Best AD to build relationship with in London

[G-UK]

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

[enjoythemusic]

Try Watches of Switzerland as they have many locations globally and use a unified database.

[RogerOP]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Try Watches of Switzerland as they have many locations globally and use a unified database.

M&W is WoS in the UK.

I would continue with a WoS group and try and find some village-style local AD you can frequent.

I stuck with WoS and they did a really huge favour for me last month.

[G-UK]

Originally Posted by RogerOP

M&W is WoS in the UK.

I would continue with a WoS group and try and find some village-style local AD you can frequent.

I stuck with WoS and they did a really huge favour for me last month.

The fact that they're one of the biggest in the UK isn't a limitation in your opinion? Just need to be patient with them?

[Rickkk]

Originally Posted by G-UK

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

Any previous purchases with them?

[G-UK]

Originally Posted by Rickkk

Any previous purchases with them?

No previous purchase.

[Rozzski999]

Watches of Switzerland

[SamArj]

Originally Posted by G-UK

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

You do realise that if you're wanting to 'potentially tap into Patek, AP at retail' you're looking at spending a minimum of £30k on stuff that you probably don't want? Maybe even more.

Getting a sought after Rolex is a walk in the park compared to Patek. And buying a Rolex won't help you get the Patek, you'll have to buy a rubbish Patek to be 'allowed' to then register for a sought after model.
Patek brand seems to operate almost independently within WOS stores, your purchase history for other brands will not help

Good luck.....think you'll need it

[Calatrava r]

Any family-owned ADs left in London where a new buyer can quickly build a strong relationship with the owners?

[Callmepeshy]

Stay away from M&W and WoS on Regent St. Mixed messages, high staff turnover so impossible to build any relationship and a lot of incompetence/lack of knowledge.

Last time I was there (about 2 weeks ago) I asked about a CHNR, the SA asked what I meant… I then pointed to it next to me and she said ‘oh, that one is called the rootbeer’

After a good purchase history, they were very unhelpful, almost losing my warranty card etc so I went elsewhere and that has been a breath of fresh air to say the least!

[shiftar]

Originally Posted by Callmepeshy

Stay away from M&W and WoS on Regent St. Mixed messages, high staff turnover so impossible to build any relationship and a lot of incompetence/lack of knowledge.

Last time I was there (about 2 weeks ago) I asked about a CHNR, the SA asked what I meant… I then pointed to it next to me and she said ‘oh, that one is called the rootbeer’

After a good purchase history, they were very unhelpful, almost losing my warranty card etc so I went elsewhere and that has been a breath of fresh air to say the least!

More or less had the same experience with WOS, have had about 3 different reps and still haven't picked up a watch. Which AD did you go to?

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Most ADs will want your relationship/business when you have to spend £10k on overpriced jewellery to get your YM. Go grey , you can buy BNIB near retail

[waxy88]

I don’t think a 2 month wait is excessive, ultimately they can only sell what has been delivered.

Personally I have met with great sales associates at both Regent Street and Oxford Street WoS

[jaydav2306]

Pragnell is probably your best bet in London

[padi56]

Originally Posted by G-UK

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

Most all this so called AD relationship stuff mainly exists in internet fantasy land.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by G-UK

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

If you’re just starting out then why would you not choose Bucherer?

[SpecialK888]

You should be aware that WoS have already announced that the M&W on Old Bond St will become a flagship Tudor store (not sure when but I think the announcement was quite a while ago).

[Marcjvr]

“build a relationship”

Still gets me every time

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by G-UK

Hi there - what's been your experience with the various Rolex AD in London and which one would you recommend?

I stopped by Mappin & Webb in Old Bond and registered for a Yacht Master 37mm a few months back. Although they didn't specific timelines (expected!), they said that it was a piece that could be possible to get but 2 months later I still haven't received a call. I wonder if I should be looking into a different AD?

I bought a few Rolex before (not via AD) and I'd like to build a relationship with an AD in London for modern pieces (and to potentially tap into Patek, AP and other things at retail for when the time is right).

Suggestions? Thank you!

Go grey, you will be able to purchase that watch under retail

[Harry-57]

Building of relationships takes time and a large number of intangibles because that's how humans behave. When you can walk into a shop/Rolex AD/car dealer/etc. and they greet you by name, ask after you, you family, your watch/car/whatever you bought from them, possibly years ago, you've established "a relationship". If they all look busy or tell you exactly what they said last time, or something completely different, or appear to be reading from an internal script, you either haven't established "a relationship" or you're bugging them.

London is easy to get around, why not do some knocking on doors and see what shakes out? Tone, demeanour, body language, what they say, what they don't say. It ain't rocket science. Just don't over think it and go with your gut. It takes time.

I have not dealt with WOS in London but they've taken plenty of my money on non Rolex purchases down in the South West. Can't fault them at all for service or after sales service.