Got the call. Same watch, 2 ADs. Who do I buy from? Large-ish dealer or Family AD?

[Blue Fin]

Bigger boutique, more watches coming in.
I wouldn’t get both, return on that watch wouldn’t justify potential long term risk to future purchases. I’m not sure any margin would, but that’s the way I see it

[Nairn1980]

Wait until you see both watches. There are so many DJ combos, it’s unlikely both are identical dial, bracelet and bezel combos.

If this doesn’t help, pick the AD you get the best vibe from.

[TimepieceRPP]

See if you are going to after more Rolex. It may be hard for you to get from the BiG AD esp in London unless u re a big spender. Family owned AD may have a better chance but as other OPs said they may push you to buy other jewellery or may loss their AD suddenly.
However I will go for small AD after 2 years waiting from big AD and still nothing.

[waxy88]

I am sure I know the AD store in London you are referring to and if I were in your position I would go with the smaller local AD. The reason being if any of the other watches on your wish list are hot piec3s (which currently is pretty much everything) then imagine the customers you will be competing with at the London AD?

The London AD, may get more pieces, but in that neck of the woods they have almost certainly got more heavy hitters too. The smaller AD, is a better proposition for future success IMO.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by waxy88

I am sure I know the AD store in London you are referring to and if I were in your position I would go with the smaller local AD. The reason being if any of the other watches on your wish list are hot piec3s (which currently is pretty much everything) then imagine the customers you will be competing with at the London AD?

The London AD, may get more pieces, but in that neck of the woods they have almost certainly got more heavy hitters too. The smaller AD, is a better proposition for future success IMO.

The London AD is Bucherer. Not the biggest AD in the country, but bigger then most.

[waxy88]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

The London AD is Bucherer. Not the biggest AD in the country, but bigger then most.

Good job I didn’t bet money on it, I thought it was the Rolex boutique on New Bond Street.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by waxy88

Good job I didn’t bet money on it, I thought it was the Rolex boutique on New Bond Street.

Haha. The new Bond Street one, pretty sure that’s Watches of Switzerland isn’t it? That group probably is the biggest AD in the U.K. and can’t imagine getting anything from them. I personally don’t have anything good to say about the WoS group

Don’t suppose you know anything about Bucherer? I think they only have stores in London and Paris. So they’re not massive but do act a bit more ‘corporate’

Edit: I think they may have some in Switzerland as well

[TimepieceRPP]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

Haha. The new Bond Street one, pretty sure that’s Watches of Switzerland isn’t it? That group probably is the biggest AD in the U.K. and can’t imagine getting anything from them. I personally don’t have anything good to say about the WoS group

Don’t suppose you know anything about Bucherer? I think they only have stores in London and Paris. So they’re not massive but do act a bit more ‘corporate’

Edit: I think they may have some in Switzerland as well

Their base is in Swiss. Nearly the biggest AD group in there.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

The London AD is Bucherer. Not the biggest AD in the country, but bigger then most.

That’s part of Tourneau; not going anywhere any time soon. Smaller one - who knows…

But I think there are, objectively, pros and cons of each: buy from whichever you get a better vibe from. Particularly if the next pieces you want aren’t too hard to find it shouldn’t matter too much.

[majidessa]

The larger AD because one you have visited them and received an email from the sales manager which means you are now registered with them and if you make a purchase you will be considered a recurring customer with purchase history.

In addition, the DJ model that you want is easier to get than other variations especially steel, however, since this model is more expensive and less in demand you should make sure that you really build a good relationship with the seller and to make your wish for the next model a real thing.

What is next in your list should discussed openly and the seller should help guide you through what is realistically possible to get next.

Buying 2 watches and selling one will result in significant loss, also keep in mind that in recent years some of the smaller ADs are losing their Rolex business.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by t60

+1 on the boutique. I went to one and they never upsell anything. Its a super heavy investment to be a boutique and they will probably not go away anytime soon. The small family AD could lose status any day now.

As much as I love supporting small business, it just doesn't make sense if you're interested in other Rolex models. If the AD's status disappears, kiss that purchase history goodbye.

Originally Posted by David5807

You make a compelling point, but if OP isn't a whale then what hope does he have of getting other models.

Originally Posted by Blue Fin

Bigger boutique, more watches coming in.
I wouldn’t get both, return on that watch wouldn’t justify potential long term risk to future purchases. I’m not sure any margin would, but that’s the way I see it

Originally Posted by majidessa

The larger AD because one you have visited them and received an email from the sales manager which means you are now registered with them and if you make a purchase you will be considered a recurring customer with purchase history.

In addition, the DJ model that you want is easier to get than other variations especially steel, however, since this model is more expensive and less in demand you should make sure that you really build a good relationship with the seller and to make your wish for the next model a real thing.

What is next in your list should discussed openly and the seller should help guide you through what is realistically possible to get next.

Buying 2 watches and selling one will result in significant loss, also keep in mind that in recent years some of the smaller ADs are losing their Rolex business.

