How much do you have to spend at an AD to get a "hot Watch"

[Mystro]

Go grey market and never be another AD’s puppet. No list, no games, no wait. When guys like DavidSW has it in stock, treats you with respect and the watch arrives in the condition a Rolex forum member expects.

[blacke90]

I hear what you're saying. How does DavidSW get his watch? Is he buying straight from the AD? Just curious and excuse me for being a noob.

Originally Posted by Mystro

Go grey market and never be another AD’s puppet. No list, no games, no wait. When guys like DavidSW has it in stock, treats you with respect and the watch arrives in the condition a Rolex forum member expects.

[Marciano490]

When developing personal relationships just make sure you’re as cool and charming as you think, otherwise you’re just transparently annoying salespeople with chats when they could be making sales to other people.

[unknown]

I've been collecting/ buying since 25 years and ALWAYS got everything I wanted
(name any Rolex, Patek, Panerai, .. which seems to be hard to get)
Don't think I ever missed one if I really wanted it.

Some AD became friends and they know I do not sell my hard to get pieces.

In several cases I don't need to order them or ask for them,they call me and ask if I'm interested.

relationship, relationship and relationship .... that's all that matters.
And it takes some time to convince them. an unknown clients with new money doesn't make much chance at my AD

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Marciano490

When developing personal relationships just make sure you’re as cool and charming as you think, otherwise you’re just transparently annoying salespeople with chats when they could be making sales to other people.

I bet ADs are sick of charming, intelligent, handsome customers now, they much prefer the easy dismissal of the half-drunk, unwashed, credit-buying flipper. It's now like dating for billionaires.

[MDon35]

In London, I have a 15K relationship with one , despite that he said usually if you buy the platinum model, you can get the SS Ceramic one.
He didn't say it in plain words but indicated something like £ 40 - £50,000 worth of spending with Rolex will get you there.

[pc109]

My local AD is a family owned-operated jewelry store. With regard to Rolex, it seems like they want to vet the customers to see if they are true end consumers or flippers. Once I established that I was a part of the community and a huge fan/collector, they offered me a Tudor GMT and BLNR with no prior purchase history. I’m sure it would take more than that to get a Rolex SS Pepsi or Daytona, but I was still surprised!

[UnicoJG]

It really depends on your AD and all ADs vary. Sometime luck plays a big part. I’m not a fan of having to wait one year but I find it is reasonable based on the Rolex supply shortage.

[mrblue]

Who has the time to hang around a jewelry store trying to make friends? The whole concept of "checking in" or bringing coffee is silly.

[Innocenti]

The simple answer to this should be the retail price (no more ) of the actual watch you want.
Until this is the case I’m just not interested in the “hot” watches

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by blacke90

I hear what you're saying. How does DavidSW get his watch? Is he buying straight from the AD? Just curious and excuse me for being a noob.

New watches are sourced from world wide AD dealers.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by mrblue

Who has the time to hang around a jewelry store trying to make friends? The whole concept of "checking in" or bringing coffee is silly.

if its a hobby then it should be fun. Book collectors hang out in old book shops so i see no difference. If its a hassle then maybe find a new hobby?

[Etschell]

varies from ad to ad. but paying over list for the Daytonac was not a bad idea especially when the black dials were going for mid 15s. youd still be up on the purchase....

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

if its a hobby then it should be fun. Book collectors hang out in old book shops so i see no difference. If its a hassle then maybe find a new hobby?

tyler some people do it and some dont. neither are right or wrong. just different methods. any time i chat with a sales person at the ad it is never with intent to earn the right to buy something. only to discuss watches and have fun.

[CHJason]

I don't understand this building a relationship thing. If I'm not going to buy that day and go in to talk with the salesperson, I'm keeping her from a customer who might buy jewelry. Wouldn't she resent me for wasting her time: she's there to sell. I wound think that would make me less popular.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Etschell

tyler some people do it and some dont. neither are right or wrong. just different methods. any time i chat with a sales person at the ad it is never with intent to earn the right to buy something. only to discuss watches and have fun.

i do the same. I try on and talk about watches ill never buy for a variety of reasons (not my style, size, price, whatever). I still enjoy seeing them and talking about them. Its not about buying all the time, but what ill never understand is the "its a hassle" to go to a place that is pretty amazing even if they dont have SS Rolex on display.

But, ill never understand buying online either so call me old fashioned. I have to see and feel something IRL.

