ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
25 September 2019, 07:58 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: The Good Life
Posts: 3,090
|
So...the rumors are true
I've been trying to source a submariner from an AD for the past few months for my Dad. He was battling metastatic melanoma to his brain and both of his lungs and seems to have kicked it. I wanted to get him an anchor, something to remind him everyday that he is alive, as well as turn that piece into an heirloom, hence why I want the family name on the warranty card.
The AD that found my CHNR seemed optimistic that they could get one soon, but after quite a few weeks, I was starting to doubt that it would happen. I considered gray, changing to a blue Aqua Terra (Bond movies are kind of our thing, so I wanted him to have an updated version of the original Sean Connery bond watch as the heirloom). I had my office manager call around to most of the ADs in the midwest trying to get this thing, but understandably, no one would help us out. One of those ADs happened to be in my parent's city, and I popped into their store yesterday. After getting buzzed in, I proceeded straight to the Rolex case. They had such a lovely collection of datejusts, one white OP39, two tone black submariner, two tone white daytona, couple of presidents...but no steel models in the case. The SA asked if there was a particular model I was looking for...she replied they don't usually have any, and the ones they do are sold. I gave her my story, and she said 'LET ME GO CHECK THE SAFE.' Came back two minutes later with a coincidentally unallocated submariner. I about crapped myself - no joke! I took it on the spot...since that time though, I've had some strange feelings...while I'm entirely grateful to have found and located the watch...I was so happy to hand over just shy of 8 grand. I can't tell you how many times I thanked her. Shouldn't this have been the other way around, or at least mutual? It's mind boggling how happy I was that they were allowing me to purchase a watch. Second, it is true - the stainless steel watches are in the safes of certain ADs...not readily available for purchase unless I guess you're A. VIP or B. Have a legit reason that they want to help you out. Finally, it happened again: they photo copied my ID and warranty card together (3rd AD this year), and actually came out of the store as I was walking to the car to unwrap the gift and get the warranty card. Actually, come to think of it, she was going to hold on to the warranty card...but then decided to give it to me. Yay though, I found the watch. It was worth the journey! To all the people struggling to find yours...just be persistent...and maybe check out some out of town ADs. Be personable (I walked in in jeans, a tee shirt, and a packers hat). |
25 September 2019, 08:05 AM | #2 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Real Name: Ben
Location: Valley of the Sun
Watch: 126331 126610 3861
Posts: 3,253
|
Screw them.
I'm happy for you and your Dad but to be truthful your story gets my blood boiling. So sick of this bulls*t. Good thing I really, really love this brand. But being tested for sure. Anyway, congrats - glad you were able to accomplish such a wonderful gesture for your father. |
25 September 2019, 08:15 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: LGD
Location: CA
Watch: Gold Sub & JC DSSD
Posts: 1
|
Finally was able to score my JC DSSD from an AD........... They had it "stashed" in the back as well...... I was with a VIP CLIENT and was so happy to get it. I will not pay the Gray Market price.... Good Luck out there...The Rolex market will tank soon enough and prices will head south...... I see them coming down already.....
|
25 September 2019, 08:19 AM | #4 |
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2019
Real Name: Michael
Location: Nassau County, NY
Watch: 16710
Posts: 889
|
Great story. Thanks for sharing. God Bless your family.
|
25 September 2019, 08:21 AM | #5 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Real Name: Ben
Location: Valley of the Sun
Watch: 126331 126610 3861
Posts: 3,253
|
It just makes me mad that these watches ARE sitting in these safes and, somehow, someway we, the buying public must figure out a way to wheedle them out of there...the right story, the right "extra" purchase, the - oh, hell, I don't know what actually...
Meantime, there are how many poor suckers like me openly sitting on a list at these places while a Sub goes out the door to someone who was never near a list..or even near that AD before. OK - sorry - rant over. Don't want to appear that I am not happy for the OP and his family -I am. |
25 September 2019, 12:19 PM | #6 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: New York
Posts: 425
|
Quote:
There is no spoon. |
|
25 September 2019, 03:05 PM | #7 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Real Name: Teck
Location: South East Asia
Watch: Tudor Black Bay 58
Posts: 1,846
|
Quote:
It is perfectly reasonable to be happy for OP and unhappy with the fact that you can’t get something similar. It is true that it can be quite grating to see that some people, in some parts of the world with some ADs seem to be able to get what they want while ‘we’ have to suffer at having to play by ‘different rules’. This arguably causes more unhappiness than merely being unable to obtain the watch. Such is human nature. I would say a lot of the unhappiness and anger would disappear (and turn into plain old boring resignation) if Rolex insisted on a clear method of distribution by ADs. ie first come first serve, VIPs only,serve the very rich only or whatever. So long as it’s the same for everyone. It’s like how economists get it wrong constantly by saying everyone getting richer should make everyone happier. People can actually be unhappier being twice as rich when everyone else is four times richer. And happier when everyone is poor, especially relative to themselves. Extreme inequality, or the perception of it fuels anger in human beings like very few things outside of one’s control can. Or that one has to work harder and yet get less than our neighbours. Happening all over the world, even in a luxury product like Rolex lol. Good on you OP. But stories like yours do fuel resentment, albeit subconsciously for many. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
25 September 2019, 04:01 PM | #8 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Real Name: Ben
Location: Valley of the Sun
Watch: 126331 126610 3861
Posts: 3,253
|
Quote:
But, enough - onward- I have an amazing incoming tomorrow via a fantastic Grey seller...have a good night....Ben. |
|
26 September 2019, 01:14 AM | #9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: The Good Life
Posts: 3,090
|
Quote:
It's such a weird feeling...I may look to Oh-mee-gah for my next piece. |
|
25 September 2019, 08:23 AM | #10 | |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: UTC/GMT -5
Posts: 3,662
|
Quote:
Also, what state/area was the AD with the Submariner? |
|
25 September 2019, 08:24 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Real Name: Jason
Location: Boston
Watch: Seamster 300 Green
Posts: 1,617
|
Fantastic story. So happy you found it!!!! I'm sure your dad will love wearing it. Sending healing thoughts your way.
|
25 September 2019, 08:28 AM | #12 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Eastwest
Posts: 1,322
|
Thanks for sharing your experience...and glad it had a happy ending for you!
|
25 September 2019, 08:35 AM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Angelo
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Watch: Rolex Submariner
Posts: 42,164
|
Good for you and your Dad,,,especially your Dad.
