Rolex ADs in Sydney- first impressions. Advice welcome!

[Peepip]

So I’ve been wanting to get a “real” watch for a while and I thought I would finally get around to trying on the different styles I am interested in.
I went to three ADs in Sydney- J Farren-Price, The Hour Glass and Swiss Concept (in that order).

The service at the first two dealers were superior to the last one I visited. I felt the women who served me more more professional and more approachable than the last guy (you can pm me if you would like names). Additionally, the first two were able to offer me a similar discount, whereas the last place refused any negotiation at all.

The watches I looked at were TT lady Date Justs with silver dials and most had diamond markers (pictures below). The prices I got quoted were on the 28mm TT date justs with diamond markers. Only one place (The Hour Glass) still had the 26mm in what I would be interested in.
I did try on ones with a pearl dial and diamond markers, but I felt it was not practical as it was more difficult to read the time. I also tried the gold dial with diamond markers, but to me, the silver just looked more crisp and clean.

The “best” prices quoted to me were only between 4-5% off msrp, this seems like really little? I’m also a terrible negotiator, and it was obvious I wasn’t ready to hand over my money yet so maybe the discount could go higher? Any tips please shoot them this way! Admittedly my negotiation skills were simply just asking for the best price... I’m really not use to negotiating and it makes me very uncomfortable and self conscious.

Here are images of the watches I tried on that I liked best.
The first is the 28mm, the second photo is the 28mm next to the 26mm (no AD had the diamond markers for this size) and the last photo is the 31mm next to the 28mm.

I’m strongly leaning towards the 28mm with diamond markers, but still considering Roman numerals too. I think 31 might feel too big on me, but I’m not sure!! I’m very undecided still!

All opinions and advice welcome, thanks for reading!!

[GerardoG]

Beautiful options. My two cents, try as many as you can and see which YOU like best. Whatever others say, it is you who will wear it. Two tones are a great!

[Peepip]

Thanks! before I went in there and tried on the different sizes I was strongly leaning towards TT pearl face, diamond markers or roman numerals and 28mm. But now that I have tried some on I know I definitely don't want pearl face, and I want the silver face. I also prefer diamond markers, but 31mm is looking more attractive to me, although I'm still undecided on size. I will definitely have to think about it more.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Peepip

Thanks! before I went in there and tried on the different sizes I was strongly leaning towards TT pearl face, diamond markers or roman numerals and 28mm. But now that I have tried some on I know I definitely don't want pearl face, and I want the silver face. I also prefer diamond markers, but 31mm is looking more attractive to me, although I'm still undecided on size. I will definitely have to think about it more.

Well done.So you got out and played with a few watches.
Thanks for the update.

Considering the fact you are not much of a negotiator and an unknown to the dealers I would say your discount isn't all that bad. More is definately on the table though considering the availability of the models you are looking at, but you are off to a very good start.
Really, don't get hung up on the amount of discount and enjoy the experience.

All the watches you have posted pics of are very similar so you have pretty much narrowed it down.
In terms of readability the Diamond markers are the best with just the right amount of sparkle. Also the Diamonds are a good size and in proportion with everything else on and around the dial.
Interestingly on the 31, you will notice in time(assuming you go with Diamonds) the centre of the actual stone is obviously located right on the minute mark, but the centre of the setting is also right on a minute mark.

Size is another matter.
By the looks of your pics, you can very easily pull off the 31 in any circumstance. It will be the easiest to read now and in the future when eyesight diminishes.
The 26 is quite dainty and more suited to a cocktail watch as shown on your wrist.
Obviously the 28 is in between, and it has the very latest movement(if you value that). Also the end links on the 28 are the new type and not as elegant as the 26 or 31 which are more classic in design.

Personally, I would simply go for the 31 as it will serve you well for the foreseeable future all things considered. It also has one of the very best movements Rolex has ever produced
Women are moving to larger watches as well.

Are you looking at doing the TRS thing?
If so then that will sweeten the pot quite nicely
Let us know how you go

[Peepip]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Are you looking at doing the TRS thing?
If so then that will sweeten the pot quite nicely

Thanks for the advice. Quick question, what does TRS mean? I'm assuming its about claiming back the tax?

I really wanted to get in there and try on the watches because I'm due to give birth around xmas, so thinking about that got me off my butt and gave me the motivation!
Also, if I'm not ready to purchase before my parents go overseas in 3 weeks then that's okay. I'm definitely not going to rush my decision, although the 10% back would be nice.

[amg55]

you should be able to get a better discount on the 26mm, being the discontinued size. Generally, they will go up to 10% discount but not with all model. I've never managed to get more than 10% off.

