Rolex buying "experience" has left me kinda sour

[6SpeedTA95]

Hi everyone, I guess I'm here to vent supreme frustrations with the whole "experience" of trying to buy a Rolex. I'm not definitely not the first with these issues but I guess it just kinda culminated into a crescendo this week and my frustrations have boiled over and finally reached the breaking point.

Been trying to get a GMT Master II for quite some time. Tried to get a Rolex 39mm Explorer locally the year I turned 40, that was a mess. I walked in about 9 months before my birthday, they had one on Display I knew sometimes there was a wait so I asked if it was available he said no, I asked to get on the list he said ok. He supposedly took down my phone number and my email. I followed up a few times and then it was discontinued.

I don't want a 36mm so I went into a holding pattern and just focused my efforts on a GMT. This guy never followed up, always wanted to show me Tag's, Nomos (I actually like Nomos) and a few others. I politely declined. Got on the list of the same stuff at another location because I was told even though it's the same dealer they treat each location independently.

So I got on the list for a 40mm Explorer when it was announced, as Rootbeer and a Batman. Every time I'm in I get asked to buy something I don't want, I get told it's the fastest way to "Move up the list". So I had a buddy make an introduction to the AD he uses a few hundred miles away. In short order (6 weeks) I had my 40mm Explorer. That was a good experience but the AD is quite small. Their number of display pieces is between 8 and 12 every time I'm in there, it's a tiny shop. But they're great to deal with. Needless to say I also asked about the Rootbeer and Batman.

I've since hit another career milestone that I planned to celebrate with a watch, the reason I got on the list for the Rootbeer! Needless to say no Rootbeer obviously.

This week on vacation we've visited a couple of Rolex ADs along with numerous other jewelers and watch shops. I've found several Rootbeers, Batman's and Pepsi's for sale. On a couple of occasions I've walked it down the aisle to see/gather information. The cheapest Rootbeer was $26,800, most of them were right around 30k. All the Pepsi's regardless of shop were $30k for the modern rendition, I did find a 10-12 year old piece that was 22k. The Batman's were 21-23k. One individual flat and told me his pieces are from an AD but he sells them and splits the profits with the AD, he offered to show me the warranty cards and the information on all the pieces as well as letting me contact the AD if we decided to proceed, that way I could verify warranty information. This is when I basically decided what the hell am I doing? On a list, trying to get a company to take my money? Being pushed all kinds of other garbage or getting told I can buy what I want at 60-80% markups? It's just insanity.


In the meantime I've found several pieces that I love, IWC, Zenith and Omega (Omega is probably my personal favorite to begin with) have some great stuff. All of these great pieces are available right now, the dealers actually treat you like you matter and like you're a paying customer. They break open champaign when you buy a new piece, they call you a week or two later to see how you like it, etc, etc, etc.

Most importantly the Omega piece I found is absolutely stunning and I know the place I normally buy my watches from will do it for a certain price. If they match it here I might do it to commemorate the trip with the family and my career milestone. I'd never seen it in person before this week but wow it's a looker.

Rolex needs to wake up, I know for a fact I'm not the only one that feels this way and they're turning off an entire generation of affluent buyers who value their own time and personal likes/dislikes and don't want to deal with bullshit. The watch company that's done a great job building a brand and building some timeless pieces along the way needs to get their AD network under control.

[Kenny G]

The secondary market prices have been dropping and could very well continue..so buying grey might be an option for you sooner or later.

[CarlOver]

Your frustration is reasonable. The first AD just wasn’t going to make it happen. Stick your colleague’s AD and be patient. Or spend way above MSRP. But if you are frustrated then don’t support the secondary market.

[daysky1]

I understand your frustration. when I bought my first few Rolexs they were from the gray Market. and I did call the local ads however like everyone I was first told none was available then I was told they only sell to repeat customers then I was told if I bought one they had in the Showcase they might just pull one out of the safe for me. After spending some time with a manager of an ad we hit it off became friends and I was called for my first Rolex from an authorized dealer. first came the Friendship

[ArtNouveau]

OP, you’ve already mentioned the answer, buy other brands besides Rolex.
The only time I’ve bought from other than a dealer was when it was cheaper to do so. I consider MSRP the fair price nowadays, if I can’t get a watch from my AD I just don’t get it.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

OP, you’ve already mentioned the answer, buy other brands besides Rolex.
The only time I’ve bought from other than a dealer was when it was cheaper to do so. I consider MSRP the fair price nowadays, if I can’t get a watch from my AD I just don’t get it.

