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Omega21 · 28 January 2020, 01:20 AM

In 2 weeks I'm going on a business trip to Dammam, Saudi Arabia with a layover at the Abu Dhabi airport. I think this is an opportunity to find a stainless steel Rolex I want since I can't find one in my AD locally. Would appreciate any advice from folks with experience doing this. I don't know if there are any Rolex ADs at the Abu Dhabi airport. I'm guessing Dammam has one or two. Are there models (or variation) sold there that are not available in the US? Any considerations I should think about?
Any insights about purchasing in those countries are appreciated.

Danny83 · 28 January 2020, 01:22 AM

Impossible to find at MSRP

RHIII · 28 January 2020, 01:43 AM

Why would what is likely the hardest to find Rolex on the planet - just be ‘hanging’ around just anywhere? At an AD at MSRP....

I’m sorry. Impossible - no. Improbably and unlikely. Yes.

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BumbleB · 28 January 2020, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega21

Apologies if this is in the wrong section. In 2 weeks I'm going on a business trip to Dammam, Saudi Arabia with a layover at the Abu Dhabi airport. I think this is an opportunity to find a Daytona since I can't find one in any AD locally. Would appreciate any advice from folks with experience doing this. I don't know if there are any Rolex ADs at the Abu Dhabi airport. I'm guessing Dammam has one or two. Are there models sold there that are not available in the US? Any considerations I should think about? I'm looking for a 116500

Any insights are appreciated.

At best you may find a SS yachtmaster or if really lucky a Sea Dweller.

Other than that perhaps a TT Daytona or TT SubC, again if you’re lucky.

Every now and then an AirKing or a Milgauss and that’s where it stops.

The shortage is global and not a single AD is excluded from the shortage.

Empty cases wherever you go.

Safe travels.

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JayHantz · 28 January 2020, 02:03 AM

The shortage is also a worldwide shortage, of specially trying to source the Daytona. I’ve been through the UAE and others and nothing special in any of the cases, brick and mortar shops or the airport. I’d say just go and enjoy your time there without looking for something that won’t be there.

ROLEXster · 28 January 2020, 02:14 AM

If you are not a whale ...
Go grey or forget about it.

schoolboy · 28 January 2020, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLEXster

If you are not a whale ...
Go grey or forget about it.

How do I know if I’m a whale?

Uggi · 28 January 2020, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schoolboy

How do I know if I’m a whale?

The fact you're asking the question means the answer is clear.

Omega21 · 28 January 2020, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valedictorian

I’m a strategy consultant in Dubai... ...Same situation in Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Riyadh, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, and Muscat. Just forget about it or pay 75%+ higher.

bummer, but thanks for the insight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Even WatchTime is on backorder in the UAE... My buddy just got there and bought the November 2019 issue, and was promptly offered $100 in the baggage lounge for it.

This made me laugh. I'm bringing my Nov issue with me and will see if I can't trade it for someones sub or GMT... or C note!

schoolboy · 28 January 2020, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uggi

The fact you're asking the question means the answer is clear.

Hahaha

I know

That was part of the joke

Omega21 · 28 January 2020, 02:16 AM

OK, helpful insight on the global shortage of this Daytona model, so is it worth getting something else like a yachtmaster which I also really like?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLEXster

If you are not a whale ...
Go grey or forget about it.

Definitely not a whale or even a porpoise. I'll go gray after the trip if I don't find anything exciting.

Rashid.bk · 28 January 2020, 02:29 AM

That's a big huge faggedaboudit....

Sandpit · 28 January 2020, 02:34 AM

You’ll probably be able to get the YM. But the Daytona? No, not a hope i’m afraid.

gmtaddict · 28 January 2020, 02:41 AM

The AD here in Abu Dhabi has like 6 stores in the city, and a corner shop in the airport. You won’t find any Pro models there, even full gold. The very few they have each month only make it to regular shops, never to the airport.
The most interesting thing that I have seen in the last 2 years has been a Black Bay 58...

