How do I get one? Noob here

[RolexFranz]

Total noob here and looking to get my first Rolex (I know, join the club). I’ve been searching for the last 1-2 years and have had zero luck in getting a stainless steel model. Is there a secret to getting one?

I’m in the Bay Area and most AD’s in my area say they don’t have a waitlist and it is first come first served, which basically makes it just based on luck. Would love any advice you all have.

[amphr1]

You need to create a purchase history. Even a small one will at least get you into their system. Tudor makes some good watches so start there.

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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

Total noob here and looking to get my first Rolex (I know, join the club). I’ve been searching for the last 1-2 years and have had zero luck in getting a stainless steel model. Is there a secret to getting one?

I’m in the Bay Area and most AD’s in my area say they don’t have a waitlist and it is first come first served, which basically makes it just based on luck. Would love any advice you all have.

Go to one of the Devon’s Jewelers, that are Rolex ADs. Specifically, take a ride to Lincoln Center, in Stockton, and ask for Dave. Tell him Kat sent you. Also, tell him you’ve been looking for over a year, where you’ve looked, and what you’ve been told. Be friendly, and sincere, and talk about watches, as an enthusiast. When I first walked in, I think I was wearing one of my Seikos, and I talked about my large collection, with him. If Dave isn’t there, ask for Dawn.

Kat


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[Chadridv]

I'd personally just bite the bullet and buy secondary market. Prices do seem to generally be dropping, so I don't think there's a major rush to make the move, but the investment is your enjoyment and you're losing out on that every day.

[RolexFranz]

Thank you, Kat! I sent him a message and hopefully it will lead to something. I’ve been discouraged lately to start looking at the Omega’s but I really prefer the Rolex.

[RolexFranz]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Go to one of the Devon’s Jewelers, that are Rolex ADs. Specifically, take a ride to Lincoln Center, in Stockton, and ask for Dave. Tell him Kat sent you. Also, tell him you’ve been looking for over a year, where you’ve looked, and what you’ve been told. Be friendly, and sincere, and talk about watches, as an enthusiast. When I first walked in, I think I was wearing one of my Seikos, and I talked about my large collection, with him. If Dave isn’t there, ask for Dawn.

Kat


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Thank you! I sent them a message and hopefully it leads to something.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I'd personally just bite the bullet and buy secondary market. Prices do seem to generally be dropping, so I don't think there's a major rush to make the move, but the investment is your enjoyment and you're losing out on that every day.

+1

Also depends on which piece you are after.

[996marty]

You can only wait so long…….just go grey. Personally I don’t see the point in throwing money at buying something else on the off chance it gets you what you want

[RolexFranz]

Originally Posted by Easy E

+1

Also depends on which piece you are after.

Any good recommendations? And is there downside to used?

I had heard it’s bad to buy used as your name won’t be listed as the owner, but it could be that is wrong.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

Any good recommendations? And is there downside to used?

I had heard it’s bad to buy used as your name won’t be listed as the owner, but it could be that is wrong.

There are several trusted sellers listed on this site. I have used most of them
For starters, in no particular order

DavidSW.com
Nashvillewatch.com
Ocwatchguy.com
Takuyawatches.com

All great to deal with

The current warranty cards don’t have a name, so that’s a bit dated- idk, maybe 2-3yrs

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

Any good recommendations? And is there downside to used?

I had heard it’s bad to buy used as your name won’t be listed as the owner, but it could be that is wrong.

It would help with strategy if you told us what model you're interested in...

[opaline460]

pay greys or local moda deal

[Guppydriver]

Remember too, you have one of the highest sales tax rates in the nation OP. So depending on watch, the gray market might be within hundreds of RRP plus 10% tax.

[RolexFranz]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

It would help with strategy if you told us what model you're interested in...

Mainly looking for the stainless sport models- Sub (date or no date), GMT II, yachtmaster, or Dayton (I know I’m dreaming on the Daytona).

[ltmgeller]

Welcome and good happy hunting. Like mentioned above, you need to build a purchase history. Try a large AD with multiple brands and Jewlery you may like. If you need to buy something for a significant other, buy it from them to build that purchase history. Good luck.

[culvercity]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

Mainly looking for the stainless sport models- Sub (date or no date), GMT II, yachtmaster, or Dayton (I know I’m dreaming on the Daytona).

