If an AD accepts a deposit, does that guarantee you the watch?

[Nairn1980]

No....the AD could lose their status. It’s happened to other people
Plus they have your money now, so no rush from their point of view.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

AD’s are neither owned or controlled by Rolex SA. They are simple authorised dealers of Rolex and are otherwise separate companies.

This is a false statement. AD’s, in many ways, are controlled by their agreement with Rolex. There are pages of stipulations which the AD agrees to be bound to as part of the relationship.

[Aquinas]

Check (i) your contract, if any written, and (ii) their T&Cs if it says anything about deposits. Otherwise, if you just have an oral or implied agreement, it’s a matter of construction.
Might be there are some US or NY state rules of how to construe agreements if the specifics are not explicitly agreed upon, but I’m a continental guy so I’m out of my depth here.

[Benzsiam]

The boutique/AD that I know told me that they won't take any deposit for all sport models but for the other models they can take deposit but not require. People who put deposit will get their watch before others.

[kizerman]

When leaving a deposit always do it with a credit card. That way if you need to get your money returned for any reason you can get a chargeback for goods/services not received

[Bro Watch]

I put a deposit on a submariner a month before the new one was released. They upgraded me to the new model (41mm) and I received it about 2 weeks after the release.

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[Calatrava r]

Deposits are AD actions to ensure their lists are for serious buyers. Nothing more, nothing less. When anything may show up is really unknown and is at the dictates of Rolex not the AD. I think some ADs will sell to whomever at the time a watch comes in to best suit their own interests regardless of deposits. For these reasons I would shy away ADs asking for a deposit.

[Batmannr1]

No guarantee at all. Put two minor deposits in at an AD in 2018. Was quoted 3-4 years waiting time. It is a gamble.
Unknown if the AD will deliver in the end.

[garyk]

Nope

[Jb1264]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

No guarantee.

You will get your watch when it comes in.

If that model discontinue, you have the choice to transfer to new model at new price or get your money back.

If that AD go bankrupt, you might lose your deposit.

This is a good summary. Some AD’s may see this as countering those who put their name down at a dozen stores.

[inadeje]

I am surprised you could even leave a deposit. I believe it’s not permitted. My AD won’t take deposits at all.

[alphadweller]

No guarantee, no ETA, you just lend your hard earned money and hope for the best? No way, too risky. ADs go out of business.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

This is a false statement. AD’s, in many ways, are controlled by their agreement with Rolex. There are pages of stipulations which the AD agrees to be bound to as part of the relationship.

And that’s not what I meant. Oh course there are written rules and requirements that govern being an AD in the first place. But being able to meet the premise of the OP’s question isn’t within their remit.

[Atone]

I would only do this with an AD where I have history and know the SA well. Otherwise, no way.

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by ce027772

You know that nothing is guaranteed in this world, except for death and taxes, right?

and data failures...

I used to say "and hard drive failures" but no more HDDs

[CFR]

These guys were Rolex ADs when they suddenly locked the doors of all their stores one night and fled the country. People definitely lost their deposits. Of course, the likelihood of something like this happening to any one of us is small but nonzero.

[edslee327]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Depends on the dealer. Who brought up the idea of a deposit? How much was it? If WEMPE, Tourneau, or WOS brought up the subject, the watch will be yours. If you brought it up and it’s not one of the Big 3, who knows. What does it say on your invoice?

It was one of the big 3.

To others who said I should ask the SA, I did, but they sort of gave me the generic answer and i figured folks here would be more transparent than an SA's responses anyway (not that they ever gave me a reason not to trust them)...

Thanks all, and happy holidays!

[maromewatches]

Wow they told me they wouldn’t take a deposit since it is so hard to know when they will arrive, probably just wanted to get me out of the way.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by EEpro

I did this once with Watches of Switzerland (Wynn casino AD). 50% down as a new customer and was quoted one month. Watch arrived on time and I collected. 216570

I would have zero qualms in today’s market putting 50% down with a 1 month turnaround quote. Essentially zero chance they go belly up in that time, you show you’re serious and you get the watch quick. Good deal IMO.

[ChugachEagle]

ADs I know don’t take deposit on any pieces they can’t order. Allocation only pieces are no deposit, they have no idea if or when they’ll get them.

Anything they can order though, my AD requires full payment at time of ordering. No worries there.


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[vh2k]

Originally Posted by edslee327

It was one of the big 3.

You’re good. If it’s WEMPE, their reputation is gold. The watch is yours.

If it’s T or WOS, no risk. Solid companies that aren’t going anywhere.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by RJG

I've seen two Rolex AD's here in Seattle in the last year lose their status as a Rolex AD. They didn't close up shop mind you, they just don't sell Rolex anymore. They sell Tag Heuer and Hamilton. So I think in that case you'd be able to get that deposit back.

But if they close doors completely ? You're hosed and you very likely have lost that deposit. Trying to get that $ back would be just a monumental pain in the arse.

In the OP you mentioned the AD was large. That could mean they are large enough to survive the carnage of retail shops in 2020. But who even knows what their books look like this year. All bets are off.

I’m in Seattle and haven’t seen this. Do you mind saying who lost their Rolex status in Seattle? Thanks.


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[Watch@ddict]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

The answers to your questions will depend on the AD. An AD that takes a deposit should be placing an order for the watch with Rolex. However, that does not mean that Rolex will deliver that watch to the AD. The AD in most cases will not have an ETA on when that watch will be delivered either. This is why an AD can’t give you a timeline. Should that watch be discontinued, it is up to the AD to put you on the list for the replacement model or refund your deposit. Should Rolex raise the price of that watch prior to the AD receiving it from Rolex, it is up to the AD to decide what price to charge you. In most cases they will charge you the higher price.

Basically the discussion I had with my ad. Placed an order for a gmt meteorite and this is exactly what they told me.


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[Meyrin]

No, it doesn't imo, certainly not in these economically and financially uncertain times. Don't put down a deposit where the future of many ADs (and millions of other businesses world wide) could be viewed as uncertain, to put it mildly.