Got the Call I've Waited Years for... and Passed

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Bazil

Sorry, but I would’ve asked this group of strangers their opinion before I’d decided what to do ..
Same as you are telling a group of strangers your choice ..
Me, I’d have took the black, I see no difference in either plus it’s a DAYTONA SS ffs ..

You obviously didn't read the OP post. He wasn't asking for opinions, he was telling his story - which I and others appreciated as we too have been in the same dilemma before. Cheers to the OP for telling us his story.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Dave O

FWIIW, I recently received my grail from my AD with just a little over a four month wait. Had I gone with something else, that was lower on my wish list, it would have been quite some time before I was allocated this beauty.

Gone for what instead? I truly doubt you wouldn't get another shot at an OF Daytona.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by gaffs

The list doesn’t exist. The ADs have a CRM system. They have the clients names, spend history, profession, interests etc in there.

When I watch comes up, like a Daytona. Each sales assistant will lobby for their client to get that watch. There may be some horse trading in the process, with the manager, making the final decision.

That is why everyone encourages you to keep in contact with your sales assistant. If it was just a first come first serve list, you could ask where you stood in a list.

I agree. The notion there are lists is misguided. So, few of SS Daytona's are delivered to ADs, it is a complex process to whom to offer one to. Clearly, just requesting one from an AD means very little for most customers. A lot of the discontent arises because so many people believe ADs get lots of these watches. They don't and when they do get one, it is a big deal to them.

[DougUSMC]

Congrats to the OP for keeping his integrity, and good luck getting the call on the white soon!

Threads like this are exactly why I joined the forum. I'm just getting my feet wet in the Rolex market and it can be challenging to understand all the unwritten rules. Before I came here I had no idea what steps would ensure my spot on the list. After reading this thread I have less of an idea.

But I DO feel like I can try to play fair and still have a shot. Kudos to the OP and thanks to everyone that shared their experiences for the newbies among us to learn from!

[GrailTime]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Lists do exist. Maybe your AD doesn’t keep them but mine does.
Of course it’s not 100% chronological but once you are told you are on that list it is mostly in order with an occasional VVIP line jumper which doesn’t happen often. SA’s get a certain amount of slots so yes they are your advocate and the first one to decide who gets what. I was given pretty accurate timelines on all four of my current Rolex from my SA. I am on good terms with the manager too but she does not micromanage her staff. AFAIK the owner of this small chain of family stores is not directly involved in running my store.
I said in a previous post I thought maybe the OP had lost his chance by saying no but after reading more of his commentary I believe he’ll probably get the white dial he wants. I had to turn down a watch due to an unrelated large purchase I’d just made. SA told me to tell him when I was ready and when I did I got it six months later.

I think it is fair to say that all AD's operate very differently.

Agree, that everyone is registered and that VIPs will get the jump, but so can those who keep going back to the AD to remind them of their interest.

I am down for a watch at a bunch of ADs. Some, i get the feeling you are just a name on a list. Others really give you the personal treatment, with the SA making sure you put their personal cell into your phone, with instructions to keep in touch with them.

This is why some people walk in and somehow get a GMT or Sub with no spend history. Others may get what they want in a month or so. Other will wait for years. And that can be the same shop.

[GrailTime]

Originally Posted by EEpro

With dealer premiums you'll be $10,000 apart though.

Nah. I feel $4k or $5k at very most.

He could even break even if he was to sell the new reference in black, for the previous in white.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by gaffs

Nah. I feel $4k or $5k at very most.

He could even break even if he was to sell the new reference in black, for the previous in white.

Offers are very low right now. Good luck

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by Dave O

You obviously didn't read the OP post. He wasn't asking for opinions, he was telling his story - which I and others appreciated as we too have been in the same dilemma before. Cheers to the OP for telling us his story.

You obviously didn’t take the time to read my post carefully before you sniped.
If you had read it properly and understood it, I said it may have been better before he decided to have gained an opinion, because it may of shed some light before he made his choice seeing what everyone else thinks .. your welcome ..

[Rolexfanmiami]

Uhhh, I do not know what to say, it is a gamble. Perhaps they call you soon for the Panda, perhaps it will be years waiting. I may have taken the black Daytona.

[liverpool23]

Don't blame you , wait for what you want it's a lot on money to spend on something you don't love.

Had a similar situation in Oct last year AD offered me SS Skydweller black dial but I wanted blue so passed on it, they called me end of Jan for the blue dial so glad I waited love that watch!

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Bazil

You obviously didn’t take the time to read my post carefully before you sniped.
If you had read it properly and understood it, I said it may have been better before he decided to have gained an opinion, because it may of shed some light before he made his choice seeing what everyone else thinks .. your welcome ..

