AD Question

[RJRJRJ]

I don't know their motivation for what they're doing, but as long as you get the actual watch, I don't see why they would want to keep your warranty card even if they were going out of business. They'd probably just give it to you if you requested it.

[brandrea]

Weird times we live in.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Hello all! I have a quick question. Today I got a call from a local AD about the new TT Explorer. I went straight there to pick it up but as I was checking out they said they would have to hold the warranty card until after the first of the year. They said they would not enter the sell into the system until next year when they give me the card so I would get extra warranty. Their reason is because Rolex is forcing them to keep a minimum of 25 watches on hand or else they can’t receive new shipments. Any truth to this? Seemed really odd and made me rethink the purchase. My fear is if I need any warranty work in the meantime Rolex will not honor it because the Watch technically hasn’t been sold. I believe in conducting business in an honest and ethical manner. Am I wrong for not buying the watch without the complete set of papers?

My first clue that the AD is full of s%^t is that no chance they have 25 Rolex watches in stock. Yeah right, maybe 2 watches in stock.

[telesquire]

This was my suggestion a while back to deter flippers. Would be better if it were administered from Rolex HQ though....but it wouldn't put me off. Warranty? You would be in the minority if you needed that in the first 12 mths....if ever. I'd buy it.

[Edward98]

FWIW, I heard this same thing from dealer in TX. They actually didn't have any exhibition watches.

Also, I've seen exhibition watches in person; and they aren't functional.

[Watchwoody]

Originally Posted by Edward98

FWIW, I heard this same thing from dealer in TX. They actually didn't have any exhibition watches.

Also, I've seen exhibition watches in person; and they aren't functional.

Which dealer?

[JodyHighroller]

Man, too many red flags. Even more so compared to the first post.

Makes me wonder why they’re rushing to sell references? Is it a liquidity issue or are at risk of losing their license, etc?

[MasonDixon]

Cashier's check only and no record of the sale at the time of the transaction? No way, see ya!

[Oxfordian]

Rolex are not telling them to do this, the AD is doing this off their own back.

If you are buying this watch then you should expect to get everything that comes with the watch, box, papers, tags, everything that forms the sale package. Don't be bullied by the AD insist on the full set when you pay.

This was tried in the UK and I believe that the dealership lost a court case, as a result had to return all the cards they were holding. (someone will correct me if I have this wrong).

Its your money OP, if it were mine I would want the 'full' package including all paperwork.

[johnwigan]

I would not buy an ex-display model, with no stickers on the watch, to be peeled off. The point of buying from an AD is that you get an official brand new watch and can be sure there is nothing dodgy about it and all and sundry have not been pawing it.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

This was tried in the UK and I believe that the dealership lost a court case, as a result had to return all the cards they were holding. (someone will correct me if I have this wrong).

Totally different. That was about limiting flipping and the card was held for years. This is about making Rolex think there's more stock on display than there is (in order to get more stock sent.

Originally Posted by johnwigan

I would not buy an ex-display model, with no stickers on the watch, to be peeled off. The point of buying from an AD is that you get an official brand new watch and can be sure there is nothing dodgy about it and all and sundry have not been pawing it.

This is a watch from the AD's inventory that's been in a display case. Don't see what the issue is (unless you're opposed to ever buying out of the case).

[dannyp]

Funny enough, this is the first "true" confirmation of the Rolex directive to keep 25 watches in stock. AD doesn't want the sale transmitted to Rolex, and wants Rolex to think the watch is still in stock.

This isn't an "exhibition" watch, per se. It's just a regular watch, out of a regular case, the way things always used to be. It's meant for sale (unlike the exhibition pieces) but AD is sort of pulling a fast one on Rolex (or trying to - if anyone from Rolex is reading this thread, I'm guessing that based on OP's disclosed location, they can figure out exactly who the dealer is).

