How do you even get on a waiting list?.

[OTX]

Hello guys, as some know, I put a 50% deposit down at the beginning of 2018 on a white Daytona. I kept checking in every couple of months and after 2 years waiting, they still kept telling me that they have no idea when one will come in so I canceled.

My anniversary is coming up and my wife is willing to buy me a Rolex so I’m trying to take full advantage :-). Also, I have to be nice to her until I get it :-). Without exaggeration, She called at least 50 Rolex ADs inquiring about the GMT II blue and black with the jubilee bracelet and they all pretty much laughed at her for even asking as she is not a previous customer.

The Batman and the Daytona are really the only 2 Rolexes I’m interested in but if I can’t get either, I would rather her keep her money than spend it on any random Rolex I don’t like.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get on a waiting list to get one from a dealer that will actually deliver at some point. I know they are other watch brands but I would really like a Rolex to mark this occasion. Grey is not an option. Do I just give up and move on?.

[MattyL147]

Sounds like the grey market is for you.

[GMTSpas]

Don't call. Go into the closest one and just start conversation. Tell them your story and your love for watches. Repetition and familiarity go a long way. Those are two watches that will certainly take time but don't give up. There are people who have waited 2+ years and stuck it out.

[bp1000]

You need to buy other things really at the moment.

It’s not always been this way.

[japenney]

You were on a waitlist and the AD had your money for 2 full years? This is were I speak to the owner and politely ask that he provide a timeframe for me to receive my watch. Do not speak to sales reps with no power. Speak to the owner and explain that it is not acceptable for them to hold your money for 2 years with no foreseeable delivery. That is stealing. Unless he is an actual crook he has to say to you "we will have a watch for you in X years or months". They took your money and have had it for a significant period of time. They hold a responsibility imho or they are operating in a disgraceful manor. 2 months with no delivery is one thing, but two years means you should get your watch.

[OTX]

Originally Posted by japenney

You were on a waitlist and the AD had your money for 2 full years? This is were I speak to the owner and politely ask that he provide a timeframe for me to receive my watch. Do not speak to sales reps with no power. Speak to the owner and explain that it is not acceptable for them to hold your money for 2 years with no foreseeable delivery. That is stealing. Unless he is an actual crook he has to say to you "we will have a watch for you in X years or months". They took your money. They is no such thing as taking someone's cash and not providing any concrete timeframe for delivery.

You are correct but it was my fault to be honest. I wanted one badly and when I put down the deposit, they said it could be years. I agreed as I was thinking if they have half down, they will feel pressure to deliver but I guess that wasn’t the case. Last I know, they stopped taking deposits to avoid what you mentioned.

[G.Montag]

Originally Posted by GMTSpas

Don't call. Go into the closest one and just start conversation. Tell them your story and your love for watches.

The AD does not care about your "story" or "love for watches". They are a business and their goal is to maximize profit. You will get a high-demand watch from an AD in one of four ways: 1) you have a purchase history with the AD; 2) you have a personal connection to someone who works at the AD; 3) you get lucky; or 4) the economy tanks and so does the demand for Rolexes.

Trying to ingratiate yourself to the AD by visiting them frequently and essentially begging for a watch will accomplish nothing. You would just be humiliating yourself.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by G.Montag

The AD does not care about your "story" or "love for watches". They are a business and their goal is to maximize profit. You will get a high-demand watch from an AD in one of four ways: 1) you have a purchase history with the AD; 2) you have a personal connection to someone who works at the AD; 3) you get lucky; or 4) the economy tanks so does the demand for Rolexes.

Trying to ingratiate yourself to the AD by visiting them frequently and essentially begging for a watch will accomplish nothing. You would just be humiliating yourself.

I’m afraid he’s right. It’s a business - pure and simple.

[RJRJRJ]

It's not going to happen with a Daytona. Go grey or choose an easy to get model.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Odat

Hello guys, as some know, I put a 50% deposit down at the beginning of 2018 on a white Daytona. I kept checking in every couple of months and after 2 years waiting, they still kept telling me that they have no idea when one will come in so I canceled.

My anniversary is coming up and my wife is willing to buy me a Rolex so I’m trying to take full advantage :-). Also, I have to be nice to her until I get it :-). Without exaggeration, She called at least 50 Rolex ADs inquiring about the GMT II blue and black with the jubilee bracelet and they all pretty much laughed at her for even asking as she is not a previous customer.

