Hard to find watches in Australia - No AD relationship

[makak]

Hi all,

First time poster. I've been trawling this forum for about a month now trying to learn as much as I can. I worked damn hard last year and ended up having a brilliant year so have decided to treat myself with a Rolex. My first. I have no relationship with an AD as yet.

I went to my 2 local AD's this morning with a list of the watches that I'd hoped to see in person, as opposed to this forum and the Rolex website. I REALLY want a BLNR, but also really like the look of the DeepSea Deep Blue and the stainless Daytona. After much reading on this forum, I appreciate the Daytona and Deep Blue seem to be as rare as hens teeth. My experience was one that ended rather abruptly with being told that I'd be waiting for years for them and that they don't have any waiting lists. I then called a couple of dealers interstate only to be told basically the same thing.

After reading this thread (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=534385) I can't help but wonder if the same rules apply here in Australia. Part of me understands why dealers would do this, but when the only watches that I want are not available, it's impossible to build a purchasing history. I'm flying to the US on the weekend, and from what I read it's not impossible to get a BLNR there, but would prefer to buy locally to begin a relationship.

Does anyone know if the Australian market is really that oversubscribed, or is this just down to the fact that I have no relationships with any dealers so therefore am just shunned away?

Stephen

[amg55]

Yes, it's like that in Australia. The only SS sports model you'll find is the Explorer II. I've given up buying locally long ago. We purchased two ladies Rolex recently at a certain AD and even then, they won't entertain putting any more on the Daytona waitlist. It's just plain ridiculous.

[maton12]

Welcome to TRF

Extremely frustrating being from Australia and wanting to purchase new SS sports Rolex

Originally Posted by makak

I went to my 2 local AD's this morning with a list of the watches that I'd hoped to see in person, as opposed to this forum and the Rolex website. I REALLY want a BLNR, but also really like the look of the DeepSea Deep Blue and the stainless Daytona.

After reading this thread (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=534385) I can't help but wonder if the same rules apply here in Australia. Part of me understands why dealers would do this

You're after three of the most wanted watches, and many AD's only get one Daytona and DBlue every two months. BLNR's now apparently trickling in most months

Originally Posted by makak

...when the only watches that I want are not available, it's impossible to build a purchasing history. I'm flying to the US on the weekend, and from what I read it's not impossible to get a BLNR there, but would prefer to buy locally to begin a relationship.

A couple of SS sports watches aren't what the AD's are after - it's PM that gets you on their VIP list

Get the BLNR or DBlue from the US - where you can at least try them on at the AD's - I even got to try on a platinum Daytona as they didn't have any in stainless steel

If buying used, ensure it has a five year warranty, and it's money in the bank should you wish to trade onto something else and also shows the AD's you're now an existing Rolex customer

Originally Posted by makak

Does anyone know if the Australian market is really that oversubscribed, or is this just down to the fact that I have no relationships with any dealers so therefore am just shunned away?

It's both, but you've done well going straight for a Rolex SS sports model - you can't really go wrong with any of them, and buying from a Trusted Seller in the US will ensure pretty good future value here in Australia

[Rock]

I guess we would all like to buy locally and build up a 'relationship' with an AD but unless you are willing to buy what they have available at a point in time the 'relationship' is never going to get off the ground.
It can be a bit easier to get what you want if you are prepared to consider overpriced second-hand watches but even then you could wait a long time for the right item to appear.
TRF 'For Sale' Section is where I expect to find my future purchases.
If I was going to the US I would be using that opportunity to pick up my chosen model.
Good Luck.

[Watchwah]

I got a BLNR within 3 weeks from enquiring about it last year, but that could have been a one off.

That being said, if you're going state side pick one up there. BLNR, Hulk and Deep Sea were readily available when I was on the west coast in March - that being said I bought the hulk and deep blue in HK last weekend with no AD relationship.

[zama]

There are usually ones available at the used dealers in as new condition.... just keep an eye out. There is a Deep Sea blue at Vintage watch co... These two BLNR are showing up on Chromo 24 in Australia both at jewellers so may be options.

https://www.chrono24.com.au/rolex/gm...-id5865835.htm

https://www.chrono24.com.au/rolex/gm...-id3293895.htm

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by zama

There are usually ones available at the used dealers in as new condition.... just keep an eye out. There is a Deep Sea blue at Vintage watch co.

Yes but it's crazy money.
Admittedly it's still got the stickers on it, but still

[jfoord27]

I bought my 114060 in Sydney without being on a waiting list. I walked in, asked about it, tried it on and bought it. I was told that it just came in, was rare for them to get it (1 per month) and that if I didn't buy it they would call people on the waiting list until someone came in to buy it - apparently it would have gone that day.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by jfoord27

I bought my 114060 in Sydney without being on a waiting list. I walked in, asked about it, tried it on and bought it. I was told that it just came in, was rare for them to get it (1 per month) and that if I didn't buy it they would call people on the waiting list until someone came in to buy it - apparently it would have gone that day.

This is a common scenario.
About a day is as long as the sought after SS sport models last if they end up on display.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by jfoord27

I bought my 114060 in Sydney without being on a waiting list. I walked in, asked about it, tried it on and bought it. I was told that it just came in, was rare for them to get it (1 per month) and that if I didn't buy it they would call people on the waiting list until someone came in to buy it - apparently it would have gone that day.

Great story. Sometimes I think SS Rolexes are too easy to acquire in the US.

Except for the SS Daytona, you may stumble upon any other SS model at anytime...It takes the thrill out of the hunt..

