Newbie - UK AD experiences and recommendations

[malle]

Hi everyone!

I am new here and this is my first post!
I got into watches about 1.5 years ago and my mind is set for a Rolex to be my next watch.

With current grey market prices I'm not ready to pay the premium (yet) so I want to try to go the AD route and am happy to wait 6-12 months.

I'm based in Manchester, UK and only have 2 options nearby: Goldsmiths and DMR.

Anyone had prior experience with these retailers?
Do they play the usual games? (spending history, building "relationship" etc.)
Do I have 0 chance with no prior buying history?

I've read some horror stories that it's basically impossible to get any model around the London area.

Please leave your experiences below if you're from the UK and especially from the NW region.

Cheers!

edit:Forgot to mention which ones I'm actually after: OP41 silver, Sub no-date and DJ41, jubilee, fluted bezel