First AD Experience- sort of unbelievable

[cvz]

Hi All,

I've appreciated reading about everyones experiences, struggles and frustrations and wanted to share my quite-likely unique story.

As I posted previously, I don't live in close proximity to an AD and was thinking I would never be able to establish a relationship with a SA. The grey market prices are frustrating and it might sound strange but I wanted the direct from AD purchase experience.

So there I was... In Orange County for an event with my kids and popped into South Coast Plaza to do some non-watch shopping. Passing by however, I was sure to window shop AP, VC, IWC and Rolex. I spoke to security at Rolex about browsing inside and they indicated it would be 10-15 minutes before they would let me in. I almost went on my merry way but decided to stick around and have my first experience inside a Rolex AD.

While I waited I made a couple of notes about what I would like to try on and potentially which reference numbers I would add to a wishlist if the visit seemed to go well.

Once inside I was introduced to my sales associate who couldn't have been nicer. She was enthusiastic about Rolex, about the quality of their watches and was knowledgeable about everything they had on exhibition. She said on the outset they didn't have watches for sale but depending on what I was interested in she might be able to help.

We talked briefly about why I was interested in purchasing a Rolex. Among other reasons (quality/craftsmanship/all the other reasons we love Rolex), my great uncle, who spent his life in Southern California wore a Rolex and I remember as a kid how proud he was of it. I like the idea of heritage and family heirlooms and felt it was something I could wear proudly and pass on to my kids (tragically the Presidential he in-fact wore is long gone).

From my list of watches I was able to try on the Explorer II, Date/No Date Subs, TT Daytona TT Root Beer, OysterFlex YachMaster and the Airking. We talked movements, sizing, materials and look. We compared watches side-by-side and on both wrists. Having not spent much time doing luxury watch shopping this was an absolute blast! Feeling like a kid in a candy store I asked to compare the sub and GMT one last time (thinking I would put the Explorer II and either the Sub or GMT on my wish list). We went in a side room and she said... let me get those and I have something else I want you to look at.

She returned with the Sub, TT Root Beer, and a Sea Dweller. I tried all three of them on and when I couldn't decide which I wanted on my wish list she mentioned that she had just received the SD43 and it was available if I wanted it.

"Available like... I pay you now and leave with this watch... available?"

She laughed and said yes. I said don't you have clients waiting for this? She said she did, but she'd be happy to "put this on your wrist" now. I didn't know what to say... after reading about and hearing everyone's frustrations with getting a Rolex allocation (especially a steel sport watch) I couldn't believe I was being offered one on my first visit!

Credit card out, watch sized by the jeweler, and I was on my way with a 43mm Sea Dweller (126600) on my wrist.

From ALMOST passing by, to my first Rolex in about an hour- I'm in awe and amazement. I feel SO very fortunate and lucky for this experience and am loving this watch.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and good luck to everyone working on finding pieces you love.

[Laszlo]

That’s awesome, big congrats.

I think the everything bubble has officially popped IMO.

[MikeMWatchFan]

Amazing! I also got an SD43 as a walk in this year. But that’s with an AD I’ve built a relationship with over 4yrs and have bought 3 other Rolexes from.

[173rdabn]

Sometimes you just get lucky. Congratulations!

[NachoNeal]

Nice!

[7enderbender]

Very cool. Congratulations. Good choice.

[JRell]

What a great experience and well told. Congrats! Pumped for you. I really think the tides are turning for the customer that really wants to buy a watch to own and not to flip.

[cvz]

Here's a couple of pics... so stoked!

[KathleenL]

Fabulous story! Huge congratulations to you. Please post some pics.

[t60]

Congrats on the pick up!

Edit: Uh yeah don't misquote me.

[mfserge]

Originally Posted by t60

Congrats on the pick up!

FWIW the SD43 isn't that hot anymore IMO -- I've had them offered to me twice this year, so not too surprised.

Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.

[Vipes]

Congrats! There are good ADs out there

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by mfserge

Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.

+1..

[myc ritz]

Originally Posted by mfserge

Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.

...and you already have full attention from the player haters, like t60

[swexlin]

Originally Posted by mfserge

Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.

I waited 2 years for mine - with purchase history. So still not easy to get.

Congrats to the OP!

[ronmexico]

Originally Posted by t60

Congrats on the pick up!

Edit: Uh yeah don't misquote me.

Haha you were literally quoted in the reply. Not sure you can say ‘don’t misquote me’ when they’re exactly your words.

[Dr.Smellody]

Wow!!! Fantastic. Congratulations. It looks great!

[wchbos]

Great story. Congrats!

[cvz]

I'd argue its smokin' hot... love it! So so fortunate... last pic.. thanks all!

[skipstar]

Awesome

[JoseR]

Good for you. Congrats At the right place, at the right time.

[maodonald]

Congrats!

[hitman23]

Very nice 1st Rolex

[John Sheridan]

Congratulations to you and commiserations to anyone on the wait list for that watch at that store!

[Navin Johnson]

Nice watch and awesome experience!

[JonaG]

Congrats, that’s the way to go!

[ZOOK]

Congratulations. Great way to start a relationship with an AD.

[cszy67]

That is an absolute beast of a watch. A timeless classic. You are one fortunate man!

[Marcaine]

Congrats! SD43 was my first as well. Looks great!

[EEpro]

Great watch. Wear it with pride and joy! It will outlast all of us.