ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Roma315 · 21 November 2012, 11:29 PM

How many of you have bought from a gray market vs. AD? I found one on a gray market site (Melrose, has anyone purchased from them) for about half of what the AD will charge me for the exact same watch, not including NYS crazy tax.

-GM
Could be fake
2 year warranty
No free first service
half the price

-AD
Guaranteed authentic
4 year extended warranty
First service included
double the price

If I wasn't about to purchase my second house I would of pulled the trigger by now. That down payment could of bought me any watch I wanted.

Dan Pierce · 21 November 2012, 11:32 PM

You gotta go with whatever allows you to sleep good at night.
dP

crew · 21 November 2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

You gotta go with whatever allows you to sleep good at night.
dP

This. To each his own.

MonBK · 21 November 2012, 11:37 PM

Melrose.

Darlinboy · 21 November 2012, 11:45 PM

I'd buy from an AD or trusted seller here, and have done both.

superdog · 21 November 2012, 11:46 PM

Trusted seller here. Best of all worlds.

beshannon · 21 November 2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roma315

about half of what the AD will charge me for the exact same watch

I think you seriously need to ask yourself how that is possible.

Speed · 21 November 2012, 11:58 PM

So what do you think?

689maple · 21 November 2012, 11:58 PM

I have bought new at ADs Reids and Wick and Greene in Asheville, used from Capetown in Atlanta direct and via Ebay, The Castle Jewelry on Ebay, David and Tony on TRF, Sumpters in Charlotte and Steve Mullholland on here. I get new watches from David and Tony with my name on the card with 2 year warranty and I get warranties from Capetown and Sumpters on what I buy there. I never plan on buying from an AD again. There is no need with TRF trusted sellers who get me the watch I want with my name on the card (if that is important to you) and savings on my purchase without having to travel. (Rolex no longer has ADs in WNC). I see no need to waste my money for the AD experience which for me wasn't that big a deal. The most important ting to me on the secondary market is WHO I am buying from. I have never had a problem and would not hesitate to buy from any of these secondary dealers if they had a watch I want and I have the funds.

JGX · 22 November 2012, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beshannon

i think you seriously need to ask yourself how that is possible.

x2

Gaijin · 22 November 2012, 12:15 AM

All three. AD, gray and from TRF trusted seller. Most recent purchase was at an AD here in Japan.

Bulldurham08 · 22 November 2012, 12:17 AM

Melrose ?!?!?!? Please don't do that.

padi56 · 22 November 2012, 12:35 AM

Well in todays market the likelihood of getting a fake from any of the many respected grey market sellers out there today,IMHO you would have the same chance as being struck by lightening. And when buying any watch not from a AD buy the seller not the watch,and in general there is no such thing as a first free service.As many ADs could not do the full strip down to service any watch.As for the warranty well its very seldom needed, except by some who want to rush out and get the case back because over a few days there watches were one or two seconds over the COSC spec.Plus from most grey dealers the watch is cheaper than any AD so saving will cover a full RSC service when needed. And many Grey dealers offer there own warranty service in the unlikelihood any watch as a problem it the first two years.

Rocco22 · 22 November 2012, 12:42 AM

I've boughten most of my watches thru ebay,some thru Craigslist and some from ad.ebay is by far my favorite place to buy and sell as its the easiest.never had a problem on ebay and always get a great price.

kilyung · 22 November 2012, 12:45 AM

What does it matter where I got mine?

Annan · 22 November 2012, 12:46 AM

In the last two years I have purchased two new Rolexes from Alan Furman and one pre-loved from Capetown. I saved lots of $$ and received excellent customer service. All are authentic as per my local jeweler friend who up until three years ago was an AD. I would buy again from either one with full confidence. Have to admit I was a little nervous with the first purchase.

Rags · 22 November 2012, 12:48 AM

I've bought 3 right here from trusted sellers. I'll never buy from a AD. Save lots of $$$$ by buying here.

ttix · 22 November 2012, 12:53 AM

I should read before vote. I would only buy from a trusted seller on this forum or an AD.

Stonedcl · 22 November 2012, 12:55 AM

I heard that melrose watches are franken watches.. The braclets are not rolex so I would Stay Away.. far away..
Go to NJ and have them ship to you in NY to save the taxes.. There is a great AD about 20 min from the lincoln tunnel in Clifton NJ ..
I bought from a great AD in NY wilson and sons in MT kisko and shipped to NJ to save taxes..

GIS8 · 22 November 2012, 01:09 AM

Melrose has a 700$ TT gmt ii, I'd stay away from that site.

