New here and some questions on buying my first Rolex

[AngelaH]

I just made my first visit to an AD in my area (Liljenquist & Beckstead). From trying on watches, I'm *pretty* certain that I want a 177200 midsize (31mm) OP with pink dial and oversize arabic numbers.

The MSRP is 4100, which is a lot of money to me, but I know that for Rolexes, it's not a lot of money. I would love to be able to get a discount (wouldn't everyone?), and I'm wondering how likely it would be to get a discount on one of the less expensive Rolexes.

Before I even asked, the salesperson at Liljenquist told me that they don't discount SS rolex watches. From reading through this forum, it sounds like the other AD's in the DC/MD area don't discount either. Is it possible to buy from an AD out-of-state? Are there any AD's that would take phone orders and ship to me?

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum

Generally Rolex AD's do not do business over the phone or internet... They especially would not quote a discount on the phone unless they really, really knew you.

The watch you want does not sell like a SS Sub or SS GMT would, so you are not out anything by asking for a discount or at least the tax off. The worst they could say is no.

Try a couple of different AD's if they have tlhe stlyle you want..

Your next option might be a Grey Market Dealer such as Alan Flurman or SwissLuxury

Welcome aboard..............

[badsmac]

Welcome Angela! I agree with Larry that you should try different ADs and see what they say. If it's exactly what you want and it smiles at you, get it.
Alot of people here on TRF did not get any kind of discount. I bought mine in Honolulu and only got the tax removed. (4%)
Good luck in your search and post pics when you do get one.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I would definately get in contact with more AD's! Imho, you should be able to get at least 10 % discount on that specific watch.

Best of luck!

[BiG JeEzY]

The members who posted before me have given you excellent advice. I would do exactly what they say. I wish the best that you may be able to find a deal that you will be happy with.

My advice that I would like to add, if this is your first purchase of a Rolex watch, I recommend you definitely purchase it from an AD. Do not go to grey dealers like various websites. For your first purchase, it makes it really special to buy from an AD with that peace of mind and with the privilege of signing the watch papers yourself. There will be nothing more memorable than that first purchase.

Welcome to the forums!

[AngelaH]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I definitely do want to get it from an AD, because I'm not yet knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable buying from a grey market dealer. If anyone has an AD recommendation in the DC/MD/VA area, please let me know. Also, my brother is in Portland. He would be willing to check out some AD's for me as well (esp because there's no sales tax in OR). So, if anyone has a recommendation for an AD in Portland, please let me know!

[AJF]

If you can you walk into the AD open the wallet and say to him "I am a cash buyer what can you do for me?"

Given we are all going through the worst economic and banking crisis since the Great Depression, I think he will bite your hand off.

As Bo says 10% should be the minimum.

Cash is king in these times!

AJF.

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, ANGELA!!!

And Good Luck!!!

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

Thanks everyone! Yes, I definitely do want to get it from an AD, because I'm not yet knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable buying from a grey market dealer. If anyone has an AD recommendation in the DC/MD/VA area, please let me know. Also, my brother is in Portland. He would be willing to check out some AD's for me as well (esp because there's no sales tax in OR). So, if anyone has a recommendation for an AD in Portland, please let me know!

Hi Angela,
Welcome. Glad to see another member from the DC area. I don't have any great insights on ADs. I buy Panerai from LB (Montgomery Mall store) and they courier me the watches in VA. That saves the VA sales tax.

Buy most others from Big T in Pnt City. Unless you have a long history with them they don't normally discount Rolex. They ship to my work address in the city and save tax that way too.

I understand that the AD experience is what you are looking for, but we're lucky in the that we have one of the best grey dealers in the country in Rockville. Alan Furman (see his web site) is highly regarded and you could get it fitted etc and then have it mailed to you and also save a bit on sales tax. Just a thought.

I wish I could say the the economy is impacting Rolex sales in the DC area but I haven't heard much of it from the dealers I visit. DC, as you know, benefits from a fairly steady work environment undergirded by the massive federal employee base.

Good luck.

Matt

[AngelaH]

Given that I work in Pentagon City and walk past the Tourneau store to get to my office, I should at least pop in there and see what they have.

And I'll check out Alan Furman as well. I live in Bethesda, so it's pretty close to me. I just worry about warranty/repair issues with buying from a gray market dealer.

[rparisella]

I was told by several different ADs that I could get a better deal on anthing in gold. TT or SS models are not discounted.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

Given that I work in Pentagon City and walk past the Tourneau store to get to my office, I should at least pop in there and see what they have.

And I'll check out Alan Furman as well. I live in Bethesda, so it's pretty close to me. I just worry about warranty/repair issues with buying from a gray market dealer.

Not an advocate of AF, but they are a huge Rolex seller and have an well staffed repair facility as I understand it. Do a search on them and on the "grey market" and you'll be busy for awhile reading how often this gets rehashed around here.