Trying to buy first rolex

[MWilson1]

Hey everyone!

I recently discovered this forum and glad to join. I am trying to buy my first rolex. I'm eyeing a rolex sub stainless. I live in Vancouver, Canada and the rolex stores I've visited here have essentially laughed in my face stating that I am unlikely to buy a rolex from any of them. No waiting lists or any other way around it.

I'm not confident enough to purchase on craigslist.

What I have found so far is bob watches which seems reputable, google reviews are fine. Thinking of going with that.

My questions are:
1) anyone have experience with bobs?
2) anyone know duty to import to canada. (saw an old thread stating 12+5%)
3) other safe options to buy almost new/new subs?
4) any other tips for making this big purchase online?

thanks everyone in advance!

[Simon_jrees]

Hey bud. As most people here will tell you buying online and importing is risky... most will say just don't do it. However I've heard that Bob's is reputable but never dealt with them/him personally. The reason people don't suggest buying online is simple, you don't have it in your hands to examine for yourself to check the authenticity and paperwork. Unless you're in a position where you can physically hold and check it most people will faint at the suggestion. Perhaps contacting Bob's watches may give you a clearer insight as to proof of authenticity and import fees to your country etc but at the end of the day you're still getting your Rolex through the mail or by courier. Do you not have ANY jewellers or other reputable dealers in your Canada area that you can try, new or pre owned? As for them laughing you out I hope that wasn't literaly as it's not very professional and I would not have been too impressed but the fact they won't even consider you right now is most likely becouse you have no prior dealings with them or purchase history.... or you have a crap AD.

[Rori]

The advise here is straightforward.
This is your first Rolex, buy it NEW, period.
The model your are seeking is not so hard to get now, Subs are coming in more frequently than they used to be most probably due the fact the new sub is around the corner "Basel 2020"
Find a Rolex boutique and order one, who knows, you may get your Sub earlier than you expect or get the new one!
the wait is rewarding as much as the purchase itself. Don't spoil this experience and turn it from a beautiful into a stressful one.

[dbluevette]

I've personally never used Bob's, but i probably would. I have researched online retailers as I was once thinking of going this route to purchase a Rolex. Bob's Watches and Beckertime are two online Rolex dealers that i would probably use. They seem like legit online retailers. They've been around a long time relatively speaking. They also have good customer feedback. If you are going to buy online, Bob's seems to be a safe bet.

[interestedwatcher]

Bob has a good reputation.

[Always]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Hey everyone!



I recently discovered this forum and glad to join. I am trying to buy my first rolex. I'm eyeing a rolex sub stainless. I live in Vancouver, Canada and the rolex stores I've visited here have essentially laughed in my face stating that I am unlikely to buy a rolex from any of them. No waiting lists or any other way around it.



I'm not confident enough to purchase on craigslist.



What I have found so far is bob watches which seems reputable, google reviews are fine. Thinking of going with that.



My questions are:

1) anyone have experience with bobs?

2) anyone know duty to import to canada. (saw an old thread stating 12+5%)

3) other safe options to buy almost new/new subs?

4) any other tips for making this big purchase online?



thanks everyone in advance!

Sorry, No advice regarding buying online.

My advice:
Buy a legit, NEW rolex from an AD. Use your hard earned money to buy from an AD rather than online. This is your first Rolex, possibly one that you will keep forever and pass down to a loved one...buy from an AD so that you have all paperwork and zero doubts about its authenticity.


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[Always]

Originally Posted by Always

Sorry, No advice regarding buying online.

My advice:
Buy a legit, NEW rolex from an AD. Use your hard earned money to buy from an AD rather than online. This is your first Rolex, possibly one that you will keep forever and pass down to a loved one...buy from an AD so that you have all paperwork and zero doubts about its authenticity.


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Any wait that is needed for your perfect watch from an AD will be worth it.


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[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

the rolex stores I've visited here have essentially laughed in my face stating that I am unlikely to buy a rolex from any of them. No waiting lists or any other way around it.

That seems unambiguous. Being told to get on a wait list at an AD seems not to apply in your case. Besides which, any AD who laughed in my face would never get a penny of my money.

If there is no chance of getting listed, you're either going to have to forget about it or go grey. If you decide to continue with a grey dealer, just research the hell out of them and buy the seller before you buy the watch. Subs aren't Unicorns. Another one will be along shortly.