I had a blast last week seeing some Patek rare handcraft enamel dial watches. They are for women so clearly not for me but they were pretty cool.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by CHJason

I don't understand this building a relationship thing. If I'm not going to buy that day and go in to talk with the salesperson, I'm keeping her from a customer who might buy jewelry. Wouldn't she resent me for wasting her time: she's there to sell. I wound think that would make me less popular.

every time i walk into an ad not around basel time it is dead. if they have a customer who needs help i step aside and tell them no worries.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i do the same. I try on and talk about watches ill never buy for a variety of reasons (not my style, size, price, whatever). I still enjoy seeing them and talking about them. Its not about buying all the time, but what ill never understand is the "its a hassle" to go to a place that is pretty amazing even if they dont have SS Rolex on display.

But, ill never understand buying online either so call me old fashioned. I have to see and feel something IRL.

well. i usually try on before I buy. but in my case when the same watch is 25 percent less online without considering tax i cannot pull the trigger in person. im not trying to lose 25 percent just to potentially earn goodwill.

[bhking01]

Called in April for a Hulk with an AD I had never done business. Actually my first rolex purchase, as my other was inherited. They called back in July to let me know it was in. I was out of country and very busy for the next couple of weeks. Called on Tuesday and was told they still had it for me. Asked sales lady what kept her from selling the watch. She just smiled and stated her intuition told her I would be calling back to buy the watch. She now has a customer for life, and I have the Hulk I've been considering buying for a year or so! Win, Win!!

[DoctorA]

I don’t know if there’s a “rule”!
I got a call for my SD43 from an AD that I spent zero dollar at and am still waiting for the white Daytona at the AD I spent over $100K in less than a year!! I would say it depends on where the AD is, what kinda customers they have and how honest they are!

[GB-man]

50-100k

[lenfried29]

I spent $20K in a month with my AD buying two watches. When I asked when I'm going to get Daytona, he replies that I have to buy one of gold watches that he has on display

[superdog]

Originally Posted by SilverFoxUK

When people say they are calling in to their AD regularly to chat and build the relationship, what do you say is your reason for calling in and what do you chat about? They are in business to sell product so if you repeatedly call in without spending, might they get sick of seeing you? Call in 8 times a year and buy 2 watches...I get how that helps, but call in regularly without buying...I cant see how that helps, but pease advise us non-extroverts how it’s done ��

I call in sometimes. But only with specific questions.

That said, I’m true blue jersey. My wife and I love to go to the mall

I always stop in to say hello. Sometimes for a few minutes. Sometimes for an hour. It’s nener contrived and I don’t have an ulterior motive. I just like these people a lot and I like talking watches.

It’s amazing how far life can take you when you are authentic and genuine.

[dubins930]

Theres a very simple formula to combat this... AD says you have to spend x to get the new watch. If x is greater than grey market value of said watch, buy it from a trusted seller instead.

[Wcdhtwn]

I spent exactly $0 at my AD before getting my SD43 in July of '17. But I'm a frequent visitor, have gotten to know all the sales people and the owner, and have referred multiple people who've purchased to them before and after getting my SD. Like and trust are the key factors. But not every AD, probably very few, operate this way.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by lenfried29

I spent $20K in a month with my AD buying two watches. When I asked when I'm going to get Daytona, he replies that I have to buy one of gold watches that he has on display

That kinda nonsense would induce rage

[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by CHJason

I don't understand this building a relationship thing. If I'm not going to buy that day and go in to talk with the salesperson, I'm keeping her from a customer who might buy jewelry. Wouldn't she resent me for wasting her time: she's there to sell. I wound think that would make me less popular.

I felt the same in the beginning. I was buying bracelet links for my 14060 and 16750 then a bezel for the Explorer II. During these processes I fund out that the sales people at the local AD are quite knowledgeable and was stoping now and then just to chat.

When Tudor GMT was unveiled this year I called the next day after it was announced and ordered one. Few weeks after I called and paid deposit for 116610 LV. They managed to get for me the GMT in approx 3 months and the LVc under 2 months. Few days ago when I visited they offered 114060 and 116610LN which I declined. I am afraid to ask for a Daytona or a SS BLRO as they may deliver it too quickly before my finances recover!



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[yxc145]

To be honest, $31k in two years isn't that much. It is more than 90A guy can walk in and buy a PM watch and is already more than that. But it also depends on what watch you buy and there are other ways to improve the relationship with the dealer.

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[el-heffe]

I'm in almost exactly the same boat. I was offered a black SS Daytona about 6 months after my last purchase but was told the white would be another two years. I think that estimate is slightly inflated, but we'll see. I have a BLNR, so the BLRO isn't high on my list.


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[VicLeChic]

If they're going to use hot sports steel models as bait to sell PM, I won't fall for it.

I'm prepared to spend exactly MSRP on that very hot model I seek and not a penny more. I won't be buying other pieces to have access to the one I really desire, that's utter nonsense.

If that means I won't get my BLRO steel, so be it. However, I have no reasons not to trust the word of my AD when he says 'be patient, you'll get one, we will call you".