Does putting my name on “waitinglist” even work for Rolex nowadays?

[ragna93]

Hi,

I was trying to get ahold of 36mm explorer and it’s been obviously super challenging. Willing to wait so trying to put my name down on a list - does this wait list approach even work nowadays without connection? Thanks!

[ragna93]

I am based in Manhattan if that makes any difference thanks!

[REQUIEMnJADED4U]

I’m just outside of Manhattan. Without history purchase it’s a long shot to get any sports piece I’m afraid. I would try your luck at the Burcherer at Bryant Park as that one caters to tourists more and have heard of people getting lucky with no prior purchase history. Good luck!

[Bxtek]

I think the list does work, but unfortunately only if you have a buying history. However, I do see people sometimes "winning the lottery" so to speak. People with no relationship, asking for a hot SS piece, and then actually getting the call!

[ArtNouveau]

I would think the Explorer would have a chance for being a first time purchase. Make the rounds of all the AD’s in person. If you hit it off well with the right SA they will be your advocate. I have never bought a Rolex in Manhattan but all of the dealers have been friendly to me.

[WatchesNBlondes]

You have a chance for sure. It’s a 36mm. Try chatting with some ADs

[Harry-57]

Depends on the AD. My AD won't add people to lists if they can't accommodate them. Some ADs will take your details and bin them.

You need to be the judge of which type of AD/SA you are dealing with. If in doubt, move on.

[inadeje]

Most answers are spot on, but I will clarify with what I know.

There are two hypothetical “list” outcomes

1. No buying history at all - the AD will add your name as a courtesy and to get you out of the store with a smile. You most probably will NEVER be contacted, regardless of which watch you express an interest in.

2. Buying history of anything (not just Rolex) - the AD will add your name if the requested piece is viable based upon your spending ratio versus retail-X-multiple grey value of the watch. You most probably will wait quite some time to be contacted, and your ranking could be altered after you leave if a higher spender emerges for the similar piece.

Chronological lists of first-come-first serve type notion are a complete fallacy and pure fiction. If you left the store and you were say 10th, you could return months later and be 20th, since someone who spends more than you expressed an interest in the same piece you did.

[Beto737]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Most answers are spot on, but I will clarify with what I know.

There are two hypothetical “list” outcomes

1. No buying history at all - the AD will add your name as a courtesy and to get you out of the store with a smile. You most probably will NEVER be contacted, regardless of which watch you express an interest in.

2. Buying history of anything (not just Rolex) - the AD will add your name if the requested piece is viable based upon your spending ratio versus retail-X-multiple grey value of the watch. You most probably will wait quite some time to be contacted, and your ranking could be altered after you leave if a higher spender emerges for the similar piece.

Chronological lists of first-come-first serve type notion are a complete fallacy and pure fiction. If you left the store and you were say 10th, you could return months later and be 20th, since someone who spends more than you expressed an interest in the same piece you did.

Sadly, I think this is right on. Same applies to AP, PP, FPJ, and more and more VC.

[Cigars&Watches]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Most answers are spot on, but I will clarify with what I know.

There are two hypothetical “list” outcomes

1. No buying history at all - the AD will add your name as a courtesy and to get you out of the store with a smile. You most probably will NEVER be contacted, regardless of which watch you express an interest in.

2. Buying history of anything (not just Rolex) - the AD will add your name if the requested piece is viable based upon your spending ratio versus retail-X-multiple grey value of the watch. You most probably will wait quite some time to be contacted, and your ranking could be altered after you leave if a higher spender emerges for the similar piece.

Chronological lists of first-come-first serve type notion are a complete fallacy and pure fiction. If you left the store and you were say 10th, you could return months later and be 20th, since someone who spends more than you expressed an interest in the same piece you did.

This sums it up well 99% of the time

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Most answers are spot on, but I will clarify with what I know.

There are two hypothetical “list” outcomes

1. No buying history at all - the AD will add your name as a courtesy and to get you out of the store with a smile. You most probably will NEVER be contacted, regardless of which watch you express an interest in.

2. Buying history of anything (not just Rolex) - the AD will add your name if the requested piece is viable based upon your spending ratio versus retail-X-multiple grey value of the watch. You most probably will wait quite some time to be contacted, and your ranking could be altered after you leave if a higher spender emerges for the similar piece.

Chronological lists of first-come-first serve type notion are a complete fallacy and pure fiction. If you left the store and you were say 10th, you could return months later and be 20th, since someone who spends more than you expressed an interest in the same piece you did.

Completely agree.

[Beo3]

Zero purchase history at this particular AD and I place my name on the "list" for two GMT's and an Air King.

28 days later get the call for a BLNR, 10 months later get the call for the AK, which I pass on.

Three days after that, I get the call for my CHNR.

This also transpired at an AD in NYC.

It does happen.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by Beo3

Zero purchase history at this particular AD and I place my name on the "list" for two GMT's and an Air King.

