GMT-Master II 126713GRNR - what are my chances?

[JonnyFW]

I've (finally!) managed to get an AD to take my expression of interest for a GMT-Master II. Specifically the two-tone yellow gold version with grey-black bezel. It's with a WOS branch in the UK.

I've been collecting watches for about a decade, but this would be my first Rolex. (Currently own: Lange Saxonia, Bulgari Octo Finissimo, Grand Seiko LE, a couple of Tag Heuers and a few others.)

I inquired about a GMT about a year ago, but was told that they wouldn't put me on the list for that model, as it was too oversubscribed.

I made an appointment this time, and they agreed to see me. I hope I managed to convey to the sales rep that I'm a genuine collector and want to buy it to enjoy it, not flip it (it's to celebrate a particular life milestone). We did have a really nice long chat about watches generally, and he seemed generally interested in talking to me about my existing collection. Didn't feel like he was trying to get rid of me or anything.

I guess my question is, what are my chances? Should I be expecting to get one at all? Is it a case of, there should be one available but it might just take years? Or more a case of, it may never happen?

[1st amg]

Amazing news, I am not sure how many your AD gets, but when I inquired at my AD in Canada, he had told me the other day they had still not received one. SO decided to buy grey.

[Carguy87]

You’re in the UK which is tough but the market is softening so who knows? Worst case be ready to buy it grey when you want to celebrate if you don’t get the call, and if you do you can always sell/trade the grey one and keep the one from the AD.

Best of luck!

[mecho]

In general, 126713GRNR is not the hardest watch to obtain if you have a good purchase history. My local AD offered it to me twice in the past 2 months.
However, it is still trading over RRP on secondary market. This means that your chances to get it in a reasonable timeframe are low given that you don't have any purchase history with this AD.

[Moonwatcher]

I got mine in late summer from an AD after 3 months of patience, which surprised me since my assumption was i’d have to wait for significantly longer. No purchase history at that specific AD, but as watch enthusiasts we connected well from the onset. I live in continental Europe, FWIW. 126713 GRNR is so recent that i would advise against going grey. Heck i even wouldn’t go grey for a BLRO for that matter.
I wish you all the best, your time will come.

[Moonwatcher]

As a side note: As of 1st January 2024 the price increase where I live has been in excess of 6%, 900 € to be precise. FFWD 2 or 3 years and the RRP will have reached today’s grey level.

[travisb]

Tighter market in the UK but keep your hopes up and stay in touch with your SA. If you get tired of waiting, you have options. Good luck!

[Andy81]

I joined the list for this model last week, having bought a Datejust 2 years ago. SA did say that it’s likely to involve a pretty decent wait but better than the SS models. I’m in no rush so will wait and see what happens.

[JonnyFW]

Thanks, really appreciate all the info. That’s very helpful.

[nighthawk77]

In the UK, hopefully not too long. Prices have come down since it was first released on the secondary market and greys wont buy them for much more than retail. This should hopefully mean it's not a model that flippers will actively pursue, and availability is therefore better for collectors.

[JonnyFW]

Took a few months, but finally got it. From a UK AD.

I think what made the difference was popping in a couple of times, having a nice long chat (including quite a lot of general watch-geekery), and making it very clear that I wanted to wear and enjoy it, not flip it. I very much got the impression that the store staff wanted to make sure it got used, not treated as an investment.

Already got the first few minor scratches on the bracelet clasp, but nothing too major and I've been careful so far!

[Moonwatcher]

Congratulations, such a great watch.So nice you kept us informed, wear it in good health!

[Bazil]

Make sure you keep enquiring with them, hopefully you can get it sooner than later, hard to put a time frame on this model, as the new GRNR has been released this may be an easier option ..

[brandrea]

Awesome news Jonny, congratulations

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Bazil

Make sure you keep enquiring with them, hopefully you can get it sooner than later, hard to put a time frame on this model, as the new GRNR has been released this may be an easier option ..

Plonker (is I believe the word you like to use)

[SLWoodster]

You have to try because Rolex makes so many models and units that it can be possible.

They have something like 1500 points of distribution.

But it seems highly unlikely. In the US WOS will look over your profile and prioritize newer clients if they can see clients are purchasing multiple watches from other brands in their portfolio. That’s really the most guaranteed way in here. Like other watch brands or jewelry enough to purchase across the WOS portfolio

[worldofoyster]

just go grey, not much more expensive than ADs

[Rebar]

Congrats! Its a great looking piece

[Potawatomi]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

just go grey, not much more expensive than ADs

Do you guys actually read these threads? Our buddy Johnny has the GRNR why would he go grey?

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Plonker (is I believe the word you like to use)

You’ve been waiting like a coiled spring !

[enjoythemusic]

Major congrats Jonny!

[JRell]

It is a beautiful watch. Wear it in good health and enjoy.

[L8r]

Originally Posted by Bazil

Make sure you keep enquiring with them, hopefully you can get it sooner than later, hard to put a time frame on this model, as the new GRNR has been released this may be an easier option ..

Originally Posted by brandrea

Plonker (is I believe the word you like to use)

Originally Posted by SLWoodster

You have to try because Rolex makes so many models and units that it can be possible.

They have something like 1500 points of distribution.

But it seems highly unlikely. In the US WOS will look over your profile and prioritize newer clients if they can see clients are purchasing multiple watches from other brands in their portfolio. That’s really the most guaranteed way in here. Like other watch brands or jewelry enough to purchase across the WOS portfolio

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

just go grey, not much more expensive than ADs

Originally Posted by Potawatomi

Do you guys actually read these threads? Our buddy Johnny has the GRNR why would he go grey?

Originally Posted by Bazil

You’ve been waiting like a coiled spring !

All of these replies did make for a funny thread

Congratulations on your new watch Mr. Jonny

[Bazil]

[JonnyFW]

Hahaha, didn't expect to start this much chaos!

Thanks anyway, I'm really enjoying wearing it.

[Reinhard in SA]

Originally Posted by JonnyFW

Took a few months, but finally got it. From a UK AD.

I think what made the difference was popping in a couple of times, having a nice long chat (including quite a lot of general watch-geekery), and making it very clear that I wanted to wear and enjoy it, not flip it. I very much got the impression that the store staff wanted to make sure it got used, not treated as an investment.

Already got the first few minor scratches on the bracelet clasp, but nothing too major and I've been careful so far!

Congratulations! What a beautiful GMT. In those pictures the bezel almost looks completely black.

[Generious]

Welcome to the GRNR Club its a great watch I picked up mine last month down in London, haven't taken it off since!!
Dont worry about the scratches it does like to pick up a few

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by JonnyFW

Took a few months, but finally got it. From a UK AD.

I think what made the difference was popping in a couple of times, having a nice long chat (including quite a lot of general watch-geekery), and making it very clear that I wanted to wear and enjoy it, not flip it. I very much got the impression that the store staff wanted to make sure it got used, not treated as an investment.

Already got the first few minor scratches on the bracelet clasp, but nothing too major and I've been careful so far!

That’s amazing news, congratulations.

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by JonnyFW

Hahaha, didn't expect to start this much chaos!

Thanks anyway, I'm really enjoying wearing it.

Trust me chaos is normal, you have a great watch, enjoy ..

[JonnyFW]

Originally Posted by Reinhard in SA

Congratulations! What a beautiful GMT. In those pictures the bezel almost looks completely black.

Yes, it's funny how it can change depending on the light. In soft light, the grey is more distinct, and looks kind of opaque/milky. In more direct light, the whole bezel seems to look more shiny and metallic, and it's harder to see the distinction between the two colours.