How to go about buying a stainless steel Rolex as a new buyer

[NewRolexer]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex so unfortunately I haven’t got a history with any AD. After months of saving I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Thanks for any replies, hope everyone here had a good Christmas and New Year!

[AK DeepSea]

Talk to ADs, get on lists. It’s not rocket science.

[Dyim]

Patience and luck.

[NewRolexer]

Originally Posted by Dyim

Patience and luck.

Would you recommend going into ADs in person or calling them up?

[Speed]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Would you recommend going into ADs in person or calling them up?

What would that accomplish?

Even “regular” customers who have bought a watch or three over the years will likely not get the privilege of buying one of those GMTs. Those watches will got to the heaviest of hitters or those with some special long-standing relationship with the AD.

Even if the AD said they would put you on a “list” you’d get bumped in a New York minute if a “whale” expressed interest...

[NewRolexer]

Originally Posted by AK DeepSea

Talk to ADs, get on lists. It’s not rocket science.

They don’t add new buyers to waiting lists though...

[AK DeepSea]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

They don’t add new buyers to waiting lists though...

That is HIGHLY location dependent.

[Tokyo Mike]

Plenty of everything, on the grey market. Take your pick.

[Chaching]

Go Grey... your waisting your time with a AD!

[NewRolexer]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Go Grey... your waisting your time with a AD!

I would mate but the mark ups for the watches I’m interested in are just insane

[Chaching]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

I would mate but the mark ups for the watches I’m interested in are just insane

Then you will grow OLD waiting...

[mistercoach32]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Go Grey... your waisting your time with a AD!

I agree with this. I'm not into playing games with AD's. However, I would head to any Rolex AD's that are close just to see if today is your lucky day. That happened to me on my BLNR last fall. I was told two years minimum on the LVc unless I purchased a PM first and I had a little water come up through my nose from laughing. Then I walked out and contacted a TS on here.

[BT1985]

In the short term the only hope you have is to buy $10k in jewelry at an AD. Otherwise add your name to a list and maybe get a call in a few years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dusko.Popov]

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

[Zuger]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

This is a very well thought out response!

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

.

Well said !!

[tpool]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:



1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.



2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.



3. Call around and hope for the best.



4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.



5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.



In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.



Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.



5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.



Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

Amen


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

Spot on

[tle156]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

Could not agree more. That's what I'd do as well

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by tle156

Could not agree more. That's what I'd do as well

Ok but let’s be honest....it’s a rah rah speech. I wish everyone had lots of money to buy Rolexes, too...but that’s not reality.

The reality is grays suck....but you won’t be getting a watch anytime soon from an AD. Fighting the “good fight” gets you nowhere right now.

The real suckers are those of you who fight the good fight and refuse to pay a gray $2k premium but are willing to get down on your knees and bundle 2-3 other watches that you don’t really want for $20k just for the chance that God, I mean your AD....will bestow the distinguished privilege of letting you buy a Daytona for MSRP (that they are making 40 percent profit off of).

[tle156]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Ok but let’s be honest....it’s a rah rah speech. I wish everyone had lots of money to buy Rolexes, too...but that’s not reality.

The reality is grays suck....but you won’t be getting a watch anytime soon from an AD. Fighting the “good fight” gets you nowhere right now.

I can not answer for everybody since each of us has our own background, opinion... But to me, I choose not to pay over MSRP for Rolex watches even I have enough money for that. If this madness keeps happening for 10 to 20 years, I'll still keep avoid to buy them. At the end of the day, it's just a hobby to me, there are something more important in life I'd prefer to spend my money for

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by tle156

I can not answer for everybody since each of us has our own background, opinion... But to me, I choose not to pay over MSRP for Rolex watches even I have enough money for that. If this madness keeps happening for 10 to 20 years, I'll still keep avoid to buy them. At the end of the day, it's just a hobby to me, there are something more important in life I'd prefer to spend my money for

For sure....I respect that. We pay premiums for stuff everyday that others may not think is worth it.

That being said, I think everyone has their line. Personally, I paid maybe $1200 more for my 126711 over what I would have paid an AD after tax. However, I would never pay an $8k premium for the SS Daytona. It’s like buying something and paying for faster shipping. I’ll pay a premium to get it here quicker but won’t let them assault me and charge me the price of the item in shipping just to have it the next day.

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

Great advice!! I agree with this opinion 1000%

[Nairn1980]

My advice (being that you’re so late to the party) is going grey if you’re firm on model.

Alternatively go AD but for an Explorer, Air King or Yacht Master.

Good luck either way

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

We don’t always agree, but these are wise words

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex so unfortunately I haven’t got a history with any AD. After months of saving I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Thanks for any replies, hope everyone here had a good Christmas and New Year!