I won't buy grey. I am happy to buy from an AD but I don't want to get treated like shit for the privilege of buying a non-essential luxury item.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

I won't buy grey. I am happy to buy from an AD but I don't want to get treated like shit for the privilege of buying a non-essential luxury item.

Yeah... I get that. That was my experience too. So I went gray and got treated like a customer.

[BlondesNwatches]

For many Ads, every Rolex that comes in the door gets sold really quickly. If that aspect were to change, then I’m sure your local AD would come through for you. If it’s sitting in the case unwanted, they want your money like anyone else. But some places don’t have anything just sitting in the case at the lower price points. I don’t think that will change any time soon honestly. There isn’t a wait list; it’s considered a registration of interest. But if you don’t do anything to show them you want it, many others who expressed that same interest you have will.

[WatchEater666]

Your frustrating are 100% valid and the current situations reflects badly upon Rolex IMO. The games are not fun.

[Dendi]

I will not play those AD games. I buy what I want and I refuse to spend money on items I do not want just to have the privilege of buying a Rolex at MSRP. It's ridiculous. I won't even put myself on a waiting list, because it seems kind of demeaning to me. I will not beg somebody to take my money. Either they have the item I want and I can buy it or else they don't and I leave with nothing. If things ever get back to the way it was back in the day , then I will try and pursue another Rolex.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Hi everyone, I guess I'm here to vent supreme frustrations with the whole "experience" of trying to buy a Rolex. I'm not definitely not the first with these issues but I guess it just kinda culminated into a crescendo this week and my frustrations have boiled over and finally reached the breaking point.

Been trying to get a GMT Master II for quite some time. Tried to get a Rolex 39mm Explorer locally the year I turned 40, that was a mess. I walked in about 9 months before my birthday, they had one on Display I knew sometimes there was a wait so I asked if it was available he said no, I asked to get on the list he said ok. He supposedly took down my phone number and my email. I followed up a few times and then it was discontinued.

I don't want a 36mm so I went into a holding pattern and just focused my efforts on a GMT. This guy never followed up, always wanted to show me Tag's, Nomos (I actually like Nomos) and a few others. I politely declined. Got on the list of the same stuff at another location because I was told even though it's the same dealer they treat each location independently.

So I got on the list for a 40mm Explorer when it was announced, as Rootbeer and a Batman. Every time I'm in I get asked to buy something I don't want, I get told it's the fastest way to "Move up the list". So I had a buddy make an introduction to the AD he uses a few hundred miles away. In short order (6 weeks) I had my 40mm Explorer. That was a good experience but the AD is quite small. Their number of display pieces is between 8 and 12 every time I'm in there, it's a tiny shop. But they're great to deal with. Needless to say I also asked about the Rootbeer and Batman.

I've since hit another career milestone that I planned to celebrate with a watch, the reason I got on the list for the Rootbeer! Needless to say no Rootbeer obviously.

This week on vacation we've visited a couple of Rolex ADs along with numerous other jewelers and watch shops. I've found several Rootbeers, Batman's and Pepsi's for sale. On a couple of occasions I've walked it down the aisle to see/gather information. The cheapest Rootbeer was $26,800, most of them were right around 30k. All the Pepsi's regardless of shop were $30k for the modern rendition, I did find a 10-12 year old piece that was 22k. The Batman's were 21-23k. One individual flat and told me his pieces are from an AD but he sells them and splits the profits with the AD, he offered to show me the warranty cards and the information on all the pieces as well as letting me contact the AD if we decided to proceed, that way I could verify warranty information. This is when I basically decided what the hell am I doing? On a list, trying to get a company to take my money? Being pushed all kinds of other garbage or getting told I can buy what I want at 60-80% markups? It's just insanity.


In the meantime I've found several pieces that I love, IWC, Zenith and Omega (Omega is probably my personal favorite to begin with) have some great stuff. All of these great pieces are available right now, the dealers actually treat you like you matter and like you're a paying customer. They break open champaign when you buy a new piece, they call you a week or two later to see how you like it, etc, etc, etc.

Most importantly the Omega piece I found is absolutely stunning and I know the place I normally buy my watches from will do it for a certain price. If they match it here I might do it to commemorate the trip with the family and my career milestone. I'd never seen it in person before this week but wow it's a looker.

