I'm taking the plunge...in more ways than one.

[tomski12]

After lurking for a while, I'm taking the plunge with my first post.

My wife piqued my interest in Rolex a few months ago, when she said she might get me one for Father's Day. (she has a two-tone oyster perpetual.) I've never owned one and have always thought, "I could buy another motorcycle for what a Rolex costs." I know, maybe a myopic view to most people. Well, we went to some jewelry stores who had used watches and, guess what, I decided I liked the watch that costs as much as I could buy a good race bike, new helmet, boots, gloves, and full leathers. My wife decided my tastes are too expensive for her budget and bought me clothes for Father's Day.

So, now I have decided to take the plunge on a ss/plat Yachtmaster. Is the market strong on YM's? Watching e-bay auctions of YM's, it appears that new gray-markets are going for about 80-85% of MSRP.

The issue becomes whether dealing with an AD is worth an additional $1,300-1,800. Has anybody had any experience dealing with AD's in the Orlando area? If I can bridge the aforementioned numbers, the price at an AD of the YM becomes much more palatable.

[tomski12]

No one willing to opine about the strength of the market for a SS/Plat Yachtmaster or Orlando AD's?

[colemanitis]

There's certainly a market for SS/Plat YMs. They don't sell like the Subs do, but they do sell. I'm not familiar with any ADs in the Orlando area, even though I go there several time a year.

[gf-gregg]

Appx a week ago, I started a thread looking for YM feedback.
I received a lot of great commentary. I just went to find it on TRF. It is currently on page 10. Title is Yacht-Master? Take a look...you'll find some interesting and useful information.

I too am taking the same plunge...buying from my AD. Too many $$$ for E-bay (although there is a very nice watch posted in this forum).

[GoldenBear]

I don't know that I would factor the resale or secondary market value into your "Dream watch". Hopefully, if you get it you will wear it and enjoy it for many, many years. At some point in the future, the market value may exceed the price you paid. I have two (a SS Sub and a TT Sub). Both are worth more now than I paid for them. I can't imagine I will ever sell or trade them in. That's just me. Everyone here is different.

[Downing]

If you're thinking about going the eBay route, you should definitely be careful.

Take a look at a recent thread, "My First Post And It's Bad News," for example. As of this writing, the thread's listed on Page 3.

There are several grey market dealers that enjoy solid reputations. Alan Furman comes to mind. There's another one in Miami, but I can't remember the name, sorry.

I'm a fan of going through an AD, but I totally understand the concept of budget busting.

Good luck. Be patient with the Forum. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice.

[tomski12]

I'm looking at the secondary market as a way to evaluate the manner in which an AD might negotiate, if at all. My preference is to buy from an AD, however, with tax it's around $9k. If I go with a grey dealer can save over $1k. So, I am trying to guage whether the negotiating tactics (i.e. no negotiating) of an AD are warranted.

[USMCsilver]

Tom, for a first, I'd probably go AD. I didn't believe it when I was searchin' for my 1st, but now, in hindsight (20/20 by the way) I'd plop down the dime and walk my broke ass in to a physical store with new watches and just bite the bullet.

Until that first purchase is made, it's kinda hard to understand. I didn't until after the first purchase; I didn't understand, but now I do...

Anyway, if you are fixed on buying "pre-loved" then I suggest you also check out www.preownedrolex.com. Unless my AD can get close, I'm going there for my TT black Sub or YM.

Good luck!

[dfn8tly]

Welcome to TRF and good luck in your decision regarding the Yacht Master. Stick around, we're really kind of a nice bunch.

Please allow me to voice (figuratively) a couple of thoughts.

The SS/Plat YM is beautiful and worthy of your "dream" watch. Buy it because you really like it, NOT with the thought of what it's value will be in the future. There are some guys who collect/trade in vintage and rare timepieces. You acknowledge that you've only been thinking about Rolex for a few months. With all respect you do NOT have the experience or background to get into this highly competetive game. Wear the watch you love because it looks nice and makes you feel good. That is part of the Rolex reward.

You've not mentioned a couple of advantages that only an AD can give you. These can be important. While it is rare for a new Rolex to require service, other than a minor regulation, a gray market dealer cannot offer a warranty other than their own. How qualified are their technicians? You'll never know. A full Rolex backed warranty has intrinsic value in the confidence you have in your purchase. If the gray market dealer saves you $1k, as in your example, spread over two years that's $10 a week. Would I spend that much money for full comfort in this kind of personal investment? Yes, but the ultimate call is yours.

Also, you may not be aware of the value of a solid relationship with a local AD. It may turn out you'll actually like these people and give them some more business. They in turn, may offer special opportunities for valued clients like yourself.

I apologize for being so vociferous but I think you should have as much information and reasonable opinions as possible before making a final decision. Best wishes for many enjoyable years with a beautiful mechanical instrument on your arm. A rolex on one arm and a lovely wife on the other --- You the Man!

[Green Arrow]

I've bought a few watches on the internet, but my very first effort was to buy a solid gold watch for too little money, and I almost got burned. The phony seller had the audacity to give me a bad credit on his way out the door of E-bay, but at least I sniffed it out.

