Finding a Rolex in the Baltimore-DC-NoVa Region

[JeanGenie]

Hey folks!

I'm more of a lurker than a poster around here, but have learned much from the wisdom on this forum. I wanted to see if anyone is in the DMV area has recent experience with the ADs around here. The main options I've been working with are Tiny Jewelbox and the Tourneau in Pentagon City Mall. Both have been great to me so far in terms of treatment and communication. I've only been around this area a couple of years and have not purchased watches from these dealers so I don't have a history to lean on.

I was told by both ADs that a Sub (date or no-date, whichever comes first) is not impossible, maybe within 12 months. Does that seem realistic? Time will only tell if I'm just another shmo way down their long lists or if they can really help me out. I have done my best to go into these shops a couple of times, talk honestly about myself and my years-long dream to own a Sub (i.e. I've tried to convey I'm not looking to flip and want this piece to wear), and have established relationships now with a specific rep at each store. Has anyone had luck with a sports model this year at these locations?

FWIW Tourneau told me they don't have wait lists. I'm not sure I really believe this but they seemed to imply they would attempt to source me the watch based on my inquiry; this sounds like the same difference to me but I'm willing to ride it out! While I was in there today a gentlemen walked in with a Sub he had bought here this year and said he waited about 5 months. Maybe dreams do come true!

Neither store made me feel like I had to purchase something else to improve my chances, and I think I am generally good at reading people's intentions. By my third visit to Tourneau I was introduced to the store's director who was very nice and promised to find me what I'm looking for.

Meandering post, I know; am I being naive here or can a Sub really be had with a little patience and good faith?

[214270Explorer]

It is mostly a crap shoot. Sometimes AD's come thorough for 'newish' customers, and sometimes they don't, or hold their stock for long established repeat buyers.

You just never know.

Good Luck!

[JeanGenie]

Yeah that's what I'm wondering. And Fairfax county Virginia is one of the richest in the country. Way above my league that's for sure. We'll see if they're just giving me the stock response that "they'll take care of me" or if they'll really give me a shot at something.

I'll update this thread if and when it ever happens!

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

Generally medium hard, but it’s getting to the point where almost any non-lady DJ reference is becoming hard. Sub is easier than stainless Daytonas and BLROs and a bit easier than BLNRs. But harder to find than an Air King, Explorer or Milgauss. But again, any of those will be pretty difficult in the current environment.

Good luck!

[Hillg2784]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Yeah that's what I'm wondering. And Fairfax county Virginia is one of the richest in the country. Way above my league that's for sure. We'll see if they're just giving me the stock response that "they'll take care of me" or if they'll really give me a shot at something.

I'll update this thread if and when it ever happens!

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

I’m in the same area you are and I had no luck at Tysons are anywhere around the beltway. They all basically told me “good luck” your not an established client and that since I don’t own a Rolex my chances are even slimmer.

I have been dealing with place north of me in Pa, about 2 hours from me. She has been wonderful and in the three months dealing with her she has called me on two pieces that were not really on my list, TT CHNR and a DJ. With that I fee there is hope I will get what I want sooner then later.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Hillg2784

I’m in the same area you are and I had no luck at Tysons are anywhere around the beltway. They all basically told me “good luck” your not an established client and that since I don’t own a Rolex my chances are even slimmer.

I have been dealing with place north of me in Pa, about 2 hours from me. She has been wonderful and in the three months dealing with her she has called me on two pieces that were not really on my list, TT CHNR and a DJ. With that I fee there is hope I will get what I want sooner then later.

Tyson's is a nightmare because of your competition in that area specifically - the gov contractor sprawl and ALL those guys want subs.

Stick with it - I'm curious to see where this DJ gets me. I made a comment I can wait a year or two for a Sub and the store owner replied: "you won't have to wait a year." We chatted vintage Rolex for a while so hopefully I doing what I need to establish myself as a "worthy" client. Time will tell...at least in the meantime I'll watching it tick by on this DJ.

[beshannon]

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

I didn't even try at the Tyson's shops because I knew what you describe would be the case. No reason to think Tiny Jewelbox or Pentagon City Tourneau would be much different, but the Jewelbox told me they'll have more stock as they open their Rolex boutique in early 2022. Their Patek boutique is up now and is pretty impressive.

We shall see- I gotta start someplace!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by beshannon

My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

Maybe this was his way of explaining the wait times

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Maybe this was his way of explaining the wait times

No, he was showing a pre-owned piece, they have 15 cases of air

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No, he was showing a pre-owned piece, they have 15 cases of air

I was joking. I hope. SAs say the darnedest things...

[Cwillis0001]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I was joking. I hope. SAs say the darnedest things...

And you know a lot of people believe it. Let's face it, most prospective Rolex customers who walk into the jewelry store at the mall aren't die hard watch enthusiasts who are up on the kind of minutiae that we discuss here and other forums.

[911991]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

My experience is they all have great customer service and friendly. Tourneau got me a DSSD JC in about 2 months. Tiny Jewelbox did a cleaning on my Sub, there is a store in Montgomery Mall that is related to Lillenquist I believe, and they are very friendly, they made several bracelet adjustments for me, and recently installed a Rubber B on my Sub. I offered the guy some money and he would not accept it, but said please come back if you need anything else. But sadly as mentioned above inventory is nil. There is also a Rolex AD in downtown Fredrick Md.

