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SS Oyster · 4 December 2008, 05:47 PM

Today I was up in Newport Beach area for a dental appointment, so I decided to do a bit of Christmas shopping at Costa Mesa mall. As I wandered around, I decided to stop in at Tourneau. They don't carry new Rolex watches, even though they claimed that they WERE a Rolex AD in some stores. Of the four Tourneau stores I've frequented, they only have pre-owned models ... that's another post altogether.

Anyway, they had a brand new (albeit short one band link) YG GMT IIc green dial. This happens to be MY "Grail" watch. I know, I know, it may not meet the TRF-accepted definition (rare, old, etc.) for Grail, but it meets my definition --- of any Rolex watch available anywhere in the world, which would you prefer to own. Under that definition, the YG GMT IIc green dial is my Grail watch.

Back to Tourneau ... I asked to try to watch. It was too tight (missing one link). Other than that, it was perfect with all the plastic still in tact, and the salesman told me he would get me the missing link.

He told me the price was $24,583 including 7.75% tax (out the door). I asked him the real price for this "used" watch. He asked me if I was willing to buy the watch today. I told I was for the right price, so he asked me what I'd be willing to pay "today". I told him that I'd pay $17k and not a cent more. He asked me if that was before tax or "out the door"? I told him that was my "out the door" price (amount out of my pocket), but if he would sell it to me for that I'd buy it immediately. He told me he had to talk to the manager. I told him to take his time because I had to get back to my family who were waiting for me. I left him my business card and asked him to call my mobile with his manager's answer.

I left and walked around a bit more with my family. I told my wife what I offered. Her comment was, "well, good luck, but I haven't heard your phone ringing." Right then, my iPhone rang. It was the Tourneau salesman. He told me that the lowest they could go "out the door" (tax included) was $21,500. I told him, "well, that's not going to get it done for me" so the deal was off.

Oh well ... maybe they'll call after it gathers some dust.

C. Davidson · 4 December 2008, 06:35 PM

What's 17K, 38% off list?

Singslinger · 4 December 2008, 06:50 PM

With the economy the way it is, this is a buyer's market. A bit of patience and I'm sure you'll get your grail at close to your price. Good luck!

TheVTCGuy · 4 December 2008, 09:57 PM

Hey Mark, I'm not sure if that was a good deal or not, but it was the price you wanted to pay, if they didn't meet your requirements then you did the right thing.

P.S. Your "Holy Grail" Watch can be anything you want! As definied on TRF, it is what you have a passion for. Mine was the SS Daytona, and I was blessed enough to get it this year. If yours is the YG GMT, or a SS Air King, or the platty YM, you go for it!

toph · 4 December 2008, 10:29 PM

you hang in there, the right price will come along. In my opinion that is part of the experience and will be a sense of acheivement when you get it for the price you are willing to pay

4 December 2008, 05:47 PM	#1
SS Oyster "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 9,391	This close to "my" grail watch Today I was up in Newport Beach area for a dental appointment, so I decided to do a bit of Christmas shopping at Costa Mesa mall. As I wandered around, I decided to stop in at Tourneau. They don't carry new Rolex watches, even though they claimed that they WERE a Rolex AD in some stores. Of the four Tourneau stores I've frequented, they only have pre-owned models ... that's another post altogether. Anyway, they had a brand new (albeit short one band link) YG GMT IIc green dial. This happens to be MY "Grail" watch. I know, I know, it may not meet the TRF-accepted definition (rare, old, etc.) for Grail, but it meets my definition --- of any Rolex watch available anywhere in the world, which would you prefer to own. Under that definition, the YG GMT IIc green dial is my Grail watch. Back to Tourneau ... I asked to try to watch. It was too tight (missing one link). Other than that, it was perfect with all the plastic still in tact, and the salesman told me he would get me the missing link. He told me the price was $24,583 including 7.75% tax (out the door). I asked him the real price for this "used" watch. He asked me if I was willing to buy the watch today. I told I was for the right price, so he asked me what I'd be willing to pay "today". I told him that I'd pay $17k and not a cent more. He asked me if that was before tax or "out the door"? I told him that was my "out the door" price (amount out of my pocket), but if he would sell it to me for that I'd buy it immediately. He told me he had to talk to the manager. I told him to take his time because I had to get back to my family who were waiting for me. I left him my business card and asked him to call my mobile with his manager's answer. I left and walked around a bit more with my family. I told my wife what I offered. Her comment was, "well, good luck, but I haven't heard your phone ringing." Right then, my iPhone rang. It was the Tourneau salesman. He told me that the lowest they could go "out the door" (tax included) was $21,500. I told him, "well, that's not going to get it done for me" so the deal was off. Oh well ... maybe they'll call after it gathers some dust.

4 December 2008, 06:35 PM	#2
C. Davidson "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: WXSW Watch: GMT (116710) Posts: 2,723	What's 17K, 38% off list? __________________ -Cheers, Chris #15,634 "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."

4 December 2008, 10:29 PM	#5
toph "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: ChrisTOPHer Location: Sydney Watch: Rolex, Brellum, Posts: 12,601	you hang in there, the right price will come along. In my opinion that is part of the experience and will be a sense of acheivement when you get it for the price you are willing to pay __________________ "Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Member No.# 11795

4 December 2008, 06:50 PM	#3
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	With the economy the way it is, this is a buyer's market. A bit of patience and I'm sure you'll get your grail at close to your price. Good luck!

4 December 2008, 09:57 PM	#4
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,539	Hey Mark, I'm not sure if that was a good deal or not, but it was the price you wanted to pay, if they didn't meet your requirements then you did the right thing. P.S. Your "Holy Grail" Watch can be anything you want! As definied on TRF, it is what you have a passion for. Mine was the SS Daytona, and I was blessed enough to get it this year. If yours is the YG GMT, or a SS Air King, or the platty YM, you go for it!

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