I hate that many AD’s pull these type of shenanigans but very happy that your quest was successful.
__________________
Rolex Submariner Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue Tudor Ranger 79910 Nomos Club Datum 733 Nomos Metro 38 Stowa Flieger Classic 40 * Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons * |
25 September 2019, 10:53 AM | #14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Philly.
Watch: Air King, Omega AT
Posts: 2,276
|
|
25 September 2019, 08:35 AM | #15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2017
Real Name: Alan
Location: Northern, CA
Watch: 116334
Posts: 2,215
|
I am very happy your story ended with you getting the Submariner. Perhaps, you also answered the question many already have guessed to be true, yes they do have Steel Sports in the safe.
__________________
Rolex 116334 126600 228235 |
25 September 2019, 08:40 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: London
Posts: 4,452
|
A lovely gift. I hope your dad enjoys wearing it as much as you do your CHNR. Congrats!
__________________
@watchtheleftwrist |
25 September 2019, 08:48 AM | #17 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: sydney
Watch: Mont Blanc
Posts: 65
|
Quote:
I like your story but I hate AD’s way of selling Rolex watches. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
|
25 September 2019, 08:48 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hong Kong
Watch: AP
Posts: 3,825
|
Great looking watches. Congratulations!
|
25 September 2019, 08:51 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Midlands, UK
Posts: 4,978
|
I’m glad you got your watch but sorry to hear of your current situation.
I totally agree that the current situation with Rolex means they likely have a few pieces in the safe waiting to go out, but seem to tell customers they don’t know when they get them in. I think it’s their way of avoiding the lie. Technically true but dodging the fact they probably have several hot pieces in the safe at any one time. Just waiting to go out. In your case I suspect you got lucky and they had allocated the sub already but hadn’t called and confirmed the first customer on the list |
25 September 2019, 08:56 AM | #20 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Conshohocken
Watch: What?
Posts: 905
|
What a wonderful story... Congrats with best wishes!
__________________
dive deep dive long 1503 16263 16610 228238 16623 |
25 September 2019, 09:00 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Real Name: Doug
Location: Charlotte, NC
Watch: Daytona BLNR SubLV
Posts: 2,266
|
I am so happy for you and your Dad. Your story touched me as my Dad & I shared a love of watches together. Interestingly, I gave my Dad a Skyfall (we like JB movies too ).
Here’s my Dad wearing his Skyfall and me with my Sub. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
25 September 2019, 09:23 AM | #22 | |||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: The Good Life
Posts: 3,090
|
And yours as well.
Quote:
Quote:
"The Good Land" Quote:
|
|||
25 September 2019, 09:00 AM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: san francisco
Watch: SS daytona, Hulk,
Posts: 1,297
|
This is a fantastic story. Thank you for sharing and congrats!
__________________
Watchdog (Woof) SS daytona,Hulk,DSJC,50th SD, SS SkyD, Zblue, YMblue, MoonPhase, Rootbeer Batman, Sub, Blk GMT, Pepsi,YG Daytona, TTSD, Batgirl, 5167/1A, Speedy, P01, OP, Kermit |
25 September 2019, 09:03 AM | #24 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Colorado
Watch: your time
Posts: 1,447
|
Nice job at navigating these odd times. Enjoy!
|
25 September 2019, 09:11 AM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: The Good Life
Posts: 3,090
|
Thanks for all the kind words. I'm really quite honored and humbled to have been able to do this for my Dad. I mentioned in a previous post, but both he and his Dad, my grandpa whom I was very close with, always loved the brand but never had one...a couple of fakes, but never the real deal. I'm pretty sure my Dad was in shock - he just stared for a few minutes, then let out a quiet tearful "wow." I'm very grateful and truly blessed to be in the position to even have done this, and I never would have been able to without his help through school.
|
25 September 2019, 09:11 AM | #26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,304
|
So thrilled to hear your dad is doing well and that you were able to gift him this special watch. Congrats.
|
25 September 2019, 09:13 AM | #27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 1,685
|
Excellent story, thanks for sharing, congrats on both the watch and your fathers full recovery. Positive motivation is a great thing.
|
25 September 2019, 09:23 AM | #28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Real Name: Peter
Location: The OC
Watch: SD43 TT, Polar
Posts: 32
|
I’m now under the belief that AD safes are magic safes, and the watch a buyer wants magically materializes, but only if they are worthy.
You are worthy. Glad to hear your dad is doing so well, and has such a thoughtful son and gift. |
25 September 2019, 09:29 AM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 6,309
|
Great story. Best wishes to you both.
|
25 September 2019, 09:38 AM | #30 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: suffolk
Posts: 419
|
Think about it like this. If there is a super big run on trendy hot watches like steel Rolexes they can lock them up and play this game while you buy an Omega, Heuer, Longines, and your wife a rolex. Once you've spent 20 grand at the store then they call you up and say, hey, the watch you've been waiting for for three years is in! LOL! I seriously hope this isn't the case, but it would for sure work to sell a bunch of watches. I enjoy all my watches so I don't care either way.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.