Got the Call I've Waited Years for... and Passed

[GB-man]

I find it hilarious people choose to play this game. True masochism. There’s no grand payoff like during COVID when prices were nuts. Most of these ADs will be gone in 5 years. Don’t waste your time.

[Dave O]

Curious, have you checked the Rolex website yet to see if they are still listed as an AD?

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Dave O

Curious, have you checked the Rolex website yet to see if they are still listed as an AD?

They are as of this moment. I wonder what’s going on!

[Bxtek]

MRBolton....I only recently found this thread since its more recent revival here in December. I did go back and read your original post and earlier replies to this. First, let me say to you that I am sorry to read this and that I really feel for you. If there's anyone that can understand what you are going through, it's definitely us here on TRF! Non-watch people probably cannot understand how anyone can get so emotional on about a watch. WE surely do!

Next, let me also add that I honestly feel that you made the right decision by passing on the black. As a person that has also been trying for a Daytona since the 116 days (and also wanting the Panda), I know how tough of a decision that was to make. I will have to say that a good amount of the "blame" (if there is someone to place blame on) is your SA. It really sounded like HE talked you into passing and made a pretty strong promise for the white if you did. Especially the comment where he mentioned that you don't want to have that regret each time you looked down at your wrist and see black. Also, that getting you the white was a matter of "when" and not "if". You made the 110% right choice with the interaction and information that was provided to you by your trusted SA imo.

Things have obviously not gone to plan, and with the AD status suspension thing coming into play, that obviously makes it even more disheartening for sure. At this point, the only option is to move forward with what you can do, and what you can control. Since time seems to be a little bit of a crunch, I would definitely go with #1 option in your post from yesterday. No use going to your SA or the GM and you need to go right to the top imo, especially if the owners are fairly accessible. Obviously, be cordial and friendly, then just put everything on the table. Maybe the owners don't even know about your experience and haven't even heard your story? They cannot help a situation they don't know about, so this is the #1 priority at this point. If anyone has the power to help you, it would be them. It's good that they do own multiple locations, so they can pull strings if they need to!

Talking to your SA or the GM might not get the COMPLETE information up to the owners imo. If either of them did tell the owners the true FULL story, it doesn't help either of them look very good, no matter how it's presented.

The very best of luck to you in this situation. I am hoping to see an incoming thread from you soon!

[ArtNouveau]

I said months ago on this thread that I thought your chance to get a SS Daytona from this AD was over when you turned down the one offered. Unfortunately I still kind of think that.
Every AD handles things a bit different but when I was told I could have a 116500(note I did not ask) I was asked what dial I wanted, and told the wait for black around a year, a white around 1.5 years simply due to more people wanting one. This was to be my 4th SS Daytona over the last three generations and I did in fact want black which was delivered in nine months. I’ll never know for sure but I suspect if I had waffled when it came in at the very least I would have been sent to the bottom of the list.
OTOH, I have seen several dealers undergo renovations and none lost their AD status while this happened. Every US dealer knows what to expect for the calendar year, unless your AD is tiny they have received and sold white dial Daytonas and you have been passed over.
As far as who to talk to I would suggest pinning down the manager for an honest reply. My AD sounds similar to yours in that it’s part of a small family owned chain, I doubt that the owner gets involved in the day to day operations of this store. They are out of town and neither my SA or the manager has ever mentioned them. If you really want this watch badly enough you might just have to pony up the grey value.

[MRBolton]

Thanks for the additional replies. There are some additional aspects to consider that talking to a friend who's pretty well-versed in "the game" of getting tough pieces.

- To get the owner to really listen to me to the point that I hopefully accomplish what I'm seeking, I have to really dial up my grievances. This is throwing others under the bus. I really hate doing that to people. It probably would really burn my relationship at this store for future watches for a while. While the Daytona would make me feel like I've accomplished the Rolex nirvana I've sought, if/when the Coke GMT comes out, this AD is my best bet to get one. I would hate to burn a bridge, and it sounds like that may would happen.

- The worst case is that I burn my local relationship going to the owner, and the owner says, "When we resume selling Rolex there in a year, we'll get you one." And then I end up in the same boat I'm in now, only worse.

- The GM is who made the black happen for me. I genuinely believe he wants to get me the white, he's just been up against a good bit of "adversity" with pressure from whales and small inventory amounts available. The more I think about it, the more I want to approach the GM instead.

- To Bxtek's point above, if I go to the GM and the GM goes to the owner, then the spin he may put on it may not fully play to my favor. But at least I get to preserve my local relationship in a way that I don't jeopardize myself for future watches.

- Pivoting to the AD status, the Rolex website likely won't reflect the change. They still carry Rolex; it's just that it's on pause. I am planing to go in there within the next week or so to see what's up. My wife needs some bracelets purchased from there cleaned, so it's a good excuse to drop by and hear firsthand what's happened.

