[116500LN Panda] What does it take?

[garyk]

Originally Posted by MiesCup

?

P.S why do some people get so snappy when I call this model a Panda? I don't get it.

Because it’s not a panda?

You can call it whatever you want but I guess people here might have been trying to be helpful?! Cool?

[MiesCup]

Originally Posted by garyk

Because it’s not a panda?

ok?

[MiesCup]

Originally Posted by garyk

Because it’s not a panda?

You can call it whatever you want but I guess people here might have been trying to be helpful?! Cool?

Cool!

[Oyster84]

Originally Posted by tally

paying today's grey price for a daytona is just wrong IMO.

fair enough you can afford it but your helping this disturbing new trend

but hey thats capitalism

Agreed... We must have a little will power to fix this problem. (first world problems)

[MiesCup]

Originally Posted by garyk

Because it’s not a panda?

You can call it whatever you want but I guess people here might have been trying to be helpful?! Cool?

Originally Posted by Oyster84

Agreed... We must have a little will power to fix this problem. (first world problems)

This is one of the reason I am so hesitant to pull the trigger on the grey...

[MiesCup]

Anyone have anything g to add for the below post?

Originally Posted by MiesCup

Hello everyone!

Thank you for all your responses. This is my first time posting on any forum and now understand why people say that the internet can be a powerful tool yet a place for many strange personalities. I guess we all show our inner thoughts through the keyboard (and understandably so).

I have read every and all post on this thread.

I guess I was not 100% clear with my priorities and my intent/taste. This tells me although my original post was thoughtful but not thorough. I do not mind buying a few other watches and some other jewelry such as the ones I stated earlier. I not buying the DJ and others so I can be in line for a Daytona. I would love to have a DJ on my wrist and have a Ladies version so I can have it as a couples watch later on. My original intent on my thoughts was:

"If I can obtain more from an AD for the same price as on the grey, I can get more value for my money from an AD and would be supporting a local business."

I can definitely see how some other watches suggested on this thread make sense. However, 116500LN seems less flashy and discrete, which I love. Some other Daytonas people suggested are awesome but are too flashy and attention-seeking. Other brands just don't appeal to my eyes. 116500LN just simply seems handsome to me and that is the only reason why I want it. It is not the hype, it is not anything else, it is just attractive to my eyes (I have been wearing a Pagani Design 116500LN Homage for a bit) and always thought,

"I wish it was a Rolex."

However, rethinking my thoughts and reading some of the comments, it seems that my thought of a win-win both for myself and the AD seems very naive.

I've heard the number ~$70,000 (exactly $70k, "I had a customer who spends $70k a year with us ish comment) from two different ADs and this leads me to think that I have to spend about that much to be considered which is too much for me.

Reading this thread made me think that I may have found ADs around my area who could do a better job of trying to help me out. I understand that these ADs have every right to hold the 116500LN hostage and use it as leverage to gain more business. However, this leads me to question,

"Is there a way for me to distinguish a bent AD who tries to milk and a straight and honest one?"

I understand that they have to make a living and have to protect their brand/names but being in the business in the area for a while, I would imagine that there are only a certain set of people who can shell out ~$70k a year for watches (quite frankly, those people can probably find better things to do with $70k than keep buying watches and those people who are able, most likely already have a Daytona or have moved on to higher brands). This leads me to think that people who have the relationship/money would already possess watches that they desire especially in a modest town like mine. And I bump into these people whom I suspect are the rich folks while I do my business and never have I seen a Rolex or a luxury watch on their wrist. I have seen people with multiple luxury sports cars and car collections while I do business and they all wear Apple watches. So I feel like I am missing something here.

I have one or two more ADs I can visit but now think that I must subtlely interview them rather than politely ask them,

"Please help me and guide me to become a great customer so I can get a Daytona."

I am new to this so it makes sense to me why the ADs would play the hostage game (who wouldn't if it was your own livelihood and name at stake) but at the same time, I need to be able to identify one who is not so caught up in the hostage game but have some sympathy and compassion for the customer's want and love for a certain model.

What do you all think?

P.S why do some people get so snappy when I call this model a Panda? I don't get it.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by MiesCup

Anyone have anything g to add for the below post?

Miescup, if you are 'one and done' after the Daytona, then best to negotiate a bundle deal like a YG DD and Daytona in hand at the same time. In my experience there is a bit of a dance since lots of AD's won't disclose they do that kind of deal and will only tip their hand if you are serious with the proverbial cash on hand ready to buy.

[MiesCup]

Ah, I see. Ill keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Miescup, if you are 'one and done' after the Daytona, then best to negotiate a bundle deal like a YG DD and Daytona in hand at the same time. In my experience there is a bit of a dance since lots of AD's won't disclose they do that kind of deal and will only tip their hand if you are serious with the proverbial cash on hand ready to buy.

[ZeGerman11]

Unfortunately, you’re asking a question that has no answer (or at least doesn’t have one correct answer).

The most common answer you will get is, “spend money.” That is certainly the quickest way to obtain the watch. Obviously the amount you must spend is going to vary by location, so there’s really no way for anyone to give you an answer to that either. Any answer you receive will be purely anecdotal.

The only concrete data points you can actually rely on are gray prices and delivery times. You may not like it, but at least it‘s transparent.

FWIW, you may try the search function if you’re looking for additional answers. I’ve only been a member here for about a year, and even I have lost count of how many times this question has been asked. If anything, it will help you pass the time while waiting for others to reply here. My guess is you will reach the conclusion that no one has the secret code (or if they do, they aren’t giving it up for free on a public forum).

Best of luck.

[Frank McKay]

I can’t begin to imagine how many Rolex newbies like yourself are making phone inquiries to various AD’s across the world asking to purchase a steel ceramic Daytona with zero purchase history or relationship.

I imagine the conversation to go something like this:

New customer calls: Hi my name is Joe and I was wondering if you have any steel Daytona’s in stock for purchase?

SA after listening ::rolls eyes:: Sir we do not have any availability for the Daytona at this time.

New customer: Well what do I have to do to get one? I really want one, it’s my favorite watch. Can you add me to the list?

SA: begrudgingly, okay sure, what’s your name and number? SA repeating the telephone number as told by the customer & pretending to write it down. Thank you well give you a call when one is available.

Honestly though - Plunk down 35-40k for a PM DD40 and a lady DJ and one might turn up for you in a short period. Anything short of that, you’re pushing water uphill.