My Trip to the AD in NOVA

[AgentRob]

Hello all, yesterday I was able to pay a visit to my local AD (Liljenquist & Beckstead at Tysons Galleria) along with my brother. We're fairly new to collecting and would like to expand on our Rolex's, but given the high demand of the sport steels, it is cost prohibitive and sort of foolish to purchase our dream pieces at such a high price on the grey market.

With that being said, the trip to our AD was really nice, as opposed to most stories I hear. The gentleman who helped us was very nice and showed us some of his Tudor pieces (I didnt get his name but he looked like the manager). We looked mainly at the black bay's since my brothers in the market for a diver, but the thickness was a little too much and he'd prefer the black bay 58 which wasn't in stock. Anyways, long story short after looking at a few pieces we enquired about getting on the waitlist for our two favorites (2020 Kermit, Pepsi), he told us they're essentially booked for all of 2020 for them but the possibility of snagging one in the future seemed like a real possibility.

I don't like playing the game of purchasing pieces that I wont wear just to get on the waitlist, which didn't seem like the deal here and I applaud that. So if you're in the Northern Virginia area and in the market for a new watch, whatever it may be, pay Liljenquist & Beckstead a visit!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by AgentRob

Hello all, yesterday I was able to pay a visit to my local AD (Liljenquist & Beckstead at Tysons Galleria) along with my brother. We're fairly new to collecting and would like to expand on our Rolex's, but given the high demand of the sport steels, it is cost prohibitive and sort of foolish to purchase our dream pieces at such a high price on the grey market.



With that being said, the trip to our AD was really nice, as opposed to most stories I hear. The gentleman who helped us was very nice and showed us some of his Tudor pieces (I didnt get his name but he looked like the manager). We looked mainly at the black bay's since my brothers in the market for a diver, but the thickness was a little too much and he'd prefer the black bay 58 which wasn't in stock. Anyways, long story short after looking at a few pieces we enquired about getting on the waitlist for our two favorites (2020 Kermit, Pepsi), he told us they're essentially booked for all of 2020 for them but the possibility of snagging one in the future seemed like a real possibility.



I don't like playing the game of purchasing pieces that I wont wear just to get on the waitlist, which didn't seem like the deal here and I applaud that. So if you're in the Northern Virginia area and in the market for a new watch, whatever it may be, pay Liljenquist & Beckstead a visit!

Think like you, not worthed to pay super high prices for watches on the grey market, better to wait!


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[irate.alien]

The folks at the L&B in Tysons Galleria are very friendly and helpful. Ditto the Omega Boutique folks across the way. The L&B on Rt 7 is much cooler for some reason. And the Lenkersdorfer (same owner as L&B, I believe) in the big mall is a circus.

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by irate.alien

The folks at the L&B in Tysons Galleria are very friendly and helpful. Ditto the Omega Boutique folks across the way. The L&B on Rt 7 is much cooler for some reason. And the Lenkersdorfer (same owner as L&B, I believe) in the big mall is a circus.

I completely agree!

[AJMarcus]

Friendly of course. Like most ADs. That’s nice. But will they deliver? Only time will tell. Keep us posted along the way.

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Friendly of course. Like most ADs. That’s nice. But will they deliver? Only time will tell. Keep us posted along the way.

I have my fingers crossed

[TheGuvna]

Im on the list at both AD's down south in VB. Playing the game doesn't bother me because I'm in no rush, I have a few nice pieces already.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Friendly of course. Like most ADs. That’s nice. But will they deliver? Only time will tell. Keep us posted along the way.

At least they were nice, at my local Rolex Boutique they are the most pompous-... I’ll stop the name calling there but I walked in with a SS SkyDweller and my friend an AG Sub, another with a new Pepsi, obviously we were passionate about Rolex, and they couldn’t be bothered. When asked about the new sub they literally said in no uncertain terms only the clients that purchased numerous all- gold pieces would be considered for a SS sport model. I guess there is something to be said for them at least telling us the truth but the customer service was what I would expect from a dollar store, not a Rolex Boutique.