[911991]

Tiny Jewel Box moved to a nicer store with more room

[CarrJ]

Originally Posted by 911991

My experience is they all have great customer service and friendly. Tourneau got me a DSSD JC in about 2 months. Tiny Jewelbox did a cleaning on my Sub, there is a store in Montgomery Mall that is related to Lillenquist I believe, and they are very friendly, they made several bracelet adjustments for me, and recently installed a Rubber B on my Sub. I offered the guy some money and he would not accept it, but said please come back if you need anything else. But sadly as mentioned above inventory is nil. There is also a Rolex AD in downtown Fredrick Md.

They are no longer a Rolex AD.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Rrpdc]

Tiny jewel box def have been honest with me, Slim chance of getting what I want. I was told They have many clients on list with large purchase histories that will get watch well before me. Even for my big 50 th could not make it happen for wg piece.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Rrpdc

Tiny jewel box def have been honest with me, Slim chance of getting what I want. I was told They have many clients on list with large purchase histories that will get watch well before me. Even for my big 50 th could not make it happen for wg piece.

At Tiny Jewelbox they actually put me down for several things- Explorer II (either color though he said black is easier) and a deep-sea in black (he hinted this might be doable sooner than others but I think it's probably out of my price range. I'd probably have to buy it anyways lol). The thing they implied was "if you're open to one of these options it will eventually happen." Oh he also threw the yachtmaster in plat/steel for the heck of it.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

At Tiny Jewelbox they actually put me down for several things- Explorer II (either color though he said black is easier) and a deep-sea in black (he hinted this might be doable sooner than others but I think it's probably out of my price range. I'd probably have to buy it anyways lol). The thing they implied was "if you're open to one of these options it will eventually happen." Oh he also threw the yachtmaster in plat/steel for the heck of it.

Just my .02 but are you sure you want to go down this rabbit hole?

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Just my .02 but are you sure you want to go down this rabbit hole?

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

If I were you, I'd buy a 10 or 15 year old Sub Date (just make sure it's a solid end link) from a private individual / first owner, who can give you the box and paperwork with it. That watch is money in the bank. It's already today worth 3x or 4x what it sold for originally.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

I am sorry but I sincerely doubt that is the case at Pentagon City, that store is tiny compared to their other stores. I have heard them say many things there which is why I will never go to their store again.

[Bruce_Wayne]

Without having any purchase history, the fact that they even gave you a semblance of a timeframe is a plus. In the current market, that does not seem unrealistic.


Sent from the Waitlist at 6 different ADs

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Hey folks!

I have done my best to go into these shops a couple of times, talk honestly about myself and my years-long dream to own a Sub (i.e. I've tried to convey I'm not looking to flip and want this piece to wear), and have established relationships now with a specific rep at each store.

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

Shhhh if you keep talking this way I'll have to confront logic and reasonableness and then I'll go buy the new Speedy in sapphire. Came so close last week.

I agree with you 100% on the decline of the tool watch (i.e. it now looks like bling). I'd still buy the damn Sub tho!

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Shhhh if you keep talking this way I'll have to confront logic and reasonableness and then I'll go buy the new Speedy in sapphire.

Honestly, I just can't help myself! Rolex as a brand, in my honest opinion, is just misstepping everywhere. Who is even in charge over there who is making all these style and business decisions?

Who has decided to dump hundreds of ADs who have been with the company for 20, 30, 40 years?

Who decided to King-Kong these watches?

Who decided to branch out into more and more and more different types of crazy colors and styles?

Who decided that a watch that costs $750 to make, should cost $12,000 retail, but even at that, will not be available, because the watches are being sold to shysters who squeeze another 20% out of the consumers?

It's really quite maddening...

Buy a Speedy, its available today, just as good (or maybe better) than a Rolex, and will cost multiples less... Sad to say, but true. The truth hurts...

I know what I'm talking about... My first good watch was a gift SS Date when I was just 16 years old, more than 50 years ago. When I had a bit of money in my early 20s, I bought a SS Sub-Date for less than $2,500 (I was channelling Steve McQueen!). Then as time went by, I bought more and more. I've had a lot of Rolex watches and have loved the brand. But I am finding it hard to love the brand these days.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

I bought my first Rolex in 2005, and remember those days well… but back then your Sub LV could be had for $5K, maybe less used… now it is $17K, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

[zewill]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

I bought my first Rolex in 2005, and remember those days well… but back then your Sub LV could be had for $5K, maybe less used… now it is $17K, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

A apart from the fact that your collection has tripled in value, where is the good? Remember those days well.. 10% discounts on new ad purchase were to be had. All models available in store… Too bad I was young and that period led to the next (which was still a far cry from today’s).

Makes it hard to swallow the pill nowadays when ads laugh at you when you ask what’s new… hopefully it comes around and customers regain respect from ads…

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by zewill

A apart from the fact that your collection has tripled in value, where is the good? [. . .]

I did say take the good with the bad, and seemed like I was implying the “good” was the tripling in value. I guess the other good is that Rolex is making some of the best watches they’ve ever made.

But the entirety of the bad is the AD experience. So I’ve moved my old watches for new ones, figuring the premium on the unexpected appreciation covers the current premium from market demand — nothing lost nothing gained, so to speak.

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CJ703]

Have a buddy that was able to get a BLRO from the Tourneau Pentagon City back in Dec 2020. He established a relationship with their manager and didn’t necessarily have purchase history himself, but did refer quite a few people (around 6 or so) who purchased other non-Rolex brands. Said he waited about 4months. Of course, I find out about his relationship with Tourneau only after I got impatient with searching the local ADs and picked up a yachtmaster from one of the sellers I found here on TRF that’s local (great experience btw, and couldn’t be happier). Hope tourneau is able to come through for you!