Is buying from an AD an integral part of the Rolex/Tudor experience?

[Orangejoe]

I keep hearing "buy your first from an AD, then you can go grey"; so what exactly is this AD deal bringing to the table?

I have heard some actually give you a bottle of filtered water ($0.45) and at least one thread had the AD popping a bottle of champagne ($55!) I would be celebrating too if I worked retail and just sold a DSSD at full 'suggested' price.

I guess it comes down to a handful questions:

1. Did you haggle when you got your watch from the AD, or do you think paying full price(aka splurging) is part of "the experience"?
   
2. What do you think the AD 'added' to the transaction to make you pay high 3 figures, 4 figures more for a watch vs. grey?
   
3. If you did not haggle/negotiate, hard, how many other luxury products/services are you a customer of?

Your unique personal experiences and opinions are gladly welcomed.

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by Orangejoe

I keep hearing "buy your first from an AD, then you can go grey"

That statement is rubbish. Don't believe it.

[HL65]

Whatever floats your boat. For me could care less about experience if I can save money on price!

Also as vintage collector AD does me no good!

[Orangejoe]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Whatever floats our boat...

That is what I want to hear about, that boat floating, what powers that buoyancy.

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

... For me could care less about experience if I can save money on price!

Also as vintage collector AD does me no good!

, makes sense.

[Thatguy]

I bought mine at a decent percentage off from an Ad. They brought nothing to the table. If I can do better from a grey for my next that is the way I will go.

[david91686]

Dont be fooled by the "Experience" i find most AD's no NOTHING about the watches, and there is NO reason to help them pay their rent by spending way more than you can find a watch on here for!!

[horseco]

I cant see any reason to pay more at an AD...

[polarinda]

Buying cheaper than AD is THE experience.

[Cc1966]

Hmmm...I just I'm going to buck the trend here somewhat. I've bought both ways and enjoyed the AD experience. I still enjoy the rapport I have with my local dealer and look forward to trying on the new models. I buy local and support my local business, watch sellers included.

[AbqRolexFan]

Originally Posted by cc1966

hmmm...i just i'm going to buck the trend here somewhat. I've bought both ways and enjoyed the ad experience. I still enjoy the rapport i have with my local dealer and look forward to trying on the new models. I buy local and support my local business, watch sellers included.

+1

[patek.wis]

I buy wherever the price is right

To spend several k more to have the AD fondle over me for thirty minutes isn't worh it IMHO

I'd make a hooker joke but some may be upset
So I won't ;)

[Orangejoe]

Seems I may have scared away those that bought at full MSRP at the AD.

The vast majority of Rolex are sold through their authorized dealer network, please raise your hand and tell me about it. I think it's clear from the way I phrased my OP that I am currently inclined to think that AD+Full retail = first 'luxury' buying experience; please let me know if I am off the mark.

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by Orangejoe

Seems I may have scared away those that bought at full MSRP at the AD.

The vast majority of Rolex are sold through their authorized dealer network, please raise your hand and tell me about it. I think it's clear from the way I phrased my OP that I am currently inclined to think that AD+Full retail = first 'luxury' buying experience; please let me know if I am off the mark.

Well it seems you're keen on hearing what makes the AD experience. The absolute best way to find out is walk into your nearest AD and start kicking the tires.

[Orangejoe]

Originally Posted by Chainring

Well it seems you're keen on hearing what makes the AD experience. The absolute best way to find out is walk into your nearest AD and start kicking the tires.

Jumped the gun, went to the nearest Tudor AD but they did not have them out yet, got to try on the other contender the LE Ceramic/Titanium Oris.

Nice service, not $1,000+ nice service. But for A LOT it must be worth it, I want to hear how they see it.

For example, one big consideration for me would be (as Cc1966 said) supporting a local business. That in itself is worth some cash to me.

[cop414]

Bought my Sub at an AD, just something inside me wanted to do it that way for my first, got about 500 off suggested retail. Also I wanted to see the actual watch that I was going to purchase. That was the limit of my AD experience. When I was calling around to find the model that I wanted there were several AD's that I put out of the question just because of the snobbery on the phone.
My next Rolex may or may not be from an AD, time and $$ will tell that story. For my first though I'd do the same thing all over again.

[AK797]

Tbh I get the AD treatment when I try on watches in most ADs, some treat you fantastically and others are more pushy but all have been respectful. I'm often in there for 30 minutes and you get free drinks and lots of compliments, you can talk crap and they smile and never really contradict you - always fun, so I don't think other than some Champagne there is much more they can offer. I would rather save the money, and it can be a few thousand pounds, from a trusted grey or preowned. If the watch is under warranty then I will send it direct to RSC if needed so I don't need an AD for that either.

[vitalsignsrn]

I got mine at an AD in the mall. I wanted to build a relationship with them, its a general jewellery store and there are other items I may want to purchase in future. I didn't get any other special treatment, no water, no Rolex chocolates, no coffee. LOL I did ask her where my chocolates were and she brought out some general chocolates. I said.. oh I wanted the ones with the Rolex logo on them. She said the box costs $100 from Rolex & they don't buy them. I felt a bit bummed cause I wasn't going to eat the chocolate, just take pics of it with my watch. I got a price I was pleased with and that's what I was after, not the fancy stuff that comes with the purchase. I left the store and popped into Starbucks right next to it and bought my own $2 cup of coffee. LOL Then I strolled around with the cup in my left hand & my Rolex green bag in the other. I made my celebratory experience.

