Why Would You Ever Buy New From an AD?

[PeterT]

I get an automatic 10% from the AD and if the watch codition is not to my liking it is swopped without question. That is peace of mind.
I have bought 2 x GMT II pre owned privately because you cannot buy them new in the UK. These were face to face deals as I like to see exactly what I am buying. Some people's idea of mint condition is not the same as mine!!
Most of the big TRF sellers are in the US and it would be a bit of a journey to do a face to face deal.
I wish the were more sales from the UK via TRF.

Peter

[B. Doggy]

I do love the experience of buying from an AD. There's nothing like being on vacation and getting a nice new watch!!

[rad87gn]

All of my watches were purchased new.

[Autobot]

My largest issue is that being in the military I do not have the luxury of creating a bond with an AD. I move roughly every 2 years, typically to a different coast or out of country before returning. That is the main reason that I choose to go gray market for all of my other watches and that is how I will purchase my first Rolex

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

sure, of course it depends on exchange rates, free time, confidence in the process, AD preference, desire to travel, etc. many moving parts, but, there must be a point at which traveling "for free" (assuming, say, the price difference is at least $500) from london to NYC to see your buddy and the sights, eat a corned beef sandwhich, and pick up your watch makes some sense.

i don't know how actively rolex manages its prices to take into account exchange rate movements. given that I have a "2009/2010" price list in euros at home, i'd say they don't manage it actively. so, if the dollar falls quickly and the discounts from U.S. TRF sources are attracive enough, sure, why not go for it? let's spice things up and say that you do it in order to get the GMT IIc, too....makes the whole "travel to the U.S." thing make even more sense/cents! LOL.

i dunno. just thinking out loud. if one is in the "AD ONLY" camp in order to support "local" busines, ok, fine, but, otherwise, i don't see why you wouldn't at least consider what i'm saying here.

Call me old fashioned, but I don't like breaking the law of the country that I live (or of any country for that matter). I, like most people, dont like paying taxes, but I do, because that is what the law says.

To make a saving I would have to smuggle the watch into the UK, which in itself is not a guaranteed process, if the serial number was checked the watch could be confiscated, but here is the real rub, I have not made a saving, I have paid for a flight and travelled at least 10 hours, not really worth it IMHO.

Please don't think I am sitting in judgement, I'm not, just something I would not feel comfortable doing.

[Bebot]

If you can't get a discount from your AD, then you need to find another AD. Everything is negotiable, and yes including the hard to get SS Daytona. Now, if you're looking for a pre-owned, then that is a different story.

[Cato]

and I paid MSRP!

But, I didn't know better. I was hesitant to spend that much money online with an entity that I could not see face to face and did not have a "brick and morter" establishment.

After my purchase I learned so much about Rolex and grey dealers that I think my next watch will be bought from a grey dealer.

ADs can discount, but I don't have the business skills to negotiate a good deal.

[WatchnRoll]

Originally Posted by Cato

and I paid MSRP!

But, I didn't know better. I was hesitant to spend that much money online with an entity that I could not see face to face and did not have a "brick and morter" establishment.

After my purchase I learned so much about Rolex and grey dealers that I think my next watch will be bought from a grey dealer.

ADs can discount, but I don't have the business skills to negotiate a good deal.

My AD discounts right from the start...20% off...so no negotiating skills needed.

[ersnyder]

Sure, do it all the time. My particular AD has very nice folks working there and are always willing to do any number of things to be of assistance to me or my wife. EG, just this last weekend, they put a WG spacer in my wife's ring to help with sizing at no charge. Also, they keep me posted on good deal pre-owns. And, they need to make a living too, so why not?

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

Sure, do it all the time. My particular AD has very nice folks working there and are always willing to do any number of things to be of assistance to me or my wife. EG, just this last weekend, they put a WG spacer in my wife's ring to help with sizing at no charge. Also, they keep me posted on good deal pre-owns. And, they need to make a living too, so why not?

That there is a good relationship. I always like building a rapport with local business. The thing that is difficult with luxury items is that the first couple of sales are typically harder to swallow, money-wise. I support my local bagel shop over the DD and it pays off with better service and the occasional freebie. However, the initial "investment" was just a few bucks...not thousands.

I guess it's just a matter of finding a good AD and plunking down the dough on a watch knowing that it could be less expensive elsewhere just to get the relationship going.

[DSJ]

I have and we did, but it's unlikely I ever will again, particularly since the newer models are less appealing to the legacy models.

[mopsey]

Buying from an AD is a great experience and one i would highly recommend. At the right price, of course.
I managed to get 40% off my Exp II which is why i wasn't bothered about not getting the new movement and engraved rehaut.

