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Fixxxer · 1 March 2010, 08:26 AM

Hi everyone. I just recently joined the forum but have been a fan of Rolex watches since I was a kid. I am getting ready to purchase my first Rolex and have a question. I have been debating where I should purchase this watch from.

My first option is I have an AD about 10 minutes from my house. They have a huge collection. I can take my watch there if it ever needs service and they offer to do detailed cleanings. The one negative is they don't offer much of discount.

My second option is that my wife and I are going to be traveling to the Virgin Islands later on this year. Everytime I have been to the Caribbean they always seem to have great deals on high end watches. The one negative is I would be purchasing from a store that I would most likey never go to again out of the country. The only other question is if the discounts there are significant enough that I should wait.

Let me know what option you would go with if you were me. Thanks for your help, and I am really impressed with this forum and the knowledge the members have on these watches.

Tools · 1 March 2010, 08:31 AM

I've never seen significant enough discounts on Rolex in the Caribbean to make me buy one there.. You may be able to avoid sales taxes, but you run the risk of paying duties and fees when returning in country....

They sell lot's of watches though...........

Jason71 · 1 March 2010, 08:32 AM

If it were me, I would either purchase your first Rolex from one of the power sellers here on the forum, or I would get it from the AD that is close to your home. There is something to be said for developing a relationship with a local AD.

I would probably look here on TRF for incredible savings.

BTW, WELCOME to TRF!!!!

CPTL · 1 March 2010, 08:34 AM

I'll second Jason. If you're looking to save money, buy from someone here. If you're set on an AD, use the one nearest your home. Discount can be had, if you tell them you're ready to pay and point to a better offer. "But I'd really rather buy local..."

lolo96706 · 1 March 2010, 08:52 AM

Don't forget the power of having cash on hand when asking for a discount at the AD. I also agree, there is something to be said for developing a relationship with an AD, but the cost of it is not usually worth the extra money they are asking for.

JMIND · 1 March 2010, 08:54 AM

I bought here on TRF from a trusted seller. I will develop a relationship with an AD when servicing is needed.

Jerry

Jason71 · 1 March 2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMIND

I bought here on TRF from a trusted seller. I will develop a relationship with an AD when servicing is needed.

Jerry

Not me. I will be contacting Mr. Bob Ridley or dealing directly with RSC. No need for a middle-man.

smf721 · 1 March 2010, 09:00 AM

I think doing a transaction for a first Rolex where the two-year warranty is not in question in any way has a good degree of value. After a lot of thought, I came to that conclusion and went with an AD. That AD was aware of TRF and was willing to deal enough for me to get within $300 or $400 difference.

nauticajoe · 1 March 2010, 10:27 AM

Given that it's your 1st, I'd build that relationship with the local AD. Goes a long way.

rfknauss · 1 March 2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

Given that it's your 1st, I'd build that relationship with the local AD. Goes a long way.

X2! I agree with nauticajoe.

ayecarumba · 1 March 2010, 10:37 AM

Ryan,

Welcome to TRF...lotsa good resources for you here to help make your decision.

Some thoughts:

I've not seen tremendous discounts at the watch places I've seen while in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Aruba, St Thomas, etc...) either.

If saving $ during purchase is your prime objective then buying grey market or from a trusted seller here on TRF would probably be your best bet.

If you buy your Rolex from other than an AD, Rolex may choose not to honor the warranty. It's rare to have an issue with any new watch, but always a potential issue.

Do you plan any other watch or jewelery purchases potentially from this AD? Always nice to have a relationship (like, how are you gonna size your watch when you get it?)

Personally, I've bought 4 of my 5 (inc both my Rolexes + wifes Breitling) from my AD. I feel like I get a decent discount, have the assurance of the warranty, have financing options if I wish, have somewhere to go if there is an issue, get invites to watch events, and get some goodies every now and then.

Perhaps this being your first Rolex AD might be a more reassuring route?

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best and remember to ENJOY this pursuit!

