Buying Rolex/Tudor in Hong Kong in 2021

[joe123]

Hi guys,

I recently got interested in buying my first “real” watch. I got interested in the Rolex SS sports models. But of course realized quickly, that they are hard to get world wide, at least at market price.
Based in HK, I had a look of a few ADs (in Shatin and in TST) and they basically only had diamond and gold models as well as some women’s models available.

I saw Tudor also has models I’m interested in, such as the BB GMT or the Prince Day Date. However, I also just saw some other BB at these ADs and no Prince Day Date so not exactly what I want.

I had a look of that building with London Watch Company Pnf and others in Yau Ma Tei. However, it all looks a bit dubious to spend a lot of money on a luxury watch there.

I’m trying to understand the “game” now. I would be happy if some people based in HK could give some insights

ADs:
Are there any non gold/diamond Rolex models for men which are in less demand so might even be attainable at ADs? I did not see any Oyster Perpetual at the ADs I looked at, but also not at the grey/used dealers. What’s the deal with them?

Tudor: As I saw other BB, I guess it might be possible to find the GMT at some point? Is the Prince Day Date still sold through ADs, someone mentioned here on the forum that they are being phased out?

Grey dealers: I find it hard to trust them. At least the ones I saw (pnf, London watches) look like a shabby money exchange shop, do I really want to spend that much money there? Are they really new, or these shops buy 1-2 year old models, polish them a bit and sell for a profit?
I saw some dealers are advertising online, such as that JC-station, Phoenix watches or Montrez watches. Are they better or more trustworthy than those Yau Ma Tei sellers? (Higher chance of getting an actual legit brand new model)

Is there anything in between? I saw this “Wing Kong” watches on Nathan road in Mong Kong right next to a Luk Fook, which looks a bit nicer. Is that more safe than some of the more hidden grey dealers or rather the opposite?

[supernova]

The “game” is same world wide, and unfortunately HK is one of the Rolex capitals of the world so you will have near zero chance of getting any sports models as a new customer.

Your only chance of getting sports Rolex is to go grey and pay the premium. HK has a huge amount of grey shops, probably most for a city in world. Most are safe and genuine, even the shabby ones. Actually it’s usually the shabby ones which present the best deals, but I suggest you bring someone knowledgeable with you to negotiate and purchase, otherwise you may get scalped. I personally never seen any grey selling fake watches, only problem is some have crazy sticker prices and need to be negotiated.

Good luck!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[joe123]

Thanks! I went to another AD today (just for Tudor). They actually had quite a selection of Prince models (with and without day and date).
I enquired about a BB GMT, which they said is out of stock. They wouldn't order it for me right away. I chatted a bit and tried on some watches and in the end they asked what GMT bracelet I would prefer and I wrote down my contact. If this was genuine or just a polite way to get me out of the store, I don't know.

I saw a few submariners at grey shops for only a bit above list price. However they probably are not really new.

[ks58]

Try to build the relationship with the AD and see what you need to do in order to get what you want.

[peterpl]

In HK some of the dingiest places sell watches worth $1M+

Your safe in HK if you buy from a reputable gray dealer even if his shop is in a alley on level 5 of a place that looks like it hasnt been cleaned for 10 years.

The grays in HK have every single model you could ever want. They will have multiples of whatever model and if they dont they will get it for you within the hour.

[joe123]

Originally Posted by peterpl

In HK some of the dingiest places sell watches worth $1M+

Your safe in HK if you buy from a reputable gray dealer even if his shop is in a alley on level 5 of a place that looks like it hasnt been cleaned for 10 years.

The grays in HK have every single model you could ever want. They will have multiples of whatever model and if they dont they will get it for you within the hour.

In terms of the watch itself being legit, probably yes. In terms of the watch being new, I'm wondering. I saw one submariner on display with Japanese papers from 2016. I doubt if its really unworn...

