Rolex in SINGAPORE - prices, ADs?

[Psmith]

I have a trip to Singapore lined up - would anyone please be able to tell me what prices currently are, esp compared to Aus and the US ?

Also, any AD recommendations (or ones to avoid) would be most welcome

Thanks


Cheers

[tsthk]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I have a trip to Singapore lined up - would anyone please be able to tell me what prices currently are, esp compared to Aus and the US ?

Also, any AD recommendations (or ones to avoid) would be most welcome

Thanks


Cheers

Have a browse through www.sg-roc.com. You might find what you are looking for. Good luck!

[finn]

http://sg-roc.com/index.php

I'm from the US and I bought 3 Rolex from Singapore ADs
when I was there for vacation.

You can bargain for discount from ADs there .... normally 8% to 20% depending on each model. Pay Cash is the king for bargain.

but do your research at the Rolex forum. The members are very helpful. You can easily get a Daytona there if you paid premium, I think it about $S15000 = US$99515.6903 ... plus you can get the GST back at the airport. Try watch palace singapore pte ltd if you are looking for daytona.


I think there is a SG 2009 rolex lists prices floating around the forum.
http://sg-roc.com/showthread.php?t=40&page=45

I think I will fly to Singapore for vacation end of the year to get the black dial Daytona. I got the white dial there last year when the premium price is high and the US dollar is weak .... but still no regret, as it so hard to find a SS daytona in CA.

[Psmith]

Thanks guys, much appreciated
I'll hit up the sg-roc and do some research...


Cheers

[Gedanken]

I agree with Finn. Joe at Watch Palace is a good bloke, but he won't start getting serious till there's cash on the counter - it took me six grand in bills to get him to sit up and pay attention, but when he did he gave me 8% off my SD, which is more than what I can say for the zero discount that Hour Glass down the street offered.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

I agree with Finn. Joe at Watch Palace is a good bloke, but he won't start getting serious till there's cash on the counter - it took me six grand in bills to get him to sit up and pay attention, but when he did he gave me 8% off my SD, which is more than what I can say for the zero discount that Hour Glass down the street offered.

Thank you Sir
There does not seem to be much difference in MRSP between Aus and Singapore (plus Au$ & Sg$ are of nearly equal value). However a good discount + GST saving could make a purchase worthwhile...


Cheers

[sea-dweller]

I was in Singapore last in Sept 08 and found a good pre-owned place (Peng Kwee) which had a great selection. They are centrally located on Orchard Road, but I cannot remember the name of the shipping center. Great pre-owned selection !

[finn]

Very good experience in SG watch palace, they sell only Rolex, when I walked in and ask for the SS Daytona and don't mind paying premium.... he took out 3 for me to pick, 2 white 1 black dial... I think he has more.

I have to put down S$25000 cash for him to give me 20% on a date just and premium on the SS Daytona which HG and Dickson wanted 18.5k for the daytona and only 8% on the datejust last year.

I don't mind paying more for Daytona. But hate the sales guys in the US as they will tell you stories like if you get 5 rolex or when they got it they will put it some where in the store for the lucky customers... plus he has 3 in his collection and don't mind selling one.

Now with the bad economy ..... cash is king. But Daytona still hard to get in CA.


I saw a few used Rolex shop in Singapore orchard lucky plaza next to the Rolex center .... and they can go with you to Rolex center to verify the watch. But I still prefer to get new from ADs with my name on the paper...priceless.

Better ask around in the SG rolex forum before buying ... even Singapore is a safe place to get Rolex.

Originally Posted by Gedanken

I agree with Finn. Joe at Watch Palace is a good bloke, but he won't start getting serious till there's cash on the counter - it took me six grand in bills to get him to sit up and pay attention, but when he did he gave me 8% off my SD, which is more than what I can say for the zero discount that Hour Glass down the street offered.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

I was in Singapore last in Sept 08 and found a good pre-owned place (Peng Kwee) which had a great selection. They are centrally located on Orchard Road, but I cannot remember the name of the shipping center. Great pre-owned selection !

