New member seeking advice

[cloudsun]

Hello all,

Although i dont religiously follow Rolex news, i visit the website from time to time just to look at the new models, images etc. But currently i am looking to purchase my very own Rolex by myself. I understand majority of the models are hard to get from AD, wondering if you all have any advice for a new buyer like me . Ideally, i want to purchase one this year as a wedding gift myself, BUT i know that may depend on luck as well. I currently own a datejust, that received from my family as a gift (I love it btw). I am hoping to look for a sub/sub date. Should i be visiting a AD and chat with them? Sorry if this seem like a dumb question, but hoping to get some advice for a first time watch buyer.

Thanks~

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

Should i be visiting a AD and chat with them?

Yes and explain what you are looking for. Depending on the model and with enough lead time you may be able to get a watch. At least you will get a sense of what they can do for you and hopefully they will have other brands of watches for you to look at.

[Santiago32]

Not a dumb question. I asked how to build a relationship with an AD earlier this month.

I'm in the Los Angeles region and my take away was it's really difficult and expensive to get an SS model from an AD. ADs I spoke to basically said I have to spend
>$25k in jewelry to be considered (one actually told me it's more like $50k). You are in SF so I expect your experience will be similar if not worse given the high cost/dense area.

My suggestion is buy from a reputable TRF seller or a gray dealer and skip the hassle, time & money. Unless you are already going to spend $$$ on jewelry and other watches.

[JayHantz]

Welcome to the forums! I would definitely find some ADs and chat with them. Just go in, be friendly, and tell them what you’re looking for. You already know about the game, but the nice thing is there are a lot of Sub and Sub Dates that are shipped. I’d continue to visit and inquire. Not a lot to be annoying but enough that they know you’re serious and remember you. I feel a lot of guys go in, ask to be on the list and then leave - never to be heard from again. Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will pass and they will remember you.

Also, if you want it now, look at the grey market. Some lightly used Subs are not too bad if you factor in what you’d pay MSRP plus tax. And you’d get the time piece the next day.

Good luck in your search and I hope for the best!

[42itus]

As others have stated, if you go in and engage in conversation with someone about the reason that you want one there is a chance. Especially if it's a Sub that you're looking for.

[JSolution]

Don’t forget about buying second hand. You can find one near enough to retail if you keep your eyes open and don’t have to play all the silly games. It’s all about condition.

[cloudsun]

Thanks for the advice all!
Definitely going to take a look at the link about building a relationship with AD.
To be honest, i know theres always the option of buying second hand or grey market, but its always scary to make a big purchase not from a AD.

[MTdweller]

Welcome to TRF! The Bay Area may be a tough market depending on what you are interested in buying. A significant purchase history (tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per year) and great relationship with an AD is usually what it takes to get the hottest watches at MSRP. About a year ago, the purchase threshold at my AD in the Sacramento area was $100k/year just to get on their “list.”

However, if you don’t plan on spending big $$$ at an AD to build history, all Rolex models are available on the secondary market. Just be prepared to pay a hefty premium over MSRP, especially for the most in-demand pieces. Good luck!

Originally Posted by cloudsun

Thanks for the advice all!
Definitely going to take a look at the link about building a relationship with AD.
To be honest, i know theres always the option of buying second hand or grey market, but its always scary to make a big purchase not from a AD.

There are plenty of trusted sellers here on TRF you can have 100% confidence in. I bought my last watch from DavidSW and had a great experience.

[Pantheon]

you can try to explain that you want it for your wedding. It's not unheard of that ADs have sold to guys that had no purchase history and to be honest a sub shouldn't be that hard to get.

[mattmonay]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

Not a dumb question. I asked how to build a relationship with an AD earlier this month.

I'm in the Los Angeles region and my take away was it's really difficult and expensive to get an SS model from an AD. ADs I spoke to basically said I have to spend
>$25k in jewelry to be considered (one actually told me it's more like $50k). You are in SF so I expect your experience will be similar if not worse given the high cost/dense area.