[WatchlLover]

I agree 100% JJ- I just purchased my brand new last of its' series 16610 from DavidSW and for me the buying experieince was like dealing with a Virtual AD - he was professional, indured my countless questions, was very kind, and even included a Rolex give away! Amazing buying experieince and I would highly reccomend him!
Paul

[Traveler]

I prefer to buy NIB from an AD that I know or that enjoys a first rate reputation. I have always wanted to buy from a Rolex company store, but I have only seen these in major asian cities and I have been to busy to visit while in these cities.

[springbar]

Originally Posted by WatchnRoll

My AD discounts right from the start...20% off...so no negotiating skills needed.

Would you mind PM'ing me with your AD's info?

You can't get a good deal on anything in the SF Bay Area. Sellers tend to be inflexible and customers around here are unusually timid and undemanding, so bargains are rare.

I've seen a bunch of businesses close shop before they'd offer a discount. I can think of a number of car dealers went under last year while insisting on a several thousand dollar mark-up over MSRP, right up to the end. Even on inventory that had been sitting there for a year.

There are ADs here with hundreds of thousands in inventory that's been parked in the case for ages, and they won't budge. It's weird.

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by WatchnRoll

My AD discounts right from the start...20% off...so no negotiating skills needed.

__________________________________________________ _____________
If you had any, you could have gotten 25%

Just kidding, I am sure your skills are better than you think!
Some of us love to negotiate, it's not a matter of affording it or not, it's what I do and what I get a rush from, I just like to negotiate, it's fun for me!




-Pete

[Captainz]

I always am worried about the internal parts on a "gray watch". For that reason (peace of mind) I will negotiate my watch from an AD.

I have heard there have been chinese after market internal parts put into Rolex watches.. Or shall I say the original parts were swapped by the AD and sold to the gray market.

This is more common than not. So please be careful and make sure your watch is authentic, inside and out.

CZ

[Captainz]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

I do love the experience of buying from an AD. There's nothing like being on vacation and getting a nice new watch!!

So what is the experience? I am an AD buyer and I still havent noticed much difference?

Thanks

[PoohAndPiglet]

Hi.

I have a question about purchasing from TRF sellers -- something that would greatly relieve any anxiety about such purchases.

Could the seller first ship the watch to a jewelry store in the buyer's city for appraisal? The buyer can then pay for the appraisal. If the appraisal is good, the buyer would then wire the funds before the store releases the watch to the buyer. Otherwise, the store would return the watch to the seller.

This way, the watch would be authenticated before the funds were transferred. Also, the store would keep control of the watch before the funds were transferred. This would seem to reduce the risk to the buyer, but it also would protect the seller (who would be asked to send the watch before receiving funds).

Does that makes sense? Do people ever do that? I presume the jewelry store would want to be paid something for holding the watch as middle-man, but probably not too much...

[Axle]

I just did. But a little background is in order...

I’m a heavy internet forum user on many topics, but a very infrequent poster - I’ll probably be on this site daily for years and you’ll only see a post or two from me the whole time. Since I don’t post up that much, I’ll take this opportunity to confirm what you already know – TRF and its members are a great group of people. I’ve seldom come across such a fun, knowledgeable, supportive group of content experts who check their egos at the door and give freely to newbs and old dogs alike.

I had decided I would buy myself a Rolex sub and hit the interweb to to see what my options were beyond full retail and ebay. Thanks to this community, I learned I wanted a GMT IIc instead of the sub - I do a lot more international travel nowadays than I do diving. I also learned there is a trustworthy used / gray market as well as a network of ADs who are willing to negotiate price.

Based on the phenomenal support TRF’s trusted sellers enjoy, I was open to used, but decided I would pay up to $200 more for the experience of buying new from a local AD and getting my name on the warranty. With this in mind, I set to work checking with the dealers in my area, while monitoring the sales forum on TRF.

I was lucky to find a great salesperson at a local, multi-store AD that’s celebrating their 100 year anniversary. She said she could get me the GMT IIc in short order, so we started dickering on price. I made it clear from the beginning that I had done my research, knew what other ADs were discounting and what the trusted used / gray market was selling. I also shared what I was willing to pay based on the readily available BNIB and LNIB stock available here and a week and a half later we finally reached a deal. It was a cash on delivery sale with the watch shipped out of state to me on a business trip to avoid sales tax. I got a 20% discount off current list AND ended up with my first full service (3 – 5 years down the road) by one of their Rolex-certified techs thrown in for good measure (I think she was so tired of the back and forth, she just tossed in the proverbial kitchen sink to get the deal done and over).

All and all, I think I got as good a deal on my new AD watch as I would have gotten on a BNIB or LNIB piece from one of our (can I say that yet?) trusted sellers.

But I’ll gladly buy my future ceramic Sub from any one of TRF's trusted sellers if my local AD can’t or won’t make me as strong a deal next time.

If we’re allowed to offer advice in our second post, I’d say never say never. Take the time to do your due diligence properly and let the chips fall where they may.

