How much under retail?

[falling4arolex]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm new to this forum and enjoying every second. Getting pretty close to making my first Rolex purchase and just had a couple questions.

1. Is the retail price of a Rolex negotiable? And if so, what would be an ideal discount?

2. What does SEL mean?

Thanks in advance.

[Kanger]

20% would be lovely. SEL stands for solid end links, which means the two end links connecting the watch to the metal bracket are each a single piece. This prevents stretching of the bracelet better than non- SEL bracelets, but you will find supporters of both styles.

[shirtguy]

if you go with a gold model there would be a grater chance of a discount than a stainless steel.

[echau]

Check the For Sale forum here. There's plenty of good sellers that will give you a good price.

[TheDude]

If you find the right AD, you can get ~15% on most any stainless model except the Daytona. You need to seek out smaller ADs though that don't do as much volume.

[Speed]

If you have not purchased several watches from a particular AD, you will likely get no where on a discount for a popular stainless steel model.

[sakuraba]

TRF classifieds can easily top AD discounts.

FWIW I find SELs more comfortable than the older end links.

[Young Connoisseur]

Originally Posted by Speed

If you have not purchased several watches from a particular AD, you will likely get no where on a discount for a popular stainless steel model.

Interestingly enough, I believed this as well, until I went out.


A few years ago I was looking at buying my first Rolex. I was 17, had about $5,500 saved from the year for one, and I knew of only ONE AD in town. Before I went there I checked Jared because a family friend worked there, but they only had TAG's. I saw one model with a diamond bezel, and it was a limited edition!

Anyways, I left there, and went to the AD. This store was notorious for beig snobby and I was expecting to get treated mediocrely but surprise them with a fist full of cash after I tried on a few models.

I go in and start talking to one of the sales reps after ten minutes because nobody comes to help me. I was looking to see if they had that Tag at this point, which they didn't. I then told the rep how I was looking at them but they didn't have the one I wanted so I'll look at a Rolex instead.

Anyways, we wonder over to the Rolex cases and I ask to try on a Submariner, which could be had for the same price as the Tag at that point.


The lady looks at me and says, "Do you really think you can afford anything in here?"


So I left and bought the Tag at Jared.


I go into the AD a few weeks ago, was greeted at the door this time, was allowed to try on a DSSD and a rose gold Daytona, and when I asked for a discount was offered 12% off. When I refused, the manager came over and said "What could I do to ensure you walk out of that door with this Rolex today"


Times must be tough!

[Speed]

Oh....welcome to TRF.

You might enjoy looking at the classified section here. Several sellers can find you new watches far, far less than retail!

[ParisDakarBmw]

Welcome to TRF! You should check out some of the pre owned watches here. Some of the watches are 99% new, but at a huge discount.

[ersnyder]

Welcome to TRF! Check out the trusted resellers of TRF and you can realize substantial savings from new to pre-owned.