Journey to Batman

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

It should be called a joke, instead of journey, because that's what it is.

There is a 1% chance of you acquiring a new BLNR from a dealer without spending an exorbitant amount of money on other brands, probably over £25,000, and the wait list at most dealers is fictitious with no spending history, or no portfolio as they like to call it. That is why many just swallow their pride and buy one at the market rate. The dealer route only makes sense if you're going to buy all of the other things anyways and want a few hot Rolex models.

I posted my Rolex joke in the Rolex section of the forum if you want to read it and I chose the dealer route because I will buy a few more watches, and make those purchases work towards more Rolex. I just want to pace myself, not overdo it, and not get bored with Rolex in a short period.

Thats the spirit, Timothy.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by JRell

I have the blrn, love it, but no way it is worth 23k.

It must be worth it, as every time you wear it, or every day it sits in your drawer it is costing you ~$23K…

[JRell]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

It must be worth it, as every time you wear it, or every day it sits in your drawer it is costing you ~$23K…

Curious of what you mean it is costing me 23k. I paid MSRP + tax.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by JRell

Curious of what you mean it is costing me 23k. I paid MSRP + tax.

It’s value on the market is ~$23K. So keeping it on your wrist or in a drawer is costing you that much, i.e., you are forgoing $23K in opportunity cost.

If it’s not worth $23K to you, the rational move for you would be to sell it.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

It’s value on the market is ~$23K. So keeping it on your wrist or in a drawer is costing you that much, i.e., you are forgoing $23K in opportunity cost.

If it’s not worth $23K to you, the rational move for you would be to sell it.

For me that makes no sense. Then I would be without a watch I love, plus ruin the relationship I have with my AD so I don’t have to go grey. I buy watches to wear, not as an investment.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by JRell

For me that makes no sense. Then I would be without a watch I love, plus ruin the relationship I have with my AD so I don’t have to go grey. I buy watches to wear, not as an investment.

Well for me it makes perfect sense — you value the watch + AD relationship > $23K.

It’s very simple — or else you’d have some other watch that’s $23K or less.

I also buy watches to wear, cars to drive, homes to live in, etc — but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a market value and a cost to retain them.

[dvn]

Originally Posted by GeoffEff

Welcome to the forums AND to the Rolex journey!

I started my journey on October 22, 2018 to be specific. The morning after our wedding before we boarded our flight for our honeymoon. Called around to multiple Rolex ADs looking for an Explorer 217270. I didn't know they were hard to get as I had been tunnelvisioned OMEGA my whole life. Unfortunately was chuckled at by most stores except one - Longs Jewelers in Peabody, MA. Matthew Bailly was the Sales Rep that day and he told me when one came in he'd give me a call. At that time, we had given up and started to finish packing our suitcases when an hour or so later Matt called me back to tell me one had come in. We immediately drove down and picked it up - this had me hooked.

Over the next two years I waffled over a Sub no date. Was even offered one in late 2019 by Matthew in Peabody but couldn't bring myself to do it. Fast forward to last year, May 2021 Matt now manages the beautiful Rolex boutique on Newbury St for Longs. My wife and I set up a visit a month or two in advance and to my surprise, he had a new 2020 Sub no date model waiting for me. I now have these two in my collection and have voiced my desire for a GMT 2 Batman as well. Hoping I am on a list and will wait however long is needed.

Best of luck!

I too had a pleasure of doing business with Long's Rolex Boutique on Newbury St with Michael Santosousso, who was a wonderful person to do business with. Michaels is a knowledgeable gentleman and the facility is beautifully. I was able to purchased my first Rolex from Michael and It happened to be the Batman. I have been asking him a second piece and hopefully I will get a call from Michael on or before my birthday in May. If you are in the area I am totally recommended that you visit the store to see it for yourself.

@Batman_GMTV2 - Best of luck with your hunt for a Batman.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

Well for me it makes perfect sense — you value the watch + AD relationship > $23K.

It’s very simple — or else you’d have some other watch that’s $23K or less.

I also buy watches to wear, cars to drive, homes to live in, etc — but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a market value and a cost to retain them.