[S.Explorer]

Personally, I would treat every watch that doesn't come from the AD direct to me as used. You can still find used watches in great condition, just got to check the lugs, crown guards, etc.

[ThatSubGuy]

Forget getting a Rolex in Hong Kong.

Everything and I mean everything goes out at market price, even at AD's.

Don't listen to anyone outside of HK tell you any differently. You can't "build a relationship" in HK unless you plan on spending 6 figures. Even if you buy 3 diamond DJ, you will still only be able to buy a Sub at market price.

I was going to say good luck and have fun - yet there is no fun over there, so just good luck.

[TimepieceRPP]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

Forget getting a Rolex in Hong Kong.

Everything and I mean everything goes out at market price, even at AD's.

Don't listen to anyone outside of HK tell you any differently. You can't "build a relationship" in HK unless you plan on spending 6 figures. Even if you buy 3 diamond DJ, you will still only be able to buy a Sub at market price.

I was going to say good luck and have fun - yet there is no fun over there, so just good luck.

Agree, I have been in HK so many years and follow the forum in HK regarding Rolex. Unless you pay premium, bundles, great networks ( know the top management of the ADs), celebrities, ordinary people like me they won't give a shxt, or if you plan to spend millions u may have a chance, they don't care about relationships but monies.

[joe123]

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by joe123

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

You can buy a Tudor, maybe few weeks of wait..

Nobody cares about tudor tbh (harsh truth?)

[TimepieceRPP]

Originally Posted by joe123

Thanks for your help guys! If it's not possible to get a Rolex from a normal shop, I'll think about choosing some other brands... Even though makes me wonder how the business model is... deserted Rolex 'boutiques' in prime locations with nothing to sell, while everything goes out the back door.

Is it very different with Tudor though? It appears as I could have purchased some models from the Prince series and a few select Black Bays in the shop today. However I did not come across any GMT or 58. Same games with grey market sellers, or would there actually be a realistic chance to get those from an AD?

Same as PP or AP u may be aware of. AP maybe better, if u have strong background, like a professionals, CEO, they need your business card.

[AuspiciousCat]

Hi Joe! I am not based in HK, but I have bought 2 watches from PnF, and as far as my experience, it was pleasant and friendly. I was a relatively newbie then, and I learned a lot about vintage pieces just by chatting with them. I would have no issues getting a 3rd watch from them if the opportunity arises.
I just want to comment on your hunt for the Tudor GMT (Pepsi). I have 3 friends who owns this model and all 3 had issues with the date wheel. Whether or not Tudor has already fixed this issue, I really don’t know. Having said that, I am a big Tudor fan and I have a BB58 as my daily, plus I have another Tudor incoming. I think some Tudor models are underrated, and offer great value.
I wish you good luck in your hunt, for me, the hunt is always more exciting than the kill.

[snyde]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

You can buy a Tudor, maybe few weeks of wait..

Nobody cares about tudor tbh (harsh truth?)

Dumb


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by snyde

Dumb


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What? Is it wrong?

Tell me a Tudor you can't just walk in and say you're interested in and a few weeks later you'll have it in hand without purchase history?

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by joe123

Hi guys,

I recently got interested in buying my first “real” watch. I got interested in the Rolex SS sports models. But of course realized quickly, that they are hard to get world wide, at least at market price.
Based in HK, I had a look of a few ADs (in Shatin and in TST) and they basically only had diamond and gold models as well as some women’s models available.

I saw Tudor also has models I’m interested in, such as the BB GMT or the Prince Day Date. However, I also just saw some other BB at these ADs and no Prince Day Date so not exactly what I want.

I had a look of that building with London Watch Company Pnf and others in Yau Ma Tei. However, it all looks a bit dubious to spend a lot of money on a luxury watch there.

I’m trying to understand the “game” now. I would be happy if some people based in HK could give some insights

ADs:
Are there any non gold/diamond Rolex models for men which are in less demand so might even be attainable at ADs? I did not see any Oyster Perpetual at the ADs I looked at, but also not at the grey/used dealers. What’s the deal with them?

