Help - as a first time buyer, what can I do to increase my chances of getting my AD t

[Zed82]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Thank you. I probably won’t get one anytime soon unless the world economy falls to pieces.


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If the demand falls i doubt you will be in the market for the watch. You seem to be bedazzled by the demand and exclusivity.

[vman]

If you are willing to do so much to get just a mass produced watch, may I suggest getting out more?

[RBradleigh]

Originally Posted by dtwer

Why do you give up so easily? Think of it this way, this waiting game is a good way to time your purchases.

Put a deposit down now for a Daytona, that would give you approx. 1.5 years to save up for it. Put down for a blro now, you have 2-3 years to save up.

Once you understand this routine, you can put your money towards a Datejust, YM, or some other readily available model RIGHT NOW to start the relationship with your AD. This way while you wait for your ultimate Rolex you still have a beautiful watch to wear and enjoy.

That, IMO, is money way better spent than chocolate. In this hobby of Rolex chasing, you cannot afford to just fixated on one watch. You need to develop appreciation for a wide range of watches. Once you do that you would be much, much happier.

I don't know anyone's finances here but if you have the liquidity to tie up your cash on multiple deposits for a watch then more power to you. And if you really do have the means to tie up so much money then I say go ahead and pay the Gray price & just get it over with.

And while I'm at it, the so called "relationship." Its not a relationship, all you're likely doing is padding some salesman's bank account with commission. Perhaps you remember his first name but more likely you read the name tag or happened to save his business card and plucked it from your car's console. Stop with this whole relationship nonsense unless you two are actually on each other's invite lists.

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by RBradleigh

I don't know anyone's finances here but if you have the liquidity to tie up your cash on multiple deposits for a watch then more power to you. And if you really do have the means to tie up so much money then I say go ahead and pay the Gray price & just get it over with.

And while I'm at it, the so called "relationship." Its not a relationship, all you're likely doing is padding some salesman's bank account with commission. Perhaps you remember his first name but more likely you read the name tag or happened to save his business card and plucked it from your car's console. Stop with this whole relationship nonsense unless you two are actually on each other's invite lists.

^^This^^

If you are someone who has, for years, been welcomed through the AD's door by your first name, you likely have a "relationship".

Showering an AD with chocolates, ( even the dark ones), champagne etc in a transparent attempt to befriend him to get on, or move up, a list is as useful and dignified as slipping him a folded $20 in a handshake and giving him a wink.

Buying watches that I don't want to get a watch that I do ? There's a hundred other watches out there I genuinely like, I'd probably rather put my money there instead.

FleetLord asked if you'd even seen the BLRO in real life and tried it on, have you, or are is this some Instagram driven, mad desire to have "the hot watch" ?

[mwlinden]

UPDATE: Dear TRF community.

Thank you very much for your support! I received some great messages to this post and a wide variety of feedback and advice. Ultimately I kept waiting and left my deposit with the AD.... After a few weeks of removing these thoughts from my mind......this happened:

Meridian.jpg


Thank you all for your support and I wish everyone on this forum good luck in their quest!

Originally Posted by dan993

I'm based in the U.K too and my AD has had 3 since release at Basel. I have currently spent around 15k this year with them and I have been told that hopefully I may get mine next year! I haven't spent 15k on watches I don't want but unfortunately this is the game now!

Originally Posted by Bxtek

Sad truth is that the AD's use these high demand watches to their advantage to drum up more business. They really don't want to sell to a buyer that might potentially only buy that one, and never to be seen or heard from again. I follow Federico Talks Watches on YouTube. Check out this video as he talks about trying to buy a steel Daytona. He talks about the "list" as well. The steel GMT is in the exact same situation imo. Start viewing at 2:17.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCO8Rnsf11Q

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Thank you! I called about 85 ADs the day the BLRO was released and I visited as many as I could that day to try and “beat the crowd”. Nothing yet, and im only hopeful that this one that accepted my deposit will perhaps sell it to me someday.

Thanks again. I Really appreciate your insights and reflections. I must remain patient and optimistic and hopefully one day I can get one, just like you with you Nautilus.




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Originally Posted by dtwer

Why do you give up so easily? Think of it this way, this waiting game is a good way to time your purchases.

Put a deposit down now for a Daytona, that would give you approx. 1.5 years to save up for it. Put down for a blro now, you have 2-3 years to save up.

