AD vs Grey

[NoCokeNoHope]

Branching out from another hot topic of paying over MSRP for a Daytona C.
Out of town today and I stopped by an AD to check out their inventory. Same old news, not a single SS Sport model other than an Air King. A sales approached me and asked me what am I looking for. I gave him a list of models and his manager (I think) joined the conversation.

AD: Well, you need to have a relationship with us in order to get on the list for these Professional models and the Daytona’s waiting list is minimum 8 years.
ME: Oh, so you don’t have anything in stock now?
AD: I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. (Some vague Bs that I forgot what he said).... if you want to start a relationship with us now, I can get you a professional model much faster. (Pointing at the DJs & PMs)
ME: how fast? Do you have something at the back?
AD: I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe Not. Depends how strong our relationship is. (Hinting on some PMs)
ME: Where will that WG GMT BLRO take our relationship to?
AD: That, my FRIEND, if you buy it now I can probably bump you up a lot higher on the Daytona list and maybe some other.
ME: How soon and how sure are you. I’ll only buy the WG GMT if I’m walking out with the SS on the same day.
AD: (BS, I still don’t know what he has for SS).... and we are a big company, our words are just as good as gold!
ME: I am a big boy too, my words are also as good as gold. How about I buy a SS today and come back later for the WG GMT?
AD: (fake laugh)

Walking out feeling the whole thing is just as shady as the “i fix your phone” store.

Perhaps the grey/trusted sellers may not be a bad idea after all. I know exactly what I am buying and when am I going to get it. Paying a bit over MSRP (not $6000 more, of course) probably worth it. At least they are not going to force me in bed with them.







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[jrs146]

It’s the rolex way of the world... gotta pay to play. The crazy part is no one really knows the rules of the game. Very frustrating.


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[superstarmar]

Madness !!!! My AD as of late who I purchased all of
My Rolex from except one has been really quirky...
It is definitely not business as usual lately in the Rolex world
that’s for sure ....

[oldman2005]

Originally Posted by NoCokeNoHope

Walking out feeling the whole thing is just as shady as the “i fix your phone” store.

Rolex way or the highway...

[wytrader]

Fully understand your experience to be disappointing but can you switch roles for a second. How do you think the AD's feel, recieving a small percentage of their demand in SS and multiples of their demand in PM. How crappy must it be to have 9/10 people leave your business irritated, pissed, disappointed. The internet has made everything so transparent that everyone now expects at least a 15% discount on the models they have and no one wants to pay sales tax.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by oldman2005

Rolex way or the highway...

I don't think Rolex has anything to do with the shady business AD's play

[HL65]

Seems a lot of you guys are unhappy with Rolex why not instead of whining all the time just switch to another brand? It would cut down 50% of the recent threads and perhaps bring you some joy. Just a thought...For me I will continue to work with and buy from the same AD I have worked with for the last 15 years who gets me every watch I want and in quick timeframe. If you want to get the sought after watches you have to have a solid relationship no different than any other brand from Patek to AP. It's the way it is so rather than whining and moaning all the time figure it out and do what most of us do who have been doing it for years. Again it seems like half the threads these days here are people whining about supply, prices, stickers, thick cases, etc. Perhaps you should try to go buy a Patek 5711, 5164, or AP 15407, 15202 etc. but wait you can't get any of those without a super long wait either so forget it.

[jimcameron]

There are so many fantastic alternatives that I'd say "bye-bye".

[wytrader]

Originally Posted by HL65

Seems a lot of you guys are unhappy with Rolex why not instead of whining all the time just switch to another brand? It would cut down 50% of the recent threads and perhaps bring you some joy. Just a thought...For me I will continue to work with and buy from the same AD I have worked with for the last 15 years who gets me every watch I want and in quick timeframe. If you want to get the sought after watches you have to have a solid relationship no different than any other brand from Patek to AP. It's the way it is so rather than whining and moaning all the time figure it out and do what most of us do who have been doing it for years. Again it seems like half the threads these days here are people whining about supply, prices, stickers, thick cases, etc. Perhaps you should try to go buy a Patek 5711, 5164, or AP 15407, 15202 etc. but wait you can't get any of those without a super long wait and strong relationship with AD either so forget it.

