Visited every single AD in Paris, most frustrating experience ever !

[Vinnee]

You expected too much, you got frustrated when they perform to expectation.

[kuuttingg]

[GB-man]

You should buy grey or keep it moving. ADs aren’t generally worth your time and are typically more expensive than grey unless you buy jewelry too and even then you’re getting fleeced.

[jakemiller69]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Just throw some stacks down $$, then your wish will come true. Trust me

[horseShu]

I'm curious if that "visit AD often" tactic actually works.
What everybody meant by having a "relationship" with an AD is not as friends, but building a purchase history of other watches, jewelry, etc.

If you just go to a AD like every week and chat it up with them, and not buying anything, does that really work?
Or is the objective here, to annoy them with your presence so that they'll sell you the watch?

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by horseShu

I'm curious if that "visit AD often" tactic actually works.
What everybody meant by having a "relationship" with an AD is not as friends, but building a purchase history of other watches, jewelry, etc.

If you just go to a AD like every week and chat it up with them, and not buying anything, does that really work?
Or is the objective here, to annoy them with your presence so that they'll sell you the watch?

Dont think it works. I just dont understand why some who are newer to this, thinks they can just walk in and get "free" money from an AD....Just buy something, help the AD out a little too! Make a relationship!

[brucethemanlee]

unless you $$$$$$$ you're really out of luck to buy the watches everyone wants (ie hulk, BLNR, BLRO, Daytona)

if you owned the business you're want to make your best customers happy who have spent $$$$$$$ over years rather than give it to some unknown person who has spend $O or very little $.

Sucks, I know but its business. It you don't like the tactic(s) either you go grey or you go for another brand.

[JSCP]

I think there have never been lists. They just manage the requests and the difficult to get times pieces Rolex or PP go to: clients they really like, old good-spending clients; clients that are new that they like from the minute you start a chat. One thing that helps is to have style, I have noticed that a lot AD’s , here it or in Europe prefer customers they identify with, customers that have a “brand” style and will carry the watch brand well, they sense it after a few minutes of chat.

Be humble, simple, non chalant. Presen a narrative of your interest that shows why you are “special” about watch xxxx.

Good luck.

But a DD40 would be an amazing start of any collection if you can afford.

[BillA]

I was in Portugal last summer. For laughs I stopped in at every AD who had Rolex in the window. They have no sport models for sale.
One AD was at a beach resort town, what a joke that was. Can you imagine how many tourists each day walk in and ask for the hard to get pieces?

[joli160]

Plenty for sale without waiting lists.

I’d keep my dignity and go the trusted seller route without the trouble of kissing up an AD for vague promises.

[Peter123]

To the Op. if you are willing to travel around you might want to try some Independent ADs outside of the main commercial hub like Paris. Not sure what the set up is in France but I’d imagine >50% + of watch money is spent in Paris mixed between locals and visitors.
Not much downside to having a couple of weekends away in other cities! Not the riveria though! Think about maybe which areas may have been hardest hit by Covid lockdowns, fewer watch buyers and fewer holiday makers. A batgirl might be asking too much but starting your Rolex journey with say a black sub is probably possible from a smaller out of town AD.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

You only have 3 choices...buy the DJII from the best AD you can find locally (from a salesperson with some tenure) and try to build up from there, go grey of course, or keep saving your money and pray that Covid and the dumpster fire that is 2020 gets worse and the economy gets really bad. If that happens as it did in 2009, stock will start to be plentiful for those willing to pull the trigger.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

keep saving your money and pray that Covid and the dumpster fire that is 2020 gets worse and the economy gets really bad. If that happens as it did in 2009, stock will start to be plentiful for those willing to pull the trigger.

yeah so economy will be in hole....but how willing will OP want to drop $10k on a watch

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

Its weird......I know there is a Rolex AD in Dublin, Weir & Sons and its not shown on the Rolex website. Clearly there is something amiss with the Rolex dealer locator on their website, as there seems to be a lot of missing UK AD's as well.