Once you understand this routine, you can put your money towards a Datejust, YM, or some other readily available model RIGHT NOW to start the relationship with your AD. This way while you wait for your ultimate Rolex you still have a beautiful watch to wear and enjoy.

That, IMO, is money way better spent than chocolate. In this hobby of Rolex chasing, you cannot afford to just fixated on one watch. You need to develop appreciation for a wide range of watches. Once you do that you would be much, much happier.

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You seriously didn't know to gift only dark chocolate to Rolex AD's?

Milk chocolate is for Hublot AD's...

Originally Posted by BT1985

You may be next in line it’s just tough for ADs with little visibility on what comes in. I think you are probably in a good spot but I would try to make it in for some face time next time you are in the area. Don’t go overboard on the gifts in my opinion. No watch is worth your dignity.


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Originally Posted by jsausley

I hate to break it to you, but if you haven't bought anything from them you're at the bottom of the list for that watch. Even if you were the first person they added to the list, when people who have spent $20-100,000+ came in and asked to be added, they moved in front of you. They have no obligation to follow the list in chronological order. They may put you in front of other first time buyers, since you asked first, but you will NOT be in front of someone with spend history.

Your only option is to buy more watches or jewelry from them and remember to remind them every time you visit that you're still looking for the Pepsi.

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Not being funny but this scenario seems a bit odd to me. Can’t figure why but it just does.

Originally Posted by harvey

Good luck but I would be suprised if you get one within 24 months.

I would like to be proved wrong.

Originally Posted by ALF61

You are willing to do anything so why not just buy one from DavidSW ?

Originally Posted by The Sub-lime One

No previous purchase history? No chance on a seriously in demand recent Basel release regardless of what they tell you.

Originally Posted by codecow

Have you taken them out to a nice dinner yet? I’d recommend a bottle of white or champagne at $300 price point or higher and then with dinner a nice red in the $600 range. This should move you up one place in the list.

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Thank you. I take everything they say with a grain of salt. I’m sure they’ve sold tens of BLROs so far even if I was the first to ask and the first to prove a deposit.


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Originally Posted by Token74

I’m afraid that it may be that you’re not even top of the list of first-time buyers. They are more likely to prioritise someone who pops in regularly and is likely to buy other jewellery and watches from them as a result.

And then there are the loyal customers that have been buying from them for years!

AD’s get a bad rep from lots of people on forums, but I wonder if people sometimes forget that they are in business, they don’t owe anyone any favours. Part of their process will be to judge the potential of any new customers, if you are marked as low potential (I.e. only showing an interest in a sought after watch that you can immediately flip for a significant profit) then I suspect you could be waiting a very long time.

I hope I’m wrong and that you get the BLRO soon, and if they have taken your deposit with little intention of supplying you in a reasonable timeframe then that is poor, they could have just taken your name and number. It’s not as if they have ordered it in specially, or that they will struggle to sell it if you change your mind.

And by the way, any statement from them about getting an increased supply at the end of the year is going to be fabricated I would think.


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Originally Posted by ahlee00023

Didn't mean any offense to you my friend. I was just making a comment of the state of things we're all in.

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Originally Posted by joli160

Prefer to pay grey prices and look in the mirror in the morning with dignity

Originally Posted by BillA

Hope you sent dark chocolate. Ad’s like dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate.

Originally Posted by BillA

Hang in there, sometimes you get lucky

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

No purchase history = 99.9% no BLRO

Unfortunately as many here have said you have to have some purchase history with the AD.

Given the current SS shortage climate and that you also want one of the two or three hottest Rolexes on the planet (Daytona SS white and SkyD blue), I think the likelihood is next to zero.

Of course, there’s always a very small chance but then you can be struck by lightning or win the lottery too. You have to be realistic.

I think you will be and are setting yourself up for disappointment because at the end of 3-4 years you will still be in the same situation you’re in (assuming you still have not made other purchases). I’d think about what other watches you can buy AND like so that you can wear. Live your life. Then maybe once you have built that relationship the GRAIL watch (BLRO) you want will happen. But I dont think buying chocolates is a path to success.

Desperation will not endear you to an AD only spending money with them will




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Originally Posted by Nairn1980

The thing to note is that whether you’re first or 51st on the list, there will always be a VIP/big spender looking for a BLRO as you near the top of the list - they’ll always jump you. The AD lists really aren’t chronological now.

