My Recent & Shocking AD Experience

[watchgirl2022]

This is a great post for:

- New Rolex enthusiasts
- Folks on the fence with working with an AD to get you your Rolex
- Folks who don't want to pay marked up prices on the second market and just want their watch at MSRP
- Folks wanting more info on Rolex Servicing for dial swaps

Onwards with the AD experience..........

I was on the mad hunt for my first Rolex; a 2022 36 Datejust Stainless Steel/Jubilee Bracelet White Roman dial with a Fluted Bezel (16234) originally team-2nd market for about 2 to 3 months. I first hit up local non-AD jewelers with alleged authentic reputations who quoted me $12k. Due to my lack of knowledge on discerning authentic/non authentic Rolex's, and perhaps my trust issues, I was wary on dropping $12k for a watch that I had a shaky confidence in knowing if was real or not. The jeweler told me about his ominous contact who sources him watches but that didn't give me peace of mind.

I then ravaged through 2nd market seller's websites I had a lot of confidence in because of either other's reviews and/or their Youtube presence. Avi & Co, Grand Caliber, and Luxury Bazaar were among the top sellers I was targeting. I got into a chat with Avi & Co's Bernil who had a stunning 2017 model of the watch for a great price, however I genuinely wanted a 2022. For a 2022, Bernil over there quoted me $14.5k. I was just about to pull the trigger when Bernil suggested I talk to my AD. My AD?? The folks who will put me on a waiting list for a watch that may never come in? I've heard so many AD horror stories that it wasn't even in the question. However, I slept on it, prayed about it, and talked it over with family.

After perhaps a sleepless night and after realizing I'd be saving $5.5k if I somehow got the watch through an AD, I decided to let my Avi & Co deal go. Let me tell you though - that was one incredibly hard decision to let go of a sure deal to embrace the alternative AD route that may yield nothing but wasted time. I was like, Jesus take the wheels.

I charged into my first trip into my local AD all dressed up looking like a snack with the mission of 1) trying on a 36 to really make sure that was the size I wanted and 2) getting on that elusive waitlist and 3) building a relationship with my AD. Out of those 3 things, only 1 was achieved. Yep, 1. That 1 being the assurance of 36 being the right size. It turned out the AD, despite being courteous, never really saved my information on the waitlist. I found this out when followed up in person a few weeks after my first visit and was told, by a NEW ..much younger and alert dealer... that the Datejust was never put on the waitlist. Just before my heart dropped and I stomped out of the store, this new AD stopped me with what appeared a more genuine customer service care and approach to my desires as a potential customer. He was also wearing a Hulk so I felt like I was talking to someone who also had been bitten by the bug, so to say.

Sidenote: I was not dressed to the nine's on this visit to the AD; I was in sweats and no makeup which even terrified me looking in the mirror. I wouldn't reccomend waltzing into your AD's store like that generally, but in my experience I was taken seriously (perhaps even more seriously) in sweats then in a fancy attire.

As he was meticulously placing my order into the waitlist, I asked to be shown whatever watches they may have that are not exhibition only. As he left to go grab the watches, I realized he wouldn't have done that if I didn't ask or show genuine interest. He came back with the same exact watch I wanted with one exception- it was a blue stick dial. I laughed and said, "So close!!" To my shock, he told me that if I would like- he could send the Rolex in to the Rolex servicers to get the dial swapped to a white roman for roughly $1k with a 6 month turnaround time. At first, I rolled my eyes. I asked if he'd ever done that before with a client and he said yes which made me feel better. Then, I did the math. The watch was coming up to roughly $9.5k with tax, so another $1k is still well below the 2nd market rates. I felt like I could wait 6 months for that.

I bought the watch that day at MSRP, and that same day allowed them to ship the watch out to Rolex servicers to get the dial swapped. I also told my AD that my birthday was coming up in 3 weeks and despite wishing I could get my watch back by then, I know realistically it's going to take a while. He surprisingly noted my birthday and wanted to know the exact day.