Had I lived in the U.S...I would have bought from the trusted sellers here.

[DCportraits]

My first Rolex was bought off of this forum. The people are great and the watch is fantastic. I got it serviced at the new Wempe Rolex service center in NYC when they opened up and they treated me like I'd bought it new from them. They popped champagne, 375ml Veuve, and had one of their employees grab as much swag laying around as they could for me. Pens, gloves, extra polishing clothes, magazines showcasing the new store and got some of the watchmakers on hand to sign it. I left there feeling like a king with the service and attention they gave me...and a bill for full service with new crystal and new bracelet =)

I dont know if they do that for everyone or if I was the freak of the week but ill go back to them for service with every Rolex I purchase and service.

I didn't expect it walking in there with flip flops, jeans and a white tee

[btinl]

I've purchased all of my Rolex watches from an AD. They have been cheaper than any grey dealer so far.

[dan-dare]

If you want a new watch, that hasn't been blethered about by a wannabe watchmaker, then buy from the authorised dealer.

Who cares what happens in the shop.....

It's nice to know you are the first wrist.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by btinl

I've purchased all of my Rolex watches from an AD. They have been cheaper than any grey dealer so far.

I agree with this .... so far I've purchased my rolex from AD's and found their prices to be very competitive with grey market. If its within a few hundred dollars why would I go grey?

[Chewbacca]

both have their benefits but for a new first purchase, its worth trying an AD. of course one should always shop around but supporting an AD should not be seen as a negative and the experience, when done right, is memorable.

profit also isn't a bad word and good AD's should earn good money to support a good brick and mortar operation.

tudor also wouldn't be back in the USA if not for AD's investing in their businesses and the more folks only buy from online or grey, the closer rolex gets to eventually selling all new watches online with smaller retail units just performing showcase duties. it could happen.

[Urosfan]

I purchased all my pieces at my AD no complaints, I was we'll taken care of.

[beshannon]

I would say it depends on too many things, quality of the AD, final price, other incentives, future service . . .

[Orangejoe]

So, survey says: there are lots of good reasons to buy locally.

• Support a local business
• Ability to handle the exact watch you would be buying
• Establish a relationship with the AD (further discounts, info, swag, access)
• Fresh "First Wrist" watch

What about my other original post question, if you value the AD experience, is that one of many? Are you also an Hermes, Channel, LV, Mont Blanc customer and equally choose the AD experiences of those brands or is Rolex your primary window into 'luxury' goods?

[gas_electric]

Originally Posted by Orangejoe

So, survey says: there are lots of good reasons to buy locally.

• Support a local business
• Ability to handle the exact watch you would be buying
• Establish a relationship with the AD (further discounts, info, swag, access)
• Fresh "First Wrist" watch

What about my other original post question, if you value the AD experience, is that one of many? Are you also an Hermes, Channel, LV, Mont Blanc customer and equally choose the AD experiences of those brands or is Rolex your primary window into 'luxury' goods?

Buying from an AD also means being able to have it right then and there. A few thousand (or even tens of thousands) of dollars means different things to different people. Depending on the person, it might not make sense to go through the trouble of patiently waiting for the right piece to come along on Rolex Forums, etc. Have you ever been into a store and just bought something without doing research because you wanted it? A lot of people do that with luxury watches. To others, a few thousand dollars could be the entirety of a one's pay check. Different strokes for different folks.

I don't view shopping at boutiques as an experience but a convenient way to find things without having to run around to multiples stores. I do think there is value to having a good relationship at some ADs, especially if they can help you source hard-to-find pieces and give you a "fair" price without hassle.

[codecow]

I have bought all of my non-vintage stuff from my local AD but I do not think the AD is important unless the buyer thinks so him/herself. As for experience buying luxury goods I only haggle if I think the item should be sold at a discount.

[SUBversive]

I think the experience is a myth. It's buying from a store. You have to do what you are comfortable with in the end. For some its a bug purchase to do online, until you do it.

[CWIN]

I got an unbelievable deal on my LVC from an AD but I'll probably go grey market from this point forward.

[GB-man]

to anyone who has a local AD whom offers prices lower than the good people at TRF. My experience is that you would have to beat the salesman over the head to get a sniff of the pricing available in the gray market. That said, I enjoy a good back and forth between a good salesman and a prudent customer. I do walk straight into high end clothing stores and buy shoes, sunglasses, clothing, jewelry etc. I guess being here at TRF has instilled a level of trust in me that I feel very comfortable with the grey watch dealers. Funny side story is that the highlight of my afternoon was listening to my girlfriend, an mba grad, beat the salesman's manager over the head at a furniture store for a new leather couch and chair which she successfully talked them down 20% lower than I could manage I picked a good one