New to board. Questions about ADs in Massachusetts

[topherdavis]

Hello all,

I have wanted a Submariner all my life and have just about saved enough money for the 116610 that I have been lusting over since it came out. I am wondering if anyone has had experiences with any of the ADs in Massachusetts?

More specifically, I'm looking to find out which ADs in Massachusetts may offer some kind of a discount or extras with the watch purchase, as well as where to get the best service for my first Rolex purchase.

I am also wondering if any ADs offer an exemplary purchasing experience. For example, a few years ago I bought my then girlfriend a ring at Tiffany & Co. I was purchasing a fairly inexpensive (by Tiffany's standards anyway) ring. There were a few I wanted to choose from. The staff at Tiffany's brought all of the rings at once to a small sitting area for me to examine, as well as offering me complimentary chocolate and champagne. It was a wonderful experience and completely unexpected considering I was looking at rings that cost $500 or less. I am wondering if there are any Rolex dealers that offer this kind of experience while purchasing a watch. I'd hate to think that purchasing an $8,500 watch would be treated as a simple retail transaction where I pick out the watch, have it sized, pay, and leave within a matter of a few minutes.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Jabberjaw]

If you are a first time buyer at any AD, a discount will be very difficult, especially for that watch and this time of year. I have bought 6 Rolexes of over the past 18 months and did manage a healthy discount on that piece but it wasn't easy. As for chocolate, treated like royalty, etc I wouldn't count on it. You maybe able to get a golf hat or a magazine, but again, it depends on the AD and the mood they are in.

[Noonan]

I agree with the above. If you're a first time customer, I wouldn't count on being treated special in any way. I haven't purchased locally but the best experience I've had with Rolex was at their store in Foxwoods. I can't remember what I was wearing when I went in but even after I said I wasn't buying the guy spent time to talk with me and let me try a few on. Seemed like he was into watches too, rather than just being a sales guy.

[jwill051]

I would suggest that you take a drive up Portsmouth, NH and stop in at Springers Jewelers. They are an AD and have always been very helpful, plus there is no sales tax in NH.

[Limestonedan]

Originally Posted by topherdavis

Hello all,

I have wanted a Submariner all my life and have just about saved enough money for the 116610 that I have been lusting over since it came out. I am wondering if anyone has had experiences with any of the ADs in Massachusetts?

More specifically, I'm looking to find out which ADs in Massachusetts may offer some kind of a discount or extras with the watch purchase, as well as where to get the best service for my first Rolex purchase.

I am also wondering if any ADs offer an exemplary purchasing experience. For example, a few years ago I bought my then girlfriend a ring at Tiffany & Co. I was purchasing a fairly inexpensive (by Tiffany's standards anyway) ring. There were a few I wanted to choose from. The staff at Tiffany's brought all of the rings at once to a small sitting area for me to examine, as well as offering me complimentary chocolate and champagne. It was a wonderful experience and completely unexpected considering I was looking at rings that cost $500 or less. I am wondering if there are any Rolex dealers that offer this kind of experience while purchasing a watch. I'd hate to think that purchasing an $8,500 watch would be treated as a simple retail transaction where I pick out the watch, have it sized, pay, and leave within a matter of a few minutes.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Can't talk about discounts as I don't know which if any AD's offer them. However, Long's Jewelers has been an AD in most all locations with the exception of the Burlington location. Well, Burlington just became an AD as well. They remodeled the facility with a stand-alone Rolex area and recently launched the opening. Burlington does Rolex certified service as well. It's the only location for Long's that does that. The techie is trained/certified by Rolex. They charge the same fee's as NY with the exception of shipping cost. So if you want to save on shipping/insuring the Burlington location can help you down the road. I happened to go in looking for a Deep Sea D-Blue dial to look at (no surprise, didn't have one) and left with a bag with issue #03 of The Rolex Magazine, a smaller brochure/magazine and small hardcover book on Rolex watches. Nice touch. A gentleman by the name of Radwan was the sales guy. Good luck.

