ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
27 December 2020, 03:49 PM | #31 |
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Welcome to the forum.
You said you're just beginning to collect watches, and the only brand you mentioned was Rolex. As you know. Rolex just happens to be the most instantaneously recognizable brand, so it seems to me that Step #1 is to figure out if you're really interested in watches more generally vs. if you're interested in the symbolism of owning Rolex. That'll determine which direction you might want to go in now. To do that, pretend that Rolex doesn't exist and never existed. What other (non-trivial) watches or watch brands really captivate you, enough to want to buy now? Does anything excite you as much as Rolex? On an unrelated note, not having a car in the city is totally relatable :) |
27 December 2020, 05:11 PM | #32 | |
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Quote:
Perhaps I’m not even interested in watches. I am however very interested in Rolex. While I was defending ADs (again) on another thread, I realised how true it is, the popular refrain on this forum about life being too short. Life is indeed too short to just give up and go grey. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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27 December 2020, 05:28 PM | #33 |
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Move slowly,evaluate why you want a Rolex specifically,there are other good brands out there easier obtainable.
As people have posted consider investments and buy your watch when some returns come in,it is hard to go to an AD to try on,because of Covid and lack of stock,especially the models you fancy. Also be aware members who write on TRF are very experienced and knowledgeable watch collectors and owners,and well established in life and businesses. I doubt if your first car will be a top end Merc or the like,I does not pay to rush in these sort of purchases Unless one has cash to burn. Good luck with it all,you will get what you want,just be patient. |
27 December 2020, 05:36 PM | #34 | |
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I’d build a relationship with an NYC AD. It means being focused on a specific reference (not Daytona or BLRO) and just periodically drop by for a chat. At some point, you should be able to get a Sub or equivalent and build a relationship. Yes, there are plenty of whales in NYC, but there are also ADs looking to build lifelong relationships and they know they start with that first black Sub. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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27 December 2020, 05:57 PM | #35 |
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Have patience. You don’t need to achieve the Instagram Starter Pack in any hurry. Take your time, build a good relationship with one AD, discover other watches and brands along the way. It’s a journey, not a race to a finish line. Enjoy it.
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27 December 2020, 06:06 PM | #36 |
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Exciting times when you gain a new hobby!
As everyone else writes. Patience is a virtue. Also Rolex. Do you really want to get that watch? Presumably most of your friends who are also in same mindset may buy the same watch? When so many amazing brands and models I'd shy away from Rolex if paying over MSRP. If you are working then rolexes are like salads in the city! Unless your spending power is v large then you are one of thousands of not more in NYC chasing popular Rolex sports models (as well as other us people thinking they can buy in NYC and then take back to their state). It will b v difficult not to pay silly money. Especially if they know you're new to the game and are after the standard Instagram hot watches. In short. Now's not the time. Also be careful your taste may change. If I got into watches now then I would have so many posts for those specific Rolex models that I'd naturally gravitate towards them. Beware of marketing! |
27 December 2020, 06:24 PM | #37 |
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It depends on why you want exactly those models:
Do you like the magic of watchmaking, the intricate technology and workmanship? Then a Lange is for you. Do you like the feeling of tradition, being handed down from generation to generation? Get a JLC. Do you like diving, racing or flying (which is what you models your listed are associated with)? Get a Blancpain FF, a Chopard Mille Miglia or a Breguet XX, respectively. Do you like the thing you see on instagram and want to brag a bit? Get an hommage or a replica. Hope that helped :-) |
27 December 2020, 06:27 PM | #38 |
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I can’t offer advice on NY AD’s, just wanted to say good luck on your watch building journey. You have a lot of time ahead of you so enjoy it :-)
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27 December 2020, 06:35 PM | #39 |
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The premium to buy from a quality grey like DavidSW might be less than buying a single watch that you do not want. If you insist on making a NYC AD your primary source of collecting it might be a longer wait than maybe if you found a smaller AD in a place you travel to frequently? A place you are connected to? Whatever the case good luck. Do not let watches become more to you than they are; but enjoy. It’s a really fun hobby. And expensive.
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27 December 2020, 06:43 PM | #40 |
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Good luck, you’ll definitely need it where you are.
If you want to go the AD route, I’d forget steel GMTs and Daytonas for now. How about a nice DJ41? Work up as it takes time. Even a steel sub as a first purchase in NYC will be really difficult, so starting with a window model could get you in the door. |
27 December 2020, 07:46 PM | #41 |
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First off good luck with your search.
Amazes me when people say they have zero interest in any other watch brand. There’s so much variety out there, feels like you’re limiting yourself so much. |
27 December 2020, 08:20 PM | #42 |
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What watch are you wearing now?
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27 December 2020, 11:01 PM | #43 |
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Your ONLY shot is to leverage your network to see if you have an "in" at any local AD. Is your boss into watches? Does anyone in your family collect? Do you have a friend that spends an ungodly amount at one dealer or dealer(s)? Get someone you know to make an introduction.