Foxer55 · 22 November 2012, 01:16 AM

You might want to read this first:

Rolex Sues Melrose Jewelers for Counterfeiting, Trademark Infringement

Rolex sued Melrose Jewelers (melrose.com) on a number of actions related to counterfeiting and trademark infringement. According to Rolex, which secured three watches from the retailer for its case between February and June, the defendant uses ''spurious designations that are identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, the Rolex, Crown Device, DateJust and Oyster Perpetual trademarks, and possibly other Rolex registered trademarks, on the counterfeit watches and/or watch parts they sell.''

http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsIte...+Infringement+

QueueCumber · 22 November 2012, 01:19 AM

Well, since I've done all three of the poll options, I guess I can't vote...

QueueCumber · 22 November 2012, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxer55

You might want to read this first:

Rolex Sues Melrose Jewelers for Counterfeiting, Trademark Infringement

Rolex sued Melrose Jewelers (melrose.com) on a number of actions related to counterfeiting and trademark infringement. According to Rolex, which secured three watches from the retailer for its case between February and June, the defendant uses ''spurious designations that are identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, the Rolex, Crown Device, DateJust and Oyster Perpetual trademarks, and possibly other Rolex registered trademarks, on the counterfeit watches and/or watch parts they sell.''

http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsIte...+Infringement+

I hope Rolex wins that lawsuit. IMO that website makes it really hard to figure out that they replace the original presidential bracelets with Italian ones. Some people might not know, or they might not be able to figure out, that they are getting parts that aren't Rolex parts...

Lumberjact · 22 November 2012, 01:25 AM

Seriously go for whatever floats your boat, but I find it good to live by the old adage that if it looks to good to be true, it's because it probably is.

bridgs · 22 November 2012, 01:27 AM

An associate of mine bought one from them some years back and I remember him telling me one of the hands fell out of place. Not sure how that worked out for him.

Htab · 22 November 2012, 01:28 AM

Gray market or private party

Tools · 22 November 2012, 01:55 AM

The Gray Market can be a decent source for good new watches.. Do not confuse the Grey Market, which are legitimate businesses that import new watches in from overseas bypassing the Distributor, with the Internet or used watch sales.

Melrose is not "Grey Market"; it sells used watches and rebuilds - a far different animal..

GerardoG · 22 November 2012, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

You gotta go with whatever allows you to sleep good at night.
dP

x2

landroverking · 22 November 2012, 02:09 AM

There should be a choice for two and all three. I have bought watches from all three.

Roma315 · 22 November 2012, 02:18 AM

Thanks for all the help. I may go out of state to an AD to save on the 8% tax or buy from a trusted seller here. Glad I asked!

View Poll Results: Where did you buy your rolex?
AD	101	50.75%
Gray Market	58	29.15%
Used, ebay, ect...	40	20.10%
Voters: 199. You may not vote on this poll

21 November 2012, 11:29 PM	#1
Roma315 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York(Upstate) Watch: The clock Posts: 992	Gray market rolex How many of you have bought from a gray market vs. AD? I found one on a gray market site (Melrose, has anyone purchased from them) for about half of what the AD will charge me for the exact same watch, not including NYS crazy tax. -GM Could be fake 2 year warranty No free first service half the price -AD Guaranteed authentic 4 year extended warranty First service included double the price If I wasn't about to purchase my second house I would of pulled the trigger by now. That down payment could of bought me any watch I wanted.

21 November 2012, 11:32 PM	#2
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,216	You gotta go with whatever allows you to sleep good at night. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

21 November 2012, 11:45 PM	#5
Darlinboy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: DB Location: :noitacoL Watch: :hctaW Posts: 6,703	I'd buy from an AD or trusted seller here, and have done both. __________________ Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

21 November 2012, 11:46 PM	#6
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,834	Trusted seller here. Best of all worlds. __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

21 November 2012, 11:37 PM	#4
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	Melrose.

21 November 2012, 11:58 PM	#8
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	So what do you think?

21 November 2012, 11:58 PM	#9
689maple Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Russ N. Location: Western N.C. USA Watch: 116718 PP & B Bay Posts: 323	I have bought new at ADs Reids and Wick and Greene in Asheville, used from Capetown in Atlanta direct and via Ebay, The Castle Jewelry on Ebay, David and Tony on TRF, Sumpters in Charlotte and Steve Mullholland on here. I get new watches from David and Tony with my name on the card with 2 year warranty and I get warranties from Capetown and Sumpters on what I buy there. I never plan on buying from an AD again. There is no need with TRF trusted sellers who get me the watch I want with my name on the card (if that is important to you) and savings on my purchase without having to travel. (Rolex no longer has ADs in WNC). I see no need to waste my money for the AD experience which for me wasn't that big a deal. The most important ting to me on the secondary market is WHO I am buying from. I have never had a problem and would not hesitate to buy from any of these secondary dealers if they had a watch I want and I have the funds.

22 November 2012, 12:15 AM	#11
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,179	All three. AD, gray and from TRF trusted seller. Most recent purchase was at an AD here in Japan.