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by TheGuvna

Im on the list at both AD's down south in VB. Playing the game doesn't bother me because I'm in no rush, I have a few nice pieces already.

Patience plays a big role! If you stumble upon a pepsi or kermit that you don't want ill be here

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

At least they were nice, at my local Rolex Boutique they are the most pompous-... I’ll stop the name calling there but I walked in with a SS SkyDweller and my friend an AG Sub, another with a new Pepsi, obviously we were passionate about Rolex, and they couldn’t be bothered. When asked about the new sub they literally said in no uncertain terms only the clients that purchased numerous all- gold pieces would be considered for a SS sport model. I guess there is something to be said for them at least telling us the truth but the customer service was what I would expect from a dollar store, not a Rolex Boutique.

Its unfortunate that the customer service at some Boutiques can be so awful

[Atone]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Friendly of course. Like most ADs. That’s nice. But will they deliver? Only time will tell. Keep us posted along the way.

thats the real question.

[Watchsama]

Haven't visited any AD's since the pandemic started. Ok, except one time when I got the call for my two OP36. Kinda miss it. Nice to just down and chat about watches with someone with the same interest

[Spindeed]

I purchased a DateJust there in August. I worked with Stephen who was able to obtain it within 2 weeks for me!!

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[ce027772]

I got on a couple AD's lists and I have no idea where I am on the lists and how many people are ahead of me. Usually, when you are on a waiting list, you get a number and you can check periodically if you moved up the list or not. They should be able to tell you which number is next for each specific model, if it was a true waiting list. Instead, you just give your contact information and the AD can call you if he/she feels like it. If he AD doesn't feel like calling you, he/she can call someone else. Looks like getting on the "list" is more like getting yourself on the hook, which will make you stop by the AD's shop once in a while and maybe buy something you don't need there.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

At least they were nice, at my local Rolex Boutique they are the most pompous-... I’ll stop the name calling there but I walked in with a SS SkyDweller and my friend an AG Sub, another with a new Pepsi, obviously we were passionate about Rolex, and they couldn’t be bothered. When asked about the new sub they literally said in no uncertain terms only the clients that purchased numerous all- gold pieces would be considered for a SS sport model. I guess there is something to be said for them at least telling us the truth but the customer service was what I would expect from a dollar store, not a Rolex Boutique.

I’d rather be told the truth than have them build false expectations.

[GONZO2LR]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

At least they were nice, at my local Rolex Boutique they are the most pompous-... I’ll stop the name calling there but I walked in with a SS SkyDweller and my friend an AG Sub, another with a new Pepsi, obviously we were passionate about Rolex, and they couldn’t be bothered. When asked about the new sub they literally said in no uncertain terms only the clients that purchased numerous all- gold pieces would be considered for a SS sport model. I guess there is something to be said for them at least telling us the truth but the customer service was what I would expect from a dollar store, not a Rolex Boutique.

i have to comment.....
In my life, i never let any business look down at me like they were superior human being...in other words better than me. They are the business and I am a customer! PERIOD! IF and when a business starts to act like a snob to me, i go into a mode of BIG A$$ SMARTA$$, I start talking Sh-T. I will have them giving me champagne or wine...lining up watches and i would be spending $40,000 to $100,000. THey will be smacking their lips with joy!!!! THen i wait for the opportunity where they say the wrong thing to me...and i mean i am fishing for it...….i get upset and i start cursing and acting out they had insulted me...i ask to speak to the manager....i am telling you i make a scene...i could be escorted out by security or police...as long as i don't touch or threat anyone...i will not go to jail.....then i walk out and never ever go there again! Sometimes they have called me back apologizing!!
This is how i deal with snobby retails store....maybe its wrong but it sure makes me feel good....acting like a rich snob is fun....plus i do have the money, or not....it matter not...i hate places that make me feel small.....ohh...they don't because i don't let them!

