AD experience in the northeast

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Let me explain the "AD Experience" to all the people foolish enough to use the "trusted sellers"

You walk into the AD and are immediately stopped at the door.

"You will not walk sir!" yells a person from inside. He claps his hands and the floor in front of you opens. Four giant men emerge holding a throne made of solid gold. The seat is filled with feathers of geese that were bred for this purpose. It is covered by the finest silk in the world. Sitting on it is like sitting on a marshmallow covered by a cloud.

You take a seat on the throne and the men carry you from case to case as you try on different watches. You are not allowed to lift a finger. Another person raises your hand, places the watch on it, and then turns it towards your face. This is done for as many watches as you wish to see.

A platinum tray is placed in front of you for your AD meal. A menu is provided and all the options have already been prepared. A full time chef is preparing meals throughout the day for all guests.

After you choose your watch, it must be sized. A different technician is required for each link to be removed. After they remove a link, they are fired and new technicians must be hired. This ensures a fresh set of hands on each link of every watch sold at the AD.

After payment is complete, your thrown is carried to the center of the store. At this time, all the employees, and extras that have been hired by the AD encircle you. They all drop to one knee and bow to the majesty of a new Rolex owner (think of the people bowing to the hobbits at the end of the lord of the rings).

I think that is pretty standard as far as AD experiences go. If your AD is doing something different, you might want to give Rolex a call

No.... Sorry. It's Saturday and I have nothing to do until later in the evening. Got a little carried away.


At the end of the day, people should choose the option they are more comfortable with.

A Rolex is a watch, nothing more, nothing less. Yes, it is a very nice watch, but it's not some unobtainable item that was created for select members of humanity.

It's a luxury item, but it's a mass produced luxury item.

My father recently got his first Rolex and he felt more comfortable going with an AD. I told him about the trusted sellers here and gave him the option. We went with an AD and it was a fine experience. We went to Lee Perla in NJ and both the people who helped us were friendly, professional, and it was a nice time.

People act as though buying from an AD is some magical experience simply because the item itself is relatively expensive. It really isn't. Yes, the store itself is usually nicer, but AD experiences can be poor if the people you are dealing with aren't to your liking.

The thing that bothers me is how dismissive some people can be towards the "trusted sellers". It's not like there are hundreds of them and it's impossible to figure out who is legitimate. There are a handful that I would call trusted and they have more honest feedback than any AD could hope to achieve.

Using an AD is fine, but feeling superior because you paid more for the exact same thing as another person is not.

Now if we were talking about a Patek, Lange, or any other watch that is actually difficult to obtain, then I would also say that an AD is the best way to go. A Rolex not so much.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Heo2

Going to an AD is like getting a hooker AND paying extra for the "girlfriend experience."

Hilarious and so true.

Originally Posted by The Submariner

It's not about just saving money..You're missing the whole point of luxury buying. I personally can care less about a discount. I'm in a position where I technically do not need a discount. If one NEEDS a discount, one should not be buying a Rolex or any luxury timepiece.

I have built a solid relationship with my AD and always get 20%+ on ANY Rolex I want. I am always one of the first who is offered a new style when it comes out. But all this took time. Its a nice perk but it has no control over what I buy or when I buy.

There are always those who will never get the whole "Rolex" experience. It is a shame.

If you don't seek market price on all acquisitions you're not the sharpest tool in the shed. everything else is conjecture.

[DCgator]

If you don't seek market price on all acquisitions you're not the sharpest tool in the shed. everything else is conjecture.[/QUOTE]

Right you are, GB-man.

[Ravager135]

I've purchased Rolex watches from both ADs and on TRF from trusted sellers. Starting out, for me, going to a brick and mortar to buy a luxury item seemed to be the only logical way to make such a purchase. I bought two stainless models from a smaller family owned AD and over time developed a "relationship" with them. I was given a few promotional items and a ball cap when I purchased my third watch from them.

It all seemed really nice,but the truth is this experience is not as common as you would believe and typically is limited to family owned ADs or amongst those who spend quite a bit of money at said AD. There are of course exceptions. You are on TRF, of course a larger percentage of the members here are going to have tight relationships with sellers and ADs and of course a larger percentage of us are going to spend the money to develop these relationships. The only reason I think I was even given such attention was because the AD I used to frequent was in a small military town and I spent a lot of time there getting other services completed.