I haven't dealt with Bob's Watches. I don't have any personal knowledge. I remember that a dispute with them was discussed in this forum last year and in the course of that discussion several contributors recounted negative experiences with this seller. Others, including some contributors to this thread say they are a good seller. I think you need to do a lot of research.

Trusted Sellers on this forum have good reputations. David SW springs to mind but again, I have no personal experience. Can you get things from the US to Canada without paying huge fees/taxes? If so, you've come to the right forum to start looking at good sellers.

All the best with it.

[Sulla]

You can also consider eBay with their Money Back Guarantee. I have used MBG two times for Rolex buys without issues.

1. Do your due diligence.
2. Buy - must pay with Paypal.
3. Have watch checked by RSC or AD.
4. If Non-Genuine obtain statement from RSC or AD.
5. Present statement to seller and eBay.
5. Return watch.
6. Your payment returned.


I have recently purchased (fairly) new Air-King and Explorer (AU$19,500 both) on eBay AU with total confidence. US eBay offers MBG!

Good luck.

[bigchungus]

Bob's is good, but their prices can be pretty high. I'd say look around to another reputable Grey seller to see if you can find a better price.

If it's you first, I would also suggest trying to get it from an AD, even if you have to wait a while. Your first is always special..

Try to find another AD that might be a bit more receptive. The AD you mentioned doesn't deserve your business.

Good luck!

[ganiccus]

Check your PMs OP.

[MWilson1]

Thanks everyone for your advice! Much appreciated! When I say laugh I actually saw the guy smirk when I asked if they had a sub to purchase. I’d prefer AD as price would actually be less then grey market.

I dont know other places but at least vancouver every AD ive been to has said the same thing. No availability. No wait list. And that they reserve watch for customers who have created a relationship with AD. I have not and at this point cannot buy multiple watches in order to be considered for a sub. Hence the reason to consider grey.

Ebay now seems like a good option. Paypal too.

[MWilson1]

Originally Posted by ganiccus

Check your PMs OP.

Thx I will check it out!

[MWilson1]

Do you guys think offering a premium to AD works?

[lkngshrp]

Start calling other AD’s across the country and be prepared to leave a reasonable deposit of 25-50% as a show of good faith (of course said deposit would be refundable within a specified time of the watch didn’t show up). I had two AD’s lined up this way without issue. Just keep looking and calling across the country.

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by interestedwatcher

Bob has a good reputation.

[Sjmoore11]

Check out canwatchco.ca. You should be able to find a nearly new watch without having to worry about import duties.

[Screaminbones]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Do you guys think offering a premium to AD works?

Absolutely under no circumstances do this. Although it may work you-ll drive the prices up in the new market.

[Cossak]

I’m in Canada too, the subs just don’t get into display cases I think. Talking to a sales lady she more or less said they’re kept under the counter so they must be held for preferred customers. On kijiji you can see brand new one for 5G over list, so some obviously go straight to reseller for +++ profit. Once production ramps up in a couple years hopefully these problems will eliminated. Watchfinder.ca in Toronto seems to get good reviews but you’ll pay a premium.

[MWilson1]

Thx for suggestions I might go with ebay amd use paypal for payment. That should provide sufficient protection should the transaction have issues. Seller has a brick and mortor and good reviews. Thoughts?

[alex.cicollo]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Thx for suggestions I might go with ebay amd use paypal for payment. That should provide sufficient protection should the transaction have issues. Seller has a brick and mortor and good reviews. Thoughts?

I wouldn’t do this out of desperation.... why not call every single AD in the cities/states near you, explain, register your interest, and take a little trip when one becomes available....

That way you get a little holiday, buy a brand new watch at RRP and have a lot of peace of mind - plus start developing a relationShip with one dealer.....


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[Rori]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Thx for suggestions I might go with ebay amd use paypal for payment. That should provide sufficient protection should the transaction have issues. Seller has a brick and mortor and good reviews. Thoughts?

Again a NO. This is my last NO and my last Buy New ;-)


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[alex.cicollo]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Thx for suggestions I might go with ebay amd use paypal for payment. That should provide sufficient protection should the transaction have issues. Seller has a brick and mortor and good reviews. Thoughts?

.. and read the horror stories of people trying to get money from PayPal after a sale goes wrong.... not pretty. Take the advice of trying to buy new.... patients is a virtue, my dear friend.


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[Always]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Thx for suggestions I might go with ebay amd use paypal for payment. That should provide sufficient protection should the transaction have issues. Seller has a brick and mortor and good reviews. Thoughts?