Fast forward 3 weeks, I get a call from my AD: "Hey your watch is in, come and get it!" I immediately left work, with my wallet, in utter disbelief. Turns out my AD was in as much disbelief as I was. What was even more shocking was that there ended up being NO charge for the dial swap. No $1k, no nothin. So all in all, I just paid MSRP. My AD sized it for me and sent me on my merry way with box, papers, links, the whole enchilada. Also, they updated their systems so that the new dial was reflected in the ref no of the watch.

Super grateful to God and a very competent AD who took care of me here. Just wanted to share this experience for those who don't want to break their wallet & need a push to have some faith in the process of working with an AD. Reading forums and hearing from 2nd market dealers- I rarely heard positive things about AD's and I GET IT. My first AD was incompetent but it just took some perseverance to push through.

[bugimas]

nice read, congrats!

[madeindade]

Awesome story and congrats on the dream watch! Aslo curious where in the world you're located to get such a good experience with your AD.

I recently visited an AD in South Florida, but didn't even bother asking about the Rolex's becasue I figured I wouldn't be taken seriously. I jumped on the waitlist for a Tudor which they assured me have been coming in pretty frequently. Though I, like you, am not confident that I am actually on a waitlist.

[madeindade]

Awesome story and congrats on the dream watch! I’m also curious where in the world you're located to get such a good experience with your AD.

I recently visited a local AD in South Florida, but didn't even bother asking about the Rolex's because I figured I wouldn't be taken seriously. I jumped on the waitlist for a Tudor which they assured me have been coming in pretty frequently. Though I, like you, am not confident that I am actually on a waitlist.

[watchgirl2022]

Originally Posted by madeindade

Awesome story and congrats on the dream watch! Aslo curious where in the world you're located to get such a good experience with your AD.

I recently visited an AD in South Florida, but didn't even bother asking about the Rolex's becasue I figured I wouldn't be taken seriously. I jumped on the waitlist for a Tudor which they assured me have been coming in pretty frequently. Though I, like you, am not confident that I am actually on a waitlist.

Thank you! The AD I worked with is Finks Jewelers in Chattanooga, TN.

As I was 'waiting' with them, I did call around to several AD's in surrounding areas to see what inventory they had on hand (AD's listed on Rolex's website) and it was very obvious, just over the phone, which AD's were worth & not worth engaging. Highly recommend calling ahead of time to get a feel for what you'll be in for customer service wise :)

[Moondoggy]

Congrats, however I wouldn't describe it as shocking.

[28mm]

Congratulations!

Great feeling especially with the birthday touch!

[LFFL]

congrats and awesome story! So cool that you got the dial swapped out for free in the end.

[MikeMWatchFan]

I’ve never ever heard of Rolex officially swapping a dial not associated with the original serial and then officially doing so and recognizing it by updating that serial number record. Very odd. Congrats tho..

[Bxtek]

A huge congrats!! Thanks for sharing your story. I'm so happy to hear that you got the exact watch you wanted at MSRP! Even better that they didn't charge you for the dial swap. Brand new piece and you were able to save thousands of $$$ vs buying grey. Can't ask for much better than that! Let Jesus take the wheel?.....He really steered you right for sure! :)

Now lets see some pics of that beauty! (When you have enough posts upload pics.)

Oh....and a big welcome to TRF!

[1sttimerolex]

Congrats! And thanks for sharing your story.

I posted in a different thread, but I was looking for a very specific configuration of a dj (36, rosegold tt, fluted, jubilee with white dial and stick markers) for my wife since June last year. Called around 4 different ADs in the area and they would call or text with DJ's they were getting but none were exactly what I/my wife was looking for. If it wasn't the smooth bezel, it was the white dial with diamond markers etc.

