Advice for an outsider?

[5thLegion]

Background: I don't currently own a Rolex but aspire to own at least one. I've got it narrowed down to a newer Sub or Explorer I. I would describe myself as a life-long watch fan but have only recently had the resources to buy luxury watches. Up to this point I've been a Seiko dive watch guy, but this year I bought a BB58 and a Speedmaster, both which I love.
My name is in at one local AD for a Sub, and another in a nearby city for the Explorer. I have zero history or relationship with these ADs other than being friendly on a couple of visits and one phone call. I realize my efforts with the AD are a longshot, but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I have a birthday coming up and they are tracking that, so hopefully that gives me a little help.
The point of my post: from the perspective of an outsider, the Rolex market is insane. I've enjoyed reading posts on here as I formulate a plan. I am holding out for MSRP at an AD but I figure as prices drop maybe I'll resort to the second-hand market from reputable seller, but no time soon.
Until then I am really enjoying the 58 and the Speedy. Any advice?

[Tim Plains]

Seems like you have a good handle on the situation. Just wait.

[Benzsiam]

You can be on the waitlist on both Sub and Explorer I at both ADs.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum. I honestly hope you land the watch at your AD in time for your birthday. If I were you, I’d be pleasantly persistent

[2nastie]

I think you've done everything you can.

Only addition would be perhaps a couple trips here and there to the AD for chitchat and show face. Gives them a continued yet friendly reminder of your interest.

Good luck!

[Easy E]

Do stop back in, in person. The ADs get tons of phone calls that mostly get ignored. Be yourself, be passionate. A Sub or Exp I can be had. Good luck.

[Carguy87]

Good luck and welcome!! Definitely make in person follow up visits, and be sure to ask for your same SA (sales associate) every time. When you visit talk about wanting to build a relationship. SA’s want loyal, repeat clients so make yourself out to be one and you’ll have better odds. Best of luck and I think the pieces on your list are obtainable for sure.

[garyk]

Sounds great, good advice here, should work out for you…

[VogelPhoenix]

Advice? Keep waiting, keep looking, don't let FOMO drive you to overpay.

[NachoNeal]

BB58 and a Speedmaster?
You're doing great!

[Gab27]

I understand your position exactly as a bit over a year ago, I came here hoping to learn about how to get a Sub, as I had wanted a Sub for several decades but it was something I could not afford until recently. Sadly, right as it became a financial reality for me, the market went nuts.

The current situation sucks and you've seen it first hand. And, as you know, you are aiming for a watch that isn't easy to get at the moment (although certainly not impossible, either). Having waited over two decades for the watch, I ultimately bought a used Sub based partly on advice from my AD, and I love it. (I'm not saying that is the way to go or not, but rather, that it worked well for me.)

It seems very possible these are or may become at least somewhat easier to get in the future. No matter how you get it, I will note that it is an amazing watch and it is a great feeling to open that box and see that crown and play with the Glidelock clasp where you can literally feel the quality of the design.

I hope you get your Sub soon!

[goodolejr]

Welcome, OP. I've got a feeling you'll get a call. You seem to have a great attitude and plan.

One thing to perhaps keep you busy in the meantime: think on if you got offered both, which one you'd take. The new Explorer I shrunk from 39mm to 36mm and the Sub grew from 40mm to 41mm. Two very different watches now.

[DCheeta]

You love watches, and you love Rolex. You’re not an outsider, you’re one of us.

Regarding your question, I think you’re doing it right. I hope you get one of the two soon, they’re both incredible watches.

[Apwillard1986]

Welcome! Another vote for in person visits. I was in a similar position and I remember being surprised when my SA expressed his gratitude that I actually followed up in person.


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[5thLegion]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. I will definitely plan to follow up in person. Probably monthly.
To be honest I originally was set on the Explorer I, but after seeing the Sub in person, I realized the Sub was a must-have. Not sure if I will keep the 58 if and when I land a Sub.
The bright side is if the Explorer comes up first then I'll be pretty happy with the 58, it's a great watch IMO. Hard to explain but I am all about keeping the collection small and balanced, and I can envision wearing the Explorer as an old man.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by 5thLegion

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. I will definitely plan to follow up in person. Probably monthly.
To be honest I originally was set on the Explorer I, but after seeing the Sub in person, I realized the Sub was a must-have. Not sure if I will keep the 58 if and when I land a Sub.
The bright side is if the Explorer comes up first then I'll be pretty happy with the 58, it's a great watch IMO. Hard to explain but I am all about keeping the collection small and balanced, and I can envision wearing the Explorer as an old man.

