Is it safe to buy from a non-authorized dealer

[nauticajoe]

Since its your 1st Rolex purchase, there is something to be said in purchasing from your AD. You develop the business relationship with him/her. Not to mention the piece of mind in knowing its 'real'.
I agree with previous posts - always buy the seller first!
Good luck....post pics!

[Jason71]

I have 8 Rolexes. I bought 1 from an AD (my DSSD) and 2 from DavidSW and 2 from LawrenceB, etc, etc, etc. I can tell you that I will never pay the premium of buying a new Rolex from an AD. With the money that I have saved from buying my pre-owned Rolexes from reputable sellers, I could own a free DSSD. Also, all but one of my watches has been either Mint or BNIB with the exception of 1 and I got such a good deal on it, I was glad to get it a little "broken-in". I have never had an issue whatsoever with any of them.

I agree with what was said above.........Buying from an AD is throwing your money away.

JMHO

[Traveler]

The piece of mind AND the original warranty with your name and date stamped by an AD is worth it. It is the ONLY way I buy mine.

[kenhiraihnl]

In my state, B. Bridge is about the only AD around...I'm leaning toward getting a SS or TT GMTIIC from a TRF dealer, but I've been thinking about the "AD buying experience" and the additional one-year warranty that BB offers. Truthfully, that additional year warranty and the possibility of getting them to "eat" the 4.172% sales tax have been floating around in my mind. It won't happen for a couple of months, and I haven't made an offer, so I'll just monitor the forum for sage advice from the pros...

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by radrak

Hi Guys.

I have been lurking on this forum for a while soaking up all the rolex info I can. I have decided to to pull the trigger on a White SS Daytona as my first Rolex. Now I have been to 4 AD's in my area and due to a soft economy all have it in stock. However they won't do better than list which is $11,520 + Taxes. Which is about $13,000. (13% taxes here)

Now a local jeweler I have been doing business with for the last year for my wifes stuff tells me he can get me a white SS V series daytona for $11,520 taxes included. Which is a better deal. He says his brother purchases rolex's from a small AD out of province to resell and he has that one in stock. The watch is supposed to be brand new with box and stamped by the small AD on the warranty card. So I would get full warranty. This guy guarantees me its original, and if otherwise he will refund my money.

I discussed this with a friend, and he is telling me to be weary as I might get a fake or a rebuilt watch when dealing with non AD. Is this really possible, when it comes with box, warranty card and all? Could I tell by looking at the watch before I pay him as he has to bring it for me. Any suggestions you guys could give me.



Thanks.

are these canadian dollars? anyway, with 13% local sales tax, might it be worth it to take a little trip south of the border and pick one up in the U.S.?

i'd imagine detroit ADs are willing to make a deal, LOL....

[Jackxv]

Originally Posted by Tools

Your confusion comes from "service" and "warranty". On a Rolex in the USA, the warranty is not transferrable between owners.. Those sellers who buy second hand and get a blank warranty, putting your name on the card is like playing russian roulette. If "proof of purchase" is requested, you may be denied warranty work.. But, then again you may not be asked and your name on the card is enough........

As to "service" or non-warranty work........... it is irrelevant, Rolex will service any Rolex regardless of who takes it in..

I believe Rolex is playing a card they don't have.

The warranty card filled out with a dealer stamp and your name IS all it takes to get warranty. It is filled out and stamped as required.

If I have a correct warranty card they CAN NOT require a invoice or denie service

If that happened to me there are only 2 possibilities :

- The watch is repaired under warranty
- S.W.A.T. would have to take me out of the building.

When I went to a RSC in 2008 with a M-series 116200 DJ to be regulated I didn't even have a warranty card on me, the counterlady was talking crap about the possible age but with the manager aside I explained the serial number to her and the watchmaker was called and the watch regulated within 30 minutes.

How many people get a 25 year anniversary gold watch with all papers and no invoice, I think all of these are given without the invoice.

From now on I'll have my warranty cards with my name on it in Chinese or Arabic...., read that you dumb sales girl!!
Jack

[Singslinger]

I've always bought new watches from an AD but I respect the right of others to buy either new or secondhand from non-ADs if they so desire and certainly do not think they are stupid for doing so.

My reasons are the same as others - peace of mind, only marginal price differences buying from a grey dealer and not wanting to dabble in secondhand watches - but also because over the years I've developed a close friendship with my AD. I know several grey dealers with spotless credentials but thank you very much, I'll stick to my AD.

I understand that his hands are tied by his superiors and so he can't offer massive discounts but IMO, money isn't everything. He does his best and has always given me, my family and friends impeccable service, so I will always give him my business. Also, I can afford it.

[dalip]

Yes yes Yes.....!!!! Especially the trusted sellers on here...you will get your name on the card if you request and you will save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Wish I'd discovered them earlier

[dalip]

deleted..DP