Rolex AD- worth the premium?

[Mr. K]

Buy new from and Authorized Dealer or buy used? I have done both but with Rolex I like to try to buy new. Other brands, typically used.

However Rolex pricing is getting up there. Discounts are better these days but still not all that great.

So what is the value of an AD? I thought I would start a list and see what others have to add. ADs do have some value (especially to newbes) but is it still justified for the premium? I guess it depends on the final price, but here are a few reasons why I prefer buying new.

1. Original owner, I know the history, no watcher damage or drops.
2. Know it is 100% real, no franken-watch aftermarket parts
3. Not stolen and reported to Rolex. No fear of losing the watch and the next service.
4. My name on the papers/card
5. Only on my wrist- EVER (if not a display)


Anything else to add?

Do you think this is enough to pay a premium? (of course it depends on the discount)

[johnbeth]

I do not feel paying the premium for an AD experience when I can buy good quality watches here from a trusted seller..

ADs here in Australia most would discount if lucky 5 to 10%...... thats not worth it!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by johnbeth

I do not feel paying the premium for an AD experience when I can buy good quality watches here from a trusted seller..

ADs here in Australia most would discount if lucky 5 to 10%...... thats not worth it!

X2. Only ever bought one Rolex from a AD and that was a insurance replacement.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by padi56

X2. Only ever bought one Rolex from a AD and that was a insurance replacement.

ADs are only good for trying watches to see what u like.. Even then they usually dont have what u want to buy and they try to talk to u into buying what they have in stock.

[sea-dweller]

I just feel better when buying from an AD. I know the history of the watch.

[snowbird]

Sometimes the premium is not that much and sometimes you can even get the watch cheaper from an AD than BNIB from resellers . . . depending on the watch and how inclined ADs are to deal in your area at the time you're buying.

[casadecamporolex]

I love dealing with my AD. I get to order every watch so that it is untouched from it's box at a Swiss Luxury price. Plus, they are a well-known local family business who bend over backwards.
In this day and age, I believe every non-chain US AD is very flexible with pricing.

[TheDude]

I know of an AD that has good inventory and gives ~15% on anything except SS Daytonas.

What could be better than that? Sure you might save a few percent if you bought from Internet brokers, but seriously - with an AD discount in the range listed above, it's a small premium.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Sometimes the premium is not that much and sometimes you can even get the watch cheaper from an AD than BNIB from resellers . . . depending on the watch and how inclined ADs are to deal in your area at the time you're buying.

In the USA you guys are lucky as u have lots of ADs who are willing to discount. Here in Australia only 2ADs in the city of Perth and the same for Sydney that I know off. They have been told not to discount heavily. So to receive 5 to 10% is rare. Last month as AD here would discount 20% only gold models and what they have in stock. If you order anything else, 5% discount. Now thats rogering your customers!

So for Australians, the AD experience is not pleasant to your bank balance.

[ayecarumba]

I'd be open to a purchase from either an AD or Gray depending on my circumstances. I have purchased from both in the past and been satisfied with both.

Personally, my only 2 Rolex purchases were via a local AD. In addition to the advantages listed above I would add:

• competitive discounts (10-30%)
• ability to pay 12 months no interest if desired, which is a further discount!
• they add +1 year to the original warranty
• no sales tax if shipped out of state
• building ftf relationship for future purchases/referrals
• Invites to special watch events/viewings
• WIS goodies (ball caps, pens, lighters, books, etc....!)

With my last Rolex purchase, I received a Sea Dweller anchor keepsake of which they had a few left and which are no longer being produced.

This is a big enough market for all sellers to profit and for all buyers to get deals. I do wonder what the trends are...if I buy all my future purchases from gray will there be any ADs left to try on watches?


--Paul

[Dr. Robert]

The point is moot........I have the fabulous trusted TRF sellers!

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by johnbeth

In the USA you guys are lucky as u have lots of ADs who are willing to discount. Here in Australia only 2ADs in the city of Perth and the same for Sydney that I know off. They have been told not to discount heavily. So to receive 5 to 10% is rare. Last month as AD here would discount 20% only gold models and what they have in stock. If you order anything else, 5% discount. Now thats rogering your customers!

So for Australians, the AD experience is not pleasant to your bank balance.

I feel for you. This must be tough. I can see where pre-owned or grey may be best for you. Maybe you need a shopping vacation to the US?

[dalip]

I get great service...fantastic professionalism...awesome (and often unbeatable prices)..my name on the card when BNIB...

& all from a TRF Trusted seller: DavidSW..

Now why would I go to an Australian AD other than to try them on.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

I feel for you. This must be tough. I can see where pre-owned or grey may be best for you. Maybe you need a shopping vacation to the US?

Email / phone conversations and couriers can do the job!

[dalip]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

I feel for you. This must be tough. I can see where pre-owned or grey may be best for you. Maybe you need a shopping vacation to the US?

Now that is asking for trouble

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Sometimes the premium is not that much and sometimes you can even get the watch cheaper from an AD than BNIB from resellers . . . depending on the watch and how inclined ADs are to deal in your area at the time you're buying.