I think the "Rolex experience" is lame. I'd personally feel uncomfortable if some guy in a suit started putting out chocolates and champagne just because I was engaging in a business transaction. As long as any seller treats me with respect and honesty, they have my business in the future if the price is right. I don't need a perk to buy something I already made my mind up regarding. I'd never tell a first time buyer they are being foolish to head to the AD to make a purchase. Once you get over the nerves of laying down many thousand dollars for a timepiece, it just becomes easier for most to deal with our trusted sellers here.

As far as being "the first to get a new watch when it arrives." Rarely do ADs beat DavidSW when it comes to availability. If something comes along that I want, I know who to call.

[jwill051]

Originally Posted by mailman

If you want to go the AD route, try Springer's in Portsmouth NH

This

[polaris72]

You should be getting a nicer treatment than during most of your purchases. However, if you reach to one of the trusted sellers here, you will also get a special treatment in the form of receiving quick responses, good price, and authentic Rolex. Any AD will then size your watch. Look up the sale section and start the dialogue. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Syed117]

I think another important thing to consider are stock levels.

An AD has to go directly through to Rolex to get watches. They don't always have what you want. It's not like they can call another AD and have them give up their stock.

For example. When shopping for my father's sub date this week, we went to two ADs. We wanted a watch that was not a display model. A fresh piece that hadn't been handled and still in the plastic coffin. One of the ADs did not have this and wanted to sell us the display model. The AD we went with had the watch in their stock that had never been opened. That along with other factors made us choose them.

When you deal with a trusted seller, not only are you getting a much better deal, you are getting access to a much larger network of sources they can use.

Just look at the d-blue deepsea or even the BLNR. Both watches that are apparently very difficult to get by walking into an AD. Both those watches have been available from multiple sellers here on a regular basic.

[Heo2]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

It's not about just saving money..You're missing the whole point of luxury buying. I personally can care less about a discount. I'm in a position where I technically do not need a discount. If one NEEDS a discount, one should not be buying a Rolex or any luxury timepiece

You're fortunate that you can pay full price for everything but almost everything in life is negotiable and not trying to get the best deal for anything is a foolish way to conduct business.

[GradyPhilpott]

This is the AD experience. You go into a store and you get to try before you buy and the people should treat you well, unless you get a bad AD and if that's the case, you should walk.

You also have the knowledge that you are buying from an authorized dealer and that your watch is brand new and is authentic.

They might give you a bottle of water while they remove the stickers, if you buy and you want the stickers removed.

Another advantage of buying from an AD is that they will handle any problems you might have with your watch, if they have a watchmaker on site and if they do, that watchmaker will be Rolex trained.

It's nice to have a good relationship with an AD, because they will give you calls when they get a new model that you are interested in.

I call the premium I pay for doing business with my AD the 'peace of mind premium" and to me it's worth it.

It may not be so for you.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

It's not about just saving money..You're missing the whole point of luxury buying. I personally can care less about a discount. I'm in a position where I technically do not need a discount. If one NEEDS a discount, one should not be buying a Rolex or any luxury timepiece.

I have built a solid relationship with my AD and always get 20%+ on ANY Rolex I want. I am always one of the first who is offered a new style when it comes out. But all this took time. Its a nice perk but it has no control over what I buy or when I buy.

There are always those who will never get the whole "Rolex" experience. It is a shame.

I will add to this that I like my AD personally and I like his staff, including the security guys. I enjoy doing business with them and I like to drop in and just chew the fat with them while I try on a few watches.

When I support my AD, I'm supporting my community and I'm supporting someone who contributes more to the community than just the products he sells.

He's a good citizen with a history in our city and even beyond that, he's a good man.

I would never speak ill of our trusted sellers, but for those for whom everything boils down to getting the best price, I'm a little skeptical.

The AD experience is more than the transaction. It's about a relationship that exists all year long, whether I buy a watch that year or not.

I want my AD to stay in business and prosper, because he's always there and he's someone I can trust, not only to sell me watches, but to take care of them as well.

Also, he throws a couple of nice parties each year.

[MCO1]

To the OP though most models i would go through one of the trusted sellers especially the precious metal models. There are some models especially new stainless models such as the BLNR that some argument could be made for purchasing new at an AD due to the narrow margin between those from a trusted seller and one from an AD. I would try to go out of state and have them mail it to me and skip the tax.

On another note...it sounds like to me that discussing whether one goes through a trusted seller or uses an AD is kind of like discussing politics and religion. Best to let sleeping dogs lie. As a relatively new member to TRF I will remember that in future.