Ah, Peng Kwee. It's at Far East Shopping Centre on Scotts road (just off Orchard road) if I recall correctly. I'm not sure, but they might have a branch at Peninsula Plaza as well.

[thomaslee]

Peng Kwee is expensive but they have most of the models. If you are interested in Pre owned, you can try People's park complex in Chinatown. There is a Peng Kwee branch there too. But do walk around, there are many others. Nearest train station is Outram park station. I heard there are more models available due to the economic downturn. Happy shopping :-)

[Starwalker]

i found this on the net, the prices are all very recent....and I can say with certainty that they are accurate...those are the same prices i got.....just a little to lazy to type it out....bear in mind the daytona black goes for 16,000 and white for 15,000....all prices are in singapore dollars.....goodluck

ROLEX Daytona SSwhite = $15k (sell) / $12,959 (list)
ROLEX Daytona SSblack = $16k (sell) / $12,959 (list)
ROLEX Daytona TT(w/b) = $16k (sell) / $18,872 (list)

ROLEX GMT M2c SS = $10.3k (sell) / $9,599 (list)

ROLEX Sub SS(w/date) = $7.8k (sell) / $8,228 (list)
ROLEX Sub SS(w/o date)= $6.3k (sell) / $7,444 (list)
ROLEX Sub TT(blu/blk) = $10.8k (sell) / $12,733 (list)

ROLEX Exp I = $5.6k (sell) / $6,921 (list)
ROLEX Exp II(w/b) = $6.6k (sell) / $8,097 (list)

ROLEX dssd = $13.8k (sell) / $12,668 (list)

[Starwalker]

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

I was in Singapore last in Sept 08 and found a good pre-owned place (Peng Kwee) which had a great selection. They are centrally located on Orchard Road, but I cannot remember the name of the shipping center. Great pre-owned selection !

looks like LUCKY PLAZA!!!

[Starwalker]

btw...i bought my rolex from the HOUR GLASS Ngee Ann City, great discount and great people.....if yur looking for the daytona's there are not any discount....but they got all the models.....and on everything else you can get anywhere from 10%-20/25%......the other brands also got really really good discounts too....chopard 35%!!!!

[sherwin]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Ah, Peng Kwee. It's at Far East Shopping Centre on Scotts road (just off Orchard road) if I recall correctly. I'm not sure, but they might have a branch at Peninsula Plaza as well.

yes they do. Passions is located in Funan IT Mall which is opposite Peninsula Plaza. However both shops prices are quite high. so best you do your homework.

[Psmith]

Thanks guys, you are all outstandingly helpful - something I really appreciate about TRF

I have visited Singapore a few times before, but never watch shopping. I'll be looking out for either a Sub LV or a GMT IIc, maybe a DJ as well for Lady Miss Psmith. Interesting to note from kfsal's earlier post that the IIc is selling at a premium - is this model not freely available at ADs ?


Cheers

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Psmith

Interesting to note from kfsal's earlier post that the IIc is selling at a premium - is this model not freely available at ADs ?

Ah, here we may encounter that most Singaporean of traits, kiasuism. Singaporeans, feel free to enlighten all present.

[Jedi]

That's mean James, very mean

But appropriate

[sys12345]

IMO, the issue of GMT IIc being sold above retail in Singapore has nothing to do with this so-called KS syndrome. Its a simple demand and supply in effect which also happens in Hong Kong as well. These places have made up for a significant share for the sale of Swiss watches in the world.

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Ah, here we may encounter that most Singaporean of traits, kiasuism. Singaporeans, feel free to enlighten all present.

[Destro22BT]

A coupla places you can get good deals for pre-owned Rolex:

1. Top Hour - Level one at Lucky Plaza just beside the escalator
2. Ebronzeage - Chinatown Point
3. Hobbylink - Level 3 at Far East Plaza (a stone's throw away from Lucky Plaza)
4. Collectors' Haven - Balmoral Hotel Lobby
5. Heirloom Gallery - #01-37, The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, a stone's throw from Funan IT Mall (Vintage watches, Rolex included)

The abovementioned are licensed grey dealers. But of course, a good practise is to head down to Rolex Service Center, spend S$75 to authenticate the watch before taking it home for a peace of mind.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by sys12345

IMO, the issue of GMT IIc being sold above retail in Singapore has nothing to do with this so-called KS syndrome. Its a simple demand and supply in effect which also happens in Hong Kong as well. These places have made up for a significant share for the sale of Swiss watches in the world.

