Need buying advise - Rolex Rootbeer, first Rolex

[Der]

Hi all. I am not a huge watch collector, but I appreciate fine pieces. While I have never been attracted to Rolex, I have a number of "nice" watches (AP ROC, AP ROO, Breguet Marine Chrono, Breguet 5207, ALS Grand Lange 1). Part of the fact that I have never been attracted to Rolex was because everyone has a Rolex where I live and work.

However, after looking at the recent pieces from Basel I was blown away by the new bi-metal GMT Rootbeer. It is particularly surprising given that I generally dislike rose or yellow gold (all my watches are either stainless steel or white gold).

So, I contact a few ADs and they are quoting about 4-6 months wait. The MSRP price is approximately £10,350, while there are a few sold on chrono24 for £13,500+.

Given the general lack of experience with Rolex, I am not sure how to proceed. I know that unlike for example AP, Rolex is much better at managing the aftermarket, hence the waiting time. I don't like the idea of paying significantly above MSRP for that watch, but equally I have heard some horror stories about people waiting for ceramic Daytonas for a year.

Can someone advise what is the best course of action? I am not the kind of person who HAS TO HAVE the latest and greatest NOW. I am perfectly fine to wait for say 4 months and pay MSRP. But I am totally unwilling to wait for a 6-12 months.

[yannis]

Welcome! Just order from an AD and save up loads. While waiting go on a couple of holidays with the spare change.

[J-E]

Originally Posted by Der

but equally I have heard some horror stories about people waiting for ceramic Daytonas for a year.

waiting one year for a ceramic daytona is not a horror story, thats a fairy tail

[seadweller43]

I think you should go back to the AD where you bought your previous watches and ask them to put your name on the list for the TT rootbeer gmt. you have higher chance of getting it sooner if you have a good relationship with the AD.

[Der]

Thanks guys :) I don't have an established relationship with any of the Rolex AD's.

[glamorama]

Man.. you have some good watches there.. although I've never seen the Breguet 5207 the retrograde second hand seems so cool!

[Der]

Thank you. The 5207 was the only watch that I did not buy myself actually, but it is a great and fascinating timepiece.

[m j b]

Because it's TT and RG, that watch won't have the same demand as the SS models, so I would imagine that you could one one from an AD rather quickly. I'd suggest that you wait and not pay a premium.

[Der]

Thanks guys. I think my post was phrased in a very neutral way and in reality I would be very apprehensive paying a premium to... well, speculators. I will probably wait and see how it goes :)