[Teebes210]

[/QUOTE]It's not about just saving money..You're missing the whole point of luxury buying. I personally can care less about a discount. I'm in a position where I technically do not need a discount. If one NEEDS a discount, one should not be buying a Rolex or any luxury timepiece.

I have built a solid relationship with my AD and always get 20%+ on ANY Rolex I want. I am always one of the first who is offered a new style when it comes out. But all this took time. Its a nice perk but it has no control over what I buy or when I buy.

There are always those who will never get the whole "Rolex" experience. It is a shame.[/QUOTE]

First thing is first I could afford the watch at full retail without a problem but chose not to pay full retail. I did not need the discount but would not buy without the discount! I chose a number that I felt was fair to both the AD and me and they would not hit it, their loss not mine. This is no different than someone buying a BMW or Mercedes (also both mass produced) both what I would consider luxury items and also something with a negotiated price. If it was totally about saving money I would have expected the AD to match David's price.
There are MANY very affluent and successful people who would never purchase something without negotiating the best price, that's just being smart with your money.

[Seaswirl]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

It's not about just saving money..You're missing the whole point of luxury buying. I personally can care less about a discount. I'm in a position where I technically do not need a discount. If one NEEDS a discount, one should not be buying a Rolex or any luxury timepiece.

I have built a solid relationship with my AD and always get 20%+ on ANY Rolex I want. I am always one of the first who is offered a new style when it comes out. But all this took time. Its a nice perk but it has no control over what I buy or when I buy.

There are always those who will never get the whole "Rolex" experience. It is a shame.

Couldn't disagree more. My current line up was purchased from ADs, but you bet I pushed for the best price possible. Why would I pay more if I don't have to? I certainly didn't pay full asking price for my house, cars, boat, etc. I don't think this means I can't afford them. The "Rolex experience" has nothing to do with a having my a$$ kissed and getting a bottle of water, at least for me.

[One Ping Only]

NH has two ADs, both are great but if I had to choose, Robert Sawyer is the man.

[jct55a]

Originally Posted by CoachRolexRyan

I got a nice foot rub from Steve at Lux Bond and Green in Boston if that's what you mean by the "AD experience."

In Boston, I would strongly recommend Steven Talbott at Lux Bond and Green. He stepped up and helped us out with a problem with my now wife's engagement ring even though we had purchased the ring elsewhere. He really went out of his way to help us out even though there was nothing in it for him. That's the AD experience I appreciate. From then on we purchased all of our jewelry and Rolexes from him even when he moved from Shreve Crump and Low to Lux Bond and Green. We have since moved away from Boston but still pay a visit to him whever we go back.

[timeisfathaoftruth]

To the OP, If you are going to an AD in Boston or in NH and you are traveling through the Worcester area you might enjoy stopping at Goldstein, Swank, and Gordon at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, MA. Ask for Freddy, the store manager, (you might want to call ahead to plan your travel on a day that he is working) and enjoy trying on a nice selection of Rolex watches in a friendly atmosphere. Whether one prefers to buy from a trusted seller on TRF for less $$ or from an AD for any other reason seems to me to be an entirely different question from that asked in your OP. Enjoy

[jschmidtdmd]

Nice comments Evan, I agree.

JPS

[robrtx]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

NH has two ADs, both are great but if I had to choose, Robert Sawyer is the man.

Absolutely!

A true family owned and operated AD, I only wish that I still lived nearby (although probably better that I don't.....lol).

[DJ TT 2002]

My gray market experience was an authentic watch with an aftermarket crystal, which was never mentioned!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not the biggest issue, but still annoying.

This was a rookie mistake and before TRF. No harm done. Not a TRF trusted seller, either, to be very clear.

Next 3 Rolex purchases were AD Only.

2 were outside the US and were perfect on all levels

#3 was from US AD and through an old classmate. That was lucky and cost efficient and whatever description applies beyond perfect.

TRF for every future purchase, because now I can

Tempoking from TRF was terrific for a purchase for my beloved BIL. That is not an oxymoron, BTW.

Long post, but it encapsulates my experiences

Long live TRF

[BillA]

AD experience, lets see:
- talk to a salesperson who knows less than you
- pay list price
- pay list price and tax
- maybe get a stroking, I guess that is why you came into the store in the first place.
- establish a rapport with a salesperson, oh, that salesperson will probably not be there the next time you come into the store.
- get the BS line......buy now because prices are going up on the 1st of next month.

OP, if you are going to buy at an AD, then you have not been around this and other watch forums long enough. People come to the forums to "learn" because their AD's are ignorant and "price".