Agree with your view too. It seems everyone is happy with the value retention that Rolex watches provide and want to sell their bought watches at a profit in the future but expect the popular watches to be available like Omega's or Tag's. It's one or the other.

[enjoythemusic]

If EVERYONE called Rolex distributor and named the AD that uses those tactics, i bet said AD might stop.

So CALL ROLEX everyone and let them know the name of AD that uses those tactics, what they said, etc. Leave emotion at the door, only state facts.

So that Boston AD, was it Tourneau Copley Place or ???

[topfuel25]

Put it this way, there are younger customers that just got into watch owning and buying and u can't fault them for not having a solid relationship with the AD when they are trying to buy their first Rolex watch.

Having said that a customer would not want to build a shady relationship with an AD which is not sincere or upfront in the beginning.

It's like a new guy walks into the boutique for the first time sincerely wanting to buy his first watch with the AD telling him stories and saying there's isn't stock, just then another dude walks in who happen to be some rich kid or have bought multiple watches previously and the sales person drags him into the corner and shows him the exact same watch the first guy had asked for.

Put yourself in the first guy's shoes :)

Relationship is 2 way thing and not only 1!

[SeaDweller50]

I’ve always sourced my watches via other means so never had this issue personally.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by HL65

Seems a lot of you guys are unhappy with Rolex why not instead of whining all the time just switch to another brand? It would cut down 50% of the recent threads and perhaps bring you some joy. Just a thought...For me I will continue to work with and buy from the same AD I have worked with for the last 15 years who gets me every watch I want and in quick timeframe. If you want to get the sought after watches you have to have a solid relationship no different than any other brand from Patek to AP. It's the way it is so rather than whining and moaning all the time figure it out and do what most of us do who have been doing it for years. Again it seems like half the threads these days here are people whining about supply, prices, stickers, thick cases, etc. Perhaps you should try to go buy a Patek 5711, 5164, or AP 15407, 15202 etc. but wait you can't get any of those without a super long wait either so forget it.

[mrporter]

Originally Posted by topfuel25

Put it this way, there are younger customers that just got into watch owning and buying and u can't fault them for not having a solid relationship with the AD when they are trying to buy their first Rolex watch.

Having said that a customer would not want to build a shady relationship with an AD which is not sincere or upfront in the beginning.

It's like a new guy walks into the boutique for the first time sincerely wanting to buy his first watch with the AD telling him stories and saying there's isn't stock, just then another dude walks in who happen to be some rich kid or have bought multiple watches previously and the sales person drags him into the corner and shows him the exact same watch the first guy had asked for.

Put yourself in the first guy's shoes :)

Relationship is 2 way thing and not only 1!

Perfect thread! I was asking the same question on another rolex forum.

Basically not everyone can afford to buy 2-3 watches a year, for some of us, buying watch once a year is already a luxury. So these ADs keep pushing on "having a relationship" idea, which a lot of member here also agree, but how is it even possible to start a relationship if the watch that we want to buy, of course mostly SS sport models, doesn't even exist? Or you need to be a VIP to get your hand on those models. A lot of people, including my self, doesn't want to be stuck with watches that we don't want at all or just have a so so feeling towards it. So the idea of buying another model to get the model we want is just ridiculous.

I think AD need to see people commitment, if they're commit to spend, they should just let them have it. Of course AD still can tend to their VIPs, but I think they should reserve 1 or 2 stock for the first come first serve basis.

I like the idea of buying from AD, but with this situation, I think grey is the go to option.

[Jim Smyth]

This is the exact reason I haven't bought anything from a AD in 30+ years. I have developed a relation and its with a trusted seller. I get what I want at the price thats better than any AD. No BS, just trade +/- cash and go. I also to a lessor extent buy/sell/trade on the forums. What ever floats your boat but I like it simple and painless.

[Speed]

It’s a different world now...but until people start buying Hublot Big Bang Unicos, do t look for any improvement at an AD.

[Roger Lococco]

It seems to me that the issue is that Rolex produces (and therefore sends to ADs) a product mix that is out of step with demand.