OP. If you are in the UK (which it looks like) I would add the following.

Stay away from larger chain ADs. Find small more local independents and go visit them in person. Explain your dilemma and make it clear you understand that the situation is really tough right now, especially as you are a first time buyer.

Was speaking to “my” AD’s general manager the other day and times are changing. It’s one of the big ones and it’s clear that their policy is now only to sell to known customers with purchase history. Basically new buyers have zero chance of getting an in demand reference from them.

Also, chose one of the three to express interest in. Not all. Makes you look less like a flipper and more like a serious buyer. Realistically I’d be looking at the BLNR as the easiest of the three to source currently. Make sure you appear like a genuine buyer and not someone buying to flip for profit.

Do not and I cannot stress this enough talk about value retention or use the word “investment”. Make it clear you want the watch to wear. Work on establishing a relationship with that AD. Pop in from time to time when they are quiet to talk watches. If they like you they will be more inclined to sell you a watch you want.

I don’t buy all this “hard to get pieces are all in the safe waiting for the big spenders” chat we read on here - in the UK at least. Perhaps in the States, but I’d say it’s less prevalent here.

Take your time, build that relationship, appear genuine, be liked, let them know you’re aware of warranty card retention etc and say you are more than happy happy for them to do that and you’ll probably have a BLNR on your wrist within 6 months.

The only other option to buy from an AD is find someone with an existing solid relationship and have them help or refer you. Get the “in” that way.

Or look at other references (as posters have mentioned) or other brands.

There’s the most beautiful LE. Grand Seiko spring drive GMT sitting in my local retailers window. It’s been there for 3 weeks. You could probably buy it for £5,000. The GS diver is right beside it. It’s been there even longer. Better finished, arguably better “quality” watches.

It’s where my money would go if I was looking at an all steel GMT right now.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Devildog

We don’t always agree, but these are wise words



OP. If you are in the UK (which it looks like) I would add the following.

Stay away from larger chain ADs. Find small more local independents and go visit them in person. Explain your dilemma and make it clear you understand that the situation is really tough right now, especially as you are a first time buyer.

Was speaking to “my” AD’s general manager the other day and times are changing. It’s one of the big ones and it’s clear that their policy is now only to sell to known customers with purchase history. Basically new buyers have zero chance of getting an in demand reference from them.

Also, chose one of the three to express interest in. Not all. Makes you look less like a flipper and more like a serious buyer. Realistically I’d be looking at the BLNR as the easiest of the three to source currently. Make sure you appear like a genuine buyer and not someone buying to flip for profit.

Do not and I cannot stress this enough talk about value retention or use the word “investment”. Make it clear you want the watch to wear. Work on establishing a relationship with that AD. Pop in from time to time when they are quiet to talk watches. If they like you they will be more inclined to sell you a watch you want.

I don’t buy all this “hard to get pieces are all in the safe waiting for the big spenders” chat we read on here - in the UK at least. Perhaps in the States, but I’d say it’s less prevalent here.

Take your time, build that relationship, appear genuine, be liked, let them know you’re aware of warranty card retention etc and say you are more than happy happy for them to do that and you’ll probably have a BLNR on your wrist within 6 months.

The only other option to buy from an AD is find someone with an existing solid relationship and have them help or refer you. Get the “in” that way.

Or look at other references (as posters have mentioned) or other brands.

There’s the most beautiful LE. Grand Seiko spring drive GMT sitting in my local retailers window. It’s been there for 3 weeks. You could probably buy it for £5,000. The GS diver is right beside it. It’s been there even longer. Better finished, arguably better “quality” watches.

It’s where my money would go if I was looking at an all steel GMT right now.

A well thought out reply and specific answer the the OP bring in the U.K.

To the OP, best of luck. It may seem futile but I’d listen to what Scott has to say here.

[R@lex]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

This!

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex so unfortunately I haven’t got a history with any AD. After months of saving I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Thanks for any replies, hope everyone here had a good Christmas and New Year!

There are thousands thinking the same.....investments like batman ,pepsi and of course ,as always, Daytona.

What else gives you such a quick buck if you can find it ?? Flippers and Grey dealers are your competition and the competition is severe for "the Rolex commodity series".

Any Rolex is an investment,its just a question of time ..

[Chaching]

At the end of the day it’s all relative. If you have the cash why waste the time? Time is money. You gotta pay to play in this market. Good luck.

[huncho]

do you actually like/want those 3 models? or are you being swayed by the investment part?

those are 3 of the 5 most in demand models currently, you won't get any of them from an AD right now without bundling unfortunately