And then a couple of weeks ago I just happened to be in an area where there is an AD that I never bothered with (just way too big in a way touristy area), stepped in and told the first SA who greeted me what I was looking for, and he said "you know I got something that just came in yestrday" and he brings out the same exact watch I've been looking for! Except the dial. Instead of a white dial, it was the palm dial. And I actually found it to be way better looking and fitting for the rosegold tt, so I said "Yes!"

You just don't know what can happen.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by watchgirl2022

This is a great post for:

- New Rolex enthusiasts
- Folks on the fence with working with an AD to get you your Rolex
- Folks who don't want to pay marked up prices on the second market and just want their watch at MSRP
- Folks wanting more info on Rolex Servicing for dial swaps

Onwards with the AD experience..........

I was on the mad hunt for my first Rolex; a 2022 36 Datejust Stainless Steel/Jubilee Bracelet White Roman dial with a Fluted Bezel (16234) originally team-2nd market for about 2 to 3 months. I first hit up local non-AD jewelers with alleged authentic reputations who quoted me $12k. Due to my lack of knowledge on discerning authentic/non authentic Rolex's, and perhaps my trust issues, I was wary on dropping $12k for a watch that I had a shaky confidence in knowing if was real or not. The jeweler told me about his ominous contact who sources him watches but that didn't give me peace of mind.

I then ravaged through 2nd market seller's websites I had a lot of confidence in because of either other's reviews and/or their Youtube presence. Avi & Co, Grand Caliber, and Luxury Bazaar were among the top sellers I was targeting. I got into a chat with Avi & Co's Bernil who had a stunning 2017 model of the watch for a great price, however I genuinely wanted a 2022. For a 2022, Bernil over there quoted me $14.5k. I was just about to pull the trigger when Bernil suggested I talk to my AD. My AD?? The folks who will put me on a waiting list for a watch that may never come in? I've heard so many AD horror stories that it wasn't even in the question. However, I slept on it, prayed about it, and talked it over with family.

After perhaps a sleepless night and after realizing I'd be saving $5.5k if I somehow got the watch through an AD, I decided to let my Avi & Co deal go. Let me tell you though - that was one incredibly hard decision to let go of a sure deal to embrace the alternative AD route that may yield nothing but wasted time. I was like, Jesus take the wheels.

I charged into my first trip into my local AD all dressed up looking like a snack with the mission of 1) trying on a 36 to really make sure that was the size I wanted and 2) getting on that elusive waitlist and 3) building a relationship with my AD. Out of those 3 things, only 1 was achieved. Yep, 1. That 1 being the assurance of 36 being the right size. It turned out the AD, despite being courteous, never really saved my information on the waitlist. I found this out when followed up in person a few weeks after my first visit and was told, by a NEW ..much younger and alert dealer... that the Datejust was never put on the waitlist. Just before my heart dropped and I stomped out of the store, this new AD stopped me with what appeared a more genuine customer service care and approach to my desires as a potential customer. He was also wearing a Hulk so I felt like I was talking to someone who also had been bitten by the bug, so to say.

Sidenote: I was not dressed to the nine's on this visit to the AD; I was in sweats and no makeup which even terrified me looking in the mirror. I wouldn't reccomend waltzing into your AD's store like that generally, but in my experience I was taken seriously (perhaps even more seriously) in sweats then in a fancy attire.

As he was meticulously placing my order into the waitlist, I asked to be shown whatever watches they may have that are not exhibition only. As he left to go grab the watches, I realized he wouldn't have done that if I didn't ask or show genuine interest. He came back with the same exact watch I wanted with one exception- it was a blue stick dial. I laughed and said, "So close!!" To my shock, he told me that if I would like- he could send the Rolex in to the Rolex servicers to get the dial swapped to a white roman for roughly $1k with a 6 month turnaround time. At first, I rolled my eyes. I asked if he'd ever done that before with a client and he said yes which made me feel better. Then, I did the math. The watch was coming up to roughly $9.5k with tax, so another $1k is still well below the 2nd market rates. I felt like I could wait 6 months for that.