[samson66]

Check out the Omega Boutique while you are there. I checked it out for the first time earlier this month. What an enjoyable experience especially when compared to the typical empty cases at Rolex AD's. You get real actual personal attention there and get to try on whatever you like without feeling rushed. Definitely recommend...

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[Jhowton23]

They’re top notch at L&B. I recommend them to all my friends who want to evaluate a high end watch purchase.


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[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by irate.alien

The folks at the L&B in Tysons Galleria are very friendly and helpful. Ditto the Omega Boutique folks across the way. The L&B on Rt 7 is much cooler for some reason. And the Lenkersdorfer (same owner as L&B, I believe) in the big mall is a circus.

+2.

Totally agree also.

Omega b are super nice but no discount at all so take that in consideration with value retention of brand. Tysons 2 l &b is a circus. Very rude and pompous along with Rt 7 location across the street. Tysons location is super nice but don’t buy the fact they had no bb58 in stock. They are feeling you out to see if you are a flipper. They keep lot of demand models in back for regular customers. Last week they had both bb58 blue on strap and bracket.

I looked at the bb58 and did not like the size. Wore way to small for me. Wish 41 mm was less thick.

[Snoop_]

Originally Posted by AgentRob

Hello all, yesterday I was able to pay a visit to my local AD (Liljenquist & Beckstead at Tysons Galleria) along with my brother. We're fairly new to collecting and would like to expand on our Rolex's, but given the high demand of the sport steels, it is cost prohibitive and sort of foolish to purchase our dream pieces at such a high price on the grey market.

With that being said, the trip to our AD was really nice, as opposed to most stories I hear. The gentleman who helped us was very nice and showed us some of his Tudor pieces (I didnt get his name but he looked like the manager). We looked mainly at the black bay's since my brothers in the market for a diver, but the thickness was a little too much and he'd prefer the black bay 58 which wasn't in stock. Anyways, long story short after looking at a few pieces we enquired about getting on the waitlist for our two favorites (2020 Kermit, Pepsi), he told us they're essentially booked for all of 2020 for them but the possibility of snagging one in the future seemed like a real possibility.

I don't like playing the game of purchasing pieces that I wont wear just to get on the waitlist, which didn't seem like the deal here and I applaud that. So if you're in the Northern Virginia area and in the market for a new watch, whatever it may be, pay Liljenquist & Beckstead a visit!

I live in Arlington and Liljenquist & Beckstead are a lot nicer then Tournea but the reality is a nice conversation does not make you priority customer for hot models in the DC area were money count most. Three of 6 highest income counties are in NOVA (Arlington, Fairfax and Loudon) not including the rich diplomats in the area too. There are plenty of customer's in NOVA that can spend 100k at an AD. This may be one worse areas to buy at an AD unfortunately if you do not spend big at AD. On positive note Liljenquist & Beckstead has great customer service and I have enjoyed talking to their staff too. They took my number but never got a call back in three years.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

At least they were nice, at my local Rolex Boutique they are the most pompous-... I’ll stop the name calling there but I walked in with a SS SkyDweller and my friend an AG Sub, another with a new Pepsi, obviously we were passionate about Rolex, and they couldn’t be bothered. When asked about the new sub they literally said in no uncertain terms only the clients that purchased numerous all- gold pieces would be considered for a SS sport model. I guess there is something to be said for them at least telling us the truth but the customer service was what I would expect from a dollar store, not a Rolex Boutique.

Don’t you already have a Sub Paul?

Does this mean you’re holding out on some PM incomings?

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by AgentRob

I have my fingers crossed

Periodically, visit and see what they have. Always keep in touch and build the relationship. I asked for a BLRO back in April 2019, and got the text in January of this year.

Good Luck!

