Wait for the AD or go ahead and buy another Watch?

[train-time]

Sounds like you really would prefer the Rolex and given your budget considerations, I would give it some more time and see what happens as opposed to settling for something in second place.

[Obi Wan]

Originally Posted by NYC2023

Difficult to know. Given that good SAs tend to be really personable, sometimes you can get a false impression. Did he specifically tell you he might get the watch soon? Also worth noting that “quickly” on a desirable model that you’re talking about could be 6 months to a year or more!

If I were you I would just be honest- say you are in need of a watch in the near future and considering buying an Omega. Ask him if the timeline on Rolex is quick enough that you should hold off, or whether it could be a while.

Some people might be less direct, but I think if you ask this in a friendly manner it’s a perfectly reasonable question.

Good luck!

I totally agree, I would do exactly the same.

[rzw3ch]

Originally Posted by Obi Wan

I totally agree, I would do exactly the same.

So, my wife came in clutch and typed a very nice email to the SA asking if something could happen by my birthday as 29th birthday surprise. Oh, and that we'd much prefer to talk to Rolex, but there are also considering Omega. She expressed that the hope would be to buy from Rolex instead. We'll see what happens.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by rzw3ch

So, my wife came in clutch and typed a very nice email to the SA asking if something could happen by my birthday as 29th birthday surprise. Oh, and that we'd much prefer to talk to Rolex, but there are also considering Omega. She expressed that the hope would be to buy from Rolex instead. We'll see what happens.

You’re 29, if you’re thinking of something like an Omega 321 caliber you can’t go wrong. You have many years ahead of you and that watch will never be overshadowed.

I bought an Omega Seamaster when I was maybe a couple years younger than you and I still have it and enjoy it 25 years later.

[NYC2023]

Originally Posted by rzw3ch

So, my wife came in clutch and typed a very nice email to the SA asking if something could happen by my birthday as 29th birthday surprise. Oh, and that we'd much prefer to talk to Rolex, but there are also considering Omega. She expressed that the hope would be to buy from Rolex instead. We'll see what happens.

Nice! Best of luck!

[rzw3ch]

Originally Posted by codecow

You’re 29, if you’re thinking of something like an Omega 321 caliber you can’t go wrong. You have many years ahead of you and that watch will never be overshadowed.

I bought an Omega Seamaster when I was maybe a couple years younger than you and I still have it and enjoy it 25 years later.

Yes, I am obscenely lucky. We've worked hard to be in this position, but lucky because of all that work. I did have a seamaster. Unfortunately, I got a bit bored of it and have been searching for the grail haha.

[Langeholic]

Originally Posted by rzw3ch

So, my wife came in clutch and typed a very nice email to the SA asking if something could happen by my birthday as 29th birthday surprise. Oh, and that we'd much prefer to talk to Rolex, but there are also considering Omega. She expressed that the hope would be to buy from Rolex instead. We'll see what happens.

Nice! Crossing my fingers for you, OP.

Originally Posted by codecow

I bought an Omega Seamaster when I was maybe a couple years younger than you and I still have it and enjoy it 25 years later.

I love hearing stories like this. Care to share a pic of that watch?

[codecow]

This is a good one where you can see that 1990s electric blue dial (also my Riveria Blue 911 I had at the time). I bought it in Ceasar’s Palace in Vegas. It’s a quartz and it’s out for battery change/gaskets right now. Many chips and dings in that watch but I still love it, the first nice one I bought.

[codecow]

Later when I wanted an automatic Seamaster I bought a GMT. I still have that one too.

[Hulkhunter]

Going in and asking for a steel sub or GMT off the bat will put the SAs on the defensive from the outset, in my opinion.

BLRO is out of the question as a first watch purchase. I think you would be wise to push for your 30th as it’s a milestone birthday, 29 not so much haha

[njlam]

I am struggling with a similar issue.

Since becoming an emptynester last year, my goal is to buy a collectable watch every year or so. Last year I bought a Panerai 233 GMT, and the next on my list is the Batman w/oyster.

I have been on the list since the BLNR was reintroduced (126710) and have a friendly relationship with an AD. Have had all my watches recently serviced with him, but no purchase history. I have told him of my one a year acquisition plan, and also told his of the other watches on my list.

This list includes similarly hard-to-get Rolexes (DD40 Plat w/fluted, Panda, and a few discontinued models (this AD does not work with vintage). In addition to Rolex's my list includes the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, and much lower on the list is a Cartier Tank Americaine. This AD carries Cartier but not Omega.

Obviously the Omega is the easy one to get this year, and I feel stupid for waiting so long they had a price increase last week.

As the YG Cartier Tank Americaine is a very available watch, I offered the Rolex AD that I would buy it in combination with the Batman, but did not get any immediate interest, but he did offer to get one in store so I could try it on (deciding bwtn the large/medium).

Anyway, I am struggling with whether I should buy the Omega now and leave the Rolexes for next year, or if I should believe all the recent "I got the call" threads.

Help!