I bought the watch that day at MSRP, and that same day allowed them to ship the watch out to Rolex servicers to get the dial swapped. I also told my AD that my birthday was coming up in 3 weeks and despite wishing I could get my watch back by then, I know realistically it's going to take a while. He surprisingly noted my birthday and wanted to know the exact day.

Fast forward 3 weeks, I get a call from my AD: "Hey your watch is in, come and get it!" I immediately left work, with my wallet, in utter disbelief. Turns out my AD was in as much disbelief as I was. What was even more shocking was that there ended up being NO charge for the dial swap. No $1k, no nothin. So all in all, I just paid MSRP. My AD sized it for me and sent me on my merry way with box, papers, links, the whole enchilada. Also, they updated their systems so that the new dial was reflected in the ref no of the watch.

Super grateful to God and a very competent AD who took care of me here. Just wanted to share this experience for those who don't want to break their wallet & need a push to have some faith in the process of working with an AD. Reading forums and hearing from 2nd market dealers- I rarely heard positive things about AD's and I GET IT. My first AD was incompetent but it just took some perseverance to push through.

Congrats

[amh]

Great story, thanks! Post pics when you get a chance.

[10klakes]

Congrats, happy birthday, and welcome to the forum. There are good ADs out there, but I’m sure it’s daunting trying to find one. I’ve been lucky to have a good AD, and it’s always nice to hear others have a good experience too.

[Arid]

Congrats on new dj!

[sleepydoc]

“all dressed up looking like a snack” was my favourite part.

Congratulations, great birthday present. Hopefully you can post a wrist shot soon.

[lifebreath]

Originally Posted by MikeMWatchFan

I’ve never ever heard of Rolex officially swapping a dial not associated with the original serial and then officially doing so and recognizing it by updating that serial number record. Very odd. Congrats tho..

RSC has done so for the 20+ years I’ve been collecting. They’re not going to swap in a green dial on a YG Daytona, though.

[watchgirl2022]

I agree- it felt odd. When I did some online research about Rolex swapping dials, I too was expecting to either pay a handsome service fee for the dial of choice or get the watch returned back to me from the Rolex Service center in NY with no service done.
The AD/ Finks Jewelers store associates said this was the first time they've ever not been given a quote from Rolex for this kind of service. I'll try to post before/after dial swap pics on the thread in the next couple of days.

[subprimero]

Congratulations!

[fskywalker]

Congrats !!!!


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[waterking]

Congrats on the new watch. I routinely visit my AD in sweats and no makeup...just fyi.

[watchgirl2022]

Thanks so much!!
Before/After dial swap pics:

[Carguy87]

Congrats, happy birthday, and welcome to the forum!

[BNA/LION]

Congratulations!

[underpar]

Originally Posted by watchgirl2022

Thank you! The AD I worked with is Finks Jewelers in Chattanooga, TN.

As I was 'waiting' with them, I did call around to several AD's in surrounding areas to see what inventory they had on hand (AD's listed on Rolex's website) and it was very obvious, just over the phone, which AD's were worth & not worth engaging. Highly recommend calling ahead of time to get a feel for what you'll be in for customer service wise :)

Finks is a great company. I deal with them in Charlotte. They are one of the good, stand up Rolex Dealers.

[Mags01]

Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I am waiting for the exact same white Roman dial DJ36, although my first choice was the blue fluted dial. It’s my birthday next month and my SA promised to get it for me. Fingers crossed!

[Tanalasta]

You swapped out a blue stick dial for white Romans?

I wouldn't charge for that either! And that they had a blue dial DJ36 available for sale?

You did very well on multiple counts. Congratulations on the new watch.

[brkn]

tldr. congrats.

[amphr1]

Finally a good story on this forum. Congratulations!

[Reikolexguy]

That’s a great story. Congratulations!


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