got the call from the AD for 3rd time in 6 months and a few thoughts

[tekops]

I'm one of those that refuses to pay for anything over MSRP. Not bashing anyone that chooses not to. Just my way of thinking. Granted most of the models that I desired are not holy grail pieces, but at least they are to me. A few thoughts about my AD experiences. I’ve visited boutique AD’s and Chain jeweler AD’s and have to say the chain jewelers were far more welcoming than boutique AD’s.
Boutique AD
My general experience was when you walk into a Boutique AD. That your basically treated like dirt, the salespeople are inconvenienced by you even breathing and how dare I even try to be look at exhibit pieces or be considered for a list or whatever terminally all AD’s use. Oh and be even considered I’d have to spend an ungodly amount on other jewelry and watches brands. Before even being considered for the most basic Rolex.
VS.
Retail Chain AD
My general experience was when you walk into a retail chain AD. I walk in and generally greeted with a welcome and notified that all pieces are for exhibit only. (Not a problem) I love to browse. I ask if there’s a list or whatever they call it and usually am told yes, but the wait list is month to years before being called. Okay, no problem. I still ask to be put on the list and generally the sales associate is more then happy to put my on the list.
So far within the past 6 months and two different chain AD’s I’ve been able to purchase the below:
2021- AirKing
2021- GMT II RootBeer
2022- 41mm Rose Gold Wimbledon Jubilee (picked up last night)
After purchasing I put myself on the list for Daytona two tone gold\steel black dial

[SteveStroud]

Similar experience, although just the one watch and not a grail piece.

I called into my local AD talked to the assistant about how I'd always wanted to treat myself to a Rolex, laughed together at my initial naive thinking that I'd be able to pop in and buy one there and then.
Maybe I was just lucky but was treated with kindness and respect and low and behold a few months later I was the proud owner of a Explorer 1.

I still call in when I'm passing to peruse the models on display, talk about all things watches discreetly remind them that a) I'm not a flipper and b) I'm still interested in my next piece (I'm on the list)

[Cigars&Watches]

[QUOTE=tekops;11967393]I'm one of those that refuses to pay for anything over MSRP. Not bashing anyone that chooses not to. Just my way of thinking. Granted most of the models that I desired are not holy grail pieces, but at least they are to me. A few thoughts about my AD experiences. I’ve visited boutique AD’s and Chain jeweler AD’s and have to say the chain jewelers were far more welcoming than boutique AD’s.
Boutique AD
My general experience was when you walk into a Boutique AD. That your basically treated like dirt, the salespeople are inconvenienced by you even breathing and how dare I even try to be look at exhibit pieces or be considered for a list or whatever terminally all AD’s use. Oh and be even considered I’d have to spend an ungodly amount on other jewelry and watches brands. Before even being considered for the most basic Rolex.
VS.
Retail Chain AD
My general experience was when you walk into a retail chain AD. I walk in and generally greeted with a welcome and notified that all pieces are for exhibit only. (Not a problem) I love to browse. I ask if there’s a list or whatever they call it and usually am told yes, but the wait list is month to years before being called. Okay, no problem. I still ask to be put on the list and generally the sales associate is more then happy to put my on the list.
So far within the past 6 months and two different chain AD’s I’ve been able to purchase the below:
2021- AirKing
2021- GMT II RootBeer
2022- 41mm Rose Gold Wimbledon Jubilee (picked up last night)
After purchasing I put myself on the list for Daytona two tone gold\steel black dial[/

Congrats on your watches but I’m a little confused. I thought boutique AD meant they only sell Rolex, no other brands, and no jewellery

[tekops]

Not at the Boutique AD's I've been too. Boutique meaning not a major chain store jeweler.

[Benzsiam]

Originally Posted by tekops

Not at the Boutique AD's I've been too. Boutique meaning not a major chain store jeweler.

Rolex Boutique: Sell only Rolex timepieces only.

Authorized Dealers (ADs): Mostly sell multi brands and jewelry.

[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by tekops

Not at the Boutique AD's I've been too. Boutique meaning not a major chain store jeweler.

My one and only Rolex (the only one I want, thankyouverymuch) was purchased at an AD, which was one of only two locations that this business has. They are both Rolex ADs. Since they are not a "major chain," I guess you would consider both locations to be a "Rolex Boutique"? But this business is, first, a jewelry store, and is also an AD for A. Lange & Söhne, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, among others. Because of all of the other brands for which they are an Authorized Distributor, they are most definitely not a "Rolex Boutique."

[Rado63]

If I could be a client, the Boutique is probably getting more product to sell. More product means more opportunity for me to buy. If the goal is to get more product then you have to be a boutique client. My.02.

[ganiccus]

Most of the Rolex only boutiques are in big cities anyway where you have to compete with whales. And what are you going to do to build purchase history with the store? Buy 5 figures Rolex watches you don't want to get the one you really desire? AD chains are simply better because they are more flexible in their offerings, you will have more opportunities to buy stuff you or your partner want than a Rolex exclusive boutique. Just my 2 cents.

[bob sims]

[QUOTE=tekops;11967393]I'm one of those that refuses to pay for anything over MSRP. /QUOTE]
This is not an attack on you specifically..
but MOST people who make this statement are buying tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of lower grade jewelry and watches which, while not TECHNICALLY "over MSRP", are worth 30 or 40 cents on the dollar. Hence their "amazing" ability to get stuff from an AD.

[amanbra]

Complete opposite for me. The boutique can only sell you Rolexes and here in Aus at least they get the lions share of allocation from Rolex.

[Lew Archer]

There are a couple of "Rolex boutiques" in Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, both operated by Geary's, which is an AD and has its own shop in Beverly Hills, in addition to their Rolex "boutique".

The sales associates I've talked with in the boutiques, whether I was purchasing or just browsing have been professional, considerate and patient. I've never found them imperious or aloof. They knew their product very well.

I've generally found the same to be true in the chain retail stores...professional sales people, who knew their business. And, some really knew Rolex watches while others were less knowledgeable. Of course, in a chain AD, they carry other brands, so the depth of knowledge varies.

The boutiques generally carried the widest array of models...at least in past years. My last visit to a boutique, in early 2021, was a pleasant enough visit, despite the very few models on display, given the change in times. Yet, despite that, the sales associate was a pro and quite cordial, even though he understood I was not looking to buy.

I think most took the long view...that a walk in customer could become a long term client...and didn't consider a fellow "just looking" to be a waste of their time. So, they'd offer their business card, perhaps writing down the references numbers for the pieces we'd discussed.

Anyway, that's been my experience. Of course, others have their own experiences, for better or worse.