Let's hear your positive AD stories!

[The GMT Master]

There has been a spate of threads the past couple of days heavily criticising various ADs. I think it's a little unfair that all ADs get tarred with the same brush, so it's about time we heard some stories of some helpful and knowledgeable ADs.

Let us all know:

1) Which AD it is
2) Why they made it a memorable experience for you
3) Why you might recommend it to your fellow WIS


I know there have been one or two on this forum who extol their ADs, it'd be nice to get all of the stories in one place.

[chenx15]

well RDV toronto. i got 25% offer for a watch just by entering the store.

[A. Jacobs]

My absolute favorite as far as knowledge, service, atmosphere, and overall experience is The Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Ohio (Sawmill Rd. location): thumbsup:

[shedlock2000]

My AD in Lethbridge, a family owned concern called Fosters and sons. They keep a small amount of Rolex in stock, but are friendly, knowlegable and a pleasure to deal with.

I have had 2 of my watches from their now, and the only reason i would shy from another deal, is if i changed manufacturer. They only keep Rolex, tudor and tag in the watch line i like, and i really wouldnt have any of the other two!!

Big up to Fosters and sons Lethbridge Alberta

[Launch Mini]

Palladio in Vancouver.
Always treats me fair, calls when new stock comes in, never any pressure.
Even got a Daytona for me.

[gman11377]

Park Promenade Jewelers, Palm Beach Gardens. They were very courteous, and helpful. Huge selection, latest models, and very knowlegeable. Robert Lindsay took care of me personally. I tried on several different models, and left with 15% off, and free shipping to my house. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

[mfer]

Simon's in Clayton, MO.

They were the only AD in town that treated me with respect. Young kid, don't look rich, etc. They sat there and talked with me, didn't rush me. Let me look many times before buying. Now they call me, let me know what they have, etc. I'm just straight up with them and they are the same back to me.

[Porsche]

Down Under, we don't have as much choice as some other countries, only 3-4 AD's in our 2 biggest cities...

I went down to Melbourne to GRIMA, who ONLY sells Rolex (all the other AD's carry many other brands). Huge range of Rolex... always lots of nice stuff.

Annie was increibly warm and friendly, made me feel like I had know her for years after only a few minutes. The necessary security in some showrooms can be a little intimidating, but after a few minutes I felt right at home.

Chris Grima also assisted me, and I got what is still a relatively hard to get watch (116710) AND a little gift for the car (a Rolex keyring ).

Their knowledge was great, but I assume after selling Rolex's for 20 odd years Chris would know a thing or two about Rolex's

After sales service was excellent as well. After returning to Sydney a few days later, I wasn't completely happy with the "fit" on my wrist, and Chris mailed me another link without question, he was just sad he couldn't arrange fitting it personally (but that's OK, I went to Rolex HQ in Sydney and they did it on the spot).

I have since received follow up Thank You letters, brochures and catalogues, and just recently a 2009 Calendar plus the Rolex "Christmas" catalogue!

All up, I am extremely impressed with their knowledge, nature and follow up.

We just got back from a weekend away down in Melbourne, and I popped into the store to say hi... I was like an old friend to all the staff, Annie remembered me by name immediately

I can strongly recommend going through an AD if you find a good one.

Cheers

[wytrader]

JJ Farran-Price in Sydney is fantastic. Incredibly helpful and knowledgable and just got the 2009 Rolex calender through as well. Pictures are almost as nice as some of Jocke's, not quite though.

[herfdude]

I deal with two different AD's, one in the western US and one in MO. They both know about each other and I purchase almost equally from both of them (this helps me get very aggressive pricing). I only deal with the owners of each store and they are great regarding customer service and knowledge of their product. One interesting tidbit is that the dealer in MO always knows more about anything new from Rolex way in advance of the Western US dealer so I usually know more about anything new coming than he does.

I am nothing but complimentary about both of them and can't imagine being treated any better anywhere.........

[TheVTCGuy]

Ben Bridge in UTC (San Diego). One of the managers worked for months trying to get me my SS Daytona, I had bought a GMT from them years ago but was hardly a High-roller customer. Nonetheless, this very nice manager got it for me!!! They all treat me like a king everytime I walk in there.

[The GMT Master]

Thanks very much for your stories so far, some really good experiences! Please, keep them coming :)

[lotuseater05]

Rudell, The Jewellers in Wolverhampton, UK.

Old family run business. AD for Rolex, Patek, JLC, AP, Brietling, Rado, Omega, Tag, Cartier, Mont Blanc ..... they love their watches and fine jewellery.

I've purchased four Rolex, new and used, and a couple of Tag's & Omega's and they really are superb. They handle all my service requirements and are extremely knowledgeable on all the brands they carry.

If you're in the UK give them a go before you sell out to one of the big chains.

[vapalux]

I have used the AD Lotuseater has and being a polite person in a forum I will say 'no comment'
I have had more trouble than I can say from the above mentioned AD who told me my DJ was a fake and worth £20 maybe £40 on a good day. All this without taking it out of the box or the back off!!!! oh and there were plenty availible on the continent.

The dealer I had it off was ready to sue, so off to Rolex UK to sort it. They confirmed it was a real Rolex.

The dealer is still fuming and so am I and no apology.

They may be my local AD but believe me there is no way I would use them for changing a battery. If they were the only dealer on the planet I would wear something else.

My experience of them? No comment

[SLS]

Devon's in Roseville, CA is great!
~Scott

[towernick]

Feldmar in Los Angeles, always been treated well for a younger customer which is sometimes hard to come by. Knowledgable staff, great selection and very fair pricing.

[Erix]

Ferret, Place Massena, Nice France.
Very good service.

[kingel]

Demetre Jewelers- Charleston, SC- Just bought my first Rolex from them- been going in there for two years looking at the watches until I could afford what I wanted- and they have never treated me with less than total respect. The owner spent an hour with me on my purchase Monday- even showed me some unusual watches from the vault that he knew I couldn't afford.. family owned- great selection--

I have to start saving for the next one now!!

By the way, have enjoyed browsing this forum for info and look forward to posting now that I'm in the club :-)

[Launch Mini]

I'll elaborate on my story, hope I don't tick anyone in Vancovuer off.
I was in my AD, just "looking" at bracelet models. Tried, the sub, the GV, a white Milgauss, the SS GMT IIc, then on a whim I ask,
"You don't have a Daytona in the back, do you?"
Well, she goes back & comes out with the white SS Daytona. I had come in the night before & they never called anyone on the famous list, yet.

I bought it on the spot.
So my waiting time from the time I ordered it, until I bought it, maybe 10 minutes.

[GMTcrazy]

1) Which AD it is

Kempf Jewelers in a small town (indialantic, fl)

2) Why they made it a memorable experience for you

Family owned and operated. I deal with the same guy everytime I go in there. He is very Knowledgeable. I have never had to wait too long for any new/hot model.

3) Why you might recommend it to your fellow WIS

For the reasons above, great selection, the pieces are never shop worn like the big AD's in Orlando. The best part is the friendly staff, I hate walking into a store in my normal casual wear and being treated like crap.... They are great to deal with.

GT

[docnagel]

My favourite AD is Petar's in St Catharines., Ontario. Mitch the owner is always ready to to lend an ear, share his vast knowledge of Rolex, and goes the extra mile to ensure you have a great experience.
Regards, Mike

[mretzloff]

1). Lion's Jewelers, in Phillip's Place near the South Park mall (Charlotte, NC, USA).

2). They made it memorable because they were the only ones who took me seriously and made me know that they wanted my business. They were also willing to give me a 13% discount.

3). They're friendly and polite.