I understand what you are saying, but it is not “costing” me 23k. It is costing me 11k. My house is worth 150k more than I purchased it for, but it goes to net worth, not literally costing me money. Future profit potential, yes.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

It’s value on the market is ~$23K. So keeping it on your wrist or in a drawer is costing you that much, i.e., you are forgoing $23K in opportunity cost.

If it’s not worth $23K to you, the rational move for you would be to sell it.

This doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

The watch could go up 2k by next month. So he should rather sell it? And put his 23k simply in his bank account?

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by JRell

I understand what you are saying, but it is not “costing” me 23k. It is costing me 11k. My house is worth 150k more than I purchased it for, but it goes to net worth, not literally costing me money. Future profit potential, yes.

What watch would you rather have for $23K or less?

[JRell]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

What watch would you rather have for $23K or less?

Only the SS Daytona, but still would want the blnr as well.

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by Time Out

Honestly, it felt dainty. I would like it a lot better on an oyster I think. My AD has promised me the next BLRO they get in on oyster which should be any day now as I keep in close contact.

Understood. Thanks!

[Shaitan]

Only Rolex I regret buying, the BLNR. Just sits in the box. Color combo looks cheap on your wrist. Trading it for a Pepsi soon, much nicer Color combo imo. The blue on the Batman is too…. Batman. Looks a bit too toy like

[GeoffEff]

Originally Posted by dvn

I too had a pleasure of doing business with Long's Rolex Boutique on Newbury St with Michael Santosousso, who was a wonderful person to do business with. Michaels is a knowledgeable gentleman and the facility is beautifully. I was able to purchased my first Rolex from Michael and It happened to be the Batman. I have been asking him a second piece and hopefully I will get a call from Michael on or before my birthday in May. If you are in the area I am totally recommended that you visit the store to see it for yourself.

@Batman_GMTV2 - Best of luck with your hunt for a Batman.

Fellow May birthday here as well and happy to see someone else also taken care of by Long's! Congrats on the BLNR and wear it in good health!

[MaseJay1424]

Welcome! I too am on this journey and while it may seem impossible, when you do finally acquire the Batman it will be all the more worth it. Stay course and enjoy it!

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Shaitan

Only Rolex I regret buying, the BLNR. Just sits in the box. Color combo looks cheap on your wrist. Trading it for a Pepsi soon, much nicer Color combo imo. The blue on the Batman is too…. Batman. Looks a bit too toy like

Funny - to me it is the best watch I have ever owned and I had many. I guess if everyone liked the same watch it would be a boring hobby! Pure class to my eyes. I feel the way you do about the Pepsi.

[Shaitan]

Originally Posted by JRell

Funny - to me it is the best watch I have ever owned and I had many. I guess if everyone liked the same watch it would be a boring hobby! Pure class to my eyes. I feel the way you do about the Pepsi.

I wore it for a few days when I got it last year but then the blue really started offending me. Saw the Pepsi in real life and just prefer that tone of blue. Plus it’s the old school Color combo. And I want to wear my gmt on a jubilee and the Batman only Looks good on oyster imo. Bought a 63600 just to put on the Batman but ended up putting it on my subs. But as you say,
To each their own :)

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Shaitan

I wore it for a few days when I got it last year but then the blue really started offending me. Saw the Pepsi in real life and just prefer that tone of blue. Plus it’s the old school Color combo. And I want to wear my gmt on a jubilee and the Batman only Looks good on oyster imo. Bought a 63600 just to put on the Batman but ended up putting it on my subs. But as you say,
To each their own :)

In some light I really like the Pepsi, looks good against the black dial. The blue I had a real problem with was the bluesy. Didn’t like the dial in bright light, too neon light blue.

[Shaitan]

Originally Posted by JRell

In some light I really like the Pepsi, looks good against the black dial. The blue I had a real problem with was the bluesy. Didn’t like the dial in bright light, too neon light blue.