If I were an AD I would not sell to you. You don't even know which watch you want to purchase first.

[RolexFranz]

It isn’t a lack of knowing which watch I want, but being open to various options to, hopefully, increase my chances.

[franklee168]

If you're looking for one watch only, go gray. Our area is a tough market to crack.

[culvercity]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

It isn’t a lack of knowing which watch I want, but being open to various options to, hopefully, increase my chances.

Which watch do you want specifically more than the others? Do you know this? From reading your post I can't tell what Rolex reference model you are specifically after.

[996marty]

How could an AD possibly allocate you a watch if you yourself clearly don’t have a favourite that you’d want first? That is unless you want to buy all of the models you have mentioned in one hit which I’m guessing will never happen as it’s hard enough to buy one

[Tanuki]

Well your best chance is yacht master then sub then gmt then Daytona, at least around where Im from. However there are multiple color combos for each model. I think it would be best if you narrowed your request to 1 or two specific models and colors because you must have a preference. That way you sound more like an enthusiast and less like a flipper who just wants any SS sports model to make a quick buck on.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

It isn’t a lack of knowing which watch I want, but being open to various options to, hopefully, increase my chances.

I know he can order you a Datejust, which would be a good start, or be honest, and ask for a black Sub, date or no date, whichever you prefer. I think a DJ, or a black Sub are reasonable first asks. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to buy your girl some jewelry, while waiting for an allocation.

Kat


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[ldlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by RolexFranz

Total noob here and looking to get my first Rolex (I know, join the club). I’ve been searching for the last 1-2 years and have had zero luck in getting a stainless steel model. Is there a secret to getting one?

I’m in the Bay Area and most AD’s in my area say they don’t have a waitlist and it is first come first served, which basically makes it just based on luck. Would love any advice you all have.

DONT GO GRAY it’s your first Rolex. Get the experience that most have gotten.

Here’s some rules.

1.Dress smart!
2.Pick an obtainable model ie submariner or explorer air king
3.Go relentlessly to the AD, everyone should know who you are because you visit so much.
4. Be blunt with your SA ask how much do I have to spend? Will I ever get this model? They’ll tell you the truth!
5. Be consistent!

Rolex is a sellers market not buyer. They seller has to like you.

Good luck bro, you’ll get the call!


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[fooey]

Don't go with the rolex certified pre owned (CPO)
You would need to sell your house!

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[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I know he can order you a Datejust, which would be a good start, or be honest, and ask for a black Sub, date or no date, whichever you prefer. I think a DJ, or a black Sub are reasonable first asks. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to buy your girl some jewelry, while waiting for an allocation.

Kat


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This is good advice. I don’t know why everyone shames the jewelry purchase. I would never buy something that I didn’t like but my wife chose things she liked and I just waited for the call. When the call came through she was happy for me cause we both got exactly what we wanted.

[ScouseJim]

So, apart from buying watches and jewellery that you neither want nor need, you could also name your first-born after the SA at the AD, or invite the SA to significant family events such as weddings, and don't forget to buy them gifts i.e., their birthday and Xmas etc.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I'd personally just bite the bullet and buy secondary market. Prices do seem to generally be dropping, so I don't think there's a major rush to make the move, but the investment is your enjoyment and you're losing out on that every day.

Luckily I started collecting before the insanity insued. and I have have some good relationships.
If I was just starting today, I'd give this strong consideration.

[Midlifegoals]

Having open options is not a ‘bad’ idea- but ADs are typically on guard for folks that ask for ‘any watch,’ as those buyers may be looking to flip the watch (for profit, or to launder some money…). If you hide behind email, SAa will move on and sell to the people they know in person. Take Kat’s advice- go to the store, make a friend, be specific with your ask, and move on.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I'd personally just bite the bullet and buy secondary market. Prices do seem to generally be dropping, so I don't think there's a major rush to make the move, but the investment is your enjoyment and you're losing out on that every day.

Yep, this ^^^

[Hulkhunter]

Not saying it doesn’t happen but Steel Sub as a first watch is still a tough ask these days.
More realistic is an Explorer, airking, YM or DJ so if you want to increase your chances I’d go with one of those. Otherwise, you could be waiting another year or two.

Steel GMT or Daytona just isn’t going to happen as a first piece so I’d cross them off your list from the start.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but there is a reason for the premiums on the models.