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Funny enough, this is the first "true" confirmation of the Rolex directive to keep 25 watches in stock. AD doesn't want the sale transmitted to Rolex, and wants Rolex to think the watch is still in stock.

This isn't an "exhibition" watch, per se. It's just a regular watch, out of a regular case, the way things always used to be. It's meant for sale (unlike the exhibition pieces) but AD is sort of pulling a fast one on Rolex (or trying to - if anyone from Rolex is reading this thread, I'm guessing that based on OP's disclosed location, they can figure out exactly who the dealer is).

Exactly. I’m not one to throw anyone under the bus by name in a public forum. I try to be a little classier than that. But a quick google search of my disclosed location will solve the riddle for the detectives among us.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Exactly. I’m not one to throw anyone under the bus by name in a public forum. I try to be a little classier than that. But a quick google search of my disclosed location will solve the riddle for the detectives among us.

Thinking less about the members, more about inadvertently "outing" your AD to Rolex. I would imagine that what they're doing is strictly frowned upon. Not so much the gaming the 25-watch-minimum game, but letting a watch leaved without its warranty card being activated.

[AndrewMeadville]

Update: I’m passing on the watch. Too many peculiarities. It really pains me as it’s a piece I have had my eye on but I just don’t feel comfortable with all of the unknowns. My sensibilities have to outweigh what the heart wants on this one. Sad day, but at the end of the day it’s just a watch and there will be more. Thanks to all for the input!!!

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Update: I’m passing on the watch. Too many peculiarities. It really pains me as it’s a piece I have had my eye on but I just don’t feel comfortable with all of the unknowns. My sensibilities have to outweigh what the heart wants on this one. Sad day, but at the end of the day it’s just a watch and there will be more. Thanks to all for the input!!!

If you really want it, you should buy it. Worst case, it has no warranty and you have to pay $800 to service/fix it. Best case, you get the card at the beginning of the year and you get to enjoy the watch you really want.

But, if you were going to pass on a particular watch, this is the one to do it on. I don’t see you having a huge issue getting another one from a different AD.


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[zewill]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

If you really want it, you should buy it. Worst case, it has no warranty and you have to pay $800 to service/fix it. Best case, you get the card at the beginning of the year and you get to enjoy the watch you really want.

But, if you were going to pass on a particular watch, this is the one to do it on. I don’t see you having a huge issue getting another one from a different AD.


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That’s a shitty buying experience. Rolex should severely punish those kind of practices. But then again Rolex kind of created the issue so I guess.. they don’t really care. All in all the legitimate end user is the one most heavily impacted… every post on this forum lately is making me cringe. I think it’s time to take a time out…

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Update: I’m passing on the watch. Too many peculiarities. ...... I just don’t feel comfortable with all of the unknowns. My sensibilities have to outweigh what the heart wants on this one.

A wise move IMO. If there is a doubt, there is no doubt. Sometimes you have to pay attention to that sixth sense, even if you don't exactly know why.

You'll get one. All the best with it.

[bswizzle2552]

I’d buy it, go back in a week demanding it

[2loaded]

All box and no papers..

[skipstar]

I just purchased a new SS on Saturday from my awesome AD. The store is under renovation and is a mess so it wasn’t the same experience as in the past but non the less they were awesome as usual and made the day a memorable one for my wife and I. The box contained all the tags, white and green, the bezel protector and yes the warranty card and manuals.

[HiBoost]

Sounds like this AD won't be an AD for long. But one confusing part of the back and forth here: OP, first you said it's NOT the AD closest to you, but it is one in Texas. Then later you said you live in Midland and alluded to the fact that this will illuminate the AD in question. But based on the first statement, it would seem more like you are telling us the only AD in the state that it can't be?

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[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Sounds like this AD won't be an AD for long. But one confusing part of the back and forth here: OP, first you said it's NOT the AD closest to you, but it is one in Texas. Then later you said you live in Midland and alluded to the fact that this will illuminate the AD in question. But based on the first statement, it would seem more like you are telling us the only AD in the state that it can't be?

