New Rolex buyer looking for advice

[Mahavir]

Hi guys,

So, after a lot of research and thinking I've decided I want to buy a new Rolex instead of vintage. I live in the Geneva area (Switzerland) and looking to establish a relationship with some ADs here (I only know of Bucherer in Geneva but Lausanne also has l'Emeraude). Do you guys have any advice in terms of how to start a good, long-term relationship with an AD? I'd like to stick to one shop to make the relationship easier in the long-term. (I'm relatively new to the luxury watch market).

I'm currently interested in buying a black Submariner Date and a GMT Master II in the next couple of years.

Many thanks!

[Easy E]

So, you live in the center of the watch universe and you are asking us how to find a watch and AD? Now that’s irony.

Seriously, just walk in both places, spend a few minutes talking to the staff. If you are looking to build a relationship you will know which one is the place for you based on how they treat you.

[Fat_ninja]

Im not going to lie to u buddy. Relationship just means how much money you spend. Ask yourself what type of buyer you are. 1 watch every 5 years... relationship is immaterial. 1 watch every month... great relationship

[SeaDweller50]

Buying them gifts now seems to be the trend.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

I’d visit several ADs and choose to work with the one you feel speaks to you most. You’ll get a feel for how each might operate ... some may feel more at home to you than others.

Then I’d try to get to know the owner at the very least the most senior staff. Let them get to know you and why you have a passion for the brand/ specific reference.

Some will not agree, but this has worked well for me over many years and through one AD that lost their AD status and a relatively new AD.

[Off Script]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

Buying them gifts now seems to be the trend.

Lol, I'm not certain if SeaDweller50 was being sarcastic but here's the thread he might be referencing: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=662885

It will give you various opinions on the AD relationship. Good luck!

[Mahavir]

Originally Posted by Easy E

So, you live in the center of the watch universe and you are asking us how to find a watch and AD? Now that’s irony.

Seriously, just walk in both places, spend a few minutes talking to the staff. If you are looking to build a relationship you will know which one is the place for you based on how they treat you.

Tell me about it. The watch community here is extremely elitist and not very open to 'outsiders' so getting good advice is very difficult. Thank God for this forum and the friendly members who post here :)

[Rags]

It's true about how much money you're going to drop that's what will create a good relationship.

[Etschell]

Best advice is to try and scalp one outside of baselworld. I mean it could work.

In reality I would try to put your name on a list.

[FrankNYC]

Sometimes you do get lucky just walking in to an AD and finding a sports model on display and available. Not a Daytona, but maybe a gmtii, Sub C and sub c date.

[Brew]

Step #1: buy a watch
Step #2: buy a second watch
Step #3: If single, buy third watch. If married, better make this one some jewelry.
Step #4: Rinse, repeat.

[Wizardly]

Any decent AD appreciates sincerity. I had never once had a relationship with an AD until I was shopping for my Submariner. Took me a few weeks but I found one that was pleasant, and seems to be interested in my business. I told the salesman my needs (OCD alignment of rehaute and bezel) and even with my persnicketiness, he was willing to work with me. (Very high-end AD in NYC.) This AD saw that I REALLY wanted this watch and for whatever reason he strove to make me happy.

Kindness and sincerity never hurt. Remember these folks are human.

[Speed]

Another tip.

If your AD sells high-end jewelry...buy a lot of it.

Then, s/he will consider selling in-demand watches to you.

[Blah114aa]

Originally Posted by Mahavir

Hi guys,

So, after a lot of research and thinking I've decided I want to buy a new Rolex instead of vintage. I live in the Geneva area (Switzerland) and looking to establish a relationship with some ADs here (I only know of Bucherer in Geneva but Lausanne also has l'Emeraude). Do you guys have any advice in terms of how to start a good, long-term relationship with an AD? I'd like to stick to one shop to make the relationship easier in the long-term. (I'm relatively new to the luxury watch market).

I'm currently interested in buying a black Submariner Date and a GMT Master II in the next couple of years.

Many thanks!

Just be honest and shop all the dealers until you find a good sales person. Now is NOT the time to be buying a Rolex (economy, short supply, etc) you need to forego buying from people that seem shady. And why not buy pre owned. Davidsw is amazing. Crm jewelers is amazing. Shop them all, ADs, etc, all of them. I’ve a great relationship with my AD but I’m under zero illusions.l I’ve bought 4 or 5 new rolexes from him in 3 years. We get along well and talk frequently, but I know our relationship is all business. So, you just have to buy an item or two, but I didn’t care for one AD in local area and skipped the opportunity to get a new Rolex from that dealer. Believe it or not,,, you have the upper hand. You have more choices at hand than most of us did before, years ago. And despite what people may tell you, you can even get discounts on new two tone rolexes if you know how to negotiate . I just did that last year with a two tome model.

[dformaster]

Hello!

Geneva actually has 2 ADs, Bucherer (2 stores) and chrono-next. I asked at Bucherer for GMT master II SS and they said there's no hope in the foreseeable future _surprise_ :-) But of course, you could have more luck than me.

Lausanne may be better.

Originally Posted by Mahavir

Hi guys,

So, after a lot of research and thinking I've decided I want to buy a new Rolex instead of vintage. I live in the Geneva area (Switzerland) and looking to establish a relationship with some ADs here (I only know of Bucherer in Geneva but Lausanne also has l'Emeraude). Do you guys have any advice in terms of how to start a good, long-term relationship with an AD? I'd like to stick to one shop to make the relationship easier in the long-term. (I'm relatively new to the luxury watch market).

I'm currently interested in buying a black Submariner Date and a GMT Master II in the next couple of years.

Many thanks!