- My SA said it should be within a year I get the white. February will be the one year mark. My friend thinks that I should wait until the one year mark to approach the owner and greatly helps strengthen my case.

- ArtNouveau, regarding the owner's involvement, I get the sense they are pretty hands on and regularly are working in the store they live near. One of the owners came to a trunk show at my local store once and was just working behind the counter like an SA.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I said months ago on this thread that I thought your chance to get a SS Daytona from this AD was over when you turned down the one offered. Unfortunately I still kind of think that.

I could get that, but if it were the case--why would my SA make such a huge deal to me that he thinks I should pass on it and hold out for the white? It would take some very cruel mind games for that to be the case.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

They are as of this moment. I wonder what’s going on!

I still find it VERY hard to believe that their AD status is on hold for a year due to their upcoming renovation. Many, many before your AD have gone through renovations and I have yet to hear of one being put on hold (including mine). Now I could be totally wrong, but you need to ask that question. The fact that they are still listed on the Rolex website also begs the question.

Now if in fact they still have their AD status, my recommendation that I previously posted stands.

[kritameth]

Really was keeping my fingers crossed for you; while I can’t say I agreed with the decision, I truly respect the courage to hold out for what you really want. God knows that’s a rare attribute these days in this hobby, nay, the Rolex sphere specifically. Talk about hitting that fat tail risk big, sure ain’t pretty, but hence, courage. If I was in your shoes I, of course, would do everything and anything in my power, including those you’ve laid out, to salvage the operation, but if I was a betting man I’d bet the deal is FUBAR. If the whole thing really is beyond saving, save yourself the heartache and move forward quickly. My advice, assuming worst case? If the Panda is your ‘grail’ then go grey and start making memories with it (as long as it’s financially responsible), in short time you will not look back and fret over how much you paid. And if you did? Then it probably wasn’t the grail you pegged it to be and you probably won’t lose much money or sleep parting with it then. Good luck.

[Akacoke]

Let's just all give op some space and let him update us instead of bumping this thread again.

[Daytona king]

Originally Posted by Akacoke

Let's just all give op some space and let him update us instead of bumping this thread again.

I think he is looking for some genuine good advice. Just doesn’t want the negative post that you know will eventually find its way to this thread. I for one am interested in how this is going to play out. Hopefully in the OPs favor. Lots of landlines to avoid for sure though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Akacoke]

Originally Posted by Daytona king

I think he is looking for some genuine good advice. Just doesn’t want the negative post that you know will eventually find its way to this thread. I for one am interested in how this is going to play out. Hopefully in the OPs favor. Lots of landlines to avoid for sure though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

100%. I'm hoping for the best for him.

[Cassian739]

Originally Posted by Daytona king

I think in person if possible is actually the best option. That way you have his full attention and you can read his body language. He would be forced to give you a more direct answer then the runaround and I’ll call you back. Make him make his decision in front of you. It would definitely be harder to tell you no to your face imo.

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Thanks for the additional replies. There are some additional aspects to consider that talking to a friend who's pretty well-versed in "the game" of getting tough pieces.

- To get the owner to really listen to me to the point that I hopefully accomplish what I'm seeking, I have to really dial up my grievances. This is throwing others under the bus. I really hate doing that to people. It probably would really burn my relationship at this store for future watches for a while. While the Daytona would make me feel like I've accomplished the Rolex nirvana I've sought, if/when the Coke GMT comes out, this AD is my best bet to get one. I would hate to burn a bridge, and it sounds like that may would happen.

- The worst case is that I burn my local relationship going to the owner, and the owner says, "When we resume selling Rolex there in a year, we'll get you one." And then I end up in the same boat I'm in now, only worse.

- The GM is who made the black happen for me. I genuinely believe he wants to get me the white, he's just been up against a good bit of "adversity" with pressure from whales and small inventory amounts available. The more I think about it, the more I want to approach the GM instead.

- To Bxtek's point above, if I go to the GM and the GM goes to the owner, then the spin he may put on it may not fully play to my favor. But at least I get to preserve my local relationship in a way that I don't jeopardize myself for future watches.

- Pivoting to the AD status, the Rolex website likely won't reflect the change. They still carry Rolex; it's just that it's on pause. I am planing to go in there within the next week or so to see what's up. My wife needs some bracelets purchased from there cleaned, so it's a good excuse to drop by and hear firsthand what's happened.

- My SA said it should be within a year I get the white. February will be the one year mark. My friend thinks that I should wait until the one year mark to approach the owner and greatly helps strengthen my case.

- ArtNouveau, regarding the owner's involvement, I get the sense they are pretty hands on and regularly are working in the store they live near. One of the owners came to a trunk show at my local store once and was just working behind the counter like an SA.