Cheers,

--Paul

1 March 2010, 08:26 AM	#1
Fixxxer "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Ryan Location: Michigan Watch: SS Yachtmaster Posts: 87	New member with a question Hi everyone. I just recently joined the forum but have been a fan of Rolex watches since I was a kid. I am getting ready to purchase my first Rolex and have a question. I have been debating where I should purchase this watch from. My first option is I have an AD about 10 minutes from my house. They have a huge collection. I can take my watch there if it ever needs service and they offer to do detailed cleanings. The one negative is they don't offer much of discount. My second option is that my wife and I are going to be traveling to the Virgin Islands later on this year. Everytime I have been to the Caribbean they always seem to have great deals on high end watches. The one negative is I would be purchasing from a store that I would most likey never go to again out of the country. The only other question is if the discounts there are significant enough that I should wait. Let me know what option you would go with if you were me. Thanks for your help, and I am really impressed with this forum and the knowledge the members have on these watches.

1 March 2010, 08:31 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,591	I've never seen significant enough discounts on Rolex in the Caribbean to make me buy one there.. You may be able to avoid sales taxes, but you run the risk of paying duties and fees when returning in country.... They sell lot's of watches though........... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

1 March 2010, 08:32 AM	#3
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	If it were me, I would either purchase your first Rolex from one of the power sellers here on the forum, or I would get it from the AD that is close to your home. There is something to be said for developing a relationship with a local AD. I would probably look here on TRF for incredible savings. BTW, WELCOME to TRF!!!! __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

1 March 2010, 08:34 AM	#4
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	I'll second Jason. If you're looking to save money, buy from someone here. If you're set on an AD, use the one nearest your home. Discount can be had, if you tell them you're ready to pay and point to a better offer. "But I'd really rather buy local..." __________________ 16610 Submariner Date; D Serial 16234 DateJust SS with WG Fluted Bezel & Jubillee, White Roman Dial; F Serial 16570 Explorer II White Dial; M Serial And Hers: 78240 Mid-Size DateJust SS with Domed Bezel & Oyster, White Roman; D Serial

1 March 2010, 10:37 AM	#11
ayecarumba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: ATL Watch: the one I'm wearin Posts: 526	Nice predicament to have... Ryan, Welcome to TRF...lotsa good resources for you here to help make your decision. Some thoughts: I've not seen tremendous discounts at the watch places I've seen while in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Aruba, St Thomas, etc...) either. If saving $ during purchase is your prime objective then buying grey market or from a trusted seller here on TRF would probably be your best bet. If you buy your Rolex from other than an AD, Rolex may choose not to honor the warranty. It's rare to have an issue with any new watch, but always a potential issue. Do you plan any other watch or jewelery purchases potentially from this AD? Always nice to have a relationship (like, how are you gonna size your watch when you get it?) Personally, I've bought 4 of my 5 (inc both my Rolexes + wifes Breitling) from my AD. I feel like I get a decent discount, have the assurance of the warranty, have financing options if I wish, have somewhere to go if there is an issue, get invites to watch events, and get some goodies every now and then. Perhaps this being your first Rolex AD might be a more reassuring route? Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best and remember to ENJOY this pursuit! Cheers, --Paul __________________ "Whether we wake or we sleep, Whether we carol or weep, The Sun with his planets in chime, Marketh the going of Time." --Edward Fitzgerald

1 March 2010, 08:52 AM	#5
lolo96706 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Jeff Location: Hawaii Watch: Milgauss GV - V Posts: 202	Don't forget the power of having cash on hand when asking for a discount at the AD. I also agree, there is something to be said for developing a relationship with an AD, but the cost of it is not usually worth the extra money they are asking for.

1 March 2010, 08:54 AM	#6
JMIND "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Jerry Location: New Mexico Watch: 16610 M Series Posts: 1,084	I bought here on TRF from a trusted seller. I will develop a relationship with an AD when servicing is needed. Jerry

1 March 2010, 09:00 AM	#8
smf721 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Watch: SS GMT IIc Posts: 45	I think doing a transaction for a first Rolex where the two-year warranty is not in question in any way has a good degree of value. After a lot of thought, I came to that conclusion and went with an AD. That AD was aware of TRF and was willing to deal enough for me to get within $300 or $400 difference.

1 March 2010, 10:27 AM	#9
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Given that it's your 1st, I'd build that relationship with the local AD. Goes a long way.

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