The Batman and the Daytona are really the only 2 Rolexes I’m interested in but if I can’t get either, I would rather her keep her money than spend it on any random Rolex I don’t like.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get on a waiting list to get one from a dealer that will actually deliver at some point. I know they are other watch brands but I would really like a Rolex to mark this occasion. Grey is not an option. Do I just give up and move on?.

The phone calls were a waste of time and if you’d asked on here we could have saved your wife the time and effort.

ADs have their own VIPs and repeat customers. The chances of them agreeing to sell a piece like this to a random are very slim.

Unfortunately with little buying history you’re either going to have to start buying and play the long game, or bite the bullet and go grey market. (Or pick a nice Datejust)

Sorry it’s not better news.

[42itus]

I never say never but there is NO WAY a phone call would work for one of those pieces. You have to go in there and basically win them over so that they like you enough to want to sell you one of those pieces. Otherwise you can try to bundle a PM piece for the GMT.
Why is grey not an option? If grey is not an option then you should probably give up on Rolex.

[iTreelex]

why would you even want to be on a "waitlist"

They pulled your leg asking 50% down. Just go grey if you really really really want it and you'll have it at your door tomorrow. Calling 50+ AD's is literally a waste of time :(

[OTX]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

It's not going to happen with a Daytona. Go grey or choose an easy to get model.

You’re right. I gave up on the Daytona. I miss the days when you can go to an AD and buy a GMT on the spot. Oh well...

[GMTSpas]

Originally Posted by G.Montag

The AD does not care about your "story" or "love for watches". They are a business and their goal is to maximize profit. You will get a high-demand watch from an AD in one of four ways: 1) you have a purchase history with the AD; 2) you have a personal connection to someone who works at the AD; 3) you get lucky; or 4) the economy tanks so does the demand for Rolexes.

Trying to ingratiate yourself to the AD by visiting them frequently and essentially begging for a watch will accomplish nothing. You would just be humiliating yourself.

It worked for me personally. I also don't live in a large city so the AD here has a more "ma and pa" feel to it. Nobody said anything about begging, but you are more likely to get a positive response if they see you and talk to you in person rather than over the phone. People, believe it or not can make an impression on other people.

[OTX]

Originally Posted by iTreelex

why would you even want to be on a "waitlist"

They pulled your leg asking 50% down. Just go grey if you really really really want it and you'll have it at your door tomorrow. Calling 50+ AD's is literally a waste of time :(

It was definitely a waste of time. I was thinking maybe there is an AD out there who would actually provide a specific timeframe but from experience with deposits, it has definitely not worked out. From 14k retail to 23k gray is a HUGE jump but sadly It seems the only guaranteed way to get one fast.

[Walts]

Go and get your $$$$ back. The AD used the shortage as an excuse to get an interest free loan from you . He has received ceramic daytonas and GMTs in the last two years. He choose to keep your money and not to sell them to you. David SW has two BLNRs on his site . You have to pay a premium ,but at least you get your watch . The enjoyment of ownership of such a fine piece far outweighs the extra dollars. Good luck

[77T]

Here in US, the RUSA rep’s had advised ADs that list-keeping is considered injurious to the brand. Some ADs went to the “pre-order format” and asked for deposits to skirt the spirit of the rep’s admonishments.



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[Inthesticks]

AD’s also want to sell the Rolex models that are languishing on their shelves. Package one of those with a GMT purchase and they’ll find one for you.

Otherwise go grey.

[Jonah10]

I went in several times and my sales rep and I became friends, I still didn’t get anything. I got offered a $17k tt sea dweller and it so happened my uncle wanted one. So I bought it under my name and passed it on to him. 7 months later I got a Pepsi, do something like that or just go Grey. You are asking for 2 of the top 4 most sought after SS models as a first watch and that won’t happen unless you get lucky, play a lotto ticket too that day if you get the watch. Grey in the Batman isn’t too bad, Daytona is rough as it puts you into the 20’s.


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[ArtNouveau]

You already know from your Daytona experience how things work. There is no magic bullet. I will agree with previous posters that phone calls are a waste of time. Any real chance will start with an in store visit.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by G.Montag

The AD does not care about your "story" or "love for watches". They are a business and their goal is to maximize profit. You will get a high-demand watch from an AD in one of four ways: 1) you have a purchase history with the AD; 2) you have a personal connection to someone who works at the AD; 3) you get lucky; or 4) the economy tanks and so does the demand for Rolexes.

Trying to ingratiate yourself to the AD by visiting them frequently and essentially begging for a watch will accomplish nothing. You would just be humiliating yourself.

To add, the more you email, call, go in, and the more interest you express, the further down the list you go or the more they will try to bundle you.