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gmtaddict · 28 January 2020, 02:42 AM

The YM is sold only on orders, with a relatively short delay for delivery (2 to 3 months)

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BamaHammer · 28 January 2020, 02:46 AM

I didn't realize it was easier to find a Rolex there, thanks for the tip

RolexBHR · 28 January 2020, 02:52 AM

I stay in Bahrain and frequently visit Abu Dhabi/Dubai and KSA. You will not find a steel Daytona and if you do, they will sell it at slightly less than grey market price and give you a receipt at MSRP, they know it is wrong but it is a situation of take it or leave it. Steel Subs and GMTs are almost impossible as well. You will find some of the others, I was at the Rolex in Bahrain city center mall a few days back and they had a black explorer, couple steel sea dwellers, older movement steel yacht masters, milgauss and air king, steel/gold daytona, smurf etc.

ras47 · 28 January 2020, 02:55 AM

Ya never know. Stranger things than finding a Daytona have happened. And it won't hurt to look when you're in Abu Dhabi. Keep your expectations low and see what's what.

ec00421 · 28 January 2020, 03:26 AM

Good luck

Shdrolex · 28 January 2020, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega21

In 2 weeks I'm going on a business trip to Dammam, Saudi Arabia with a layover at the Abu Dhabi airport. I think this is an opportunity to find a stainless steel Rolex I want since I can't find one in my AD locally. Would appreciate any advice from folks with experience doing this. I don't know if there are any Rolex ADs at the Abu Dhabi airport. I'm guessing Dammam has one or two. Are there models (or variation) sold there that are not available in the US? Any considerations I should think about?
Any insights about purchasing in those countries are appreciated.

I have heard that at some airports, the AD keeps whatever stock they get, directly in the display case. Anything is possible. Best of luck!

BumbleB · 28 January 2020, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shdrolex

I have heard that at some airports, the AD keeps whatever stock they get, directly in the display case. Anything is possible. Best of luck!

The AD in one of Europe’s airports told me that the bigger greys from Hong Kong / China send ‘runners’ with economy class tickets all over the world, guys and girls (that could themselves never afford Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel etc) and pick whatever they can at airports and ADs. They’re armed with a bunch of pictures and credit cards and supposed to come back with at least one of the items on the pics to pay for their expenses.

We’ve all seen them come in with phone in hand with a pic of a Hulk and pointing at it.

Could explain the amount over MSRP...

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OmaniRolex · 28 January 2020, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleB

The AD in one of Europe’s airports told me that the bigger greys from Hong Kong / China send ‘runners’ with economy class tickets all over the world, guys and girls (that could themselves never afford Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel etc) and pick whatever they can at airports and ADs. They’re armed with a bunch of pictures and credit cards and supposed to come back with at least one of the items on the pics to pay for their expenses.

We’ve all seen them come in with phone in hand with a pic of a Hulk and pointing at it.

Could explain the amount over MSRP...

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Again, this is true. In cities like Paris, Bangkok, etc, you have to queue up to go into the LV, Chanel stores. Depending on when you visit Paris if you’re in the market for Goyard, you may even have to make an appointment to be shown any items. Because of the Asians that come and try and buy in bulk.

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ArtNouveau · 28 January 2020, 03:48 AM

In my years on this forum I have seen exactly one personal account of walking into a dealer(airport in his case) and walking out with a SS Daytona. They are in high demand everywhere. Does lightning strike twice?

OmaniRolex · 28 January 2020, 04:17 AM

All the Rolex boutiques in Abu Dhabi are owned by the same company. Khoury & Sons. So it’s not probable they’re going to have a SS model at the airport. And I would venture to say not a lot in town either. If it’s anything like Dubai you can find a couple Yacht masters.

As far as Saudi it’s hard to say since they just recently opened the tourist trade. Hard to know what’s in stock. I live in the GCC, but I haven’t been there in about a year. I would imagine it’s pretty picked over as well. Lots of expats and rich locals. Good luck. And report back you findings.

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Omega21 · 28 January 2020, 04:25 AM

Thanks all. A Yachtmaster is my fall-back model since Daytona is clearly not likely. Are there variations of these models that are offered in these countries? For example dial colors that are special orders in the US and stuff like that? Or is the selection in KSA or UAE is going to be exactly the same as what you would find in the USA? Are country/region variations in models a thing of the past?

That being said, is the only advantage of buying there the lack of sales tax?

OmaniRolex · 28 January 2020, 04:39 AM

You can special order some models with Arabic numerals on the dial. But I don’t know of the availability of finding one in stock in the AD in Saudi. But they can be ordered. For a premium, of course. And it’s a long wait time.