[Speed]

No discounts on a watch that sells itself. Especially for a first time buyer with no AD relationship.

While the Sub is an expensive watch for many...an AD won't fawn over you with caviar and chocolate for taking one off his hands. Someone will always be willing to pay full msrp for it.

Seriously though...focus on buying the watch IMO. Buy used or from a private dealer off a site like this one if paying less than msrp is your goal.

Wouldn't you rather eat chocolate and drink champagne somewhere other than leaning on a counter at a jewelry store?

If you're really wanting a Rolex golf towel or ball point pen worth $2.99 I don't know what to tell you.

Be prepared to pay a stiff price if you want some wax and polish at an AD. Hopefully someone knows of a local shop to recommend.

Good luck!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by topherdavis

Hello all,

I have wanted a Submariner all my life and have just about saved enough money for the 116610 that I have been lusting over since it came out. I am wondering if anyone has had experiences with any of the ADs in Massachusetts?

More specifically, I'm looking to find out which ADs in Massachusetts may offer some kind of a discount or extras with the watch purchase, as well as where to get the best service for my first Rolex purchase.

I am also wondering if any ADs offer an exemplary purchasing experience. For example, a few years ago I bought my then girlfriend a ring at Tiffany & Co. I was purchasing a fairly inexpensive (by Tiffany's standards anyway) ring. There were a few I wanted to choose from. The staff at Tiffany's brought all of the rings at once to a small sitting area for me to examine, as well as offering me complimentary chocolate and champagne. It was a wonderful experience and completely unexpected considering I was looking at rings that cost $500 or less. I am wondering if there are any Rolex dealers that offer this kind of experience while purchasing a watch. I'd hate to think that purchasing an $8,500 watch would be treated as a simple retail transaction where I pick out the watch, have it sized, pay, and leave within a matter of a few minutes.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Well that's all it is a simple retail transaction no matter the price, a Rolex is just a commodity much like any other retail product.You would get a far better deal off one of our in forum trusted sellers and save some money far better than a bit of chocolate.

[Speed]

This^

[ronricks]

Buy from the Trusted Sellers on here and use the extra money saved to buy all the chocolate and champagne you want.

[goog53]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Buy from the Trusted Sellers on here and use the extra money saved to buy all the chocolate and champagne you want.

What he said

[topherdavis]

Thanks everyone. I'm not so concerned about champagne and chocolate as it were, but considering the kind of service I had received at Tiffany, I thought perhaps other high end jewelers would do the same. I sell cars for a living and we always offer our customers a fantastic buying experience, from complimentary pastry and beverages to pens, hats, and brochures. I can't tell you how many people come back and refer friends to me because of the level of service and attention we provide. So that's the kind of treatment I would be hoping for, rather than a here's your watch, thanks for the money, you can leave now kind of a transaction.

[Heo2]

Originally Posted by jwill051

I would suggest that you take a drive up Portsmouth, NH and stop in at Springers Jewelers. They are an AD and have always been very helpful, plus there is no sales tax in NH.

If you insist on the "AD experience" at least drive to Portsmouth and avoid the sales tax. I think there is also another dealer in NH. Check the Rolex website.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by topherdavis

Thanks everyone. I'm not so concerned about champagne and chocolate as it were, but considering the kind of service I had received at Tiffany, I thought perhaps other high end jewelers would do the same. I sell cars for a living and we always offer our customers a fantastic buying experience, from complimentary pastry and beverages to pens, hats, and brochures. I can't tell you how many people come back and refer friends to me because of the level of service and attention we provide. So that's the kind of treatment I would be hoping for, rather than a here's your watch, thanks for the money, you can leave now kind of a transaction.

Let me say that when I brought my first Rolex under warranty into Longs in Peabody, they had no problem providing service for me and were quite nice. If I'd bought it there they would have paid the shipping however since I hadn't I had to. That was cheap in comparison to what I would have had to pay had I not bought through alternative sales channels. Those that mention Portsmouth and saving on tax are making good sense to me. I've only been in there once but will again.

[997.2]

davidsw

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by topherdavis

Thanks everyone. I'm not so concerned about champagne and chocolate as it were, but considering the kind of service I had received at Tiffany, I thought perhaps other high end jewelers would do the same. I sell cars for a living and we always offer our customers a fantastic buying experience, from complimentary pastry and beverages to pens, hats, and brochures. I can't tell you how many people come back and refer friends to me because of the level of service and attention we provide. So that's the kind of treatment I would be hoping for, rather than a here's your watch, thanks for the money, you can leave now kind of a transaction.

I think you'll just have to shop around for that, or hopefully somebody will PM you or the recommendations will work out. Most here would rather buy a Rolex like a loaf of bread with an instant 35% discount vs. the experience of sitting down, chatting, having an espresso or two along with some chocolate while discussing Rolex and getting a magazine while paying full retail + tax.

[DESH]

Good luck with your decision, looking forward to your incoming post! :)

[Vipes]

Nothing wrong with Wanting the full AD experience for your first Rolex. Good luck and a wonderful choice for your first Rolex.

[Dyim]

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

I think you'll just have to shop around for that, or hopefully somebody will PM you or the recommendations will work out. Most here would rather buy a Rolex like a loaf of bread with an instant 35% discount vs. the experience of sitting down, chatting, having an espresso or two along with some chocolate while discussing Rolex and getting a magazine while paying full retail + tax.

If I can get 35% discount, I will bring the champagne and chocolate!

Seriously I'd rather get a better discount than all that fluff.

I certainly understand where OP is coming from. The buying experience can be very important. I am more for the final product. I got a new car and got gift basket, reading material, toys cars..... I'd rather the dealer save all that and put the $ towards the discount. But that is just me.

[hitman23]

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

I think you'll just have to shop around for that, or hopefully somebody will PM you or the recommendations will work out. Most here would rather buy a Rolex like a loaf of bread with an instant 35% discount vs. the experience of sitting down, chatting, having an espresso or two along with some chocolate while discussing Rolex and getting a magazine while paying full retail + tax.

35% discount? sign me up please b/c i don't see that anywhere here for a ss model

[Speed]

Originally Posted by topherdavis

Thanks everyone. I'm not so concerned about champagne and chocolate as it were, but considering the kind of service I had received at Tiffany, I thought perhaps other high end jewelers would do the same. I sell cars for a living and we always offer our customers a fantastic buying experience, from complimentary pastry and beverages to pens, hats, and brochures. I can't tell you how many people come back and refer friends to me because of the level of service and attention we provide. So that's the kind of treatment I would be hoping for, rather than a here's your watch, thanks for the money, you can leave now kind of a transaction.

Sadly you likely won't get what you are looking for at Rolex AD. It was hard for me to believe as well when I started visiting ADs. Not that I was looking to drink in-store espresso or hoping for golf tee premiums.

Still amazed people give a hoot about ball point pens and caps which advertise cars.

[Thatguy]

I really don't understand when people talk about the AD experience. I did receive a discount on my sub without history with the AD but the transaction consisted of here is the $$ and here is the watch. As long as they are polite and professional I am happy. For me the important part is the purchase price.


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[topherdavis]

Thanks again everyone. I will most definitely be buying in New Hampshire...I had forgotten all about the whole paying tax thing until I read the replys. We are in the midst of the slow season in the car business, so I will be impatiently waiting until March or April to purchase my watch, just in case I need any of the money I've saved for expenses through the winter. Can't wait to see that baby on my wrist!

[Coubs]

I am a big fan of Sawyers in Laconia, NH. I've purchased a few from them.

