Is Your AD Honest About What Is/Isn’t Possible?

[RealMadrid1988]

Is your AD honest about watches that are/are not attainable? We often hear stories about SS sports lists having “hundreds” of people on them — which seems to be AD speak for “you aren’t getting that watch.”

Curious to hear people’s experiences when an AD says they *will* look out for a specific reference for a customer. Sure, the wait could be 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years, but if your AD says they’ll keep you in mind, do you expect they will make it happen eventually (absent extraneous circumstances like the model being discontinued)?

[MONTANTK]

I work with 3 ADs.

My local AD is pretty honest in that they say they don’t receive a ton of the hot pieces because it’s a small market. I believe that. I also hear them reciprocate the policy they told me to other customers. I tend to trust what they tell me and trust the vibe they give off. They usually notify me of what comes in if I’m interested but only 2 pieces are of interest.

AD 2 is in Pittsburgh. Again, they’re pretty honest about they’re policy and you can only be on 1-2 lists at a time. They told me it could be up to two years before I get my BLRO and I believe them. I don’t have much history with them but again, they seem to be honest.

AD 3 is in Cleveland and also where I bought my Rolex. I’ve expressed interest in the BLRO multiple times and have gotten the typical “I’ll keep a look out”. Overall, not too hopeful with them despite my purchase history.

Overall, I’m expecting my local AD to come through first despite almost no purchase history but a few significant referrals.

[macrowatch]

Yes-ish.

Problem is goal post keeps moving during this craziness. Especially now that madness has spilled over into PM models.

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Yes-ish.

Problem is goal post keeps moving during this craziness. Especially now that madness has spilled over into PM models.

Exactly this

[Malum]

I moved to a new area five years ago and started dealing with a new AD . Four watches and waiting on Exp II , I’m 93.6 percent sure of what my SA tells me .

[vh2k]

Making customers of luxury items feel special and exclusive means painting a picture that is inconsistent with reality.

Their job doesn’t entail swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

If they told you the watch you want is actually sitting in the safe in the back awaiting the arrival of a customer who spends more than you do... that wouldn’t make you feel very warm and fuzzy about them or Rolex, would it?

[Cool Hand]

My AD has been telling me he doesnt have an Explorer for me since July '19.
Hasnt lied yet.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand

My AD has been telling me he doesnt have an Explorer for me since July '19.
Hasnt lied yet.

This....

[m j b]

Mmmm. I like to trust people until I'm proved wrong.

[vesnyder]

I was able to get a CHNR and BLNR in 2019 and 2020 and my AD never gave me details about how many were on the list but was honest - as best she could - about how long she expected. I got the sense they did not know!

[rolexperfect]

Both my ADs are. The only problem is that one of them plays dirty games on the hot pieces.

[tla]

Yes, AD SA is also a close friend of mine. He doesn’t lie about the allocation and the limited amount of SS models available. Even tells me what is available and whether it’s already sold to someone on the waitlist to another SA.


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[ArtNouveau]

My AD/SA are honest. They are high volume and have lots of customers but also get lots of inventory. They really do have lists, if they tell you they will get something for you, you will get it. My SA asked me if I wanted a BLRO on Basel Day 2018. He said the first 8 would go to VIPs then each SA got to submit two clients and they did a lottery pick. I was told I was #14 and when I received it in December I was told it was the 12th one delivered since their first in June.
I asked for a black Daytona in February 2019, was told I was #13 and would get one “within a year.” I got it in November of that year.
They are trying something a bit different with last Fall’s OP41’s. When one is delivered, the SA’s rotate first choice and have their own client lists and color preferences. I asked for and was offered a Coral Red just three weeks after asking but unfortunately had just made a big purchase the week before and had to decline. A couple weeks ago I told him I was ready now but this time he says their allocation has dropped for them and I’ll probably be waiting up to a year. I’m cool with that.
I visit regularly and I see how they treat other customers, both regulars and walk-ins. I have never seen anything but honesty. They can’t deliver what they don’t have but neither do they make false promises.
I do not believe that they hoard watches, knowingly sell to greys, or force people into bundling. They sell way too many watches to risk killing the cash cow.

[Alfa2109]

Mine is straight up. Transparent and honest.

[DESH]

1000 percent transparent!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SS_DESH

1000 percent transparent!

Same here ^^^

[Heimdall]

Yes. He says not possible to get SS watches in HK

[Gab27]

Of the ADs I've interacted with, the most honest one said flat out that they do get some in, that they weren't going to offer me the watch, and not to leave my information because it wasn't happening. To me, that brutal honesty is better than false hope and I would buy from that AD in the future should the supply situation change and they start selling stainless pieces to those not making other additional purchases.

[TTbluesy]

No, unfortunately both say they simply have no watches in the store, yet I know others who can walk in and get pretty much what they want. No need to lie, just tell me they are allocated...


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[Computantis]

Originally Posted by TTbluesy

No, unfortunately both say they simply have no watches in the store, yet I know others who can walk in and get pretty much what they want. No need to lie, just tell me they are allocated...


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One of my local ADs recently told me that they aren’t getting any pieces… and then I asked about their VIP customers and it quickly turned to “well yeah those are VIP customers who have a reputation here.”

Don’t sugar coat it, I can handle the truth.

[TTbluesy]

Originally Posted by Computantis

One of my local ADs recently told me that they aren’t getting any pieces… and then I asked about their VIP customers and it quickly turned to “well yeah those are VIP customers who have a reputation here.”

Don’t sugar coat it, I can handle the truth.

I guess at the end of the day they’re just salespeople, not much different than slimy car dealers.

I don’t hesitate to go grey at this point if I really want something. Some are a pleasure to deal with. I’d rather pay extra money for a toy than grovel to some watch merchant and beg to buy some overpriced mass produced item.


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[Chinballs]

Two ADs near me.

One is honest about what is realistic and how long it will take. The other just tells you you're getting closer to the never sighted SS Promised Land whilst pushing TT/PM/Diamond garbage they know I don't want.

[tyler_win]

My AD is relatively honest about what is/isn't possible. Prior to having any purchase history they told me straight up if I wanted a BLRO within a year I would need to pick up a moonphase cellini ($26k). I ended up going with a Bluesy. He says that right now the wait will be long (with only the Bluesy in the history) but at least it was nice the other day to see my name and the BLRO on the waitlist when I went in to put my name down for another watch. BLRO was highlighted on the waitlist, not sure what that exactly means for the AD but at least they didn't throw my request in the trash like some other ADs.

[Shazbot302]

Mine is…they straight told me it’s too early for me to get on the DaytonaC list. Not that I even want one.

[Nairn1980]

Most are straight with people on models like white Daytona.

[DCheeta]

Mine is honest and actually has, and honors, a list. They’ve come through for me every time. I’m not a big spender, I’ve just been a loyal customer for almost ten years.

[Ichiran]

My AD is honest. He told me I won't be getting the green 5711. It hurts but I prefer this straight approach.

[Pinchy]

Yes. I asked for a Pepsi with delivery in the next 8 days. He said no.

[Harry-57]

To the best of my knowledge my AD is honest and fair.

[Xerxes77]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

To the best of my knowledge my AD is honest and fair.

Same here