OP - If you REALLY want a SS Panda Daytona, I think it's time you start regularly driving 2.5 hours, each way, to start building a relationship with the owner / family :) Also, don't throw the owners local team (GM/SA) under the bus - I guarantee they mean way more to him than you do.

Never piss off someone who can hurt you by doing nothing. No AD has to sell any of us a SS sports watch.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by Cassian739

OP - If you REALLY want a SS Panda Daytona, I think it's time you start regularly driving 2.5 hours, each way, to start building a relationship with the owner / family :) Also, don't throw the owners local team (GM/SA) under the bus - I guarantee they mean way more to him than you do.

Never piss off someone who can hurt you by doing nothing. No AD has to sell any of us a SS sports watch.

I heartily second the notion not to bus drive your SA and GM with the owner. It likely won't do anything but burn bridges.

I've followed this thread and I recall you only saying positive things about your rep until now. If the only thing that has changed your opinion is his estimated timeline of delivery has not taken place, that is not good enough of a reason to trash your relationship with him. I don't think that warrants a back-stabbing and it's just not a good look.

I understand why you are disappointed, but you are literally chasing the toughest watch to get at Rolex.

Also, while I am being forthcoming, I'd get over the white dial Daytona. Definitely a killer watch but as someone that owns it and also a similar 116508 as yours, the YG version blows the SS out of the water. I'd suggest redirecting some of your tenacity to appreciating your 508 and not lusting for the 500 as much. I know, I know, all of us here, including me can be VERY guilty of the same obsessiveness over the "next one," but gotta keep some perspective...sometimes.

Good luck, I'm still rooting for you!

[winst]

Fingers crossed for you OP.

[Escobardee]

I am passing on the Daytona oyster flex was next line last year ! With the 14 % increase it’s good bye !! £7.8k up from when I first was waiting

[kritameth]

Originally Posted by Escobardee

I am passing on the Daytona oyster flex was next line last year ! With the 14 % increase it’s good bye !! £7.8k up from when I first was waiting

Surely £7.8k is nothing for a man such as yourself, Señor Escobar!

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I could get that, but if it were the case--why would my SA make such a huge deal to me that he thinks I should pass on it and hold out for the white? It would take some very cruel mind games for that to be the case.

Maybe he was entirely sincere when he advised you to do that but now things have changed at the store and how things are run now.
I have only one personal experience that’s similar. I asked for a coral red OP41 at the Fall 2020 introduction thinking it would be months away. Then I got a call two weeks later just after I had purchased a $12K mountainbike. I reluctantly told him I should wait, he told me no problem just let him know when I was ready. A few months later I asked again and in six months I got their last one before discontinuation. He could have refused me or led me on and I would have missed out.

[Escobardee]

Originally Posted by kritameth

Surely £7.8k is nothing for a man such as yourself, Señor Escobar!

lol - just annoying to be fair and principal

[Daytona king]

Originally Posted by kritameth

Surely £7.8k is nothing for a man such as yourself, Señor Escobar!

lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jari from Finland]

Taking into consideration the amount of SS Daytonas for sale at the secondary market your AD knows that you are no flipper but you are patient to be waiting your dream watch.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by Akacoke

Let's just all give op some space and let him update us instead of bumping this thread again.

Agreed, mainly because I'm tired of seeing the thread and half the posts are a wall of words.

Not to be a a$$, but in the same situation I said yes and took the black and have 0 regrets about it. I paid $13,150 when they were going for $28K in the open market.

[Mancunian]

Personally, I would drop in and speak face to face with the owner or the GM. Owner preferably.

[1William]

Why not try thinking outside of the box and just letting the AD situation play itself out one way or another. Contacting the Owner/GM or SA again while fulfilling, on one level, might have an adverse impact on getting the watch or other watches in the future. I do not remember any information being presented that you said you were anything but a loyal customer who is willing to buy a watch that you desire. I would explore trying to figure out a purchase from a Trusted Seller without selling your other watch. It can be done, I am sure but you would have to pay more and that does not sit well. This is a great thread for those who are early in the watch game as there are many lesions to be learned. We each need to be thinking about alternatives and scenarios that may present themselves in our journey to owning the watches we want. Remembering that SA's are not your friends and that you have a business relationship so when they offer advice you need to take it with a grain of salt. Each watch buying experience is different but when you are trying to buy the most difficult allocation there is you need to adjust accordingly. I could offer much more but it is irrelevant for the situation the OP is in, as that is water under the bridge. Please keep us updated.

[codecow]

I am wondering if the right approach is like this:

OP: Excuse me. Excuse me? May I speak to you please? I asked for a white dial Daytona, and they brought me a black dial Daytona, and I said no black, NO black for the dial, but it had a black dial on it, big black dial, sitting under the glass...