For the kind of money you are shelling out, understand that Rolex is the most commonly faked watch in the world, and the amount you save isn't enough for the risk.

If you are going to buy over the internet, make certain you speak to the seller personally, and/or that they are a Power Seller with tons of positive feedback, and next to no negative feedback. If you buy on the forums, get references. Most people buy or sell more than one watch, and someone should be able to give you a reference or two, or three, that you can check out. I can refer people to the dealers who sold me watches I've sold so that a buyer can check me out, and be clear that the watch is authentic.

Face to face is even better. Feels a little silly handing cash over for a watch in some "meeting" but at least you know you are getting the watch IF you are good enough to know you aren't getting a fake, or you've vetted the seller to your satisfaction.

For not a lot more money you can buy from an AD, like I just did for my TT Yachtmaster. Lot's easier. And certainly if this is your first Rolex.

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

Originally Posted by Downing

There are several grey market dealers that enjoy solid reputations. Alan Furman comes to mind. There's another one in Miami, but I can't remember the name, sorry.

Swiss Luxury is probably the one in Miami that Downing is talking about.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Quickly get the YM and post pics of it here!

[Downing]

Originally Posted by FLACGC

Swiss Luxury is probably the one in Miami that Downing is talking about.

That's it. Thanks, Richard.

[rolex5]

If I were you, I would do two below things to make up about 1k difference:

1) Ask Kansaiviet about the cost of the SS YM that the AD in Oregon (no sales tax) offers.

2) If agree on the deal, I would buy a gift certificate from the Starbucks for Kansaiviet & ask him to inspect the YM for me before shipping.

3) Want to get cash instead of clothes as the gift for the Father Day.

By doing the above, I'll have my REAL brand new Rolex from an AD with the cost that I want.

HOWEVER before doing the whole nine yards, I MUST make sure two things:

1) I'll try on my wrist the TT blue Sub, black dial Sub, TT GMT II, Date Just w/ jubilee, or TT TOG (rose gold) black dial w/ jubilee.

2) I'll make sure that the YM smiles at me big time.

It's my 2 cents if I were you. Wish you the best luck on your dream watch.

[DaveN]

Another good dealer: http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex/Yacht-Master

[OG318]

Originally Posted by tomski12

The issue becomes whether dealing with an AD is worth an additional $1,300-1,800. Has anybody had any experience dealing with AD's in the Orlando area? If I can bridge the aforementioned numbers, the price at an AD of the YM becomes much more palatable.

tomski
I had this exact internal dialog about 3 months ago while looking at a TT YM. The dealer on eBay came highly recommended by TRF members but my AD had the watch and I was able to see it on my wrist. 2 months ago tomorrow, I made the decision to go with the AD. Since I had developed a rapport with the AD, I asked for and was given a discount about equal to sales tax. Also, this AD provides an additional 3 year warranty above Rolex. I did pay roughly $1,000 more through my AD but I have the peace of mind of 5 years warranty (doubt I'll need it). I know who/where the watch has been. I regretted the decision for a couple weeks thinking what I could with that $1000. Now the sticker shock is gone when I see the gleaming gold and steel. Good Luck

[2wheelseadweller]

Hey dude what kindof racing/riding do you do? I have a k5 gixxer 1000 that I mainly use just for trackdays now. I too had a hard time deciding between another bike and a rolex. But I have already crashed 3 times (1 over a hundred hit a curb and broke the bike in half) so I thought a rolex would probably last longer.

What tracks do you go to? I go to TWS in College Station, MSR Houston, and MSR Cresson in DAllas. And I have a serious TRACK ADDICTION!./

[tomski12]

I've got a line on a KTM SMR450. I've sold my streetbikes but I love the track. The only track close by is JenningsGP, which is a nice track but far away. There is a cart track in Ocala that is good for supermotos. I've thought about doing a reentry there.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, Tom.....hope you enjoy your stay here.

Cheers - JJ

[bmackinlay]

Tom, you may want to give this guy a call , he has a Platnium Yacht Master men's full size used but in great condition Price is firm



















Tom, here is an ad from this morning's Tampa Tribune ROLEXPlatnium Yacht Master mens full size, used , but in great condition price firm $5250.00 813-909-6837. If you were interested you could drive to Tampa and see it and take to a dealer to authenicate it. Hayman4353

[2wheelseadweller]

Originally Posted by tomski12

I've got a line on a KTM SMR450. I've sold my streetbikes but I love the track. The only track close by is JenningsGP, which is a nice track but far away. There is a cart track in Ocala that is good for supermotos. I've thought about doing a reentry there.

I know what you mean. the closest track to me is MSRHOUSTON and it is 3 1/2 hours. I heard Jennings is good track. Motard huh? I am still on a regular sportbike for now. Dang, tire prices are starting to get to me.

[bmackinlay]

Tom, here is an ad in the Tampa Tribune this AM :ROLEX Platnium Yacht Master,men's full size, Used but in great conition. Price firm $5250 813-909-6837. If you thought you were interested you could drive to Tampa and look at it and have it authenicated.Hayman4353