My suggestion is buy from a reputable TRF seller or a gray dealer and skip the hassle, time & money. Unless you are already going to spend $$$ on jewelry and other watches.

Same experience here - I was essentially laughed out if the store for asking about “the list” and stating that I’m willing to form a long lasting relationship through other purchases. I went with a trusted seller here and havent looked back!

[JSolution]

You will regret not having bought the day date as it’s the watch you have always wanted. But I would advise to get a second watch which is she’ll which is more practical. Get a seiko skx or something that you won’t care about knocking or scratching

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JayHantz

Welcome to the forums! I would definitely find some ADs and chat with them. Just go in, be friendly, and tell them what you’re looking for. You already know about the game, but the nice thing is there are a lot of Sub and Sub Dates that are shipped. I’d continue to visit and inquire. Not a lot to be annoying but enough that they know you’re serious and remember you. I feel a lot of guys go in, ask to be on the list and then leave - never to be heard from again. Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will pass and they will remember you.

Also, if you want it now, look at the grey market. Some lightly used Subs are not too bad if you factor in what you’d pay MSRP plus tax. And you’d get the time piece the next day.

Good luck in your search and I hope for the best!

Solid advice Jay

[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by JSolution

You will regret not having bought the day date as it’s the watch you have always wanted. But I would advise to get a second watch which is she’ll which is more practical. Get a seiko skx or something that you won’t care about knocking or scratching

I do have a seiko that i wear daily, but i absolutely is in the same feeling of regret if i dont purchase a rolex i want haha.

[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

Not a dumb question.

I'm in the Los Angeles region and my take away was it's really difficult and expensive to get an SS model from an AD. ADs I spoke to basically said I have to spend
>$25k in jewelry to be considered (one actually told me it's more like $50k). You are in SF so I expect your experience will be similar if not worse given the high cost/dense area.

My suggestion is buy from a reputable TRF seller or a gray dealer and skip the hassle, time & money. Unless you are already going to spend $$$ on jewelry and other watches.

Thanks! i took a look at the TRF forum, will definitely keep monitoring it!

[dm05.fsu]

You should be able to get a brand new SUB from any reputable TRF seller. You may even save money on taxes if you get it from different state. You have no chance of building relationship with AD's with just SS's model. So go ahead and make good relationship with grey dealers.

[Cryten]

Forget the "building a relationship" nonsense. They sell to whom ever they decide to sell to.

I sometimes wonder if the "building a relationship" story came from the AD's themselves. They must be laughing every time a sucker buys a whole lot of overpriced jewelery he doesn't want because of some misguided belief he'll get a shot at a watch he'll never be sold.

Some AD's are genuine, many are not, sadly thats the shape of the current market. Going Grey is the only guaranteed way to cut through the BS and get good service (sadly) but it comes at a premium.

[Rolex_Fan_]

My advice would be - don't get married.

Seriously though, my experience has been that no two ADs are the same. Unfortunately you have to do the leg work and see which one would be willing to work with you.

Prepaying/Bringing New Customers/Keeping In Touch, helped me in my scenario.

Good Luck and congrats.

[faimag]

Congratulations on your wedding! I would reach out to as many ADs as you can. A sub is not that hard to source.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

Thanks for the advice all!
Definitely going to take a look at the link about building a relationship with AD.
To be honest, i know theres always the option of buying second hand or grey market, but its always scary to make a big purchase not from a AD.

Absolutely no worries going through a trusted seller on TRF, in fact I would say I have a better realtionship with a couple of them than my AD.

[gerobak]

Go to the nearby AD, find the salesman that you can relate. Tell your stories why you want one. If they see you as the worthy one, you will get it within months. I did this last year around this time, and got it within 2-3 months. Black SubC Date.

[Initial_J]

About 2.5 years ago, I chatted with an AD and was able to get a BLNR within 3 days. How happy I am know that I pulled the trigger then when the watches could actually be procured...