A rough analogy. Imagine if you went to a car dealer looking to buy a new Accord. But they insisted that you buy 2 gold plated Pacers first in order to get on a waiting list for the promise of a future Accord. And then you see down the street that Joe's Car Shop is selling a bunch of new Accords with no waiting list - for $55k.

You can laugh at the analogy, but the spend is not that different between cars and some of these watches.

[josephvman]

We’re you committed to buying the BLRO if they sold you the Daytona? It sounds from your post that you were playing a game of “if I, would you?”, without a commitment. If so, you were running your own game and the dealer saw right through this. I don’t see an issue with AD’s taking care of the clients who take care of them. If you think it’s a game then put on your big boy pants and just pay market price. These threads are getting old.

[maizerage25]

Originally Posted by wytrader

Agree with your view too. It seems everyone is happy with the value retention that Rolex watches provide and want to sell their bought watches at a profit in the future but expect the popular watches to be available like Omega's or Tag's. It's one or the other.

As someone who is trying to buy a BLNR from an AD without a relationship (bought my one and only in St. Martin) - I agree this is very frustrating!

However I do come back this point - if the market becomes over-saturated then we will have a value retention problem like almost every other brand.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by HL65

Seems a lot of you guys are unhappy with Rolex why not instead of whining all the time just switch to another brand? It would cut down 50% of the recent threads and perhaps bring you some joy. Just a thought...For me I will continue to work with and buy from the same AD I have worked with for the last 15 years who gets me every watch I want and in quick timeframe. If you want to get the sought after watches you have to have a solid relationship no different than any other brand from Patek to AP. It's the way it is so rather than whining and moaning all the time figure it out and do what most of us do who have been doing it for years. Again it seems like half the threads these days here are people whining about supply, prices, stickers, thick cases, etc. Perhaps you should try to go buy a Patek 5711, 5164, or AP 15407, 15202 etc. but wait you can't get any of those without a super long wait either so forget it.

This!


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[Maxy]

Originally Posted by NoCokeNoHope

Perhaps the grey/trusted sellers may not be a bad idea after all. I know exactly what I am buying and when am I going to get it. Paying a bit over MSRP (not $6000 more, of course) probably worth it. At least they are not going to force me in bed with them.

I don't know what are the folks expecting? Just give out the short on production and rare pieces to anyone who walks with cash? Why will do something so foolish and go out of business? Are AD's not supposed to do their business which helps them to make more sales? If they want to sell the hard to get pieces to their premium customers, why is that wrong?? I simply don't get the point of such posts. Majority of the folks on here are people with money and they don't get this basic fact right

[Chiboy]

If you have to pay MSRP for the BLRO, the $6-$8k premium you save on the Daytona (vs. gray price) is offset by the extra you are spending on the BLRO.

[GT500]

My AD here in Cincinnati that I’ve bought several watches from said no more discounts. Rolexes rules! They for some reason are ok with the limited watches come through the door. I have no idea what the hell is going on.


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[bp1000]

This has happened a few times recently

I’m(we) are the customer, we hold all the chips.

If they want to play games with me, they can stuff their products. Simple.

I’ve gone to another brand(s) these last two years.

I won’t stand for favouritism. Simple as that.

I’ve said many times in the past I buy based on feeling so I never know when my next watch purchase will be.

Good job so far my local AD is decent. But visiting others I’ve had a similar story and just ended up buying other watches

[JR16]

I do feel bad for these ADs. I’m sure that most of the ones exhibiting “bad” behavior now were once good, genuine, and honorable ADs when times were “normal”. Like a marriage that gets financially stressed, many AD salespeople inevitably will start acting “different” when they are feeling the financial pressures of a lack of product to sell their customers and therefore a dent to their bottom line which at the end of the day pays for the food on their table, that new bike for their kid, college tuition , mortgage etc. While it’s frustrating for us as luxury consumers , I try to remember that on the other side is someone probably hurting more than me.