Thanks again to all the experts lending a hand to the new guys...

Rick

[Cato]

Originally Posted by springbar

Would you mind PM'ing me with your AD's info?

You can't get a good deal on anything in the SF Bay Area. Sellers tend to be inflexible and customers around here are unusually timid and undemanding, so bargains are rare.

I've seen a bunch of businesses close shop before they'd offer a discount. I can think of a number of car dealers went under last year while insisting on a several thousand dollar mark-up over MSRP, right up to the end. Even on inventory that had been sitting there for a year.

There are ADs here with hundreds of thousands in inventory that's been parked in the case for ages, and they won't budge. It's weird.

That's how it is in So Cal too. I browse in ADs all the time and never get offered a discount.

[renfield33]

i bought my wife's DJ from the AD. i think if you're buying a gift, AD is the only way to go.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by renfield33

i bought my wife's DJ from the AD. i think if you're buying a gift, AD is the only way to go.

Hmmm... OK. Why if you don't mind me asking?

[keschete]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

I have bought and sold many watches via TRF and another forum.
I will never buy a new Rolex from an AD and spend thousands more than buying from one of our trusted TRF sellers.

I understand if you have to have the new ceramic sub or other imposssible to find model - but here is my question...

For those of us who frequent TRF, why would you ever buy a new Rolex from an AD?

I live in a small town, I am a Nurse Practitioner who depends on patients for my income. My husband sells cars. We deal with a local AD because it is the "right" thing to do. Not the cheapest, but if I want my fellow businesses to support me and buy local, then I need to do the same. There are so many big box stores that it is difficult for small businesses.

I know I could get a watch cheaper....but that won't pay my bills every month. So sometimes it is worth it to support local AD's.

I bought a watch and other jewelry from my AD and he bought a car from my husband.

So think about who supports you, before you buy!

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by keschete

I live in a small town, I am a Nurse Practitioner who depends on patients for my income. My husband sells cars. We deal with a local AD because it is the "right" thing to do. Not the cheapest, but if I want my fellow businesses to support me and buy local, then I need to do the same. There are so many big box stores that it is difficult for small businesses.

I know I could get a watch cheaper....but that won't pay my bills every month. So sometimes it is worth it to support local AD's.

I bought a watch and other jewelry from my AD and he bought a car from my husband.

So think about who supports you, before you buy!

__________________________________________________ _____________

Awesome! I am too young to be nostalgic for the "old days"...but, this post made me think about what we have lost with all of the gains we have made.



-Pete

[zlin08033]

I guess this is depended on what kind discount you can get from AD, also are you looking for a used or new watch. Personally I like to buy new watch and have my name on the warranty card (or paper). Last year when I was looking for my SS GMT2C, I contacted TRF sellers, the price they quoted me were few hundred dollars more than my local AD's offer. For me to go with my local AD is a no-brainer. Actually since then, I have referred about 20 TRF members to my local AD, they all got great deal.

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

I have bought and sold many watches via TRF and another forum.
I will never buy a new Rolex from an AD and spend thousands more than buying from one of our trusted TRF sellers.

I understand if you have to have the new ceramic sub or other imposssible to find model - but here is my question...

For those of us who frequent TRF, why would you ever buy a new Rolex from an AD?

[George Ab]

I truly wanted to buy and support my AD when I decided to purchase a Daytona; however, due to availability I had to purchase via the grey market. Every watch (and there have been many) have been purchased used. That said, I truly appreciate the AD as if it wasn't for them what would the market be? Buying watches from pictures? I appreciate the ability to handle and see the watch in person. I also like to support my watchmaker who works on site at the AD. Hip, hip hurray for the AD!

George

[multimedia]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

All my oysters have been purchased preloved and typically prefer the savings. Always go with what's most comfortable for you.
dP

Couldn't agree more. Well said Dan!

Then again there's the story when you can't find the specific watch you are looking for, being offered at "that" moment on the used market (and you don't want to wait/are unsure when such an item will pop up). Then I might consider buying new. We did this when Mrs. multimedia bought her Tudor in Hong Kong last year. Everywhere I looked, I couldn't find the model she wanted, so therefore we decided to go with the AD choice. It wasn't to bad anyway, because the HK-dollar is about 11% weaker than the RMB. So together with the standard 8% discount offered by the AD's in HK, we saved about 20%.

But personally I prefer to go with the "used option" if the watch is well maintained and the seller has a good background.

Cheers,
Joe

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Axle

I just did. But a little background is in order...

I’m a heavy internet forum user on many topics, but a very infrequent poster - I’ll probably be on this site daily for years and you’ll only see a post or two from me the whole time. ......

Rick

Sure, I'm not so sure you can resist

Congrats on the GMTIIC

[PA6-541]

I buy at the AD. The money stimulates the local economy, and the sales tax is urgently needed by the state