Rolex needs to wake up, I know for a fact I'm not the only one that feels this way and they're turning off an entire generation of affluent buyers who value their own time and personal likes/dislikes and don't want to deal with bullshit. The watch company that's done a great job building a brand and building some timeless pieces along the way needs to get their AD network under control.

ADs selling direct to resellers is wholly against Rolex policy, so if you feel strongly enough about it, and want to help Rolex to get their AD network under control, write to Rolex USA Inc and report the AD. The more that happens the less dodgy AD practice you'll see.

Parking that AD's practices for a moment, what do you suggest the rest of the AD network does, when demand outstrips supply? At the end of the day its us, the consumer, that has created the problem. Not Rolex.

So what would you do?

[KatGirl]

Sorry for your troubles. Unfortunately, “it is what it is.” It’s all about “Supply and Demand” However, there are some decent ADs, who don’t play the usual game of making you spend money on things you don’t want. You just have to find them. If you know the name of the AD partnering with the grey dealer, you should report him to Rolex. They would not remain an AD for long. I agree you should continue to work with the AD where you got your Explorer. I am waiting on the 36, myself. It will be my 3rd from my smallish AD, who only sells Rolex, and, oddly, Bulova. I spoke with the MGR on Friday, who assured me the next one to come into the store is for me, and I believe him. I have a good relationship with him. I have a longer wish list, including A GMT, but will be happy to get my Explorer, for right now. Then I’ll save up for the next one. Good luck!

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Zach69SS]

Op, it has happened to most of us on here in one way or another. I’ve had a few similar experiences and like you have been waiting for a new GMT for a while now and just like you I won’t play those ridiculous games for a luxury watch. As a longtime Rolex customer you should be able to buy what you want within reason, some pieces are hard to get but not impossible. The way it was before all of this nonsense.

Looks like you have a good AD stick with them, small or not.. they will get you what you are waiting for, it will just take some time, follow up. They may surprise you.

I have learned that the AD you choose is the most important thing. (Still looking)

[joli160]

Good that you did not settle for the second choice Rolex and bought your Omega which you wanted to begin with.

[1259]

If I got treated how you got treated I wouldn’t ever support that place again

[Guppydriver]

Good post OP, I think many understand your frustration at varying levels.

One thing…. The grey prices you casually mentioned are vastly out of touch. I’d highly recommend the TRF trusted sellers here. Even before negotiating, their prices are substantially superior to what you have found. I think a CHNR in the low 20’s is obtainable which is somewhat close to retail when typical local tax is considered.

[Moondoggy]

If we all just ignored grey it would go a long way to correcting the market.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Most importantly the Omega piece I found is absolutely stunning and I know the place I normally buy my watches from will do it for a certain price.

Buy the Omega, and walk away from Rolex. Problem solved.

With Rolex, you are paying an awful lot for "the badge", and the illusion of Rolex exclusivity can't be sustained when you see them everywhere and know that they make >1 million watches p.a.

[Harry-57]

It appears that you have latched onto a couple of ADs who have more or less told you it isn't going to happen. Your friend's smaller AD sounds like a better prospect. If an AD tried to push me towards something I didn't want despite my telling them I didn't want it, I would not bother going back.

The sooner this anticipated tide of people moving away from Rolex happens the better. We'll be back to a pre 2015 situation when Rolex were doing fine, their customers were doing fine and dealers would negotiate, same as they routinely still do for most other brands.

Congratulations on the Omega. They used to be pretty good value for money but not so much now, although the discounts available on most models tend to offset this. They make some really nice watches.

[BillA]

The ugly truth is that Rolex and these AD’s are not turning people off to Rolex.

There is an age old axiom: What I can have I don’t want and what I can’t have, I want.

You can go ahead and buy as many Omega and Nomo watches as you want, since you cannot have that Batman or other models you will always have that burning desire to acquire them.

OP, you are beginning to learn this is a rough rough hobby.

On another note, Rolex is an amazing marketing company. Wimbledon recently ended. The “Rolex” name was planted all over the place, the time display, commercials, just everywhere and the cherry on the top was when Alcaraz who is a Rolex Ambassador won the men’s title and accepted the winners trophy with his Daytona on his wrist. The watch was in a great location, even people who don’t know Rolex had to see it. My wife even commented to me, is that a Rolex?
ps. My wife thinks my watch hobby is lunacy!