He didn't want opinions. He was telling his story. Why is that so hard for some to understand? Others opinions matter not on what I may like or what you may like. His grail, and what he desires is the white dial. Your opinion on the black vs. white or any other opinions matter not - his desire is for the white.

Taking the black would have meant he goes to the end of the line and would have been years before being offered a white. He understands that, and many of us also understand that. AD's cannot simply give one individual all of the premier watches, which a Daytona is. Had he taken the black, his opportunity to be allocated a white would have been years down the road.

And don't get started on he could have traded it in for a white via the grey market. This would have all but destroyed his reputation at his AD, which I don't think is something he desires.

Again to the OP, thanks for sharing your story.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Gone for what instead? I truly doubt you wouldn't get another shot at an OF Daytona.

I had three watches on my list at my AD, with the OF Daytona (in the exact configuration I received) being number one. I never said I wouldn't get another shot at it had I taken a watch lower on my list. I said it would be a quite some time before I was allocated the watch had I gone with something else.

AD's simply can't allocate all of their highly desirable watches to the same individual time after time. They have to spread them around to other clients as well. It took me a few years to understand this concept, but my AD made it clear to me and it finally sunk in last year. Had I taken another watch on my list instead of the Daytona, I would have been moved to the back of the line for my next purchase, whatever that may be.

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by Dave O

He didn't want opinions. He was telling his story. Why is that so hard for some to understand? Others opinions matter not on what I may like or what you may like. His grail, and what he desires is the white dial. Your opinion on the black vs. white or any other opinions matter not - his desire is for the white.

Taking the black would have meant he goes to the end of the line and would have been years before being offered a white. He understands that, and many of us also understand that. AD's cannot simply give one individual all of the premier watches, which a Daytona is. Had he taken the black, his opportunity to be allocated a white would have been years down the road.

And don't get started on he could have traded it in for a white via the grey market. This would have all but destroyed his reputation at his AD, which I don't think is something he desires.

Again to the OP, thanks for sharing your story.

How on earth do you know whether he wanted opinions ? What on earth does it have to do with you ? If it’s not about opinions why do you see fit to offer yours ?
I’m pretty sure the OP could speak for himself. Why make a post, or be on a forum without opinions ? Trust me I’ll offer mine wherever I want, again the whole reason a forum exists.
As for grey, again read my post, I never once advocated going ‘ grey ‘, nor would I.
I do however completely agree with you about going to the back of the Q, you are correct.
But, what I would say is the rarity of SS Daytonas, the OP may struggle again to be offered another.
I personally hope he does, I love either of the mentioned Daytonas, so I wish him well, anyone come to that because they are beautiful watches.

[Divingdeep87]

Originally Posted by Dave O

I had three watches on my list at my AD, with the OF Daytona (in the exact configuration I received) being number one. I never said I wouldn't get another shot at it had I taken a watch lower on my list. I said it would be a quite some time before I was allocated the watch had I gone with something else.

AD's simply can't allocate all of their highly desirable watches to the same individual time after time. They have to spread them around to other clients as well. It took me a few years to understand this concept, but my AD made it clear to me and it finally sunk in last year. Had I taken another watch on my list instead of the Daytona, I would have been moved to the back of the line for my next purchase, whatever that may be.

Truth. Same at my AD.

[yessir69]

You demonstrated great discipline.

[PNWBear]

You made the right choice.

[Guppydriver]

Am I the only rooting like hell that he gets his white dial soon if nothing more than to post a “How ya like these apples” pic to all the pony tailed Harvard students in this thread.

Despite what the world tells you, the world is full of people who do the right thing all the time. I’m optimistic the OP’s AD lives up to his/her commitment.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Bazil

How on earth do you know whether he wanted opinions ? What on earth does it have to do with you ? If it’s not about opinions why do you see fit to offer yours ?
I’m pretty sure the OP could speak for himself. Why make a post, or be on a forum without opinions ? Trust me I’ll offer mine wherever I want, again the whole reason a forum exists.
As for grey, again read my post, I never once advocated going ‘ grey ‘, nor would I.
I do however completely agree with you about going to the back of the Q, you are correct.
But, what I would say is the rarity of SS Daytonas, the OP may struggle again to be offered another.
I personally hope he does, I love either of the mentioned Daytonas, so I wish him well, anyone come to that because they are beautiful watches.

Because the OP said so in post 106!!! He did speak for himself. He wasn't looking for opinions, rather sharing his story because many enthusiasts would enjoy it. Since you must not have read this thread thoroughly I was just reiterating what he had already stated in his own thread.

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by Dave O

Because the OP said so in post 106!!! He did speak for himself. He wasn't looking for opinions, rather sharing his story because many enthusiasts would enjoy it. Since you must not have read this thread thoroughly I was just reiterating what he had already stated in his own thread.