This used to be VERY true 4-5 years ago. I could buy new for less than resellers. But I also bought a lot from my AD so had a good relationship.

But these days, not sure if I could price match, but depending on the model, the premium for going through the AD may not be all that much. Again, depending on the model.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by dalip

I get great service...fantastic professionalism...awesome (and often unbeatable prices)..my name on the card when BNIB...

& all from a TRF Trusted seller: DavidSW..

Now why would I go to an Australian AD other than to try them on.

Well said my friend!!

[Art 1]

Buying from an AD has allowed me to buy 3 watches at MSRP that grey dealers would not be able to do.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by dalip

I get great service...fantastic professionalism...awesome (and often unbeatable prices)..my name on the card when BNIB...

Your name on the card and full warrantee, now that is too cool.

In that case it seems like it is just the same as buying from an AD.

All the benefits of going to an AD with better discounts!

[Speed]

So Mark...it is worth it to you to pay $1K more in some cases for the AD experience? That's what it comes down to in my view.

[EchoBlueUK]

I've never found there to be much of a premium. I have a good relationship with an independent AD who offers me reasonable discounts so i would never consider going anywhere else.

The idea of wiring money to strangers scares the hell outta me.

[WatchTimes]

I buy one or two watches a year from my AD.
I buy tons of jewelry for my wife from them.

As a result I get a GREAT gift of chocolates and all from them
at the holidays (seriously this gift costs them a couple hundred alone)
I am invited to 2 or 3 nice private watch dinners a year (Ruths Chris, Capital Grille, Mortons) etc.

My AD calls me when people bring them in watches to trade to see if Id buy it as my
AD does not sell used.

So I do buy from my AD on occasion as it helps me.

I also have one of the first DSSD's in the states because of my AD

[HL65]

I truly love the experience of saving thousands of dollars!! Nothing an AD can do for me that would overtake the wallet save!! For me--no place like right here on TRF-Tony G, Greg G, DavidSW, Oscar etc.. Save the money for your next Rolex!!

[gettocard]

I've used a lot of trusted sellers on the grey market but in my area nowdays discounts with grey market and official AD's are pretty much de same depending on the model. If the grey market guy can make me save up until 200 Euro I would still go with the AD.

[DG123]

Your 1 through 4 points are valid.
Regarding #5, I do not believe it is reasonable to expect to find a truly brand new, never tried on watch, at an AD. One might get lucky and catch the watch before an AD has put it on display, or the customer may special order and wait for a watch to be received, but other than that I believe 99% of an AD's Rolex inventory has been tried on by multiple potential customers.

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Buy new from and Authorized Dealer or buy used? I have done both but with Rolex I like to try to buy new. Other brands, typically used.

However Rolex pricing is getting up there. Discounts are better these days but still not all that great.

So what is the value of an AD? I thought I would start a list and see what others have to add. ADs do have some value (especially to newbes) but is it still justified for the premium? I guess it depends on the final price, but here are a few reasons why I prefer buying new.

1. Original owner, I know the history, no watcher damage or drops.
2. Know it is 100% real, no franken-watch aftermarket parts
3. Not stolen and reported to Rolex. No fear of losing the watch and the next service.
4. My name on the papers/card
5. Only on my wrist- EVER (if not a display)


Anything else to add?

Do you think this is enough to pay a premium? (of course it depends on the discount)

[689maple]

Waiting on my new to me Daytona from a seller on here. When I first started wearing them about 30 years ago, I would never have thought of buying one from a nonAD. Older and hopefully wiser, I don't see the point in buying from an AD if I can find what I want from a trusted seller. Its all about trust in buying watches from Non ADs! My sons and I regularly rotate what we are wearing among ourselves so I have never sold a Rolex but I am sure AD purchases for the general public would be an easier resell if you had the box receipt etc. Then again, I don't buy for resell-only to wear and enjoy.

[esm]

i know i'm different to most members here. i like to support my/our local businesses... make relationship(s) and take it from there.
i love the feeling of able to call up or visit my contacts and ask for "favours" and their after sale service(s).

(latest is called on of my new contacts, then got referred to another personal contact of hers, and he was able to locate one of the very last PAM210 in the country within an hour. will be meeting this new contact next week to establish a new relationship)

[689maple]

Originally Posted by esm

i know i'm different to most members here. i like to support my/our local businesses... make relationship(s) and take it from there.
i love the feeling of able to call up or visit my contacts and ask for "favours" and their after sale service(s).

(latest is called on of my new contacts, then got referred to another personal contact of hers, and he was able to locate one of the very last PAM210 in the country within an hour. will be meeting this new contact next week to establish a new relationship)

I would love to be able to do that but when you live in a rural area as I do you have no AD and the nearest is several hundred miles away. Quiet, wonderful views, quiet streams, peaceful but no big green sign unless I drive for most of the day.

[Clay]

Buy used....No question......

[ratty]

If the watch was available from an AD I would get it there.

If it is not available I would buy from one of the trusted sellers on here.

I have bought new from ADs and second hand but BNIB from a grey dealer and for me, it is not the same. The short term financial saving does not outweigh the long term satisfaction for me.