28 days later get the call for a BLNR, 10 months later get the call for the AK, which I pass on.

Three days after that, I get the call for my CHNR.

This also transpired at an AD in NYC.

It does happen.

When did it happen? Was it a few years ago or recently?

[Beo3]

Originally Posted by ce027772

When did it happen? Was it a few years ago or recently?

Put my name on the list this time last year and I picked up my BLNR on February 8, 2021.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by Beo3

Put my name on the list this time last year and I picked up my BLNR on February 8, 2021.

Things have changed since then. It's harder to get any Rolex watch at MSRP now than 1 year ago. I used to see SS Datejust 41s and some TT models in ADs' display cases a year ago. Now, display cases are completely empty.

[Beo3]

Originally Posted by ce027772

Things have changed since then. It's harder to get any Rolex watch at MSRP now than 1 year ago. I used to see SS Datejust 41s and some TT models in ADs' display cases a year ago. Now, display cases are completely empty.

I picked up my CHNR in November/2021 when the cases were bare.

[rushca01]

I was able to get a DJ41 (blue dial, fluted, jubilee) last year this time with minimal wait; I was in FL on vacation and picked it up when I got home. I had no spend history there but was refferred in. I was able to get a client an SD43 with zero spend history too, again I was the referring person. Lastly, I was able to get my financial advisor connected as well, again due to a referral by me. All three of us still have our watches….ie we’re not flippers. I have been trying to get my wife a YM37 but my texts have gone unanswered…so who knows.

[dannyp]

Based on anecdotal evidence here, it seems that the 36mm Explorer is fairly gettable... except in New York and LA. A couple of weeks ago a GA-based member even mentioned one being in his AD's case (for sale, not a display model). Perhaps venture outside the city a bit?

So, to answer the original question: I think putting a name on a list works if it's a matter of the AD waiting for the watch to show up to sell to an interested customer, but not if it's a matter of everybody who's more important (to the AD) than you waiting for the watch to show up and be allocated to them.

You won't "just get lucky" for a Panda, Pepsi or Olive DD. An Explorer, or Explorer II, quite possibly.

[tyler_win]

For a 36mm Explorer, it's not exactly impossible. Although it is considered a sport piece it is probably one of the more easily attainable pieces. Just try going in with a good attitude and talk up a sales person. Explain your interest so you don't seem like a flipper. The worst is never putting your name down and never being on the AD's radar.

My AD who I have a small spending history with has always told me to tell him whatever I'm interested in even if it may be considered out of reach. If and when the market does cool down, your opportunity to buy the piece you've been waiting may come.

[TswaneNguni]

Inquire and show interest .Thats what everyone does .May be lucky. or not .

Manhattan is a big town ,with many feet ..

[RolexSimon]

Not sure what it's like in NY but in Australia, you can build a relationship with little or no spend history if you're a nice person and get on well with the AD. YMMV.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by RolexSimon

Not sure what it's like in NY but in Australia, you can build a relationship with little or no spend history if you're a nice person and get on well with the AD. YMMV.

Can a nice person in Australia get a SS Daytona at MSRP without any purchase history?

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by ce027772

Can a nice person in Australia get a SS Daytona at MSRP without any purchase history?

Probably not with the big multi-branch ADs but with the small family businesses, I know a couple of friends that have got a sub and deepsea respectively within 2 years with no prior. Just keep popping in and proving you're not a flipper I suppose..... I'd imagine a GST or Daytona would be impossible - just like anywhere else.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by ce027772

Can a nice person in Australia get a SS Daytona at MSRP without any purchase history?

[RJRJRJ]

Most flippers aren't targeting an Explorer, so while not exactly easy to get, chat them up and be transparent and you never know..

[Nairn1980]

36mm explorer isn’t that hard to get, as the small size puts many off. As mentioned above, it’s not a flipper target either.

I’d definitely try at an AD, but do expect to jump through some hoops.

[stockae92]

Without previous purchase history, putting your name on the list works the same as buying lotto.

[Innocenti]

Good luck with it I don’t know the supply situation on these but sincerely hope you get one.
It’s a watch I would like myself I just need to justify ‘another ‘ watch.
Great choice though.

[adawil2002]

Originally Posted by ragna93

Hi,

I was trying to get ahold of 36mm explorer and it’s been obviously super challenging. Willing to wait so trying to put my name down on a list - does this wait list approach even work nowadays without connection? Thanks!

There was an Explorer, Explorer II black face & several Subs & a back SS Skydwelller at Louis Anthony Jewelers on December 30th.

Head out to 1775 N Highland Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, USA & pick up your Rolex.

[watchmakers4]

Anecdotally, I received an Explorer from a NYC AD 12 days after registering my interest with no prior purchase history in September 2021. It was lucky, but I just developed a great rapport with the SA and showed I was passionate and knowledgeable (aka not a flipper).

This was, however, after months of searching and trying various ADs local and distant.