[gccmd]

The only Rolex AD I have ever been into in Sydney is the one in Martin Place. About 2 years ago I took in a brand new DJII that I had purchased as a gift for my father from my AD in the USA (where I live) to have a link removed from the band. The sales person there initially refused to help with this unless I brought in the official warranty card. I eventually managed to convince him to help with this. It was so obnoxious and everyone in the store acted so pompously I left telling myself that I would never recommend that store to anyone.

[Peepip]

Originally Posted by gccmd

The only Rolex AD I have ever been into in Sydney is the one in Martin Place. About 2 years ago I took in a brand new DJII that I had purchased as a gift for my father from my AD in the USA (where I live) to have a link removed from the band. The sales person there initially refused to help with this unless I brought in the official warranty card. I eventually managed to convince him to help with this. It was so obnoxious and everyone in the store acted so pompously I left telling myself that I would never recommend that store to anyone.

I have read about their poor service! Was it LK something? They were on my google maps search but I specifically avoided them because of the several bad reviews I had seen. To be honest I was already tired from visiting 3 different places so it was definitely easy to strike them off my list. Customer service is so important and word of mouth really gets around so I'm glad I avoided that place.

[Giangos]

IMO opinion the 26mm is definitely the one for you, the one with the diamond hour markers and pearl dial looks amazing


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[juliet]

Hi Peepip,

All the watches look great, can’t help there sorry!

What I can give though is a recommendation. Have you tried Watches of Switzerland? I dealt with Joshua Rogers, an assistant manager. He was excellent, no hard sell, spent lots of time with me, maybe give them a look? They’re under the Four Seasons on George St.

[PascalSwiss]

Imho they're all stunning women's models.
I think I'd choose a diamond serti for my wife.
6% off from my AD on my TT sub LN was enough for me even if I heard there could be up to 15%...

[crowncollection]

5% is standard in Sydney ad unless it’s a sports steel model. You can get 10% on that 26mm model as it’s discontinued and they want to move it on I would think


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[swatty]

Well done on trying on some very nice watches. I’ve been getting the best deals at The Hour Glass of late. PM me if you want me to make a call for you

[zwjk]

Glad you got the chance to check them out.

Did you try Kennedy's/LK (Rolex boutique Martin Place)? I use to loathe them but I gave them a second go today. They were the only AD who were able to help me with my request.

I am surprised with no discount at Swiss Concept. From what I've heard from my friends they are the most competitive with the best service. I would still push for 10-15% off at the other dealers - I rarely see them sell these smaller DJs. Cash tends to give you more bargaining power too.

P.S. I am not a fan of the smaller DJs so 31mm with diamonds gets my vote.

[zwjk]

Originally Posted by juliet

Hi Peepip,

All the watches look great, can’t help there sorry!

What I can give though is a recommendation. Have you tried Watches of Switzerland? I dealt with Joshua Rogers, an assistant manager. He was excellent, no hard sell, spent lots of time with me, maybe give them a look? They’re under the Four Seasons on George St.

Sorry - Watches of Switzerland Sydney do not stock Rolex. Only their Melbourne boutique does.

[Peepip]

Originally Posted by swatty

Well done on trying on some very nice watches. I’ve been getting the best deals at The Hour Glass of late. PM me if you want me to make a call for you

I really liked the Hour Glass! Their quote was very slightly more competitive than JFP. I will decide between 31 and 28 and then contact them again. I definitely want diamond markers after some thought.

Originally Posted by o1314

Glad you got the chance to check them out.

Did you try Kennedy's/LK (Rolex boutique Martin Place)? I use to loathe them but I gave them a second go today. They were the only AD who were able to help me with my request.

I am surprised with no discount at Swiss Concept. From what I've heard from my friends they are the most competitive with the best service. I would still push for 10-15% off at the other dealers - I rarely see them sell these smaller DJs. Cash tends to give you more bargaining power too.

P.S. I am not a fan of the smaller DJs so 31mm with diamonds gets my vote.

I had heard several bad reviews about LK in Martin Place so I didn’t make the effort today to go look. I may next week when I decide which size I decide.

All the ADs kept telling me how low their stock levels were, hence justifying the minimal discount. Of course they could just be saying that, but Swiss Concept were especially adamant about how limited their stock was and how “popular” even the smaller DJs were amongst customers. Who knows what’s true and what’s just sales talk though.

[andyxxx]

Have you also looked at the roman numeral model with the diamond VI as in my opinion it looks slightly 'younger'?
https://www.rolex.com/watches/dateju...l#configurator
My wife has it and loves it (with a white dial) but is now fancying one with the green dial and full diamond bezel.