Just the truth

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[David007Kim]

Go GREY my friend and don’t put yourself through the “agony of defeat”. I’ve personally been on 2 lists for the last 3.5 years for the 116500LN and I even offered to PAY IN FULL for a “guaranteed timeline”,...didn’t happen. So finally, I pulled the trigger when we first heard about how bad COVID 19 was back in March. The prices went down slightly and I decided that “I had to pull the trigger” on my SS Professional piece because you will NEVER get one now or be put on a list because of demand, Instagram and YouTube! DavidSW will give you the very best selection, quality and service! I had dealt with Chris from there and his communication was great!,...he kept in touch throughout the whole process and sent me extra photos. Lastly, he even worked on pricing to help me out!!!🙌🙌🙌. I think if your looking to buy a Daytona, Hulk, Batman or Pepsi,...you’ll NEVER be able to get one at an AD unless you are a HEAVY HITTER with a minimum spend of $100k to be even considered?!?!? GO GREY!!!,...and enjoy your watch finally!!!!

[RonMel]

I personally would get your money back. Look at the resale market - 116500LN is crazy prices nearly 2x the retail (but worth every penny) I JUST did this this week although I did not have a deposit anywhere and am wearing my new Daytona right now. Happy to refer you to a dealer I was connected to through this forum - he was easy to work with, fast delivery (24 hours) and a good person to talk to in general. The reputation and your ability to feel good about your purchase is paramount. Good luck. I chased a Daytona 10 years before getting fed up and just doing it after my AD went out of business

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by djyolky

To add, the more you email, call, go in, and the more interest you express, the further down the list you go or the more they will try to bundle you.

Just the truth

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Then how else does he build a relationship

[brandrea]

If gray isn’t an option, you’ll have to find an AD willing to talk. I find the personal approach is always best, but it takes time. Calling is almost useless these days.

[ITony]

Originally Posted by Odat

Hello guys, as some know, I put a 50% deposit down at the beginning of 2018 on a white Daytona. I kept checking in every couple of months and after 2 years waiting, they still kept telling me that they have no idea when one will come in so I canceled.

My anniversary is coming up and my wife is willing to buy me a Rolex so I’m trying to take full advantage :-). Also, I have to be nice to her until I get it :-). Without exaggeration, She called at least 50 Rolex ADs inquiring about the GMT II blue and black with the jubilee bracelet and they all pretty much laughed at her for even asking as she is not a previous customer.

The Batman and the Daytona are really the only 2 Rolexes I’m interested in but if I can’t get either, I would rather her keep her money than spend it on any random Rolex I don’t like.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get on a waiting list to get one from a dealer that will actually deliver at some point. I know they are other watch brands but I would really like a Rolex to mark this occasion. Grey is not an option. Do I just give up and move on?.

Hopefully they returned your money ASAP. Move on....there are to many brands to choose from without waiting. Nothing wrong with a Speedy for example.

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

Sounds like the grey market is for you.

+1.

Spend money on watches you don’t want in hope you might get the watch you really want .. or just go grey

[OTX]

Originally Posted by ITony

Hopefully they returned your money ASAP. Move on....there are to many brands to choose from without waiting. Nothing wrong with a Speedy for example.

Yes they retuned they money the same day I canceled. I already have a Speedy and a Navitimer 01. I might start looking at a Jaeger soon if Rolex doesn’t get it’s act together :-). First I’m going to wait and see if Rolex NY opening and shipping is going to make a difference with inventory. I doubt it but I’ll wait a little.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Then how else does he build a relationship

You don't. You build a relationship with your friends, family and coworkers. Jewelers are there to take your money, they're not in the business of making relationships.

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[Phat4]

Originally Posted by ITony

Hopefully they returned your money ASAP. Move on....there are to many brands to choose from without waiting. Nothing wrong with a Speedy for example.

Best way to get on the list and get their attention is a) nothing stopping you from putting your name on the list and waiting for as long as they say AND b) buy something from them so they will remember you. They’re running a business and Rolex attracts a lot dreamers and tyre kickers. They will obviously give first dibs to regular customers. You’d be dreaming to believe you could go to an AD when you fancy it and buy a sports. Hence the 2nd hand market but at ridiculous premium sending prices into a bubble, where we are now.

When someone buys something at AD, there’s a thing called queue-jumping and its a real thing. That’s why so many non AD sellers/traders have unworn watches to sell with stickers because the AD’s want money and these dudes give ‘em what they want and are bagging everything. Unfortunately, end of.