How often to check in with AD?

[FL2024]

First time using an AD. Previously always went grey so I have no spend history or anything. Last week I put my name down for a new Rolex. Per usual the SA could not give me a time frame of when I’d get the watch. Could be 3 weeks or 9 months… Unfortunately I cannot text with this AD. They only provide the phone number of the store not the individual SA’s number. My only options are to call the store or stop by in-person.

I obviously want to get the watch asap. How often do you recommend I stop by or call? What should I say when doing so?

I’m just inexperienced so I appreciate any advice from the vets.

[mato123]

Speaking for myself, based on my own experience, it's a waste of time. I tried couple of times (3 months apart) but there was always somebody else in the shop. On my 2nd visit sales person was quite annoyed. I was told they receive a watch with a customer name attached to it (I guess that would be from HO or distributor), that's when they call. Obviously she can't know when that will happen. But it may be different at every AD.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by FL2024

First time using an AD. Previously always went grey so I have no spend history or anything. Last week I put my name down for a new Rolex. Per usual the SA could not give me a time frame of when I’d get the watch. Could be 3 weeks or 9 months… Unfortunately I cannot text with this AD. They only provide the phone number of the store not the individual SA’s number. My only options are to call the store or stop by in-person.

I obviously want to get the watch asap. How often do you recommend I stop by or call? What should I say when doing so?

I’m just inexperienced so I appreciate any advice from the vets.

I stop by about every 2 months. I feel like it’s not too often, and about the perfect frequency. If I can’t stop by, I will call and ask for my SA. If she is not in, I will ask for the Manager, by name. When calling, I’ll ask if there is any news on whichever watch I’m waiting on. I just chat about watches, with staff, and try on whatever new has come in. I thoroughly enjoy each visit, and they seem genuinely pleased to see me. Good luck, and tell us which watch you want.

Kat


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[Gearjockey]

I would start with every month. Step it down to once every three months. Then once every year and again,
once every other year.

After 2 years if no luck, go grey.


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[Triggerfish]

This is a tough question, if you're AD is in a mall and you go there for lunch a few times a week, it's hard to not stop in and look around, and of course your SA is going to notice you.

My SA told me that the HQ decides, blindly and randomly, who gets a watch, and indicated that it's useless for me to come in and say "HI". So there's that. It's a strange game...

[Speed]

Originally Posted by FL2024

First time using an AD. Previously always went grey so I have no spend history or anything. Last week I put my name down for a new Rolex. Per usual the SA could not give me a time frame of when I’d get the watch. Could be 3 weeks or 9 months… Unfortunately I cannot text with this AD. They only provide the phone number of the store not the individual SA’s number. My only options are to call the store or stop by in-person.

I obviously want to get the watch asap. How often do you recommend I stop by or call? What should I say when doing so?

I’m just inexperienced so I appreciate any advice from the vets.

Just FYI...You're probably not on any "list." It's likely all a ruse.

The AD ( whichever sales person's turn it is to sell a Rolex ) will very likely sell whatever watch you want - assuming it's something mildly desirable - to a regular customer.

Unless you have some sort of personal connection to your sales person, stopping by or calling will only get annoying for them.

But if you have time on your hands...stop by as often as you / your stomach allows.

[enicar]

Is there anyone who can reliably confirm (former AD eg) that you can get the watch more likely or sooner if you come by from time to time? I doubt it though... They have their list of customers and you are just one of them.

[HorologyK]

Every day


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[FL2024]

Originally Posted by Speed

Just FYI...You're probably not on any "list." It's likely all a ruse.

The AD ( whichever sales person's turn it is to sell a Rolex ) will very likely sell whatever watch you want - assuming it's something mildly desirable - to a regular customer.

Unless you have some sort of personal connection to your sales person, stopping by or calling will only get annoying for them.

But if you have time on your hands...stop by as often as you / your stomach allows.

Your statement is contradictory. You’re saying stopping by will get irritating but if you have the time, do it?

[Hulkhunter]

I would not ever call, unless it’s to make an appointment.

Phone calls simply to say “where is my watch?” just come across as annoying for your SA.

You should only do store visits.

[enjoythemusic]

Every couple months or so.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by FL2024

Your statement is contradictory. You’re saying stopping by will get irritating but if you have the time, do it?

Sorry - irritating for the SA. However, if the OP really enjoys stopping by - have at it. It’s free.

[BraveBold]

Well, I stop by when I have something to do.

Need something serviced? Need to pick up something? Interested in a new watch? Want to buy a gift for my wife?

The above means it is highly variable. I have never considered stopping by “just cuz” though I don’t transact every time I step in the store. Honestly, the frequency is dictated by my need.

What I try and do, however, is check with my SA on whether they’re in before I stop by. Not for something like picking up something from service, but certainly if looking to potentially buy or trying on something new.

[YGRLX]

Every other week, then again it’s always to buy something for myself or family

[Triggerfish]

Originally Posted by Speed

Sorry - irritating for the SA. However, if the OP really enjoys stopping by - have at it. It’s free.

They are so full of random walk-ins that they have to say they have nothing to sell, you'd think a familar, smiling face they could say no to would be a little better....

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Hulkhunter

I would not ever call, unless it’s to make an appointment.

