Curious for the MSRP only crowd

[m j b]

There were some very interesting, insightful and occasionally entertaining responses, thanks for that fellas. And gals.

To answer the OP's questions: No and no. And yes.

The exception would be for those two examples, if I was free to flip them, then yes, I would not hesitate to buy one from an AD at a premium so that I could sell it BNIB for a huge profit. Although I guess technically it would be LNIB since it's "used". But I'd still be able to double my money, and go buy another Tudor.

LOL

[KeobNepo]

I only buy at AD for the peace of mind. It's new and authentic for sure.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by KeobNepo

I only buy at AD for the peace of mind. It's new and authentic for sure.

This, very much agree.

[brucethemanlee]

Why pay double or a premium when I get all my watches at MSRP within a good timeframe?

[ROBERT1183]

I'm in the boat with most people. I'm willing to pay over msrp to not have to play the AD game and have the piece i want now. I feel 10-25% over is reasonable. But I will not pay 100% over msrp for a piece.

[turkeysub93]

AD.

Buying from the grey market just feels dirty...I did it in the past once and ended up selling the piece shortly afterward for that reason.

[OpusXIII]

At the end of the day it's just a watch. Willingly paying over MSRP to acquire one - is to me - somewhat ridiculous. But by that same measure. The vast majority of folks out there would likely think that paying MSRP for a Rolex (or any premium watch brand) - is in turn - equally as ridiculous. It is what it is, I guess.

[Avionics86]

For me price is not the issue, it's knowing that the watch is the real deal. I went grey once and discovered some parts had been replaced. With so many good fakes out there I could not tell the difference because I lack the expertise. I sleep better knowing what I got is real and minty fresh.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by dannyp

For me, it’s about getting via AD and knowing I was the first owner and I’m getting it through the most legitimate channel, with no question about what I’m getting.

This, exactly, for me. I simply prefer to purchase through the official distribution channels, and that means enough to me that I am willing to forgo something I am interested in rather than purchase on the grey market. I am more sensitive to the distribution channels I purchase through than price, to be honest. That’s a personal choice, I’m not suggesting for a second that others do the same, but answering the OP’s question frankly.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by Avionics86

For me price is not the issue, it's knowing that the watch is the real deal. I went grey once and discovered some parts had been replaced. With so many good fakes out there I could not tell the difference because I lack the expertise. I sleep better knowing what I got is real and minty fresh.

Exactly this!

[AD337]

For me it’s not even about the price - it’s about me only buying direct from AD - period not interested in buying any other way UNLESS if it was from an extremely close friend who I know for a fact bought it from AD and then sold it directly to me

[marine 337]

Originally Posted by Cigars&Watches

I agree with this. Also, there is bragging rights to pick up a hard to get piece that your friends cant get.

Luckily I have no friends!!!!!!!!!!!! Ken

[marine 337]

touche!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John S]

Originally Posted by IR201

For those who refuse to pay over retail on Rolex, I'm genuinely curious as to this hypothetical:

Would you pay 10,000 USD plus tax for a BLRO, if you wanted one?

or 13,500 USD plus tax for a ceramic daytona, if you wanted one?

Or is it a matter of principle and you'd rather wait for years possibly than pay literally 1 cent over MSRP?

Assuming Rolex increase price once a year, the inflated price you pay today maybe cheaper than paying MSRP years later. Plus, you enjoy it right away.

[Malum]

I’m currently waiting for one watch from my AD . I won’t pay over msrp and I don’t. I have been buying Rolex watches over 30 years and slowly my collection has grown . I believe most of the people willing to pay 2x 3x msrp are new to the addiction and want an instant collection in a matter of a few months .

[Tricolore66]

My problem paying over MSRP isn’t the money, and yes I have paid small premiums, but more the idea that you can choose to be either part of the solution or part of the problem. I don’t think any of us like the current situation, but paying big premiums perpetuates it. It entices dealers to hoard and backdoor sell inventory and buyers to clutter the waitlists for no other reason than resell.

I look at it like recycling. I’m not going to save the planet but I don’t have to be a willing participant in destroying it.

I need anything another watch like another hole in my head, I’d rather donate that premium to the SPCA.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by teck21

The thing is:

How many of those things bring about both the happiness of buying a materialistic something,

AND

Is perceived to keep its value?

My guess is not many.

This point is absolutely crucial in explaining Rolex’s popularity.


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Buy a 30k Rolex from the AD and you have a watch that in all probability will hold its value and could well increase its value, however buy a 10k watch for 30k on the grey market and you have no guarantees that the watch will hold or increase its value, in fact it could lose you money.

That is the main reason why I will not pay over the AD’s price for any watch.

[Mystro]

I don’t understand the need to broadcast what you would or wouldn’t pay? Nobody cares what YOU do with your own money.

[dawalsh]

25% over yes! for the one (WG Daytona) I really want. I have other watches in my collection right now that I don’t really “need” more watches.

[RDT-G23]

Originally Posted by KeobNepo

I only buy at AD for the peace of mind. It's new and authentic for sure.

This, and the final two that I have remaning to add to my collection are the 116506 w/baguettes, and the 126719BLRO. Have a look-see what they are trading for on the G market... This isn't like talking $10k-15k over retail, folks...

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I don’t understand the need to broadcast what you would or wouldn’t pay? Nobody cares what YOU do with your own money.

I agree they shouldn't care, but clearly many do.

There are also quite a few here to whom it is very important that everyone knows that they don't care what anyone thinks about them.

[uniqueMR]

All of my watches are from Authorized Dealer/Boutique.
I will never pay over retail or buy from grey market.

[Sisyphus]

Constantly buying from your AD helps you build a trustworthy relationship so that you don’t need to pay above retail


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[boogiebot]

I don’t like the idea of paying an astronomical amount over retail. It doesn’t jive for me. To be honest I have completely abandoned the watch game. After acquiring a 116610 LV, 116610 LN and a 116710 BLNR all for below retail the market went bonkers. Since then I have slowly just moved away from the hobby. There is a ton of fun stuff to do with my discretionary funds like ride a motorcycle or a dirt bike. You realize how much fun it is to get something you can actually play with for 10 grand instead of sitting on the Internet listing over watches?


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[AF_Rob]

I will not pay over retail.

In reality, that translates to, I would pay a little over to save time, a little meaning under $1K. Over that, I'm willing to wait, or go to another brand. If a little more would get me there, why not?

This current crazy state of affairs? No thanks.

[al7391z]

I have eight total. Only one (discontinued model) was bought on the grey market. It was 1:30 AM after a lot of single malt.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Why pay double or a premium when I get all my watches at MSRP within a good timeframe?

Ok, but what if you couldn't?

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[Oscar2010]

MSRP for me. Very happy to wait out my wishlist. I currently have 3 pieces and only one gets
worn ( when I am not working) anyways. Very happy that I purchased my Pepsi at retail - and would look at other brands if I was prepared to spend “market rate” for one.

[jagwap]

If no one paid a premium, the premiums would go away, with the grey.

I do not want to feed the greed, when I can go to other brands of equal or better.

[RJRJRJ]

The elephant in the room is when you ask something like what if Rolex raised prices by 50%.. You'll get a lot of people saying no, it's not worth it etc. This just confirms that the whole "never pay above MSRP" concept is meaningless. Same thing for people that would pay 15k MSRP today, but wouldn't pay 15k tomorrow if Rolex lowered the price to 10k.