[EEpro]

Here's a good tip. They aren't worth it.

You can get a much finer watch for $25k than a Rolex.

[inadeje]

“The cheapest Rootbeer was $26,800, most of them were right around 30k. All the Pepsi's regardless of shop were $30k for the modern rendition, I did find a 10-12 year old piece that was 22k”

The prices seem outrageous. Have you looked here? https://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by BillA

OP, you are beginning to learn this is a rough rough hobby.

It really isn't if you can see past the trademark and also have an ounce of self-respect.

Vintage Rolex still has allure. That's where it's at, for me at least. Or failing that, Tudor at a fraction of the price.

[Neil McCauley]

Yeh we’ve all had the same experience to some degree, unfortunately some more than others. As others have mentioned, it is what it is, and is a result of demand way outstripping supply, even now. The tides are slowly shifting there and some things are becoming more available, however targeting the most widely known watches that are going to be hard to get is lining up for disappointment. Need to remember there are still tens to hundreds of customers in front of you with larger spends in that AD that will be catered for, or considered before you will. It’s just a fact of life.

I would argue that going to see grey dealers first is probably adding to your sour feeling, primarily because they want you to buy from them, and put you off going to the AD. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the things they say, because they are generally slimy, untrustworthy people, the grey watch market is very badly infected by that sadly. Not saying all ADs are golden either, but they at least have some rules and policies they’re supposed to stick to, and on the whole, generally do.

Also for some balance, please understand that your experience isn’t indicative of everyone’s, some collectors have great connections with their ADs and haven’t really had the problems you’ve described. It’s not Rolex as a brand which has created this with poor policy, it’s actually us the watch-buying public which has generated the overbearing demand, and thus allowing more unscrupulous ADs the freedoms to take advantage and manipulate that.

There are other brands you can try, as you mentioned, but honestly I wouldn’t lose faith, I’d just try different ADs and change up your approach slightly, and get a full understanding that some of these watches are just very difficult to get hold of.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

It really isn't if you can see past the trademark and also have an ounce of self-respect.
.

While I agree that this hobby is certainly not as rough as that person just mentioned, I’m a buyer of Rolex’s at ADs and have, in general played the waiting game. I take umbrage at being told I have no self respect because I chat with my SA occasionally and have a preference for modern references, meaning I have to wait.it may be your opinion, but it doesn’t mean it’s right.
I have plenty of self respect, thank you. Don’t look down on people because they’re not buying vintage watches.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

we’ve all had the same experience to some degree

Nope, never. I'm lucky in that I have strong antibodies to anything with a ceramic bezel.

No waiting, no pleading, no buying stuff you don't want. No anniversaries, weddings, birthdays or granny's favourite colour stories needed.

[stark1]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Good post OP, I think many understand your frustration at varying levels.

One thing…. The grey prices you casually mentioned are vastly out of touch. I’d highly recommend the TRF trusted sellers here. Even before negotiating, their prices are substantially superior to what you have found. I think a CHNR in the low 20’s is obtainable which is somewhat close to retail when typical local tax is considered.

OP, I know you said no grays, but agree with this post that the secondary market pricing you're citing are completely out of touch. Check out watchrecon to see where more realistic prices are at, where many of the TRF trusted sellers post.

That said, the Omega is a fantastic choice. I don't think you'll be disappointed going that direction.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

Nope, never. I'm lucky in that I have strong antibodies to anything with a ceramic bezel.

No waiting, no pleading, no buying stuff you don't want. No anniversaries, weddings, birthdays or granny's favourite colour stories needed.

Yep, we get it, you don’t buy modern Rolex’s and look down on people who do.
Not everybody is like that.

[Wilco68]

I’m so glad that coloured bezels turn me off big time, & therefore that the GMT range falls way, way down my list of Rolex choices. Means I dodge much of that buying stress.

Have bought three new watches from my AD in the last 11 months with no prior purchase history of any description, and my SA & AD have been epic & a total joy to deal with.

1000% delighted with the models I’ve got too. So much so, struggling to work out what to buy next that would actually get any wrist time!!

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

Yep, we get it, you don’t buy modern Rolex’s and look down on people who do.
Not everybody is like that.

I'm actually a big fan of the current Oyster Perpetuals (I have two different 114300s), but anything with a ceramic bezel is a big turn-off. Fortunately, that means I can get the watches I actually want without any great bother.