[swatty]

My vote is for 31mm

[kearez]

I think your choices of Datejusts are timeless classics, can't go wrong at all. If legibility is an issue already under those bright lights of the AD, then I'd go for the 31.

If your worried maybe about the flash of the diamond markers, I would there actually very subtle.

[peterpl]

Swiss Concept would be the best for discount. If you are ready to buy go there they will beat any other AD. Just walk in and tell them the discount the other ADs have and they will beat it.

As for LK/Rolex Boutique I've heard many many many bad experiences there. Both from the sales staff and from their in-house watch maker. If I ever did go in there and someone gave me attitude or something I would never recommend that place.

In AU you wont get much discount. For a PM piece max probably around 15% if your lucky. For all SS models or TT it will be around 10%.

Since your in for a TT/SS model then you might want to look at a trusted seller on here. You will probably get 20-30% off rrp and you will get it shipped to your door express post 3-4 days max. IF you want to drop money for a full gold piece I've done the calculations many times.

The prices in the US is worth for you to buy overseas most definitely. I will be buying my next PM piece direct from the States.

[ROLEX MAN]

One word of advice, if you want keep it for a long time "go larger"

The time time will come in life and you can't read the dial without glasses!

[TempoKing]

Do not buy 26mm they are dead in the desirability charts
- 28mm or 31mm sounds like a great choice.

[JTL31]

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

One word of advice, if you want keep it for a long time "go larger"

The time time will come in life and you can't read the dial without glasses!

^ This. Consider color contrast in dials and size for legibility.

Nothing spoils the moment more than searching out varied lighting conditions, or a pulling out a pair of readers from your purse to see what time it is.

[juliet]

Originally Posted by o1314

Sorry - Watches of Switzerland Sydney do not stock Rolex. Only their Melbourne boutique does.

Whoops! I was actually looking at Lange that day, thought they had Rolex like their Melbourne store.

[locutus49]

My wife went with the 31 and wears it everyday. That is what I recommend considering.

Good way of negotiating, asking for the best price. You did fine.

[Peepip]

Originally Posted by Dirt

I just googled the TRS for more info.
TRS stands for Tourist Refund Scheme.

Illegal advice removed.

Wow that sounds so easy. Thanks for the tips!

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

One word of advice, if you want keep it for a long time "go larger"

The time time will come in life and you can't read the dial without glasses!

Haha, I do often think about my ageing eyesight. I’m 30 in the next few months so it definitely won’t be a problem now, but I do intend to keep the watch until the end of my days so I do need to think about future legibility.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Peepip

Wow that sounds so easy. Thanks for the tips!

I would not recommend following Mr Dirts above recommendation on how to avoid paying taxes. Essentially this is circumventing the tax laws of Australia, and is illegal.
Technically you are required to declare any item purchased that exceeds your duty limit (I believe $900 in AU), when you return. This includes items purchased while away, and also includes goods taken out of the country under the refund scheme, if it exceeds your duty limit.


As for the watches.
Great choice. Always a good thing to shop around a little.
My vote would also be the mid size 31mm. The size fits you well, and ease of legibility is a good thing.
Best of luck choosing, and make sure to post a pic when you bring it home!

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by swatty

My vote is for 31mm

I would agree with that

Anything smaller can be visually challenging to read in anything but perfect lighting conditions.

Although it may be larger than what you may have been wearing, you will get accustomed to the slightly larger size (we are only talking 4-5mm which is small) so it isn't a sheep-station shift.

I think you will find that with ladies watches there is a growing trend towards larger sizes.

Anyway, Swatty is a very decent guy who may be able to help you.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by sleddog

I would not recommend following Mr Dirts above recommendation on how to avoid paying taxes. Essentially this is circumventing the tax laws of Australia, and is illegal.
Technically you are required to declare any item purchased that exceeds your duty limit (I believe $900 in AU), when you return. This includes items purchased while away, and also includes goods taken out of the country under the refund scheme, if it exceeds your duty limit.


As for the watches.
Great choice on. Always a good thing to shop around a little.
My vote would also be the mid size 31mm. The size fits you well, and ease of legibility is a good thing.
Best of luck choosing, and make sure to post a pic when you bring it go,e!

Quite right and I didn't really think of it in those terms.
My apologies.

Having said that it's always up to the individual to determine how they choose to have a little fiddle. Or not.
It happens all the time and I suppose on reflection my proposal crossed the line from tax minimisation to tax avoidance

[peterpl]

TRS knows very well about these claims. Everyone was doing it so they are cracking down on this big time now.

It actually costs the economy alot of money. If its a legit TRS claim (i.e) you buying a watch for a friend overseas then by all means yes you can claim it. If not your not supposed to.