lmao

Congrats on new job and good luck

[wclowe]

Originally Posted by S52

Don't bother- Airline pilot here. I gave up on checking out AD's across the country on my overnight layovers 2 years ago. Will find nothing but barren display cases, and even if they have watches in stock they won't want to sell to a passerby. Locals only.

Agreed - I’ve visited a few ADs on my travels over the last year for fun and was disappointed almost every time with the experience.

Better to wait till you get to your new city and introduce yourself to the local AD.

Cheers!


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[Danny83]

I was at a car auction in Kansas city last month walked into an AD and they brought me out a bright blue OP41. Its possible just not common kinda like going to a casino and hitting a jackpot