First Rolex Purchase/Hunt - 31 OP in Turquoise - How rare?

[kpfeif]

Hello.

I’m a bit of a watch nerd, though I don’t own a Rolex. I started with Seiko and recently bought a Speedmaster. My wife has tolerated my watch habit and has never been excited about a watch. Until….

She showed me a photo of a celebrity and said, “now THAT is a watch I’d love to wear.” She passed it over - it was Elisabeth Moss with a turquoise watch. I though, “great - she wants an Rolex Oyster Perpetual for her first nice watch.”

What’s crazy is that she’s actually supportive of buying one. She’s usually pretty thrifty - you’d call her cheap - but she really does want the thing.

We’ve visited 4 ADs (we’re in the upper Midwest) and decided that the 31 is the right size. I have zero purchase history. Two dealers seemed hopeful, one was dismissive, and the other probably threw the piece of paper she wrote our names on in the trash after we left the showroom.

This is for a milestone birthday she has coming up. We’re in no rush. Should we be more hopeful since we’re interested in the 31 vs the 36 and 41? Those seem impossible.

Thanks!


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[goodolejr]

It's going to be tough. That dial color is extremely sought after, even in a small ladies size.

If you're dead set on not paying over MSRP, stay in touch with the two ADs that were supportive. Pop in once a month to (politely) say hello. It would help your cause if you were to buy some jewelry from either of them, but by no means a guarantee.

Your other option is to purchase from a gray market dealer. They're going for about $9-10K right now in the Moda Watch Club on facebook. That's the lowest price you'll likely get on the secondary market.

Best of luck and send a picture of it on her wrist when you finally get it!

[mroberts]

Takuya has one but you're going to pay a premium

[amh]

Originally Posted by kpfeif

Hello.
<snip>
What’s crazy is that she’s actually supportive of buying one. She’s usually pretty thrifty - you’d call her cheap - but she really does want the thing. <snip>

That's 90% of the battle. Congrats!

I'd try via AD for a while but if it's indeed for a milestone then I'd buy Grey if the AD(s) haven't delivered.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kpfeif

Hello.

I’m a bit of a watch nerd, though I don’t own a Rolex. I started with Seiko and recently bought a Speedmaster. My wife has tolerated my watch habit and has never been excited about a watch. Until….

She showed me a photo of a celebrity and said, “now THAT is a watch I’d love to wear.” She passed it over - it was Elisabeth Moss with a turquoise watch. I though, “great - she wants an Rolex Oyster Perpetual for her first nice watch.”

What’s crazy is that she’s actually supportive of buying one. She’s usually pretty thrifty - you’d call her cheap - but she really does want the thing.

We’ve visited 4 ADs (we’re in the upper Midwest) and decided that the 31 is the right size. I have zero purchase history. Two dealers seemed hopeful, one was dismissive, and the other probably threw the piece of paper she wrote our names on in the trash after we left the showroom.

This is for a milestone birthday she has coming up. We’re in no rush. Should we be more hopeful since we’re interested in the 31 vs the 36 and 41? Those seem impossible.

Thanks!


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No Rolex watch is rare yes some made in smaller numbers but rare no, today hype often make certain watches and dial colours hard to get.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum and good luck in the hunt

[EEpro]

It took longer to get my wife her 31 than my 41. I got my 41 in October the year of the release. Hers came in April 6 months later. You should probably buy grey for $10-12k if you really want it.

[LC23]

You need to tell this story to the ADs. If there's a deadline, you are better off going grey...

GL and update us!

[J to the Z]

To be totally frank, this will be very tough (probably one of the most difficult ladies watches to get). I waited 8 months for my fiancé’s OP31 turquoise to come in and I have a pretty extensive history with my AD. I think not only is there very high demand for this piece, but the supply of it seems to be fairly low as well. I wish you and your wife good luck and hopefully one of the ADs you connected with will be able to deliver.


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[DtownRRS]

I placed my request when they first came out for the 31mm turquoise for my daughter's college graduation gift in spring 2021. I got the first one the AD received. They said the 31 was a little easier to acquire but when I took her in to get it sized they were actually surprised at how quickly the OP in all sizes became very hard to get. If there was one AD that was receptive I would stay in contact and let them know the date of the special B-Day. Just do a txt checkin every so often.

[kpfeif]

Thanks, all, for the tips and advice. I have no experience with this so it’s appreciated.

I can’t swing the secondary market, so I’ll take my only option - wait and see. Which is fine. We have lots of time and worst case scenario is it doesn’t happen. Oh well. There’s always other options.

Thanks again,
Kris


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[kpfeif]

This is the best kind of update.

I received a call from my local AD on Monday - the OP was in his hand. We made an appointment and purchased it the day after.

So, it took approximately 6 months from the first time I registered interest until it was delivered. I feel I am pretty lucky - according to the SA, they've seen very few of Turquoise OPs in any size.

It is simply a stunning watch, and my wife couldn't be happier. My SA told me to be patient and I was. It was a great experience - one that I hope to repeat someday again (not the waiting part, however).

- Kris

[watchmakers4]

Congratulations!!! Wonderful news. Be sure to post pics once you pick it up!

[sleepydoc]

Great update. Tbh I was not very optimistic for you, (based on availability in my market). Nice to hear it worked out.

[Carguy87]

Yay!! Love reading a happy ending

[EvelynWaugh]

wow definitely lucky if you had no purchase history. congrats

[Law52]

Congratulations. I got my wife the OP 31mm in Coral Red for Christmas. She loves it, plus being a discontinued model I felt it was special being a 2022 model complete. The real kicker was getting it close to MSRP and being unworn.

[Nairn1980]

Great result

[2thdock]

Congratulations. We scored a mint DJ yesterday, for my wife, while we actually went in to look at a Sea Dweller for me. The Boutique sales associate said OP’s in colors are the hardest to get right now. I was surprised to hear that but the price for Stainless in a 31 or 36 ( what we got) is very reasonable.

[1995akcoop]

Not rare, just overpriced


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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by 1995akcoop

Not rare, just overpriced


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You have one week to find one. Report back.


Ask around your nearby ADs. See how many they ever received. It's a legit low production item (for Rolex).

[CarlOver]

If you have a discussion with an AD that you know well and if they are being honest, the discussion about OPs is very interesting. With all the size variations and colors, they get very small quantities of one specific variation. Since they discontinued the coral and yellow and turquoise in 42, there are few combinations. But still so many combinations. Now add into that, the demand for turquoise and it is likely a long wait. Unless you really hit it off with the AD. Sales people will size you up. Look at wedding ring, your car, zillow your home value. If you’re perceived to be in the demographic that they are seeking out, you might be surprised at what you are offered. There is so much discussion on this forum about building a relationship with the SA at the AD. For some, it’s very easy and clearly for others, it’s just not happening. Be honest and respectful and you could have a great chance.

[GMT Aviator]

Check out the Casio Tiffany Dial.

Hard to get, but not a unicorn like the Rolex.

[Harry_S]

Amazing result really happy for you!

[MichelleP]

Congratulations on the Coral. I have that as well as Turquoise. Both 36mm. Wanted yellow too but it's discontinued

[Flintstone]

It’d be easier giving her your left testicle—unless you gave her that for a previous milestone birthday. Seriously, buy one from a reputable dealer on the secondary market. Once you see the smile on her face, the increased cost won’t mean a thing.