[rzw3ch]

Just an update here:

We got a really nice email from the SA saying that it was going to be tough to get something by my birthday, but said he would be an advocate for us as best he can in the allocation decision. This is enough for me to just wait, I guess. There was no timeline, but I trust this person is genuinely going to try. The worst that can happen is I do not spend $10,000 and can deploy that elsewhere until deemed worthy by the Rolex 'g'ods.

[AF_Rob]

You mentioned you had a Seamaster and got bored of it. Do you still have it? If so, you can sell it and use the funds to cut into the premium and go gray.

That would be a good way to have it by your birthday. With no spend history, I find it unlikely they would deliver a Sub or GMT to you by the end of this month. You would be lucky to have one by summer, IMO.

You cracked the door to an Omega to your AD. If you go that route, you’ll likely be right back here in a year.


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[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I would wait, the Rolex Sub could turn up this year. I would also pursue this through another AD. Subs are attainable from ADs.

Might indeed be the way to go?

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Does this mean you have an extensive purchase history at that AD, and your friend was a first timer, would he have gotten the watch without your aid? I got mine within two months but I paid for it.


The numbers I wrote were ballpark, everyone on this forum is so literal, and yes every place is different. Everyone and their brother wants those two Rolex watches, nobody everyone wants them at MSRP, ADs tend to pick who gets SS Rolex based on how much they've spent. If that wasn't the case across the world wait lists would be sequencial.

I only buy Rolex from my AD, and only have two now. So not an extensive purchase history. My AD just likes local referrals to know they will appreciate the watch and not flip.

[Spartyfan6262]

It's always sad to read these posts about the hoops people have to jump through, and the indignity they have to endure, to get a watch. My vote is that you examine your current collection and decide whether it's enough to keep you happy for the rest of the year. If so, I'd wait for the call for the Rolex. That might also allow you to save enough to go gray market.

[maizerage25]

I gave up and just bought a Tudor 58 this weekend. You can actually walk in and buy one - what a crazy concept.

[SLWoodster]

It sucks but it’s not that sad anymore. It’s been going on 4 years. You might get lucky without buying anything. But there’s a list of more patrons that have purchased other items or more items for a longer period of time. They are rightfully prioritized over new clients that only want stainless sports. The indignity is that you’re not a big enough of a fish when compared to others.

As we have seen from the last year’s drastic freefall in secondary pricing, when demand falls, things become more available. We are starting to see… ladies datejusts appear on shelves. Lol. You have yourself and other enthusiasts, collectors to blame.

I will say the lack of transparency from ADs is annoying. But so is the stream of people asking for the same 4 models lol. Until that stops happening for years, we’ll just all be waiting hopelessly.

[1995akcoop]

Don’t waste your money on an Omega… it will get old quick.


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[ibzk]

Get a preowned omega which will cost much less than AD.. save your money and put it into rolex and go grey. Sub dates in some time will fetch a lower price.
Life is too short to wait and play AD games

[MinMay]

I say go for the omega because there is no need for the waiting game

[Bstewart]

Don't buy another Omega if you already bought/sold one.

[BillA]

OP
You have come to the website for a bunch of enablers.
Don't buy anything you do not want.
If you really want the Pepsi, then go gray and you can have it tomorrow.

[CarlOver]

Save more. Wait. When it is not a reach then buy.

[Laostuh]

I'm only here to offer my opinion. You may or may not get the call from the AD. I would go grey for the Sub before I consider an Omega, nothing wrong with Omega but it seems like you really want the Rolex. And if you get the call from AD for the sub, you can always sell the one you bought and keep the one from AD. Just my thoughts.

[train-time]

Originally Posted by rzw3ch

Just an update here:

We got a really nice email from the SA saying that it was going to be tough to get something by my birthday, but said he would be an advocate for us as best he can in the allocation decision. This is enough for me to just wait, I guess. There was no timeline, but I trust this person is genuinely going to try. The worst that can happen is I do not spend $10,000 and can deploy that elsewhere until deemed worthy by the Rolex 'g'ods.

Great update! Keep the faith

[rzw3ch]

Originally Posted by Laostuh

I'm only here to offer my opinion. You may or may not get the call from the AD. I would go grey for the Sub before I consider an Omega, nothing wrong with Omega but it seems like you really want the Rolex. And if you get the call from AD for the sub, you can always sell the one you bought and keep the one from AD. Just my thoughts.

I do really want the Rolex. I'd like to go grey but I think ill wait abit longer. I should not be in a huge hurry.

[Caasi]

Worth to call back to your AD. Build rapport and be direct. I got my TT Daytona Champaign Dial in less than 4 weeks. My wife and I went on January 14 and we got a call February 9th.

[Hulkhunter]

Originally Posted by Caasi

Worth to call back to your AD. Build rapport and be direct. I got my TT Daytona Champaign Dial in less than 4 weeks. My wife and I went on January 14 and we got a call February 9th.

Still a good pick up but the watches he is asking for are not first time purchases at most ADs. A TT piece probably is.

Maybe worth asking for a TT black sub. More realistic as a first purchase but will likely still take a big of waiting.

[Orangejoe]

Originally Posted by 1995akcoop

Don’t waste your money on an Omega… it will get old quick.


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True, if what he really wants is Rolex. I've seen more people get 'tired' of Cosmographs than Speedies.