My issue with going with the larger AD is as others have said. Competing with whales within the same area and, of course, the overseas clients. The pieces I am currently eyeing up are a Steel sub, GMT BLNR, YG DD 40 (or 36 with Ombre emerald dial) and possibly a YG Sub (probably not if I bought the DD and steel sub). Also looking for maybe a Steel Sub/Sea-Dweller and a turquoise dial OP 31 for my parent's big birthday milestones in about 1-2 years time. All super hot pieces. What are the chances really of getting these within a reasonable timeframe from a high income area of London off the back of one TT DJ purchase? Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting to get them anytime soon. But what are the chances of getting them at all? Low I'd imagine in the current market.

However, as someone else mentioned, the smaller ADs may get lower stock of these models anyway. I know for a fact the smaller AD used to have lots of DDs before the hype but not sure about the others.

[KY..]

If you can buy from both go for it and establish double purchase equity if you don’t mind dealing with selling the extra watch.
If not I would go with the smaller AD since they will likely go out of their way to help you with your other watches…

[jaySL350]

Local family owned AD,,,,

[karleone]

Smaller AD might lose its Rolex licence plus pressure to sell you other brands and jewellery. Bigger AD gets more pieces but bigger competition. I’ll still go big AD. Buy both and lose money plus risking getting blacklisted just to create purchase history? Hell no!

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by karleone

Smaller AD might lose its Rolex licence plus pressure to sell you other brands and jewellery. Bigger AD gets more pieces but bigger competition. I’ll still go big AD. Buy both and lose money plus risking getting blacklisted just to create purchase history? Hell no!

I agree regarding the risk of being black listed. I haven’t even started my Rolex journey yet

[Chadridv]

Local family owned AD is a nice way to go, but if small ADs in the UK are losing rolex partnerships as fast as they are in the US you might be building a relationship with someone that will ultimately not offer Rolex.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Local family owned AD is a nice way to go, but if small ADs in the UK are losing rolex partnerships as fast as they are in the US you might be building a relationship with someone that will ultimately not offer Rolex.

I haven’t heard of this happening in UK so honestly not sure what to think

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

I haven’t heard of this happening in UK so honestly not sure what to think

Small ADs in the UK are indeed diminishing.

[Daveclock]

I think it would be great to support the smaller, local AD - its cool to think they were so open with you and also found the watch you wanted.
You might get a chance to buy something in future too.
Don't even buy at larger AD and flip - it could work against you.
Lets face it "a relationship" BS type remark won't happen as bigger AD's have more whales anyway.

[1William]

If you have the funds then buy both. No issues with having the same watch and just put one up for a minute, wear the other and ask for the next model/models you are looking for from the AD's. The Rolex is an asset in the current market and can be turned into cash or another watch very easily. Go for both.

[Tavli3]

Family AD without question.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cauhauna]

The only answer here is buy both
I was “on the list” for a Daytona for 3 years, and then my family AD lost their dealership
Don’t let this happen to you

[dwelling seas]

family,

well large dealers also full of people with families,...

[adawil2002]

Smaller AD instead of the "Big Box" AD

[Stewart_88]

As said already, buy both sell one. Next piece you want put name down at both AD's. Let them race against each other without them even knowing.

Makes the chase a little more exciting

[SamArj]

I don't understand this advice about buying both and selling one. On a man's TT DJ with a diamond dial you will lose thousands of pounds, not worth it for the purchase history it will provide.

As for WOS vs Bucherer.....it's a punt as Bucherer are not a small family run business. If you have any intention of buying jewellery for loved ones in the near future then Bucherer might actually be better, kill two birds with one stone etc.
And jewellery has much higher profit margins so the store will appreciate your spend more.

Just my tuppence

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by SamArj

I don't understand this advice about buying both and selling one. On a man's TT DJ with a diamond dial you will lose thousands of pounds, not worth it for the purchase history it will provide.

As for WOS vs Bucherer.....it's a punt as Bucherer are not a small family run business. If you have any intention of buying jewellery for loved ones in the near future then Bucherer might actually be better, kill two birds with one stone etc.
And jewellery has much higher profit margins so the store will appreciate your spend more.

Just my tuppence

This particular Bucherer branch only sells Rolex. It doesn’t sell jewellery at all so increasing purchase history could be an issue ….

[SamArj]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

This particular Bucherer branch only sells Rolex. It doesn’t sell jewellery at all so increasing purchase history could be an issue ….

Sorry I misunderstood. So one is Bucherer and thr othera smaller family run outfit?

Either way, think carefully about buying both even if you can afford the initial outlay.
You will lose thousands of pounds when you 'flip' one of them. A TT diamond dial 41mm DJ is not an in demand piece, if the dealers say otherwise they are not being honest.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by SamArj

Sorry I misunderstood. So one is Bucherer and thr othera smaller family run outfit?

Either way, think carefully about buying both even if you can afford the initial outlay.
You will lose thousands of pounds when you 'flip' one of them. A TT diamond dial 41mm DJ is not an in demand piece, if the dealers say otherwise they are not being honest.

That’s correct. The ‘big’ AD I’m referring to is Bucherer. The smaller one is the family AD. As it stands I don’t have any intention of buying both. If it was two subs however….

[karleone]

Buy both and sell one? It’s not a steel Daytona or GMT but a TT DJ with diamonds!!!! He will lose some cash selling the other one (not hundreds but thousands). Worst advice ever!!