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[Raza_actual]

I’m not in the business of begging people to take my money. If they want someone to grovel before them to the tune of thousands of dollars, they know what they can do to themselves. Rolex isn’t the only watch company in existence. I have one and it’s fantastic, and I would love some other models, but I’m not trying to drop $30K on a watch just so I can spend $12K on another one, maybe, in the future. But I also have an Omega and three Tudors (if the postman comes today, otherwise only two). I’m just as happy with them.

I’m a young man and a minority. I’ve seen these tactics before. They disgust me.

[xspect]

My local rolex AD recently gave up his AD ~6 months ago.. Not sure what the issue was I havent been in to talk with him. But I do know he didnt move many rolex because he didnt have the stock people wanted. Now his premier watch brand is tag.

But they are a jeweler store that sold watches.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by JR16

I do feel bad for these ADs. I’m sure that most of the ones exhibiting “bad” behavior now were once good, genuine, and honorable ADs when times were “normal”. Like a marriage that gets financially stressed, many AD salespeople inevitably will start acting “different” when they are feeling the financial pressures of a lack of product to sell their customers and therefore a dent to their bottom line which at the end of the day pays for the food on their table, that new bike for their kid, college tuition , mortgage etc. While it’s frustrating for us as luxury consumers , I try to remember that on the other side is someone probably hurting more than me.


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The turnover of sales staff can also be quite high, so newer employees will only know of this environment and so their behaviour will be even more dismissive. Managers need to step in and set the tone.

But any unhappy customers should always tell the AD you will be writing to Rolex and the forums, this is the way to keep them in line. Rolex will use these trustpilot type reviews in future when they downsize ADs.

[Vaxe]

X2 well said.

Originally Posted by HL65

Seems a lot of you guys are unhappy with Rolex why not instead of whining all the time just switch to another brand? It would cut down 50% of the recent threads and perhaps bring you some joy. Just a thought...For me I will continue to work with and buy from the same AD I have worked with for the last 15 years who gets me every watch I want and in quick timeframe. If you want to get the sought after watches you have to have a solid relationship no different than any other brand from Patek to AP. It's the way it is so rather than whining and moaning all the time figure it out and do what most of us do who have been doing it for years. Again it seems like half the threads these days here are people whining about supply, prices, stickers, thick cases, etc. Perhaps you should try to go buy a Patek 5711, 5164, or AP 15407, 15202 etc. but wait you can't get any of those without a super long wait either so forget it.

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by NoCokeNoHope

Branching out from another hot topic of paying over MSRP for a Daytona C.
Out of town today and I stopped by an AD to check out their inventory. Same old news, not a single SS Sport model other than an Air King. A sales approached me and asked me what am I looking for. I gave him a list of models and his manager (I think) joined the conversation.

AD: Well, you need to have a relationship with us in order to get on the list for these Professional models and the Daytona’s waiting list is minimum 8 years.
ME: Oh, so you don’t have anything in stock now?
AD: I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. (Some vague Bs that I forgot what he said).... if you want to start a relationship with us now, I can get you a professional model much faster. (Pointing at the DJs & PMs)
ME: how fast? Do you have something at the back?
AD: I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe Not. Depends how strong our relationship is. (Hinting on some PMs)
ME: Where will that WG GMT BLRO take our relationship to?
AD: That, my FRIEND, if you buy it now I can probably bump you up a lot higher on the Daytona list and maybe some other.
ME: How soon and how sure are you. I’ll only buy the WG GMT if I’m walking out with the SS on the same day.
AD: (BS, I still don’t know what he has for SS).... and we are a big company, our words are just as good as gold!
ME: I am a big boy too, my words are also as good as gold. How about I buy a SS today and come back later for the WG GMT?
AD: (fake laugh)

Walking out feeling the whole thing is just as shady as the “i fix your phone” store.

Perhaps the grey/trusted sellers may not be a bad idea after all. I know exactly what I am buying and when am I going to get it. Paying a bit over MSRP (not $6000 more, of course) probably worth it. At least they are not going to force me in bed with them.


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I feel your pain and share the agony! Unfortunately a lot of ADs are worse than used cars salespeople! (No offense to car business folks) but the new analogy should change from used care sales to “Rolex AD sales”!!