My advice is forget the chocolates, that’s more awkward than anything. They want repeat customers. Can you go in and buy some jewellery? Something nice for a partner? As mentioned, an AD doesn’t want to sell one of these to a one off customer only looking for a BLRO, they want to “use” the piece to gain further business, or reward previous business.

In all honesty, I’d ask for my deposit back. Basel 2019 is just around the corner and you could see something else you like. Making sure you pop in regularly, and regular buying will work far better than chocolates,

Good luck!

Originally Posted by shaunylw

Absolutely get that deposit back. That watch is clearly not coming. Tough to go the grey route on the BLRO, the pricing is so out of wack right now. Just be patient, the grey prices will come down and you can scoop one up eventually.


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Originally Posted by melrob1

A good start to any relationship is to build the relationship.
Be nice and genuinely friendly.
Purchase some stuff, other than the hard to find stuff.
Buy more stuff like jewelry.
Send them some friends and family to buy stuff.
Keep trying to build a genuine relationship with your salea person.
Without doing any of this you are just one of the thousands that are asking the same thing.
Even with any of this it will still be a wait.
Or if you want to guarantee a shot the buy a really expensive diamond and use the purchase as an ultimatum.
Otherwise pay the going price on the re seller market.

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Yup me too

Originally Posted by zengineer

You could make them a mix tape...is that still a thing?

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Originally Posted by dkg1616

Trusted seller and call it a day

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Ok....let's get a grip.

"tough" question to answer for the OP.

Have you even seen this watch in the flesh?

Did the AD have a Rolex evening when they had the non-functioning proto on display to fondle? I am thinking no. So, essentially you are deeply infatuated with a watch you have never seen, held or had on your wrist. I would suggest putting effort into trying one on.

Go to a Grey that has one on display and go through the motions. You might not even like it at all once you see it in person.

That's the first step.

If you are still into the watch, then the next step is acquisition.

The problem is you are starting off trying to buy the hottest watch on the market as a cold client...that is quite unrealistic and I'm surprised the AD even took your deposit.

The reality of things is that they will only offer up these to big spenders.....they NEED to have this watch available for BIG Clients. It is of upmost importance to them to feed their whales.

That being said, this watch will cost you more money than retail whichever way you look at it. Since you don't have a purchase history with the dealer you will need to start buying other watches....which it doesn't sound like you want to, so that would be wasting money.....money that you could spend on the grey market markup for the BLRO....which comes to the conclusion that if you like the watch when you go and try one on, buy it then and done with it as it will actually be less costly overall for you to do so..

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by imgook

As much of a nice guy that you seem to be, the AD will be thinking what's best for them. IE Selling the watch off to their VIP customers. You essentially only want a single watch from them, with no intention of buying another anytime soon. Selling the watch to you would make zero business sense.

Originally Posted by Zed82

If the demand falls i doubt you will be in the market for the watch. You seem to be bedazzled by the demand and exclusivity.

Originally Posted by asiparks

^^This^^

If you are someone who has, for years, been welcomed through the AD's door by your first name, you likely have a "relationship".

Showering an AD with chocolates, ( even the dark ones), champagne etc in a transparent attempt to befriend him to get on, or move up, a list is as useful and dignified as slipping him a folded $20 in a handshake and giving him a wink.

Buying watches that I don't want to get a watch that I do ? There's a hundred other watches out there I genuinely like, I'd probably rather put my money there instead.

FleetLord asked if you'd even seen the BLRO in real life and tried it on, have you, or are is this some Instagram driven, mad desire to have "the hot watch" ?

[Seibei]

Congratulations, well done, Sir!

[ArtNouveau]

Congrats Mwlinden, you rock! Yes it’s a weird time we live in for buying a Rolex but there’s not a blanket response/policy worldwide, nor a secret handshake. You waited and got what you wanted, good times with your new watch.

[watchmework]

Congrats OP on getting your dream watch and not letting the negative comments persuade you to give up!

[42itus]

Very happy for you! Enjoy it!

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Just trying my best to be a good customer.

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I'm sorry, but this is so backwards. I understand the current climate, but please don't sacrifice your dignity for a watch. I've wanted a Daytona C for quite a while now, but would never resort to begging or bribing.

I really hope you get the watch you so covet, but try to keep things in perspective. Life goes on, watch or no.