Thinks seem to be loosening up at the ADs now with some of the non-Daytona models being attainable. A friend recently got the call from his local AD on a submariner and it seems like BLNR's are getting easier to find (maybe that's just me?).

All of that said, sure go talk to the AD. If they can get you one, awesome! The AD buying experience trumps the alternatives. However, the newer black submariners don't trade at THAT much of a premium to MSRP and the difference certainly pales in comparison to the cost of a wedding. So if the AD doesn't come through, buying from another reputable dealer isn't a terrible way to go.

How far out is the wedding? Obviously the more lead time, the better chance an AD can come through.

[MichelleP]

I was just in an AD in SF and was told they only received 15 Sub dates all of last year. They still have 40 plus people waiting on it. Still worth a shot to swing by a few AD's and tell your story. You might get lucky. You can also try Davidsw.com.

[danimelara]

my advice: Don't lose hope!

I already have.

[seand442]

As others have said, stop by and get some face time. A couple weeks later, stop by again. A good conversation can develop a relationship that might pay off.

[trippinjimmy]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

Hello all,

Although i dont religiously follow Rolex news, i visit the website from time to time just to look at the new models, images etc. But currently i am looking to purchase my very own Rolex by myself. I understand majority of the models are hard to get from AD, wondering if you all have any advice for a new buyer like me . Ideally, i want to purchase one this year as a wedding gift myself, BUT i know that may depend on luck as well. I currently own a datejust, that received from my family as a gift (I love it btw). I am hoping to look for a sub/sub date. Should i be visiting a AD and chat with them? Sorry if this seem like a dumb question, but hoping to get some advice for a first time watch buyer.

Thanks~

A sub shouldn't be that hard to obtain. In your case, I'd honestly look at going gray or Trusted Seller on the forum, it shouldn't be too much more than MSRP plus tax, and it'll save you the headache.

If you absolutely need your name on the warranty card, go in to multiple ADs and explain the situation about the wedding. Try to find family owned shops rather than a Ben Bridge or Tourneau, and you should be able to score one.

Good luck!

[Boaters]

You can go look at the AD but chances are they won't have anything to look at. Go gray is what I do DavidSW is a good one to use. Wire the funds and the watch is on your wrist the next day. No waitlists just a great experience with a super guy. Happy Hunting.

[Rags]

Look in the For Sale section here on the forum, you can find what ever you want but always remember to buy the SELLER NOT THE WATCH..

[1William]

Unless you want to participate in an exercise to build you ability to deal with frustration and rejection I would recommend that you spend your time educating yourself here on TRF. You can learn about specific watch models, current trends, prices and the Great Trusted Sellers. Many new buyers/collectors with limited experience and knowledge have a tendency to run hard and strong into the hobby without realizing that there are many ways to get and enjoy your watch/watches. I should know because that was me 25 years ago. I have enjoyed the hobby but I enjoy it more and more with knowledge and experience. I have purchased watches over the years from AD's and TS and depending on the market, I choose which is best for me. Look at the Trusted Sellers web sites, compare prices, condition, age and warranty. In the end the Trusted Sellers are the way to go in the current market unless you are a big buyer with history with an AD. Ask yourself if it is about ownership and wear or the hunt. It is ok for it to be either or both but in the end it has to be about the watch. Good luck and keep us posted.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Fan_

My advice would be - don't get married.

This



Then this

Post #20

[Arcticsub]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Forget the "building a relationship" nonsense. They sell to whom ever they decide to sell to.

I sometimes wonder if the "building a relationship" story came from the AD's themselves. They must be laughing every time a sucker buys a whole lot of overpriced jewelery he doesn't want because of some misguided belief he'll get a shot at a watch he'll never be sold.

Some AD's are genuine, many are not, sadly thats the shape of the current market. Going Grey is the only guaranteed way to cut through the BS and get good service (sadly) but it comes at a premium.

This times a million.

Buying overpriced (male, lol) jewelry you don't really want in the vain hope of being put on the list.