Phone calls simply to say “where is my watch?” just come across as annoying for your SA.

You should only do store visits.

My calls are always warmly received. People who are telling OP not to try or that stopping by is not going to help, unless you are a regular customer, doing exactly that is how I became a regular customer and have gotten 3 watches in the last year and one half. Many of us here have cultivated relationships with an AD, without strings attached, and have been treated very well, as can be verified in the recent thread regarding exactly that. Also, I’ve never had to make an appointment. All my visits were spontaneous and unscheduled.

Kat


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[peptide45]

I agree with Kat… My SA was very approachable and allowed me to text her. I live 2 hours away but travel to the city a few times a year for golf. I would always give a heads up before I stopped by to look or see if they had a particular model on display. I bought a Tudor and a few modest pieces of jewelry for my wife (which I would have bought anyways) in the 15 months it took to acquire a pair of Rolexes for myself and my wife.

The AD I use does a good job of creating real expectations. My SA told me there was no way they could get enough watches to fulfill everyone who came in and requested a Submariner, for example, but other models were more reasonable. She had also told me a BLRO would take 7 years. Fortunately, that’s not one I’m after… I typically texted or let her know I was coming in every 2-4 months.

In your situation I think calling to check in and let them know you are still interested every 2-3 months is reasonable. Hopefully, they will give you a timeline but I truly believe they can only estimate. If you get a good feeling from the AD you’re working with, it will probably happen for you in time but you just have to be patient.

Good luck!


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[HMHM]

My advice is everyday, first thing in the morning. Let them know that whenever they start their operating hours, there is a phone call coming in and it’s YOU! Do this for 3 months everyday and see those watches come pouring in like there’s no tomorrow. Eventually they will be accustomed to your follow-up and will wait at the phone every morning for your reminder / follow-up! LFG!

[codecow]

I emailed my SA twice just today.

[rrags]

Every couple months or so. Sometimes sooner if I can think of reason (excuse) to reach out to them.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by HMHM

My advice is everyday, first thing in the morning. Let them know that whenever they start their operating hours, there is a phone call coming in and it’s YOU! Do this for 3 months everyday and see those watches come pouring in like there’s no tomorrow. Eventually they will be accustomed to your follow-up and will wait at the phone every morning for your reminder / follow-up! LFG!

Totally unnecessary sarcasm, when a newbie is sincerely asking for help. Not amusing and not cool.

Kat


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[HMHM]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Totally unnecessary sarcasm, when a newbie is sincerely asking for help. Not amusing and not cool.

Kat


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Yes Kat! Winner of Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for keeping the peace on TRF!

[worldofoyster]

What watch are you planning to get from this AD? Once a month is good

[StocksnBlondes]

Go back in next month, then around Watches and Wonders, then another time before the summer hits. What did you request?

[ChronoZach]

Op, I think , what everyone is trying to say that it all depends on the SA, The AD and you.
Every situation is different and requires a different approach. Here is mine , I pass bye once in a while on no set schedule and say, hello and never ask for watches, I look at what is in the forbidden exhibition only display! If there’s something I like, I will ask to try it on and chat with the SA about watches, life, family… Now, here is the kicker if the SA asks me about my list, if im still interested in this or that I let them know. Sure! and may even joke ? Why is it here? and we laugh. He he … last time I was shopping nearby and I had not been in since before the holidays.

Now , if I’m texted about a piece? Then, I know that it’s available. I Reply yay or nay.
Mind you this does not happen very often. Once or twice in the past 2 years.

So here is my $0.02 , be yourself and build a relationship with your SA , pass bye once in while to show interest and say hello , never ask for anything, but what is on your list,
wink wink the famous list. I know it’s a pain but once you buy your first one you will be on your way. let them come to you.

This will take a while as you have no history with your AD and they don’t know you.

Hope that helps,

Cheers,

[KatGirl]

Zach is on point. Exactly what I did, and after acquiring 3 watches, the GM at my AD has told me they will try their best to get me any model I want next. I’m also wondering about which model you requested. Let us know.


KAT


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[Moondoggy]

I can’t even get into,Walmart these days and I’m okay with that.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by FL2024

First time using an AD. Previously always went grey so I have no spend history or anything. Last week I put my name down for a new Rolex. Per usual the SA could not give me a time frame of when I’d get the watch. Could be 3 weeks or 9 months… Unfortunately I cannot text with this AD. They only provide the phone number of the store not the individual SA’s number. My only options are to call the store or stop by in-person.

I obviously want to get the watch asap. How often do you recommend I stop by or call? What should I say when doing so?

I’m just inexperienced so I appreciate any advice from the vets.

I would go in daily , once in the morning and then again just before closing through the week , then at the weekends pop in three times, each time buy something you don’t want ( this is called building a relationship)

[Ichiran]

I don't ever "step in" but I get all the watches I want from my AD. Frankly, I don't know what to say if I "step in". Like "How are you, do you have the Daytona for me? No? Ok bye I will step in another day."

[Bazil]

I don’t think there is a set time, but as a rough guide monthly is probably enough to not be annoying but show you have an interest .. hard to say honestly because every AD is different …
Some are much friendlier than others, some want you to buy other trinkets …
Good luck either way ..