Edit: just saw the rest of this post. Congrats on the BLRO! Your patience paid off

[mwlinden]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

I'm sorry, but this is so backwards. I understand the current climate, but please don't sacrifice your dignity for a watch. I've wanted a Daytona C for quite a while now, but would never resort to begging or bribing.



I really hope you get the watch you so covet, but try to keep things in perspective. Life goes on, watch or no.

Thank you very much for your message. I picked up the watch last week!




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[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Thank you very much for your message. I picked up the watch last week!




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And it looks great on your wrist! Very happy for you!

[79280_116520]

As a newbie without doing enough due diligence or a purchase history, you may have gotten "played" by the AD.

Just saw your recent post, congrats on the new watch!

[BT1985]

Nice!! Congrats!


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[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Although I guess the only way to truly be a good customer is to buy some of those 3-tone ...

Mummmmmm........Tridor

[oldman2005]

Wow, you're very lucky to get a SS BLRO as first timer at the AD especially in the UK. At my AD people have to be VVVIP just to have a chance.

Congrats!

[Token74]

Congrats, really pleased for you


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[Nikrnic]

So happy for you! Big congrats Big score... Enjoy............................................. .........


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[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by oldman2005

Wow, you're very lucky to get a SS BLRO as first timer at the AD especially in the UK. At my AD people have to be VVVIP just to have a chance.

Congrats!

I didn’t think the OP was in the UK, I was sure he was from USA?

[Seattle911]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You seriously didn't know to gift only dark chocolate to Rolex AD's?

Milk chocolate is for Hublot AD's...

Its white chocolate for white dial Daytonas, dark chocolate for black dial Daytona.

Amateurs.

Congrats OP. Half the fun is finding it.

[mwlinden]

Originally Posted by Seattle911

Its white chocolate for white dial Daytonas, dark chocolate for black dial Daytona.

Amateurs.

Congrats OP. Half the fun is finding it.

For the BLRO, it is x2 chocolate Xmas advent calendars.

Source: that’s how I got my BLRO


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[liu_watch]

It is an established dealer? At some point you may want to get back the deposit. If AD goes belly up, your deposit may be lost.

I never ‘beg’ a AD for a watch. The whole relationship building is hilarious. Wait for the tide to turn or buy another brand. As last resort, pay grey price and keep self dignity.



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[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

It is an established dealer? At some point you may want to get back the deposit. If AD goes belly up, your deposit may be lost.

I never ‘beg’ a AD for a watch. The whole relationship building is hilarious. Wait for the tide to turn or buy another brand. As last resort, pay grey price and keep self dignity.

He got he watch ..... see post #101.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...&postcount=101

[edyu]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

I have thought about this very many times

The reality is that even if I did this, I’d still want the steel bastard..... :(


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You will be surprised. After you get a PM, you might SS too light. That's how I feel now about SS.

Nm, he got the watch. :) Congrats

[Nairn1980]

Amazing news. You must be thrilled

[R!$]

Originally Posted by mwlinden

Hello all!

Here is the situation:

I’m a first time buyer from this AD.
I called the AD the morning that the steel Pepsi GMT was announced in Basel this year.
I currently do not live in the same city as this AD, I used to until recently.
I said I’d be willing to do anything to get this watch.
The AD asked me to leave a 10% deposit in order to qualify real interests
I wired the deposit immediately and was led to believe I was one of the top-3 on the list.
Fast forward a few months and I haven’t heard anything.
I call the AD when Rolex announced the increase in their retails prices (about a month ago) and to offer an increase of my deposit by the same amount the retail price increased.
The AD told me that they haven’t received much inventory but they expect to receive significant supply at the end of this year. No indication of where I am “on the list” despite me trying to find out. AD didn’t ask for me to increase my deposit.
As I can’t visit the AD and sales rep, I’ve sent him some chocolates and a nice message in hopes of conveying my motivation of getting this watch.
Chocolates were delivered a few days ago but haven’t received a response yet.

Do you guys think there’s anything else I can be doing to help my situation? I explain to the sales rep that I’m not trying to flip and that im happy for them to keep the box/papers whatever they need to get confortable.

Many thanks in advance for your help!


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Wow!

[2001jesper]

Fantastic update to see that you got the watch. Congratulations and remember to enjoy

[emtee]

Really glad you got your watch mate. And a little lol to those not being particularly nice in this thread :)

[Al1969]

So what exactly did you mean by willing to do “anything”? I guess those were some really good chocolates. Congrats OP and enjoy your new watch.

[1William]

Congratulations.