The already mentioned Pragnalls in Stratford-on-Avon are not listed on the Rolex website, but Pragnall's own website still says they are official Rolex dealers?
The same with RL Austin in Chichester, not on the Rolex website, but still listed as official dealer on their own website.

So, I would guess there are other AD's France but for some reason they are not showing up on the rolex website dealer locator, as the Eire and UK ones are not?

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

There are lots of ADs outside of Paris. Lyon alone has 3, within easy walking distance of each other. The result however will almost certainly be the same as everywhere else.

Still, I don't think it is necessarily crazy to try and see if a miracle happens - it just doesn't make much sense to be frustrated when it doesn't.

[mstauqir]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Unfortunately for you, Paris is one of the most visited tow in the world. try small towns when you are in Spain. I’ve seen some decent collection there. Surely, DJ41 I suppose.

[Yess]

You even went to the Rolex AD at the Louvre? That's dedication... Considering that it really is just advertising in one of the busiest places on earth - they didn't even have 36mm grape OPs when I was there in late Feb.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

To help manage your expectations (although I’m sure you now get the message loud and clear)

You’re NOT getting a Daytona so forget that one.

You’re extremely unlikely to stumble into a Batgirl either as they go to preferred customers.

DJ41 is your best chance, focus on that and put the effort into getting it. Then use that relationship to move to your Batgirl.

It isn’t a quick process and your expecting to find a Batgirl and Daytona is just being naive.

(Or go grey market)

[Ihatecheese]

Yes what everyone else said. You can't get the super popular jewellery because everyone else already bought the stock. Compare it to a Hermes Birkin, I'm sure those are also quite impossible to buy the favourite colours in Paris.

[campfire]

Good luck OP. Hopefully a piece you like comes soon.

[Old Expat Beast]

You should visit the new Grand Seiko boutique on the Place Vendome

[TswaneNguni]

I'll wear a PAM 671 Blue Bronzo ,we will always have Paris ....

[Rashid.bk]

So you tried all of Paris, then you’ll try all of Spain, then London, then NYC, then Rome, then etc etc. you’ll get the same results, nada, because all the locals are beating you to the punch. You want what every one else wants and you already know that, a bit naive to think in 2020 you’ll walk into a random AD and they’ll have a Daytona waiting for traveling you.

In your case, I’d save my time and headaches and just go grey, it’ll be much cheaper than hopping around different cities then wasting your time when you could be enjoying your destination.
Plus, there are dozens of these threads, read through them, you’ll see the same outcomes, except when some random guy hits the lottery while passing through an airport, but it has never been a Daytona or BLRO.
Good luck.

[KNFRT]

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

Yes - this is how you build the relationship and get the better pieces! I'd buy it - worst case flip it if you hate it - which you won't...

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

This is your chance,
Take it and work from there

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

You have absolutely no chance of obtaining these references as a cold customer in Paris, so it is good you are finally accepting that.

The AD doesn't care about your visitation(s) unless you buy something from them.

So there are clearly two viewpoints here:

The AD salesperson remembered your interest and reached out about the black DJ jubilee. That is good as (s)he could have very, very easily sold that watch with no effort what-so-ever, but they gave you a shot. If you don't pursue that, they will more than likely shut you out as they don't have the time or the inventory to mess about...

From your POV, you should buy what you want and not settle. So if you don't want the black dial, pass on it...with realization and acceptance that your "in" at the AD has more than likely passed you by.

Then buy the watch you want from the grey market and move on...

[Watchflair]

Lol come on - a simple search of threads would have answered your own question.

[rmlovett1]

AD
DJ41-$9900usd
BLNR-$9700usd

Grey
New DJ-$10000-10800
New BLNR-$14800-16000

If you want one now for at/close to msrp get a DJ

If you want a new BLNR now...how much is your time worth? If I absolutely had to have NIB, I’d decide if spending the extra $4500-5500 is worth it, vs waiting what could be 2+ yrs to enjoy my BLNR. Or get a like new BLNR for a bit less....

[GoingPlaces]

Rolex SS market is brutal. Either pay up and go grey or keep trying to get lucky.