My SS Sub hunt is finally over...

[FQ01]

"My SS Sub hunt is finally over" or "How to acquire a Rolex ND Sub for a 21% discount to a retail price"

I've read a lot of interesting stories on this forum, so I thought I'd share mine too=)

Unlike many others, when I developed an interest in watches, I had no intention of buying a Rolex, because "everyone around seem to be wearing one"... A couple of Panerai's later, I started to appreciate Rolex craftsmanship, attention to details and historical importance. Once my anniversary birthday happened this year, so it was the right time to pull the trigger for a first Rolex. I decided that it will either be a Submariner (114060) or a GMT Master II. And since we're in the middle of a total madness regarding GMT Master II models BLRO/BLNR, end of production for LN, jubilee bracelets, etc... I decided to go for 114060 Sub...

Little did I know, that unlike normal watch brands, you can not go to an AD and order one. So the hunt began. On every business trip I would visit an AD and ask for a SS Sub. This is a real quest... I've been in multiple ADs in New York, Chicago, London, Switzerland and Stockholm... no luck... I almost started to feel like I will not be getting my grail watch this year, but I was due to a surprise!

Last week I've travelled to Budapest for a very close friend's wedding. I was supposed to be giving a speech and officiate the wedding. After spending the morning hanging out with the groom and helping with the preparations, I had 4 hours before the official ceremony and went back to the hotel. Next door to the hotel was a Rolex AD, so I decided to come by and following my usual routine have a chat with a sales rep about how impossible it is to get a SS Sub.

I walked into the AD while having my Panerai PAM590 on, and started a conversation on how I visited 7+ Rolex ADs around the world looking for a Sub ND or GMT Master, and since I don't believe in walk in offers on Batman or Pepsi, maybe they had a ND?=) We had a laugh about it, the sales guy asked me where I was from and whether I was in Budapest for business or as a tourist. When I told him that I'm here for a friend's wedding and that I was looking for a ND Sub as an anniversary present for myself, the sales guy asked me to wait for a minute, since he had to talk to a senior manager. Several minutes later he comes back with a 114060 Sub! He told me that since it was really a super special occasion, they decided to offer me my grail watch and I had 5 hours before the store close to decide... On top of that, VAT in Hungary is 21% and I can claim it back for an effective 21% discount to RRP! I told him that I need 20 min to get back to my hotel room, take the credit card and a passport.

We settled the transaction in EUR, I received an official travel pouch as a bonus with a couple of boxes of chocolate for my wife, a VAT refund service by Rolex (unlike GlobalBlue that charges a commission, this Rolex AD offers a full VAT refund via a direct wire transfer to my bank account), and since I had to stamp the papers at the customs at the airport, they also offered me a first class fast lane assistance service at the airport.

Stickers were removed in front of me and the bracelet was sized. I was asked if I wanted my warranty card to be filled with my name on it (sure!), and once it was filled I received the watch, warranty card, box & papers. I heard about stupid stories on how they mail the card 1-6months later, so I was super happy to receive everything in full + bonuses, coupled with a fantastic service!

The wedding ceremony went fantastic, and on top of being my anniversary year, I received my grail watch the same day my best friend got married!

[illiguy]

Awesome story and congrats! Please post pics when you get the chance.

[FQ01]

first wrist shot

[illiguy]

Looks fantastic!

[Professorfingers]

Cool Beans!! Enjoy!

[goodolejr]

Great story!

[darrenho]

One lucky guy! Congrats!

[NigeG]

Lucky fella. Probably gives a lot of people hope too. Or at least a damn good story to try out....

[Jona]

What a great stroke of luck! That's a great watch, so comfortable. You will love it forever.

[Navarino]

Congrats on the Sub! Awesome story and glad to hear that AD was able to make that trip and special day all the more special and memorable.

[macrowatch]

That is one sexy watch. Congrats!

[rmlovett1]

Fantastic! Congratulations!

[Harry-57]

Congratulations. It just goes to show what might be possible.

[JohnGingerwood]

Everyone should own a Sub. Congrats. Cool story.

[JoseR]

I'm jealous... Congrats and wear it in good health. I still have hope that I'll get one some day..

[Xerxes77]

I know that AD.
It’s a very serious AD and also one of the fewer AD remain who are not asking to buy other watch to can buy an SS popular model. For them fact that you are a watch lover it’s more important then your buying history!
Congratulations!
Also I want to congrats the AD for them honestly!

[116710er]

Wow, that's awesome! I recently tried several dealers in Paris and London and came up with nothing (as expected).

[JonaG]

Congratulations! Great story and a great start to the memories with the watch.

[Bizcut1]

Fantastic!

[StackLexus17]

This is a wonderful story.
Almostttt gave up hope and BOOM!

[doubleinfive]

The opportunity presented itself and you were ready to capitalize on it. Well done.

[Nikrnic]

Congrats on your SubC Great story and talk about great timing !! Wow. Enjoy !!...

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[RichM]

That’s great. Congratulations

[shredace]

Great story. Happy Birthday and Congratulations.

[AJM914]

Congrats very nice!

[OPfan]

wow that is awesome! I'm so jealous! congrats!

[DoctorA]

Congratulations!! Enjoy in good health!

[42itus]

Great story and nice to have a watch tied to a special occasion.

Enjoy your grail!

[Gimoozaabi]

Fantastic story and watch! It must felt terrific, indeed a superb experience. Budapest is a gorgeous city, glad it worked that well for you. Your first memory of that watch is great. Here for more of it to come. Enjoy it!

[mfm22]

Off to Budapest !! Lol. Nice story , great watch enjoy it