22 November 2012, 12:17 AM	#12
Bulldurham08 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Kyle Location: PA Watch: 116610LN Posts: 404	Melrose ?!?!?!? Please don't do that. __________________ Rolex Datejust II 116300 (new watch swagger in full effect)

22 November 2012, 12:35 AM	#13
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,063	Well in todays market the likelihood of getting a fake from any of the many respected grey market sellers out there today,IMHO you would have the same chance as being struck by lightening. And when buying any watch not from a AD buy the seller not the watch,and in general there is no such thing as a first free service.As many ADs could not do the full strip down to service any watch.As for the warranty well its very seldom needed, except by some who want to rush out and get the case back because over a few days there watches were one or two seconds over the COSC spec.Plus from most grey dealers the watch is cheaper than any AD so saving will cover a full RSC service when needed. And many Grey dealers offer there own warranty service in the unlikelihood any watch as a problem it the first two years. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

22 November 2012, 12:42 AM	#14
Rocco22 Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Mass/Vegas/disney Watch: Hulk,114060,14060 Posts: 929	I've boughten most of my watches thru ebay,some thru Craigslist and some from ad.ebay is by far my favorite place to buy and sell as its the easiest.never had a problem on ebay and always get a great price.

22 November 2012, 12:45 AM	#15
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	What does it matter where I got mine?

22 November 2012, 12:46 AM	#16
Annan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Ron Location: Arizona, USA Watch: 116233 Posts: 3,180	In the last two years I have purchased two new Rolexes from Alan Furman and one pre-loved from Capetown. I saved lots of $$ and received excellent customer service. All are authentic as per my local jeweler friend who up until three years ago was an AD. I would buy again from either one with full confidence. Have to admit I was a little nervous with the first purchase.

22 November 2012, 12:48 AM	#17
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,196	I've bought 3 right here from trusted sellers. I'll never buy from a AD. Save lots of $$$$ by buying here. __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

22 November 2012, 12:53 AM	#18
ttix "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Gary Location: ca. Watch: 116333 Posts: 13	I should read before vote. I would only buy from a trusted seller on this forum or an AD.

22 November 2012, 12:55 AM	#19
Stonedcl "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nj Watch: 116200, 116610 Posts: 1,191	I heard that melrose watches are franken watches.. The braclets are not rolex so I would Stay Away.. far away.. Go to NJ and have them ship to you in NY to save the taxes.. There is a great AD about 20 min from the lincoln tunnel in Clifton NJ .. I bought from a great AD in NY wilson and sons in MT kisko and shipped to NJ to save taxes..

22 November 2012, 01:09 AM	#20
GIS8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Earth Posts: 230	Melrose has a 700$ TT gmt ii, I'd stay away from that site.

22 November 2012, 01:16 AM	#21
Foxer55 Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wash, DC Posts: 58	You might want to read this first: Rolex Sues Melrose Jewelers for Counterfeiting, Trademark Infringement Rolex sued Melrose Jewelers (melrose.com) on a number of actions related to counterfeiting and trademark infringement. According to Rolex, which secured three watches from the retailer for its case between February and June, the defendant uses ''spurious designations that are identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, the Rolex, Crown Device, DateJust and Oyster Perpetual trademarks, and possibly other Rolex registered trademarks, on the counterfeit watches and/or watch parts they sell.'' http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsIte...+Infringement+

22 November 2012, 01:19 AM	#22
QueueCumber "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Q Location: The Q Continuum Watch: ST:TNG Posts: 8,466	Well, since I've done all three of the poll options, I guess I can't vote...

22 November 2012, 01:25 AM	#24
Lumberjact "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Paris Watch: Explorer Posts: 446	Seriously go for whatever floats your boat, but I find it good to live by the old adage that if it looks to good to be true, it's because it probably is. __________________ "Onto his wrist he slipped his steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the 34mm model, the date window its only complication; Bond did not need to know the phases of the moon or the exact moment of high tide at Southampton. And he suspected very few people did."

22 November 2012, 01:27 AM	#25
bridgs "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Shane Location: Minnesota Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 1,125	An associate of mine bought one from them some years back and I remember him telling me one of the hands fell out of place. Not sure how that worked out for him.

22 November 2012, 01:28 AM	#26
Htab 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Dad Location: USA Watch: To many Posts: 1,389	Gray market or private party

22 November 2012, 01:55 AM	#27
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	The Gray Market can be a decent source for good new watches.. Do not confuse the Grey Market, which are legitimate businesses that import new watches in from overseas bypassing the Distributor, with the Internet or used watch sales. Melrose is not "Grey Market"; it sells used watches and rebuilds - a far different animal.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

22 November 2012, 02:09 AM	#29
landroverking "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: TEXAS Watch: Daytona Posts: 7,648	There should be a choice for two and all three. I have bought watches from all three.

22 November 2012, 02:18 AM	#30
Roma315 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York(Upstate) Watch: The clock Posts: 992	Thanks for all the help. I may go out of state to an AD to save on the 8% tax or buy from a trusted seller here. Glad I asked!

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