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polaris72 · 28 January 2020, 06:35 AM

You may get lucky. Generally speaking, where is lots of money there in no SS Rolex on display.

Valedictorian · 28 January 2020, 07:57 AM

I’m a strategy consultant in Dubai, which means I travel all over GCC for work and I can tell you with utmost certainty that you won’t be able to find anything SS sports models at ADs. Even their waiting lists are a total fraud, as they often favor local VIPs (of which there are many) over regular people.

When the SS BLRO got announced in 2018, I quite immediately got on the list at the largest AD in Dubai (which also has PP and RM) and never heard back. Initially, I would call them every quarter but I just gave up. Meanwhile, you see tons of BLRO in the local grey market with a warranty card from that very AD. Same situation in Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Riyadh, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, and Muscat. Just forget about it or pay 75%+ higher.

Chewbacca · 28 January 2020, 08:12 AM

Even WatchTime is on backorder in the UAE... My buddy just got there and bought the November 2019 issue, and was promptly offered $100 in the baggage lounge for it.

OmaniRolex · 28 January 2020, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valedictorian

Same situation in Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Riyadh, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, and Muscat. Just forget about it or pay 75%+ higher.

True! There is NOTHING in Muscat. Even the ladies selections are dry. They don’t even entertain a waitlist notion.

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28 January 2020, 01:20 AM	#1
Omega21 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Maryland, USA Watch: Omega Flightmaster Posts: 118	Advice on buying a Rolex in Saudi or Abu Dhabi In 2 weeks I'm going on a business trip to Dammam, Saudi Arabia with a layover at the Abu Dhabi airport. I think this is an opportunity to find a stainless steel Rolex I want since I can't find one in my AD locally. Would appreciate any advice from folks with experience doing this. I don't know if there are any Rolex ADs at the Abu Dhabi airport. I'm guessing Dammam has one or two. Are there models (or variation) sold there that are not available in the US? Any considerations I should think about? Any insights about purchasing in those countries are appreciated. __________________ Omega21 ♛ GMT Master II 16710 Coke Tudor Pelagos LHD Tudor Pelagos "2 line" Ω Flightmaster 911 Ω Seamaster Cosmic Last edited by Omega21; 28 January 2020 at 02:44 AM.. Reason: edited title

28 January 2020, 02:55 AM	#18
ras47 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Real Name: Robert Location: Northern NJ Watch: 16710 BLRO Posts: 3,064	Ya never know. Stranger things than finding a Daytona have happened. And it won't hurt to look when you're in Abu Dhabi. Keep your expectations low and see what's what. __________________ Rolex GMT Master II BLRO 16710 Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chrono

28 January 2020, 04:25 AM	#25
Omega21 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Maryland, USA Watch: Omega Flightmaster Posts: 118	Thanks all. A Yachtmaster is my fall-back model since Daytona is clearly not likely. Are there variations of these models that are offered in these countries? For example dial colors that are special orders in the US and stuff like that? Or is the selection in KSA or UAE is going to be exactly the same as what you would find in the USA? Are country/region variations in models a thing of the past? That being said, is the only advantage of buying there the lack of sales tax? __________________ Omega21 ♛ GMT Master II 16710 Coke Tudor Pelagos LHD Tudor Pelagos "2 line" Ω Flightmaster 911 Ω Seamaster Cosmic

28 January 2020, 01:22 AM	#2
Danny83 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: Danny Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Yellow Gold Posts: 20,312	Impossible to find at MSRP

28 January 2020, 01:43 AM	#3
RHIII Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Real Name: Roger Location: ... Watch: AP/Rolex/PP Posts: 6,309	Why would what is likely the hardest to find Rolex on the planet - just be ‘hanging’ around just anywhere? At an AD at MSRP.... I’m sorry. Impossible - no. Improbably and unlikely. Yes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 January 2020, 02:03 AM	#5
JayHantz 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Real Name: Jonathan Location: Texas Watch: @Escapementt Posts: 9,844	The shortage is also a worldwide shortage, of specially trying to source the Daytona. I’ve been through the UAE and others and nothing special in any of the cases, brick and mortar shops or the airport. I’d say just go and enjoy your time there without looking for something that won’t be there.

28 January 2020, 02:14 AM	#6
ROLEXster "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC Watch: is on BS wait list Posts: 990	If you are not a whale ... Go grey or forget about it.