You are correct in 106, therefore I whole heartedly apologise, but I went off the original post. Plus, I think when you write any post you can only expect other people’s opinions.
What he did is commendable, also perhaps regrettable in equal measures.
Either way, as I mentioned, I genuinely hope he, and many more get the Panda, or a Daytona they desire.

[AI bot]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Am I the only rooting like hell that he gets his white dial soon if nothing more than to post a “How ya like these apples” pic to all the pony tailed Harvard students in this thread.

Despite what the world tells you, the world is full of people who do the right thing all the time. I’m optimistic the OP’s AD lives up to his/her commitment.

There is no doing the right thing when it comes to buying a watch, only what that individual decides suits them.

Originally Posted by Bazil

What he did is commendable, also perhaps regrettable in equal measures.
Either way, as I mentioned, I genuinely hope he, and many more get the Panda, or a Daytona they desire.

There is nothing commendable or regrettable about buying a watch, only personal decision driven by self interest.

[Goldilock]

Again, there is no way one can trust a sales person at an AD. Building relationship is just plain bullsh.t. Most of the sales people are low or average paid employees, not wealthy people like their clients. Most of the sales people do not have a single expensive watch in their possession, let alone more. Here at my AD sales people get a "company" Rolex to wear during working hours in the shop but cannot take it home. So imagine the empathy they might feel when a client is asking for his/her 4th, 5th etc very expensive watch as if it was something really vital, necessary, dream etc.. The shop owner or manager might be different but general sales people have - I think- very low esteem of people already with many expensive watches coming in for an other watch, just because they are bored or cannot do anything more meaningful with their money.

[Manamana]

The new 126500 black is nicer looking than the new 126500 white, and the old Panda 116500 is the best of them in my opinion. I would have accepted the new 126500 black from AD and bought the old Panda 116500 from the market when prices decrease further. After that if you get a 126500 white from AD just sell your old Panda if you still want to do that. Big mistake in my opinion since you think the old and new white Daytonas are the same level.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Manamana

The new 126500 black is nicer looking than the new 126500 white, and the old Panda 116500 is the best of them in my opinion. I would have accepted the new 126500 black from AD and bought the old Panda 116500 from the market when prices decrease further. After that if you get a 126500 white from AD just sell your old Panda if you still want to do that. Big mistake in my opinion since you think the old and new white Daytonas are the same level.

The worst of the bunch according to TRF experts.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by EEpro

The worst of the bunch according to TRF experts.

Yup. That watch just looks plain horrible. Who in their right mind would ever prefer a white dial over black. Ahhhh, maybe me?

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Dave O

He didn't want opinions. He was telling his story. Why is that so hard for some to understand? Others opinions matter not on what I may like or what you may like. His grail, and what he desires is the white dial. Your opinion on the black vs. white or any other opinions matter not - his desire is for the white.

Taking the black would have meant he goes to the end of the line and would have been years before being offered a white. He understands that, and many of us also understand that. AD's cannot simply give one individual all of the premier watches, which a Daytona is. Had he taken the black, his opportunity to be allocated a white would have been years down the road.

And don't get started on he could have traded it in for a white via the grey market. This would have all but destroyed his reputation at his AD, which I don't think is something he desires.

Again to the OP, thanks for sharing your story.

It's a forum. Posters will get opinions whether they want them or not. LOL

[Mystro]

This thread is on permanent standby until we get a report from the OP if his decision was wise. Like many of these post in the past, only time will tell.

“Everyone has a plan unit they have been punched…….”
In other words for our OP in context: Was this a good decision if he has to wait 1, 3, 5 years or even longer??? Only the amount of time will determine how hard he got punched and what he will do.

[ndane]

Originally Posted by Njkdog

2024 brought such great new members. Ugh ��

I'm from 2008 and think it was a mistake--so I guess it's not just the 2024 folks, huh?

Differing opinions exist on an internet message board, in case you aren't aware.

Regarding your post, OP--I hope you eventually get what you want. As this board has well established, SAs lie, and some a lot more than others, so hopefully yours falls somewhere higher on the honesty spectrum. And hopefully he doesn't find a different job elsewhere before your allocation drops!

Best of luck!

[jinikari01]

WOW. Pass on any SS Daytona is a mistake.
I would have bought the black dial and flip or trade for a panda.
But its your money... If you feel that's the right move. Then more power to you.

[salnuaimi]

mistaske

[poppop1955]

I too had a similar experience in December. I have been waiting for the white for maybe 4-5 years. I was buying a watch for my daughter when they brought out the black daytona. No way I was going to pass it up. They said it wouldn't effect me getting the white probably later this year.