AD: Very sorry sir.
[Under his breath]
AD: <censored>

OP: [as the SA walks away] And yes, I won't be leaving a good google review , 'cause I could... I could shut this whole AD down. Sir? I'll take my credit cards to a competing store. I could write a letter to your board of directors and I could have this place condemned. I could put... I could put... strychnine in the champagne. There was a black dial under the glass, a BIG black dial.

[inadeje]

While white has been the hype with the 11 series in my opinion the black is the most cohesive aesthetic for the 12 series. These are times when past wants overrule current generations bias.

[BKScripto]

A lot of hubbub on this thread.

At some point OP you’re going to have to quit your belly aching and take the bull by the horns.

My recommendation:

Contact the GM in person, ask to speak in private. There’s a way to explain the situation without saying your SA is 100% an a$$hole, maybe he’s just 99% ;)

Assuming the GM will say “let me work on it”. Give him 3 months, contacting him directly via email once per month just to pleasantly follow up.

If after 3 months there isn’t a solid timeline that you feel is truthful, then start contacting the owner. Give the owner the same timeframe.

If the owner also gives you the BS run-around. Leave a very respectful yet explicit Google review for their store. Yes, that may burn that bridge but if after all this, was there a bridge to begin with? Who cares.


I was in the same type of situation for a hard to get piece. Trust me, you’ve given this enough time. Too much time. You’re gonna have to take the bull by the horns and except at the end of this you may not end up with the watch from them, yet be happy you gave it your best shot.


This may come off a bit harsh but IMO you’re being way too passive. Avoid this AD game by taking control of the situation. You’ve given them every opportunity to come through for you on their own.

[Bxtek]

MRBolton.....Reading through post #336 (your 2nd to last one as I write this), #6 bullet point makes 100% sense. If your SA did in fact say within the year, I agree on waiting as well. I respectfully retract my first recommendation of going to the owners at this point. Definitely don't wanna burn any bridges if you can help it, especially if you want to continue to be a valued client at this store.

With that said, I don't think a little nudge would hurt at all. I would definitely approach the GM (and also maybe together with your SA if he's in the store too?) and express what you are feeling. I suspect if you inquire about the remodel and potential Rolex AD status suspension, I suspect he will tell you the truth since there is no reason to lie about that?

All of us who are responding and chiming in with our thoughts truly care about your situation and are hoping that things will work out for you in the end. Sure, some are long winded (worded) but I think that shows that we sincerely care. We are only expressing our honest opinions, thoughts and suggestions to hopefully help obtain the best results in the end. I see lots of fingers crossed for you here, including mine!

As for ArtNouveau's comment about your chance for a SS Daytona was over as soon as you turned down the one you were offered. Generally, that is 100% true and I would 110% agree with that! I think 99% of us automatically know that as well if one was offered to us. However, your SA changed the scenario on that when he basically promised you a white dial if you passed on the black. With that in mind, I still feel you made the right decision on passing. I would have done the same. Now, if your SA offered you the black and said nothing about being able to ever get you a white and you passed, nobody in this thread would be very sympathetic. Guaranteed that there wouldn't be very many sincere long winded (worded) responses offering advice or suggestions.

I know the topic of buying grey has been suggested several times here. I guess let me ask you this OP, if you are NOT able to get a SS Daytona at MSRP, could you live without it and move on to buying other pieces? Or, if you did buy a SS Daytona on the grey, would you be able FULLY enjoy it? It was already mentioned about if you bought the black but when each time you looked at your wrist, you would be reminded that you really wanted the white. With the grey piece (even if it was a white one) would you be reminded of this whole incident and how you passed on the one at MSRP each time you looked at your wrist? This last scenario would be the biggest mental block problem that I would have.

In the end, I am still keeping my fingers crossed for you. I sincerely hope everything works out and you are able to get the piece you want.

[Daytona king]

Originally Posted by Dave O

I still find it VERY hard to believe that their AD status is on hold for a year due to their upcoming renovation. Many, many before your AD have gone through renovations and I have yet to hear of one being put on hold (including mine). Now I could be totally wrong, but you need to ask that question. The fact that they are still listed on the Rolex website also begs the question.

Now if in fact they still have their AD status, my recommendation that I previously posted stands.

This location is no longer listed on the Rolex map as an AD. Would seem odd to me as they are only on a “pause”for a year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Duke Nukem]

Originally Posted by Daytona king

This location is no longer listed on the Rolex map as an AD. Would seem odd to me as they are only on a “pause”for a year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There's many ADs across the states undergoing renovations to the new standards and they are still authorized and continue to receive regular deliveries.

That said, I doubt Lee Michaels in Ridgeland will return as a Rolex AD. OP's best bet is to contact the owner(s) directly and plead his case. Hopefully he can continue leverage his purchase history at one of their other existing locations.