The Submariner really is a must-have. There are more eloquent and more complicated Rolex models, and there are high-horology watches, but the Submariner is still the Submariner because it is the Submariner.

[macrowatch]

Sub no date is the best route to go for now.

I think you’ll enjoy the explorer but still lust after a sub.

[TswaneNguni]

Buy yourself a Sub/Date BNIB at a premium .Premiums not that high on them.

The joy of wearing beats the uncertainty.
Over a lifetime of service ,the premium is nothing .

[Time Out]

If you have to have it badly, it helps to make a small jewelry purchase I promise you. Otherwise wait. Things are changing in the watch game and do not buy grey right now. Secondary prices are falling.

[AF_Rob]

Welcome. You seem to be levelheaded and patient. I'd hold out and take the time to think, as you wait on the list.

Think about what draws you to the BB58 and Seiko divers. Do you like divers? Want diversity? Once you figure those out, I think you will be set.

[GBcrypto]

Premium on sub not that bad. I'd just get it. It's 1.75 retail correct? Any value will stay there more or less over 5 or more years.

Waiting for a sub isn't imo a smart move if you want to wear the watch now. It's like the starter Rolex. Everyone wants one.

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[johnwigan]

Originally Posted by GBcrypto

Premium on sub not that bad. I'd just get it. It's 1.75 retail correct? Any value will stay there more or less over 5 or more years.

Waiting for a sub isn't imo a smart move if you want to wear the watch now. It's like the starter Rolex. Everyone wants one.

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Crazy advice. Prices are starting to fall back down to normal. The crazy COVID years are coming to an end. Why pay nearly double for less? The flipper gets your purchase history, there are no guarantees the watch is authentic or has not been reported stolen.

'any value will stay there more or less' - Nonsense, often repeated, but nonsense. If you are paying nearly double then you will lose compared to paying RRP at an AD. Got to consider a wider timeframe than the last couple of years. No guarantee at all that a Rolex purchased today, during a bubble, will be worth more in 5 years. When watches are available at ADs people are not going to be paying double for a second hand watch.

Register your interest with you local ADs. Only pay the inflated bubble price if you have to have it today, bearing in mind prices are falling. And we may return to ADs having watches to sell again, sooner rather than later.

[GBcrypto]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

Crazy advice. Prices are starting to fall back down to normal. The crazy COVID years are coming to an end. Why pay nearly double for less? The flipper gets your purchase history, there are no guarantees the watch is authentic or has not been reported stolen.

'any value will stay there more or less' - Nonsense, often repeated, but nonsense. If you are paying nearly double then you will lose compared to paying RRP at an AD. Got to consider a wider timeframe than the last couple of years. No guarantee at all that a Rolex purchased today, during a bubble, will be worth more in 5 years. When watches are available at ADs people are not going to be paying double for a second hand watch.

Register your interest with you local ADs. Only pay the inflated bubble price if you have to have it today, bearing in mind prices are falling. And we may return to ADs having watches to sell again, sooner rather than later.

I'm not sure the subs will drop much at all. It's at 15 now? Another 20% drop is then at 10.5k. I don't think it will drop that far. So getting in at 15 is worth more than waiting 2 years.

Rolex collector

[jon_jon]

Enjoy the 58 and Speedy and be patient with the ADs. It seems market is changing a bit and people are getting watches from ADs with a shorter wait than before.

[money2502]

You're doing the right things!

I always keep dropping in to keep them updated with the watches I'm interested in!

[norcalctr]

You've done everything you can do. Now you wait for the call/text just like we all doing.

[GBcrypto]

I wouldn't keep going into the dealer. Your time is valuable. Don't be that groveling customer.

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[amh]

Originally Posted by GBcrypto

I wouldn't keep going into the dealer. Your time is valuable. Don't be that groveling customer.

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I agree. You'll be "friend-zoned" if you try too hard. I'd visit initially but call/email/text thereafter.

[5thLegion]

Originally Posted by amh

I agree. You'll be "friend-zoned" if you try too hard. I'd visit initially but call/email/text thereafter.

This a good point- I don’t want to be annoying, but I do want to stay on the radar.

[thenewrick]

You’re doing fine. Check in with the ADs every month or two in person if possible to renew interest. Stick to the references you’re requesting. You’ll get one by the end of the year I’d guess