My Frist Rolex, and why I went with an AD.

[BayLax]

In the beginning...
My story probably started like many of yours...I wanted a luxury watch so I worked, saved, and when I was able to afford one, I began my research. And quickly became overwhelmed with the amount of information and options Everything from different brands, models, to pricing, discounts, locations to purchase, gray market, and even lifestyle all created different factors to consider. And at one point, it was so overwhelming, I just fell out of love with the idea of buying something that barely tells the right time.

The tipping point was when I started to research and read posts here did I begin the understand and really appreciate this brand. This is my first post because almost all my questions were answered by other posts. What I've learned about the Rolex brand, I really loved! Everything from being an independent company, a non-profit, and the extreme attention to protecting the value of its brand compared to others was the tipping point for me to go with a Rolex. I didn't like brands that offered discounts, and for this factor, I can see why Rolex re-sale is so strong.

Model selection:

I knew I wanted a model that reflected my minimalistic taste and lifestyle. Being a part of the sport-automotive industry, naturally, I was drawn to the Daytona and Submariner. The Daytona Ceramic dream ended quite quickly I was given the same rhetoric about how they're super limited, long waiting list...blah blah. I'm okay with that, many of my clients wait years for their ordered vehicles. The Sub became the focal point and my hunt for the best deal. I loved the sub-no date, it's at a lower price point and after all, it was the first Bond watch. Since Aston Martin is a brand I sell, I had a special connection to this model.

How I ended up at an AD:

Jomashop, in the internet research state, that option was very attractive since they do sell legit Rolex watches and you save on price and taxes. But thanks to RF, I quickly learned the pitfalls of a gray market watch. I wanted my first Rolex to have an honest & special story. One that celebrated my accomplishment rather than the price. (there's a reason why people DON'T tell their friends they met their gf/bf on Tinder).

2nd hand market, for a first watch there were just too many unknowns and inexperience about the brand to trust the product I was getting.

So I started to visit ADs, and here's the quick run-down:

1) Geary's BH, offered to call me when a Daytona becomes available (it could be 2 years).

2)Hing Wa Lee in SG, offered a great deal on an incoming Sub-no date.

3) Rolex in Caesar's Fourm Shop in LV, really unique offer: if you buy a watch from them and want to upgrade your watch within 5 years, they will discount your next watch by the amount you paid on the original. Long as the next watch is 2x the price. They are the only AD that offers this deal. *Debra J. was extremely helpful and if anyone is interested in this awesome deal, go there and ask for her!

The Purcahse:
I was set and I knew the model and location, and it was perfect I was in Vegas last week to meet a client. I was scheduled to meet DJ on Thursday, but on Wednesday my client asked me to meet him at the Wynn. I have visited Vegas on many occasions but I have never ventured out that far. After my meeting, I strolled through the shops there and stumbled upon the Wynn Rolex. There I met Mei, and we got to talking about our experiences as salespeople. Never once did I intimate I wanted to buy a Rolex and not once did she push for a sale. She spent probably 40mins just talking to me about the brand, the models and her experiences with the company. I can tell she knew her stuff and really loved the brand. It quickly became apparent the Sub-date was the right watch for me and she was the right person to make it happen. I committed to the Sub-date there and then. Mei offered no discounts, no special programs for upgrades...just great customer service to close deal

In conclusion:

Looking back, I think doing your research is very important but you have to visit an AD and putting one on your wrist and develop a relationship with them. Their knowledge and experience will save you money and buyer's remorse. If I based my decision on just photos and internet I think I would've ended up with a Datejust II from Jomashop.

I don't think this will be the start of a collection, but I hope to continue learning more about Rolex through RF.

Thank you for reading!