Getting a GMT, Sub, or Daytona is going to be a tall-task when just starting out. You should not be buying pieces you do not want, as you should be investing excess funds at your age. Delayed gratification seems to be lost on this 20-something generation. Perhaps look at other brands for now, or go grey |
27 December 2020, 11:26 PM | #44 |
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Here’s the good news...your cost of living should continue to decrease as Cuomo and DeBlasio continue to ruin the city. More money for watches!
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27 December 2020, 11:47 PM | #45 |
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Welcome to the forum ! Rolex AD’s in the metro area will talk to you. I’ve experience mostly good some bad. Build a legit relationship with the jeweler you can connect with (AD) and you will be surprised with the outcome. No expectations be patient ,real and the Rolex watch will come sooner than later. Rolex AD’s want a steady customer who will buy jewelry and a Who is committed. MY experience has led me to some great pieces of jewelry and Rolex watches. I didn’t spend $$$$ I just built a real friendship and didn’t purchase watches I didn’t like. Good luck
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27 December 2020, 11:49 PM | #46 | |
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The WoS playbook is buy a Patek Calatrava to get a sub, which is also true. There is no supply, and only money talks. Every time I enter my AD there is someone buying multiple Pateks, don't know what version of NYC you live in
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27 December 2020, 11:51 PM | #47 | |
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Basically the "I'm going to be a long term customer" line is every new customer that walks in the door. What they want to see is the customer who is buying 3-5x a year dropping coin each and every time. Once you're in the 50-100k spend range you will have new options materialize, albeit slowly, to you.
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27 December 2020, 11:55 PM | #48 | |
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and welcome to TRF! Best wishes to my favourite city!! |
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28 December 2020, 12:35 AM | #49 | |
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28 December 2020, 12:40 AM | #50 | |
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Getting a Sub in the city is hard but achievable. Getting a lot more than that, especially coveted models from any manufacturer, is progressively more difficult than that even with (minor) spend history.
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28 December 2020, 12:56 AM | #51 |
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A lot of great advice and I’ll add my 2c in. As you already who NYC ADs will have a huge list of clients ready to spend at the drop of a hat. This actually goes for most major US cities.
As an example, I was in my AD, guy walked in SA asked what he was looking for he responded a steel watch for a meeting he has this afternoon. Once he also let he know what else what in his collection (Patek) they ushered him to the VIP seating area. Question is are you willing to compete with those VIPs? Who can drop 10K in afternoon with out a second thought? Second thought is at your age I wouldnt want to be funnelling extra liquidity into watch I dont want. Rather it goes into a brokerage, but thats just me. |
28 December 2020, 12:56 AM | #52 | |
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28 December 2020, 01:08 AM | #53 | |
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Quote:
I agree with the post above. At this point in the game if you don’t already have an AD relationship or very deep pockets it’s hardly worth trying. Most ADs will humor your and entice you to buy other items. But truth is you’re probably just better off going gray. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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28 December 2020, 01:18 AM | #54 | |
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Don’t spend a nickel on anything you don’t want, try to get to the outer boroughs or train it out to the suburbs and see what you can do. In the end, grey market may be the best bet.
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28 December 2020, 01:21 AM | #55 |
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I won't disagree with that . I would go to Tourneau ahead of Wempe, and I'd only consider Watches of Switzerland only if I had a gun to my head. .
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28 December 2020, 07:52 AM | #56 |
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It depends how long you are willing to wait. Admittedly if your sights are the hottest sport watches it will be hard to get your foot in the door without patience. I would start with one easier to obtain watch on your list and work your way from there, but do not buy anything you don't see yourself keeping.
I was in the same boat as you earlier this year. Mid 20s with no purchase history and living in tech central of Washington (Amazon, Microsoft, etc). Thankfully one of my friends referred me to a SA at an AD and that was something that really helped solidify some sort of relationship. |
28 December 2020, 11:17 AM | #57 | |
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Quote:
Even better if this friend has enough clout to get you something nice like a ND Sub right off the bat. Referrals count for a lot at mine. Again that’s just good business practice. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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28 December 2020, 12:48 PM | #58 | |
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And if you’re looking to build your collection over ten years, you have plenty of time to build relationships. It doesn’t happen over night. Take your time, explore all watches. You’ll be surprised there are other watches outside of the hype watches that you like. |
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28 December 2020, 12:53 PM | #59 |
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28 December 2020, 01:01 PM | #60 |
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I live just minutes from Lorilil in Queens. I stopped by this week for first time to see if they have any Tudor BB 58s. I said that I know its impossible to get a Rolex sports watch so I want to look at Tudor. He said "oh yeah, we get 30-40 calls every day". Also a HUGE part of people who work on 47th St live in Forest Hills / Rego Park which is exactly where this AD is located, so I am sure they get asked alll the time.
I ended up getting a DJ41 from this forum for list price and had it on my wrist next day... |
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