Tudor: As I saw other BB, I guess it might be possible to find the GMT at some point? Is the Prince Day Date still sold through ADs, someone mentioned here on the forum that they are being phased out?

Grey dealers: I find it hard to trust them. At least the ones I saw (pnf, London watches) look like a shabby money exchange shop, do I really want to spend that much money there? Are they really new, or these shops buy 1-2 year old models, polish them a bit and sell for a profit?
I saw some dealers are advertising online, such as that JC-station, Phoenix watches or Montrez watches. Are they better or more trustworthy than those Yau Ma Tei sellers? (Higher chance of getting an actual legit brand new model)

Is there anything in between? I saw this “Wing Kong” watches on Nathan road in Mong Kong right next to a Luk Fook, which looks a bit nicer. Is that more safe than some of the more hidden grey dealers or rather the opposite?

Regarding the BB GMT, just go into a Tudor boutique and ask for it. A few weeks max wait time.

[snyde]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

What? Is it wrong?

Tell me a Tudor you can't just walk in and say you're interested in and a few weeks later you'll have it in hand without purchase history?

I waited 11 months for my BB58 on a bracelet. A lot easier to get right now but I’m sure there’s a wait list for some of the newer models.

The reason I said it was dumb is because Rolex supply games have nothing to with what consumers care about. That’s like saying “Nobody cares about Grand Seiko or Omega because I can buy one from the AD if I want to.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HK_Expat]

ADs in HK want to move stock, and they can…that’s it, the more the better. It’s a blood bath and feeding frenzy.

Their only relationship is with 财神

[Atone]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

What? Is it wrong?

Tell me a Tudor you can't just walk in and say you're interested in and a few weeks later you'll have it in hand without purchase history?

Harrods, black bay chrono dark

[supernova]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

What? Is it wrong?

Tell me a Tudor you can't just walk in and say you're interested in and a few weeks later you'll have it in hand without purchase history?

So back a few years ago when most Rolex were easily obtainable, did no one care for them? Using “hype” as a gauge on whether watch brands have a following or not is indeed dumb.

There are many watch brands with watches readily available that have huge followings, including Tudor.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[joe123]

Originally Posted by AuspiciousCat

Hi Joe! I am not based in HK, but I have bought 2 watches from PnF, and as far as my experience, it was pleasant and friendly. I was a relatively newbie then, and I learned a lot about vintage pieces just by chatting with them. I would have no issues getting a 3rd watch from them if the opportunity arises.
I just want to comment on your hunt for the Tudor GMT (Pepsi). I have 3 friends who owns this model and all 3 had issues with the date wheel. Whether or not Tudor has already fixed this issue, I really don’t know. Having said that, I am a big Tudor fan and I have a BB58 as my daily, plus I have another Tudor incoming. I think some Tudor models are underrated, and offer great value.
I wish you good luck in your hunt, for me, the hunt is always more exciting than the kill.

Thanks! I'll have a look at PnF again, at least to see a bit more before buying.
And yeah, you're absolutely right, researching and hunting is definitely a big part of the joy!

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by snyde

I waited 11 months for my BB58 on a bracelet. A lot easier to get right now but I’m sure there’s a wait list for some of the newer models.

The reason I said it was dumb is because Rolex supply games have nothing to with what consumers care about. That’s like saying “Nobody cares about Grand Seiko or Omega because I can buy one from the AD if I want to.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In reality nobody does care about GS or Omega either. I

I'm not coming in here with a hater mentality, I own all 3. I even have 3 Tudors in my collection. I love my Tudor's, Omega is fantastic but I definitely know that "nobody cares" about those brands - in the same way that people care about Rolex.

I mean, take the average unknowing consumer that walks into an AD wanting to buy a Submariner for his first luxury watch.