There are numerous "trusted sellers" on this forum. It is your money and you are free to spend (or overspend) as you wish. I guess that is what they mean by a free country. I guess Barnum was right.

[guelerct]

Thanks to al of the responses.
This is a great and responsive forum for information and feedback.
And for the third time in the last 12 months...
Incoming!

[johneh]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

There are always those who will never get the whole "Rolex" experience. It is a shame.

Care to elaborate about what the "whole Rolex experience" is?

My AD experiences have all pretty much followed the same script. I make sure they have the reference I am looking for, I go in, I try it on, we negotiate a price, someone swipes my Amex, someone puts the box into a bag, and then I leave. Some experience that is...I can't beleive some people don't get to feel what that's like first hand! The humanity of it all!

If buying from someone like Davidsw made sense financially for someone in Canada, I'd be all over that. I'll pour my own glass of champagne at home.

[Jeissen]

I feel like people are trying to explain an 'experience' that is purely subjective in nature. There are many different elements that factor into whether or not you enjoy that experience.

That being said, you can get a BNIB timepiece from a trusted seller for much lower than MSRP, and I think saving yourself some cash would make up for the lost 'experience.'

[brandrea]

I for one, consider my AD a friend.

I may or may not pay a little more, I don't sweat it. Ive compared prices to trusted sellers here both in the U.S. And Canada and there is really very little difference in price after discount IMO.

I've bought from a trusted seller here as well and the experience was excellent (vintage piece which my AD couldn't source).

[Mak2013]

I personally would buy from AD, especially on BLNR where AD price and TRF price are close, plus you get a card in YOUR name and dated the day you buy it. You build a relationship, you support a local business that pays its taxes, gives jobs, and also avoids any doubt about authenticity and stands by the product they sell in case something goes wrong (look at Rolex QC issues lately....specs of dust, scratched dials, misaligned bezels, wrong mag Cyclops...the list goes on).

Now that I have a relationship with AD, I get better deals than any TRF seller could offer and I am always first to get an opportunity to buy newest models.

AD all the way on new. On used, TRF trusted sellers are excellent route.

[Mak2013]

Originally Posted by BillA

AD experience, lets see:
- talk to a salesperson who knows less than you
- pay list price
- pay list price and tax
- maybe get a stroking, I guess that is why you came into the store in the first place.
- establish a rapport with a salesperson, oh, that salesperson will probably not be there the next time you come into the store.
- get the BS line......buy now because prices are going up on the 1st of next month.

OP, if you are going to buy at an AD, then you have not been around this and other watch forums long enough. People come to the forums to "learn" because their AD's are ignorant and "price".

There are numerous "trusted sellers" on this forum. It is your money and you are free to spend (or overspend) as you wish. I guess that is what they mean by a free country. I guess Barnum was right.

I think this is more based on isolated incident or personal experience and should not be generalized and extrapolated that all ADs are ignorant and arrogant and don't offer discounts. My AD experience is tremendous, and prices are better then any TRF sellers could offer.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Mak2013

prices are better then any TRF sellers could offer.

That's sounds like the best AD of all time.

If that's true, your experience is the exception. Not the rule.

[Mak2013]

Originally Posted by Syed117

That's sounds like the best AD of all time.

If that's true, your experience is the exception. Not the rule.

I dont think thats the case. I think it depends on geographic location.

Also, where do you think trusted sellers get their inventory???

Do you think they just show up at the door of AD, throw a credit card, and say, I'm a trusted seller, supply me with an inventory at 20% discount on SS models so I can sell it at 15% off behind a computer???
No, they build relationships...over time




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I believe it is important to form a relationship with a local AD. Discounts are hard to come by unless the dealer is open to your inquiries. A good relationship will get you invited to events and maybe a little swag now and again.

This.

I can't speak for AD's in the Northeast of the US, but the one I deal with provides me with exceptional service and offers me coffee/tea and light snacks everytime I visit. They also provide me with various Rolex souveniers such as pens, golf balls, wallets, etc.

The "AD experience" differs to people. Some could care less about it and would prefer to buy from online sellers, while others like myself enjoy the whole process of going to an AD, trying on pieces and making a decision on one or two pieces. Like Headshrinker has mentioned above, it is important to establish a relationship with an AD. It also helps when all you feel like doing is trying on watches and not have to worry about the sales associates trying to force a sale on you.

[SALTY]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I've had the AD experience...give me TRF any day.

+1