I considered this too before finally purchasing mine from an AD. I quickly realised that when it comes to buying a watch, you really do need to SEE the item and try it on. Mine was a mother of pearl dial which needs to be seen in person as no two are the same and photos do not pick up their true beauty.
i made lots of phone calls before finding the mother of pearl in stock at an AD. I went to the shop and saw the dial...absolutely gorgeous! I have tried to take photos of the dial but you really cannot see all of the colours and shimmers that make it so appealing.
I hope that makes sense.


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[Always]

Originally Posted by alex.cicollo

.. and read the horror stories of people trying to get money from PayPal after a sale goes wrong.... not pretty. Take the advice of trying to buy new.... patients is a virtue, my dear friend.


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Absolutely!


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[joli160]

Don't be scared to buy online. I bought 7 Rolex watches in this way. Never any problem.

Look in the who is who section about Bob's watches.
There are several other trusted sellers who can provide you with overnight shipping and impeccable service as well.

OCROLEXGUY (Patrick), TAKUYA (Thanh Do), SohAIS (Aamir), BODYBUMP (Oscar), AU_911tt (Chase) JUSTROLEXES (Tony) and DAVIDSW (David)

No waiting times, no BS stories and keep your pride not kissing up an AD

[Sulla]

Originally Posted by alex.cicollo

.. and read the horror stories of people trying to get money from PayPal after a sale goes wrong.... not pretty. Take the advice of trying to buy new.... patients is a virtue, my dear friend.

I made the comments re eBay and using PP to pay based on my own experience in Australia.

I have had two situations where I bought and paid for two potentially fake Rolex watches.

Case 1.
1. Asked questions from seller. I thought it could be a fake. I spoke to eBay to understand their "fake / counterfeit" policy. All covered by eBay as long as I paid with PP.
2. I bought the watch and paid with PP. As soon as I received the watch I took it to my local RSC where about a week later they presented me with a document stating that they could not service the watch as it was "non-genuine / heavily modified".
3. Presented that document to the seller and set up a claim with eBay. Send the watch back to the seller at seller's / eBay's expense.
4. Received my refund from eBay / Paypal soon after return delivery was confirmed.

Case 2.
In the other situation, with my PP payment for the watch I added a note and explained to seller that I would be presenting the watch to my local RSC for authentication, at which point the seller refunded my payment.

Since then I have purchased 2 additional Rolex watches on eBay. One original owner purchased in 12/2019 Air-King (full set) and another original owner purchased in 9/2018 Explorer (full set). Both in as new condition. Both backed by eBay Money Back guarantee.

It is my understanding that eBay Money Back guarantee is universal. Read about it and understand it. It worked for me.

I never buy anything on eBay without using PP as payment method. I have been on eBay since 02/2001 and with PP soon thereafter.

"Shop with confidence
eBay Money Back Guarantee
Get the item you ordered or get your money back."
Works for me.

And I would have no hesitation in spending $20K tomorrow on an eBay watch purchase paying with PP.

Do your own due diligence!

DISCLAIMER:
I have no association with eBay or PP except that I am a long term user of eBay and PP.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by Always

Sorry, No advice regarding buying online.

My advice:
Buy a legit, NEW rolex from an AD. Use your hard earned money to buy from an AD rather than online. This is your first Rolex, possibly one that you will keep forever and pass down to a loved one...buy from an AD so that you have all paperwork and zero doubts about its authenticity.


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I Disagree

[MWilson1]

Hi everyone

I am not sure how things operate in else where but I have called most AD on west coast amd none i mean none are willing to put me on any list. All have the same line of no waitlists, and forming an expensive relationship and then perhaps after a significant investment I may be considered for one.

Honestly I am not even exaggerating the vocab. They all have this line essentially.

Dont get me wrong I’d much prefer to wait for AD but at least where im at geographically, i dont see it happening.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by MWilson1

Hi everyone

I am not sure how things operate in else where but I have called most AD on west coast amd none i mean none are willing to put me on any list. All have the same line of no waitlists, and forming an expensive relationship and then perhaps after a significant investment I may be considered for one.

Honestly I am not even exaggerating the vocab. They all have this line essentially.

Dont get me wrong I’d much prefer to wait for AD but at least where im at geographically, i dont see it happening.

It is what it is unfortunately, either wait or pick one up from a trusted sellers right here on TRF. Don't do ebay, craigslist or even Bobs watches. Our Trusted Dealers show exactly what they are selling, many of which BNIB and you can rest easily that you are getting a genuine piece.