I own a Smurf and that has a lacquer dial. But I would love a 126618LB with the sunburst dial. Looks great in the sun. But I’m a sucker for these, got the hulk, ym rhodium and blue dial Daytona for that reason :). Will give the Batman another go this week and see if the sun can save it for me.
But I think the bluesy was also a lacquer dial until 2013. That when Rolex switched the full yellow gold subs to sunburst. Before they had the same dial than the Smurf.


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[SaaSman90]

Welcome! My best advice, go find a local family owned AD. Visit a few times per quarter, and attend all of their events. Make some friends! Keeping your name top of mind is key, and if you can identify the buyer, that makes a world of difference.

I voiced my interest in the BLNR & Black Sub Date. 7 Months later, I got the call for the BLNR. With a purchase history of about $3,000.

So, while it may not be that common, it does happen. Persistence, patience, and being someone who's showing a clear interest in collecting, not flipping, are all key. Good luck!

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Shaitan

I own a Smurf and that has a lacquer dial. But I would love a 126618LB with the sunburst dial. Looks great in the sun. But I’m a sucker for these, got the hulk, ym rhodium and blue dial Daytona for that reason :). Will give the Batman another go this week and see if the sun can save it for me.
But I think the bluesy was also a lacquer dial until 2013. That when Rolex switched the full yellow gold subs to sunburst. Before they had the same dial than the Smurf.


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I’d take a Smurf way before the bluesy. Speaking of blue, got a shot of the blnr today in natural light that I love!

[JPBlackBay]

It can be done! Be patient and good luck.

[Shaitan]

Originally Posted by JRell

I’d take a Smurf way before the bluesy. Speaking of blue, got a shot of the blnr today in natural light that I love!

I’m not a to two tone fan, either full on gold or steel. Same with the rootbeer. I love the GMT model and also the blue hand of the Batman but the blue is a touch too bright for me in contrast with the black. The Smurf doesn’t have that issue since it’s all blue. Also I don’t have a watch with a red bezel but plenty of black and one blue so I guess another reason for me to go for the Pepsi. I will give the Batman some wrist time this weekend and make my decision :)


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[ThePalletFork]

I hope you are able to get the Batman!

I am still pretty shocked that most prefer on oyster. I must be in the minority who love it on jubilee.

I find that the jubilee just adds that extra pop of wrist presence, shows scratches less, and just compliments a collection better when subs, daytonas, yachtmasters, exploere 2s, OPs are all on oyster.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by ThePalletFork

I hope you are able to get the Batman!

I am still pretty shocked that most prefer on oyster. I must be in the minority who love it on jubilee.

I find that the jubilee just adds that extra pop of wrist presence, shows scratches less, and just compliments a collection better when subs, daytonas, yachtmasters, exploere 2s, OPs are all on oyster.

You are not, many of us and I much prefer it on Jubilee.

[marc12]

i turned down a black dial daytona for blnr, they both arrived within 3 months of me asking (this was in 2019). after seeing the price disparity now i am going rope shopping



blnr is a little more ubiquitous than blro so you may have a good chance of getting one honestly.

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by Batman_GMTV2

Hi all,

I am about to start my Rolex journey and came on here to pick up some tips, admire some great watches and enjoy everyones time pieces.

The target: GMT Master II Batman


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No need for much of a journey. There are 2 or 3 VERY legitimate grey dealers in the UK you can pick up same day a brand new specimen of that very available watch.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by Batman_GMTV2

Hi all,

I am about to start my Rolex journey and came on here to pick up some tips, admire some great watches and enjoy everyones time pieces.

The target: GMT Master II Batman


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Rolex Journey????

Yuuuk. It’s just such a hideous term. You’ve definitely been sat down by some self righteous, corny, AD who’s had you holding on to his every word.

Anyway, good luck with that!

[Shaitan]

Buy mine, I hate it. Will throw in the super Jubilee bracelet 63600 too. 2021, like new. Saves you the “journey” and I get rid of it


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[JRell]

Originally Posted by marc12

i turned down a black dial daytona for blnr, they both arrived within 3 months of me asking (this was in 2019). after seeing the price disparity now i am going rope shopping



blnr is a little more ubiquitous than blro so you may have a good chance of getting one honestly.

What a fantastic photo of the blnr, I can see why you went with it!