[challer]

L&B has never produced for me. Dropped them years ago, perhaps it's gotten better.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by GONZO2LR

i have to comment.....
In my life, i never let any business look down at me like they were superior human being...in other words better than me. They are the business and I am a customer! PERIOD! IF and when a business starts to act like a snob to me, i go into a mode of BIG A$$ SMARTA$$, I start talking Sh-T. I will have them giving me champagne or wine...lining up watches and i would be spending $40,000 to $100,000. THey will be smacking their lips with joy!!!! THen i wait for the opportunity where they say the wrong thing to me...and i mean i am fishing for it...….i get upset and i start cursing and acting out they had insulted me...i ask to speak to the manager....i am telling you i make a scene...i could be escorted out by security or police...as long as i don't touch or threat anyone...i will not go to jail.....then i walk out and never ever go there again! Sometimes they have called me back apologizing!!
This is how i deal with snobby retails store....maybe its wrong but it sure makes me feel good....acting like a rich snob is fun....plus i do have the money, or not....it matter not...i hate places that make me feel small.....ohh...they don't because i don't let them!

I think this is why the process is considered a relationship not just a transaction. It goes both ways. AD/Business owners should treat their clients with respect and clients should in turn treat the business with respect. When either side breaks down the relationship is broken.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by AgentRob

I have my fingers crossed

FYI, tried to respond to your message, but your inbox is full.

Short summary to my message is that I never bought anything from my AD (like a watch or jewelry), but I did have two watches serviced and my collection appraised. I was offered a CHNR 3 months after asking for the BLRO and declined and eventually got the BLRO after 9 months.

Hope that helps.

Good Luck.

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by stevers63

FYI, tried to respond to your message, but your inbox is full.

Short summary to my message is that I never bought anything from my AD (like a watch or jewelry), but I did have two watches serviced and my collection appraised. I was offered a CHNR 3 months after asking for the BLRO and declined and eventually got the BLRO after 9 months.

Hope that helps.

Good Luck.

Yes it was, sorry about that. And thanks for the response!

[potterydog]

I miss buying at Kings in Alexandria

[Rentalcarman]

I dealt with their location in Annapolis MD when they still sold Rolexes. I was in the store for about 6 hours trying to decide if I wanted to purchase the full rg daytona. I finally decided to go ahead and had immediate buyers remorse. But thought I would get past it. Twenty four hours later I just couldn't stomach it. I called the store and spoke to one of the managers/owners. He very kindly said I could return it and even though they filled out the card in my name, they could get a replacement. Because I had left the stickers intact during my hesitation, I received a full refund. I thought it was very customer service oriented and classy since they could have said sorry its now your $36K watch,

[AgentRob]

Originally Posted by Oceanlover914

I dealt with their location in Annapolis MD when they still sold Rolexes. I was in the store for about 6 hours trying to decide if I wanted to purchase the full rg daytona. I finally decided to go ahead and had immediate buyers remorse. But thought I would get past it. Twenty four hours later I just couldn't stomach it. I called the store and spoke to one of the managers/owners. He very kindly said I could return it and even though they filled out the card in my name, they could get a replacement. Because I had left the stickers intact during my hesitation, I received a full refund. I thought it was very customer service oriented and classy since they could have said sorry its now your $36K watch,

Thats very nice of them, spending that much is no joke

[3502dav]

I’ve bought two watches from L&B on Route 7. Very friendly and personable sales agents. I walked in last March and bought an Air King for my 50th. Not a crazy accomplishment for an AK but I had no history there.
A few months later I needed some repairs for my wife’s wedding and engagement rings. They replaced a diamond and did a great job repairing some of the old posts. My SA called me when the rings were finished but they were unhappy with the way something turned out. She asked if I was willing to wait an extra week to get the rings back so they were done right. I was quite impressed with their service. The rings came back looking better than when they were new.

Since then I received a call three weeks ago for a 41 DJ fluted blue dial on a jubilee that I requested. Hopefully they will keep me in mind for a Stainless Steel on my wish list. Very good experience for me at the Route 7 location.


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