And what drives that demand?

[Psmith]

Is the black dial (not GV) Milgauss easy to find in Singapore ADs ?

Hmmm... my shortlist seems to be growing
Models I'll be looking for are - but not to purchase all three
Sub LV
GMT IIc
Milgauss /black

plus maybe a DJ, which should surely be a no-brainer


Oh, and perhaps somewhere(?) for some vintage-style pilot/military stuff


Thanks

[sys12345]

I dont have actual statistical data to proof this but i believe its due to the brand recognition more than anything. Rolex in particular is well recognised in Asian countries. U can ask any man on the street in Singapore if he were to plonk down some $$$ for a watch, what'll it be? Chances are, a Rolex. I believe u'll get a different answer say in the US or UK. Now, i was told that for a Rolex retailer to take in popular models like a 116710LN, they would have to take stock of other less popular models as well. This is made worse due to the fact that Singapore is a very small country, i'm pretty sure there arent as many Rolex retailers over here as there are in the US. The total no. of 116710LNs in stock at local retailers will be as such be very limited. Add to the fact the general perception of Rolex in the minds of the locals, what we have here is a highly imbalanced demand and supply leading to an artifically inflated retail pricing for the popular models. My 2 cents on this.

Originally Posted by Gedanken

And what drives that demand?

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by sys12345

Add to the fact the general perception of Rolex in the minds of the locals, what we have here is a highly imbalanced demand and supply leading to an artifically inflated retail pricing for the popular models.

That, my friend, is as close to operationalisation of kiasuism as you can get.

[sys12345]

KS is a term used exclusively to describe a behavioural pattern unique to some Singaporeans, i.e. to be afraid to lose out. I dont understand how u can associate a simple demand / supply situation to an act of being KS. If thats true, then the term KS should be used to reflect the natural demand / supply behavioural pattern that is taking place in other Asian countries as well. Putting it in broader perspective, globally too.

Originally Posted by Gedanken

That, my friend, is as close to operationalisation of kiasuism as you can get.

[Gedanken]

Strictly speaking, kiasuism is a pattern characteristic, but not unique, to Singaporeans - other countries do it as well, just not to the extent of Singaporeans. That it applies to other Asian countries therefore does not disprove the applicability of kiasuism here.

In a country where a $1-reserve auction reaches $120,000 for a piece of paper that allows you to buy a car, can we really substantiate that kiasuism doesn't drive Rolex prices?

[itsumo]

Speaking of Watch Palace, would a GMT IIc TT for S$12,200 be considered a good deal? Would cash make any difference?

Thanks

[Singslinger]

I was told over the weekend that a friend has just bought a brand new S/S GMT2 ceramic from an AD for S$8,200 or about 13% off the list price, so it appears to me that the premium - which admittedly did exist but was no greater than that found in other countries - has vanished. I guess KS-ism also has it limits in an economic downturn, to be replaced by hard-headed business reality.

[Gedanken]

Well, that's the side of Singaporean business that I dearly wish more Australians would adopt - placing higher priority on closing deals than on profit per transaction.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Well, that's the side of Singaporean business that I dearly wish more Australians would adopt - placing higher priority on closing deals than on profit per transaction.

Yes, but it took many months for this to happen, though the speed at which ADs are realising that it's now a buyer's market is rapidly shortening. It's taken almost 20+ months for the GMT2c's premium to disappear, about 15 months by my reckoning for the GV's premium to collapse, and only 6 months for the Deepsea to sell around its list price of S$12,500 instead of the initial price of S$18,000 when it was released last July.

[Gedanken]

Well, if the kiasus are going to insist on getting a GMT-IIC or a GV regardless of cost, common sense once again becomes a victim.