Rolex watches, is buying at stores more trustworthy?

[dimitri10]

I am choosing between visiting a Rolex store, or buying one online. I feel that Rolex stores are more trustworthy, but its very far from where I live.

Anyone here have experience with buying Rolex watches online?

[tyler1980]

as a general rule that is 100% correct, guaranteed.

On an individual level there are plenty of TS who are just as reputable as an AD who Rolex has trusted to be their representative. So its more specific to the seller.

You can make a blanket AD statement but not a blanket secondary dealer statement.

[RazorD]

There are fantastic stories and poor experiences on both sides of the coin. It all depends on who the seller and who the AD is? Is the particular model you’re looking for relatively easy to come by? If not, you may not have luck with an AD anyway.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by RazorD

There are fantastic stories and poor experiences on both sides of the coin. It all depends on who the seller and who the AD is? Is the particular model you’re looking for relatively easy to come by? If not, you may not have luck with an AD anyway.

No matter how poor the AD's attitude or how they run their business they still have a Rolex badge above the door... you won't get scammed, they won't take your money and disappear, and they won't sell you a fake watch which is what i believe he is asking. Bad resellers do this so you have more homework to do with a reseller. You can relax with an AD.

I think the knowledge bar is higher to get into the online game and a new buyer needs to take that into account... the piece of mind factor. Some guy a few months ago bought a 100% legit watch from a TS and then proceeded to send it to RSC to get it checked out. Kind of defeats the purpose if you need that in order to be comfortable, just buy AD instead.

[Pavlos]

Only buy from AD the product is guaranteed genuine and all original new parts inside. However, the sales staff can have a lack of knowledge. Do your homework on this forum first.

[Richmor]

We have many trusted sellers on our forum with whom I have full confidence. As with retail AD's, it's all about developing a relationship. Good luck!

[Brew]

First Rolex? Peace of mind goes a loonnngggg way! I'd make the trip to an AD.

[1William]

All authorized AD's have been selected by Rolex and meet certain standards. Trusted Sellers on TRF are as good as gold and many are better than AD's I have done business with. If your knowledge is limited I would go the AD route. If not, the Trusted Seller route.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Brew

First Rolex? Peace of mind goes a loonnngggg way! I'd make the trip to an AD.

[MonsterSS]

Originally Posted by Richmor

We have many trusted sellers on our forum with whom I have full confidence. As with retail AD's, it's all about developing a relationship. Good luck!

I agree completely! I have had good\bad experiences with both. Personally I refer working with an AD, but thats just me

[wytrader]

Do you know which watch you are after?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by dimitri10

I am choosing between visiting a Rolex store, or buying one online. I feel that Rolex stores are more trustworthy, but its very far from where I live.

Anyone here have experience with buying Rolex watches online?

Have you ever visited an AD and tried on watches?

[watchmework]

In general I would say that’s accurate. However, if you purchase from a trusted seller from here then I would say they are just as trustworthy as an AD.

[77T]

Originally Posted by wytrader

Do you know which watch you are after?

This is a good question since some models could take years to get through the AD sales channel. It also touches upon one aspect of “trustworthy”. Sales practices do vary among ADs.

I presume the OP is not a high volume buyer at any nearby AD in Australia. Therefore, almost any SS Sports model is unobtainable without a wait on the lists of other customers who want the same model.

This is where some ADs have been accused of sketchy tactics. Like requiring a purchase of other watches just to become a valued buyer. Or demanding high up-front deposits. Or not fulfilling based on one’s place in line (jumping to other more valued customers).

Those tactics are locally decided - not tightly regulated by Rolex itself. So some business practices of some ADs during the drought of SS Sports inventory has been questioned.

Now, as for the authenticity of the product - all ADs share the same 100% authenticity trust.

For the OP
If you want a scarce model be prepared for a long wait at an AD. Or be prepared to pay a premium to an independent seller like a TRF trusted seller.


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[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

You can make a blanket AD statement but not a blanket secondary dealer statement.

You can close the thread on this one.

[edweather]

Go to ADs and pick their brains, then buy from a TS. I'm not giving an AD my business if I can help it.

[subtona]

I have little use for the AD experience besides my desire to support local business... if the local business does the same for you.

Ie
Customer “hi I’m joe from down the block, I’ll be over in a minute to buy a Daytona”
AD “ok Joe we will pull it out of the safe and have it waiting for you when you get here neighbor“

If you choose to buy from member here, do not shop price, buy the seller.

A great reputation may cost you a few dollars but peace of mind is worth it.

Not meant to be a comprehensive list but these things come to mind.

Seller you are considering:

Look up the seller in The Who’s who,
make sure they are currently active ,
Check references, email others who have done business w seller.
Seller should be a member in good standing there is often a correlation of the longer the better.
Contact the seller via phone and email
Check the email and phone are exactly as they should be when you call around, a common ruse is to create an email that is almost the same.
Buy the seller!

[RazorD]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

No matter how poor the AD's attitude or how they run their business they still have a Rolex badge above the door... you won't get scammed, they won't take your money and disappear, and they won't sell you a fake watch which is what i believe he is asking. Bad resellers do this so you have more homework to do with a reseller. You can relax with an AD.

True and very fair point, Tyler. I guess I was thinking more about accuracy or information, honesty and truthfulness and less about theft or scams. Thanks!

[Mr. K]

If you buy from an AD, the watch will be new. If you buy online it will not be. Might be LNIB but not new. So check out the seller. Could it be a stolen watch? The seller may not even know it is a stolen watch if they bought it pre-owned.

If buying used, try to buy from the original owner who purchased it straight from an AD.

[77T]

Not a risk if Trusted Sellers on TRF who get their brand new in box (BNIB) stock directly from an AD. The watch will not be used or stolen.

But I agree with others - you want to vet the seller first and then negotiate the price after that.


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[dddl]

Either way you need to take the trip to the AD, so you can look at and try on different watches...

[joli160]

In my house 8 Rolex watches, all bought online, never any problem, very good experiences only and saved a ton of money.
(I don't go with the flow so not really interested in having the latest hot SS model)
Just do your homework and you'll be fine buying online.

[Ballzzz]

Yes, more truthworthy. You can be clueless and know you are not getting scammed, if so Rolex HQ will want to show you there factory and make it right.

Non AD if your clueless and something happens, good luck finding out where medtech is located.

All jokes aside there are many good trusted sellers but with an AD there is 0 doubt.

[Likestheshiny]

You can make a blanket AD statement but not a blanket secondary dealer statement.

Depends what one means by "trustworthy." An AD won't sell you a fake watch, but I've seen firsthand that ADs are willing to either lie or to be gloriously uninformed in order to make a sale. It's a huge mistake to blindly trust what an AD says about technical features, watch value, or industry trends.

Pretty much any time you hear "Price are going up next month," that's a flat-out, intentional lie to drive a sale. And you hear that pretty often.