[makak]

Thanks everyone, appreciate your comments. Looks like I'll be shopping in Florida next week

[haberdashery]

Originally Posted by makak

Thanks everyone, appreciate your comments. Looks like I'll be shopping in Florida next week

I am about to leave Florida - had a look in two ADs this week and they had everything in stock, except the Deepsea Blue and stainless Daytona.

BLNR, Sub LVs etc all sat in the case. Deepsea Blue could be had with a couple days wait.

Alternatively, go down the trusted seller route and get your watch delivered to your hotel ;)

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by makak

Thanks everyone, appreciate your comments. Looks like I'll be shopping in Florida next week

Good luck.
Hope you find what you're looking for.

Shortly I'll be travelling to Italy for a month so I will be checking all the out of the way dealers to get a feel of what's available over there as well.
It will be interesting.

[kilyung]

Check in with David or Oscar if you're coming to FL. They can have your watch ready for you when you get here. Oh and bring a screwdriver with you.

[Steve36Efc]

It looks like you have it even worse than us in the UK. I'm starting to realise just how lucky I have been picking up mine at the right time with little to no waiting. Good luck with your search.

[artschool]

take your AD out to dinner, or maybe send some flowers?

perhaps they just think you are taking them for granted.

[AK797]

UK and Aussie guys have just gotta buy where we find deals, it's tough out there, a total seller's market/monopoly, and you can build relationships at ADs but managers change all the time so doesn't guarantee anything.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by AK797

UK and Aussie guys have just gotta buy where we find deals, it's tough out there, a total seller's market/monopoly, and you can build relationships at ADs but managers change all the time so doesn't guarantee anything.

Regarding Rolex.
Not all AD's/Boutiques have changes in management.
The family owned ones are good in that respect

I also think it's easier to establish a relationship with the family run enterprises once one is able to cut through the surface chaff.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Regarding Rolex.
Not all AD's/Boutiques have changes in management.
The family owned ones are good in that respect

I also think it's easier to establish a relationship with the family run enterprises once one is able to cut through the surface chaff.

Yes, family run are the best if you are lucky and one is near you, altho it's funny that the family-owned AD that was actually run by members of this forum is no longer in business, as I said nothing is guaranteed.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by AK797

as I said nothing is guaranteed.

True enough.

[Gavinf]

Forget Australia .... buy in the USA ...

[DazEich]

I was a bit naive earlier this year. I was awarded the top salesperson for my company at a convention earlier this year. I was presented with a cheque as a reward for the achievement. It wasn't a huge amount but it was enough to convince me to go ahead and realise the goal of owning a Rolex. What better reminder to have of getting the no 1 trophy! So I went over to Rolex at the Crown Casino in Melbourne after the convention had finished. I said to the salesman that I wanted to buy a Gmt or a Submariner. He went on to say there was a waiting list for Sports models and it could be 2 years before I could get one.
I put my name down and called the Collins St store the next day to be told the same thing. I couldn't believe it. I just thought I could walk into the store and buy what I wanted. I was really disappointed.
I jumped on eBay and found a new GMT Blnr from a seller in Atlanta. I bought the watch but I couldn't pay for it. I contacted the seller to rectify the problem and he told me as I was in Australia I had to wire him the funds. I felt really nervous about transfer $12.000 to a complete stranger across the other side of the world in the hope that the watch actually exists and he will actually send it to me. I convinced myself that it was a stupid idea and not to go ahead.
I really wanted the watch though, so I called the guy. I felt comfortable that he was genuine and sent him the money.
All turned out well. The watch arrived, the seller had great communication right up to receiving the watch. He is a friend on Facebook and I can't recommend him highly enough.
GRANT ALWARD FROM GA THANKS VERY MUCH. I LOVE THE WATCH


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[george023]

I posted on this topic recently. I went to an AD in Sydney earlier this month and was told that I needed to buy something to commence the relationship, even the entry level ladies watch for $6K AUD. that would allow me preferential treatment when they got their sought after models. But they did allow me to go in their list for the D500 free of charge. I'm sure I'll get one elsewhere in the time I'm waiting for their call.

Best other option in Sydney or Melbourne is independent jewellers who may have someone bring one in to them they didn't want or see trading for jewellery. I got my Sub C this way.


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[Smarties]

This happens worldwide. Hard to build relationship if they don't have the watch I want to buy......

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by Smarties

This happens worldwide. Hard to build relationship if they don't have the watch I want to buy......

You're right... this is why I now have a good relationship with an AD - in Hawaii - and they do look after me... off back over there again soon, my wife and me are being taken out for dinner by the manager and who knows what we'll have in our luggage on the way home...

cheers

[gapo]

buying in USA will be more expensive than in australia due to the currency

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by gapo

buying in USA will be more expensive than in australia due to the currency

Granted...but I think the important word here is "buying" ... cause out here in Aus all you can do is wait...and wait...and wait...etc etc
At least in the US you do get a chance to buy what you actually want...

cheers

[Smarties]

Originally Posted by oldsalt

You're right... this is why I now have a good relationship with an AD - in Hawaii - and they do look after me... off back over there again soon, my wife and me are being taken out for dinner by the manager and who knows what we'll have in our luggage on the way home...

cheers

I was lucky to walk-in to buy a D-Blue and would like to purchase another 2-3 from the same AD (if possible) in order to build a relationship. I'm on the list of 2 other rolex......All I can do is wait.......But not optimistic.....

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by oldsalt

You're right... this is why I now have a good relationship with an AD - in Hawaii - and they do look after me... off back over there again soon, my wife and me are being taken out for dinner by the manager and who knows what we'll have in our luggage on the way home...

cheers

I hope it'll be on your wrist and not in your luggage, Peter!

[swatty]

I've been lucky a couple of times but the fact is that we just don't get the stock here in Oz. That's why I use David Sw as my AD now