[arguscanis]

I just don't see that kind of customer service in the jewelry/watch business anymore; and definitely not in my part of Ma.
NH will save you 6.25% right off the top, trusted seller from here will save you that and stay pretty close to an average auction price, i.e. what the watch is "worth".

[rolexington]

First of all, OP topherdavis welcome to the forum!!!

TRF has some of the nicest and smartest ppl I have seen anywhere on the internet (nice and smart is a pretty good combo for success too, so probably part of why so many on here do well and can buy such expensive watches!).

With that said, a few of the responses (and other responses I have seen in similar threads started by newer members looking for advice on first purchase) are really downright not helpful at all or worse.

We get it, the trusted sellers here are trustworthy and offer amazing deals. We know this. DavidSW is the man and superhuman cool! We get it. Anyone looking at this forum and doing any sort of proper due diligence before buying sees the For Sale section of trusted sellers, so not sure how telling someone to just go buy from there is advice. Thanks.

Sometimes for a first purchase a person wants the AD experience. Or wants to build a relationship. Or wants to support a local B&M business. Sometimes a first watch purchase is the most expensive item a person has ever bought, and they want the little extra peace of mind.

Now...back to the original Q: I would suggest after the holidays go visit AD's in your area and talk to them (ideally on a week day when they are less busy and can chat longer). You will see what the buying experience is like at each, see if you click with an AD, see if they are helpful, patient and informative...I am totally with you on the wanting perks with a purchase. No shame in wanting a luxury experience when buying a luxury product, it's an $8000 steel watch after all. Buying watches don't tend to offer the same buying experience as high-end women's jewelry, but you do see some AD's with a "VIP" area for buyers or some who will offer a glass of scotch or champagne to celebrate when you make a purchase. This is rare but some still do.

Lastly, as for discounts. IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK! Especially if you have visited/chatted with the AD a time or two and they see you are serious. AD's give discounts because they want your business now or your future business. There are AD's that will discount on a first purchase if they think you might be back. Asking for a discount of the sales tax is very reasonable and doable on this reference and will save you a drive (and gas money) and let you buy local.

Congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to the incoming. Let us know how it all goes.

[Sublover2166]

Took me less than 1 minute to find one for sale here from a trusted seller BNIB stickered for less than 7600. The savings versus paying 8500 from an AD would buy you some nice chocolate, single malt scotch and caviar. Sorry, no AD is going to treat you like royalty for buying a Sub from them. A 75K platinum Daytona? Maybe for 30 minutes....

[Jd Swiper]

I purchased mine from Paul Duggans in Boston.. Finacial district..I feel like I stole this baby.. I hear theire's another one up for sale by a TRF member for the same price. Went to Ross Simmons in Providence Place... today and they said I got a great deal!

[sgmgolf]

Originally Posted by Jd Swiper

I purchased mine from Paul Duggans in Boston.. Finacial district..I feel like I stole this baby.. I hear theire's another one up for sale by a TRF member for the same price. Went to Ross Simmons in Providence Place... today and they said I got a great deal!

I also bought my 16610 from Paul Duggan....great people to deal with and great pricing....I did get a discount.
I must say it is very difficult to beat the trusted sellers on TRF.
That is where I turned for my last 2 purchases....

[mailman]

Originally Posted by jwill051

I would suggest that you take a drive up Portsmouth, NH and stop in at Springers Jewelers. They are an AD and have always been very helpful, plus there is no sales tax in NH.

This was going to be my exact suggestion to the OP if he wanted to use an AD They are SUPER nice and knowledgeable there

[Clutch Cargo]

Originally Posted by Coubs

I am a big fan of Sawyers in Laconia, NH. I've purchased a few from them.

If you are going to purchase from an AD, this is the place. I was up in New Hampshire earlier this year, and made the two hour round trip drive twice to Laconia just to talk to them. They are now my AD for purchasing new Rolexes, even though I live about 1,500 miles away.