28 January 2020, 02:29 AM	#12
Rashid.bk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas Watch: 12800ft = 3900m Posts: 11,173	That's a big huge faggedaboudit....

28 January 2020, 02:34 AM	#13
Sandpit "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Middle East Posts: 1,808	You’ll probably be able to get the YM. But the Daytona? No, not a hope i’m afraid.

28 January 2020, 02:41 AM	#14
gmtaddict "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: France Watch: 116719 Posts: 24	The AD here in Abu Dhabi has like 6 stores in the city, and a corner shop in the airport. You won’t find any Pro models there, even full gold. The very few they have each month only make it to regular shops, never to the airport. The most interesting thing that I have seen in the last 2 years has been a Black Bay 58... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 January 2020, 02:42 AM	#15
gmtaddict "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: France Watch: 116719 Posts: 24	The YM is sold only on orders, with a relatively short delay for delivery (2 to 3 months) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 January 2020, 02:46 AM	#16
BamaHammer Banned Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: South Carolina Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 146	I didn't realize it was easier to find a Rolex there, thanks for the tip

28 January 2020, 02:52 AM	#17
RolexBHR "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Real Name: Dr. Osama Location: Jeddah Watch: AP RO Posts: 353	I stay in Bahrain and frequently visit Abu Dhabi/Dubai and KSA. You will not find a steel Daytona and if you do, they will sell it at slightly less than grey market price and give you a receipt at MSRP, they know it is wrong but it is a situation of take it or leave it. Steel Subs and GMTs are almost impossible as well. You will find some of the others, I was at the Rolex in Bahrain city center mall a few days back and they had a black explorer, couple steel sea dwellers, older movement steel yacht masters, milgauss and air king, steel/gold daytona, smurf etc.

28 January 2020, 03:26 AM	#19
ec00421 Banned Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NY Posts: 513	Good luck

28 January 2020, 03:48 AM	#23
ArtNouveau 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NWA, USA Watch: BLRO/Daytona/OP41s Posts: 5,388	In my years on this forum I have seen exactly one personal account of walking into a dealer(airport in his case) and walking out with a SS Daytona. They are in high demand everywhere. Does lightning strike twice?

28 January 2020, 04:17 AM	#24
OmaniRolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Muscat, Oman Posts: 92	All the Rolex boutiques in Abu Dhabi are owned by the same company. Khoury & Sons. So it’s not probable they’re going to have a SS model at the airport. And I would venture to say not a lot in town either. If it’s anything like Dubai you can find a couple Yacht masters. As far as Saudi it’s hard to say since they just recently opened the tourist trade. Hard to know what’s in stock. I live in the GCC, but I haven’t been there in about a year. I would imagine it’s pretty picked over as well. Lots of expats and rich locals. Good luck. And report back you findings. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 January 2020, 04:39 AM	#26
OmaniRolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Muscat, Oman Posts: 92	You can special order some models with Arabic numerals on the dial. But I don’t know of the availability of finding one in stock in the AD in Saudi. But they can be ordered. For a premium, of course. And it’s a long wait time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 January 2020, 06:35 AM	#27
polaris72 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: U.S./Vienna, AT Posts: 1,967	You may get lucky. Generally speaking, where is lots of money there in no SS Rolex on display.

28 January 2020, 07:57 AM	#28
Valedictorian "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Stateside now Posts: 190	I’m a strategy consultant in Dubai, which means I travel all over GCC for work and I can tell you with utmost certainty that you won’t be able to find anything SS sports models at ADs. Even their waiting lists are a total fraud, as they often favor local VIPs (of which there are many) over regular people. When the SS BLRO got announced in 2018, I quite immediately got on the list at the largest AD in Dubai (which also has PP and RM) and never heard back. Initially, I would call them every quarter but I just gave up. Meanwhile, you see tons of BLRO in the local grey market with a warranty card from that very AD. Same situation in Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Riyadh, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, and Muscat. Just forget about it or pay 75%+ higher.

28 January 2020, 08:12 AM	#29
Chewbacca Banned Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: CJ Location: Kashyyyk Watch: Kessel Run Chrono Posts: 21,112	Even WatchTime is on backorder in the UAE... My buddy just got there and bought the November 2019 issue, and was promptly offered $100 in the baggage lounge for it.

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