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Very attentive on your part. I have property in the DFW area and a sister in the Austin area and frequent certain AD’s in both markets. My business is in Midland so that is where I reside.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Sounds like this AD won't be an AD for long. But one confusing part of the back and forth here: OP, first you said it's NOT the AD closest to you, but it is one in Texas. Then later you said you live in Midland and alluded to the fact that this will illuminate the AD in question. But based on the first statement, it would seem more like you are telling us the only AD in the state that it can't be?

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Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Very attentive on your part. I have property in the DFW area and a sister in the Austin area and frequent certain AD’s in both markets. My business is in Midland so that is where I reside.

If someone from Rolex were to read this, I doubt it’s much of a stretch to see which TX ADs have an unsold 124273 at the moment, and it’s probably not too many.

[Moka-Tiger]

OP decided to walk away. That is the OP's right. I would have bought it. IMO, to me the shadiest part of this AD is the removing of the stickers/seals. THAT should have never happened. No AD where I live live, and grays neither, remove the seals on new or LNIB watches. Other than that I have a different attitude than the OP and others, but I think that the AD was doing you a favor by letting you buy the watch now. Paying by cashiers check? No big deal for me if I have the funds . AD probably doesn't want to pay CC fees. Many businesses want to avoid CC fees. Waiting a couple months for gty card? Keep the sales receipts, take a Pic of card with serial number, etc. and get the card after the 1st of the year. Get this point and the pick-up date in writing. As long as the AD is not going to go bankrupt, I wouldn't hesitate buying it, considering the current supply issues with Rolex inventory.
I bet that watch was sold as soon as the AD hung up the phone with the OP.

[Golfbone]

Take the watch. Take the papers with you but leave them virginal.... don't have them sign those or register the watch until they say they are ready to do it and then come back and have them register the watch. I always am asked to pay for my Rolex by check from AD...no credit cards for those. Who cares if the watch was in the display case? You like the watch and it's a hell of a lot better than going grey. Most people would be thrilled if their AD offered to sell them a display piece they are not supposed to sell. Anyone going to turn down a Blue Sky D because it was in a display case?

[MrRothstein]

Seems reasonable and confirmation of the new policy of having X number of watches “in stock” before selling one.

AD is being “shady” by skirting this policy but if anything thats at your benefit. We can speculate all day but whats the worst that can happen? They go under and disappear with your card?

You will have a record of the transaction. The serial should be able to be tracked to the AD. Take pics in store/as you transact.

I would guess that Rolex would side with you and if it got there so would the courts.

People put full msrp deposits down and wait 2 years on a list. Your situation is kind of the oppsite as you get the watch up front and have a deposit on the papers.

Put me in touch - I’d be willing to buy some of his 25 piece stock that he’s eager to get cash in hand for.

[1William]

Interesting. I understand the OP's thoughts and concerns but I would have bought the watch if I really wanted it. Paid by check/cash or whatever. Photographed the warranty card and gone on with it.

[MrRothstein]

Haven’t thought too much on it since I read it here but it’s interesting to see this policy from the AD’s side.

Imagine being an AD, especially a smaller one, who is now suddenly being told you have to sit on $xxx,xxx worth of stock until we send you more and you can only sell the excess. Meanwhile you are used to having all of that stock essentially pre sold with a back up list a mile long. It comes in, you make someone happy with the call, they come in, your profit and have your cash flow back. Rinse and repeat.

I can see plenty of dealers scheming ways to skirt this policy just out of spite if not for cash flow reasons. Has to hurt sitting on 25 watches that you have customers lined up for but you cant sell them.

[Sgooter]

OP: Were you at least shown the Rolex warranty card?
I realize this is sort of moot, since you have decided not to take the watch, but I was curious about the very existence of the warranty card.
FWIW, I believe you made a good decision to pass on the watch.