Another newbie

[rabbithole88]

Hi,

This is my first post. I'm looking to buy my first Rolex soon and I happened to find this awesome forum.

I used to own a bunch of Seiko 5s, but they were all stolen in a burglary, so I have been watchless for a few years.

Last week I picked up a used Breitling Colt GMT and got bitten by the watchbug again, as my financial position is now much better I thought I'd take a look at Rolex, JLC, Patek, etc.

I've been torn between 3 Rolex models, and need a little help deciding.

I'll probably be buying 2 of them depending on what sort of deal is offered. Any advice on negotiating with the salespeople is also greatly appreciated.

I really like the GMT IIc, but can't decide between the TT or the SS. I have read on here that it is possible to get a healthy discount on a TT (maybe not in SF though), but they are also heavily discounted on the pre-owned market. I have yet to see a TT first hand, but I might get a chance tomorrow.

I also like the green Submariner, but can only find it in stock at one dealer, they are known to seldom offer a discount . I'm going to check it out tomorrow.

Has anyone tried on the new Explorer II yet? I was originally torn between this watch and the GMT. The dealers I have spoken to say they don't expect to see the new Explorer until September/October, so I guess its out of the running as my first one.

Has anyone dealt with ADs in Russia? I'm heading there next week and might do some shopping if deals can be had. I'll be in Novgorod, Moscow & St. Petersburg. Have they had a recent price increase too?

On the subject of prices, I understand that the most recent increase was only 3 weeks ago. Does this mean that the ADs would be more open to negotiation at the moment? Also, how does one go about asking for a discount? Right away at the beginning, or after trying on many watches? Are ADs more open to discounts if you buy more than watch? Has anyone had any experience with the San Francisco ADs?

Thanks in advance for any help or tips.

David

[kareemthedream33]

Lots of questions! Get the one you want. TT can be had at excellent prices pre-owned, but it's poor resale value carries over to when you need to sell it. My vote from your list is an SS GMT.

[rabbithole88]

I apologize for so many questions. I think I've had too much coffee today.

[evanvito]

Welcome David,

Anyway among your choices I'd say you cant go wrong with a SS GMT or LV Sub. The new Explorer II is not yet available, i've read that it may go out on July or early Aug.

In my experience, AD do not usually give a discount on sport model Rolex, (maybe because its my first time to buy and I dont know anyone at the AD) one on the other hand still had the old MSRP before the price increase. I suggest you shop around and try to get the best deal. Its also good to email the trusted sellers here in the forum, and Im sure they'll give you a good deal since you're purchasing two. Bought mine from a trusted seller and couldnt be happier.

Good luck on your purchase.

[TSW]

Check out the FS section right here on TRF for a great deal

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by TSW

Check out the FS section right here on TRF for a great deal

I agree, welcome to TRF!

[MonBK]

Welcome

[denisotto]

Gmt 2 ceramic looks really good,however, the green bezle sub if you mean the old green bezle is in my opinion the best buy providing the price is right. Where I am its a sought after model as there is not many around.

[HL65]

Welcome to TRF--after reading this post though my head is spinning!! Wowza!
Go check a few out and buy the one or ones you like most for the best price you can get--easy!!

[sea-dweller]

Welcome!

[horseco]

I would choose the TT GMTc... you can get a discount & it looks great....

[Megalobyte]

Welcome. I own one Rolex, a Sub C. Personally, each of the sport models seems fairly similar in overall appearance. The Sub, Explorer, GMT, DeepSea, too similar for me to buy another. So were I buying 2, I'd either look at one sport watch and one dressier watch, like the Datejust II. Or, one Rolex sport and one very different watch from another brand, perhaps a JLC, IWC or Panerai. If you like GMT's an Iwc spitfire GMT would be nice, and Iwc is often discounted by AD's between 20-30%.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by dharrisonrand

Hi,

Has anyone had any experience with the San Francisco ADs?

Thanks in advance for any help or tips.

David

Welcome!! Hope to see you at the next GTG.

ADs in San Francisco leave a lot to be desired. No discounts at Tourneau's little Rolex boutique. Service at Shreve is abysmal, snotty or non-existent.

I would never buy a Rolex at an AD in SF.

[landroverking]

Welcome. I too would go with a GMT as my first & buy pre-owned.

[rabbithole88]

Thanks for the advice, you guys rock.

I went for the Sub 116610V. Only one dealer had one in stock, they hadn't even taken it out of the plastic shipping box yet, unfortunately due to the current rarity there were no discounts to be had.


I will probably try to pick-up a GMT II pre-owned through the forum. I preferred the SS to the TT when I got to compare them side by side.

I will definitely check out the IWC Spitfire. The GMT function on the Spitfire is different and I like it.

[Art 1]

Welcome.

[kcmo]

Welcome and congrats!

[chicagofan]

Congrats and welcome to TRF.

[johnbeth]

Congrats and welcome to TRF!

[rabbithole88]

Thanks for all the welcome messages!

I'm currently going after one of the GMT IICs that were advertised in the forum today. The seller has over 5k posts and seems to be a stand-up guy.

[dalip]

Welcome..and congrats on the LV...looks fantastic!

[travisb]