"No sorry there's a waitlist, but we have a great Tudor Black Bay for you to walk out with today!"

"You have a what?"

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by snyde

I waited 11 months for my BB58 on a bracelet. A lot easier to get right now but I’m sure there’s a wait list for some of the newer models.

The reason I said it was dumb is because Rolex supply games have nothing to with what consumers care about. That’s like saying “Nobody cares about Grand Seiko or Omega because I can buy one from the AD if I want to.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s exactly why “nobody” cares about those brands (and many others) because they are too available and frequently sell at discount due to overproduction and over distribution.

Now, “nobody” is not an absolute, because clearly people do buy Omega and GS from AD and Corp stores, but overall the market sees these as “off brands” and that negatively impacts desirability.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

That’s exactly why “nobody” cares about those brands (and many others) because they are too available and frequently sell at discount due to overproduction and over distribution.

Now, “nobody” is not an absolute, because clearly people do buy Omega and GS from AD and Corp stores, but overall the market sees these as “off brands” and that negatively impacts desirability.

Exactly! The moment Rolex increases production to meet demand, watch all the demand disappear into thin air.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

What? Is it wrong?

Tell me a Tudor you can't just walk in and say you're interested in and a few weeks later you'll have it in hand without purchase history?

I put a deposit down on a Tudor Royal 7 months ago. Still waiting.

[Miker86]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

That’s exactly why “nobody” cares about those brands (and many others) because they are too available and frequently sell at discount due to overproduction and over distribution.

Now, “nobody” is not an absolute, because clearly people do buy Omega and GS from AD and Corp stores, but overall the market sees these as “off brands” and that negatively impacts desirability.

By ‘market’ I assume you mean those obsessed with social media hype and ‘investment’. Pretty sure most watch enthusiasts dont see them as ‘off brands’ - whatever that means.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by Miker86

By ‘market’ I assume you mean those obsessed with social media hype and ‘investment’. Pretty sure most watch enthusiasts dont see them as ‘off brands’ - whatever that means.

What he is saying is most Rolex buyers are not watch enthusiasts at all.

Most don’t even know what complication means or what a Patek is, and couldn’t care less.

It’s not always about social media. A very large proportion of Rolex owners, or wanna be owners don’t have time for that.

Watch lovers are but a small sub group of luxury watch buyers, and that is what he means by market.

Everybody in the market for a luxury watch, and almost nobody wants anything but Rolex.

Except WIS.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[snyde]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

That’s exactly why “nobody” cares about those brands (and many others) because they are too available and frequently sell at discount due to overproduction and over distribution.

Now, “nobody” is not an absolute, because clearly people do buy Omega and GS from AD and Corp stores, but overall the market sees these as “off brands” and that negatively impacts desirability.

Oh right that makes sense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[snyde]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

In reality nobody does care about GS or Omega either. I

I'm not coming in here with a hater mentality, I own all 3. I even have 3 Tudors in my collection. I love my Tudor's, Omega is fantastic but I definitely know that "nobody cares" about those brands - in the same way that people care about Rolex.

I mean, take the average unknowing consumer that walks into an AD wanting to buy a Submariner for his first luxury watch.

"No sorry there's a waitlist, but we have a great Tudor Black Bay for you to walk out with today!"

"You have a what?"

Pure wisdom.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[snyde]

Originally Posted by teck21

What he is saying is most Rolex buyers are not watch enthusiasts at all.

Most don’t even know what complication means or what a Patek is, and couldn’t care less.

It’s not always about social media. A very large proportion of Rolex owners, or wanna be owners don’t have time for that.

Watch lovers are but a small sub group of luxury watch buyers, and that is what he means by market.

Everybody in the market for a luxury watch, and almost nobody wants anything but Rolex.

Except WIS.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I see your logic but I don’t think WIS support the rest of the market for the other brands. Rolex has a very classic appeal that not every non WIS finds attractive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk