Got the call. Same watch, 2 ADs. Who do I buy from? Large-ish dealer or Family AD?

[Mdotlife]

Hey everyone,

I’d love to get some input from everyone, including more experienced members on the forum.

So I’ve posted previously on how I had some trouble with ADs as a brand new buyer into the Rolex world, but found two ADs that seemed the nicest out of a bad bunch. I placed expressions of interest in for a Two Tone DJ 41 with Champagne Diamond Dial.

For context, it’s been 8 weeks since I contacted both ADs. I went and visited the larger AD, located in a high income area of London in person. But, the smaller, family owned jeweller type AD, I only ever spoke to over the phone. I’ve never been into the smaller AD’s store before. I contacted the smaller AD this morning, an hour after they open to check for any updates. The SA said he will definitely be receiving a delivery of stock this afternoon and it will contain a TT DJ in my preferred specification. He said he’d keep it aside for me to view this weekend. Oddly, I received an email from the sales manager from the larger AD in the afternoon (same day) saying they had the same model that I can have if still interested. These two ADs are not linked at all. They must have had their deliveries on the same day with similar stock?

The smaller AD sells jewellery and other brands like Tudor, omega etc (which doesn’t interest me), whereas the larger AD only sells Rolex and is a boutique. Now, given the fact I have more pieces on my wish list, who should I start my ‘purchase history’ with? I’m probably overthinking this but just want to see what more experienced buyers would do if they had the option to go to 2 different ADs that had the same watch. Given the fact that all Rolex models are difficult to obtain, I’m in a very privileged position. I haven’t spoken to either ADs enough to decide which I like more. The larger AD is over an hour away and the smaller AD is 15 minutes away.

Seems like the choice is obvious but would love opinions.

Many Thanks in advance,

MdotLife

[Jidonsu]

Buy both. Sell one.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by Jidonsu

Buy both. Sell one.

Really? That did cross my mind but why?

[Old Expat Beast]

I'd go smaller. They're closer to home, and more likely to work with you in future than a boutique, which will be unimpressed with your business unless you're a major player.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I'd go smaller. They're closer to home, and more likely to work with you in future than a boutique, which will be unimpressed with your business unless you're a major player.

Exactly what I was thinking. The smaller AD is so close to home and the small spend of the datejust won’t get me very far with a larger AD

[David5807]

Smaller

[TomCarter]

I'd go with the boutique, you'll never get pressured into buying jewelry you don't want

[watchamatic]

I agree with buying both and selling one. If you can do this and not lose any money, then you have start a relationship with both ADs. You ask for the next watch on your wish list and continue the relationship with whoever delivers first.

[t60]

+1 on the boutique. I went to one and they never upsell anything. Its a super heavy investment to be a boutique and they will probably not go away anytime soon. The small family AD could lose status any day now.

As much as I love supporting small business, it just doesn't make sense if you're interested in other Rolex models. If the AD's status disappears, kiss that purchase history goodbye.

[ks58]

I'd go Boutique, but no idea how things work overseas in the UK.

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I'd go smaller. They're closer to home, and more likely to work with you in future than a boutique, which will be unimpressed with your business unless you're a major player.

Absolutely not. They are closing mom and pop ADs left and right.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Absolutely not. They are closing mom and pop ADs left and right.

In the UK?

[David5807]

Originally Posted by t60

+1 on the boutique. I went to one and they never upsell anything. Its a super heavy investment to be a boutique and they will probably not go away anytime soon. The small family AD could lose status any day now.

As much as I love supporting small business, it just doesn't make sense if you're interested in other Rolex models. If the AD's status disappears, kiss that purchase history goodbye.

You make a compelling point, but if OP isn't a whale then what hope does he have of getting other models.

[afmars]

Smaller

[SLWoodster]

The obvious choice to me is to buy from both.

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

Hey everyone,

I’d love to get some input from everyone, including more experienced members on the forum.

So I’ve posted previously on how I had some trouble with ADs as a brand new buyer into the Rolex world, but found two ADs that seemed the nicest out of a bad bunch. I placed expressions of interest in for a Two Tone DJ 41 with Champagne Diamond Dial.

For context, it’s been 8 weeks since I contacted both ADs. I went and visited the larger AD, located in a high income area of London in person. But, the smaller, family owned jeweller type AD, I only ever spoke to over the phone. I’ve never been into the smaller AD’s store before. I contacted the smaller AD this morning, an hour after they open to check for any updates. The SA said he will definitely be receiving a delivery of stock this afternoon and it will contain a TT DJ in my preferred specification. He said he’d keep it aside for me to view this weekend. Oddly, I received an email from the sales manager from the larger AD in the afternoon (same day) saying they had the same model that I can have if still interested. These two ADs are not linked at all. They must have had their deliveries on the same day with similar stock?

The smaller AD sells jewellery and other brands like Tudor, omega etc (which doesn’t interest me), whereas the larger AD only sells Rolex and is a boutique. Now, given the fact I have more pieces on my wish list, who should I start my ‘purchase history’ with? I’m probably overthinking this but just want to see what more experienced buyers would do if they had the option to go to 2 different ADs that had the same watch. Given the fact that all Rolex models are difficult to obtain, I’m in a very privileged position. I haven’t spoken to either ADs enough to decide which I like more. The larger AD is over an hour away and the smaller AD is 15 minutes away.

Seems like the choice is obvious but would love opinions.

Many Thanks in advance,

MdotLife

[amanbra]

Here in Sydney you’d be better off buying from the large. Our small shops get very little stock.


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[Blue Fin]

Bigger boutique, more watches coming in.
I wouldn’t get both, return on that watch wouldn’t justify potential long term risk to future purchases. I’m not sure any margin would, but that’s the way I see it

[Nairn1980]

Wait until you see both watches. There are so many DJ combos, it’s unlikely both are identical dial, bracelet and bezel combos.

If this doesn’t help, pick the AD you get the best vibe from.

[TimepieceRPP]

See if you are going to after more Rolex. It may be hard for you to get from the BiG AD esp in London unless u re a big spender. Family owned AD may have a better chance but as other OPs said they may push you to buy other jewellery or may loss their AD suddenly.
However I will go for small AD after 2 years waiting from big AD and still nothing.

[waxy88]

I am sure I know the AD store in London you are referring to and if I were in your position I would go with the smaller local AD. The reason being if any of the other watches on your wish list are hot piec3s (which currently is pretty much everything) then imagine the customers you will be competing with at the London AD?

The London AD, may get more pieces, but in that neck of the woods they have almost certainly got more heavy hitters too. The smaller AD, is a better proposition for future success IMO.

[majidessa]

The larger AD because one you have visited them and received an email from the sales manager which means you are now registered with them and if you make a purchase you will be considered a recurring customer with purchase history.

In addition, the DJ model that you want is easier to get than other variations especially steel, however, since this model is more expensive and less in demand you should make sure that you really build a good relationship with the seller and to make your wish for the next model a real thing.

What is next in your list should discussed openly and the seller should help guide you through what is realistically possible to get next.

Buying 2 watches and selling one will result in significant loss, also keep in mind that in recent years some of the smaller ADs are losing their Rolex business.

[KY..]

If you can buy from both go for it and establish double purchase equity if you don’t mind dealing with selling the extra watch.
If not I would go with the smaller AD since they will likely go out of their way to help you with your other watches…

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by t60

+1 on the boutique. I went to one and they never upsell anything. Its a super heavy investment to be a boutique and they will probably not go away anytime soon. The small family AD could lose status any day now.

As much as I love supporting small business, it just doesn't make sense if you're interested in other Rolex models. If the AD's status disappears, kiss that purchase history goodbye.

I didn’t realise smaller ADs were losing their AD status

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Absolutely not. They are closing mom and pop ADs left and right.

I wasn’t aware of this. The smaller AD has I think 4 or 5 branches but only two of them are Rolex ADs

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

I wasn’t aware of this. The smaller AD has I think 4 or 5 branches but only two of them are Rolex ADs

Both those comment are from America, they probably didn't notice you're from the UK (happens a lot here), where the situation is different.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Both those comment are from America, they probably didn't notice you're from the UK (happens a lot here), where the situation is different.

Good point. The smaller AD has had their AD status since 2010 I believe. So not too long. I’m not sure if that makes a difference

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by t60

+1 on the boutique. I went to one and they never upsell anything. Its a super heavy investment to be a boutique and they will probably not go away anytime soon. The small family AD could lose status any day now.

As much as I love supporting small business, it just doesn't make sense if you're interested in other Rolex models. If the AD's status disappears, kiss that purchase history goodbye.

Originally Posted by David5807

You make a compelling point, but if OP isn't a whale then what hope does he have of getting other models.

Originally Posted by Blue Fin

Bigger boutique, more watches coming in.
I wouldn’t get both, return on that watch wouldn’t justify potential long term risk to future purchases. I’m not sure any margin would, but that’s the way I see it

Originally Posted by majidessa

The larger AD because one you have visited them and received an email from the sales manager which means you are now registered with them and if you make a purchase you will be considered a recurring customer with purchase history.

In addition, the DJ model that you want is easier to get than other variations especially steel, however, since this model is more expensive and less in demand you should make sure that you really build a good relationship with the seller and to make your wish for the next model a real thing.

What is next in your list should discussed openly and the seller should help guide you through what is realistically possible to get next.

Buying 2 watches and selling one will result in significant loss, also keep in mind that in recent years some of the smaller ADs are losing their Rolex business.

My issue with going with the larger AD is as others have said. Competing with whales within the same area and, of course, the overseas clients. The pieces I am currently eyeing up are a Steel sub, GMT BLNR, YG DD 40 (or 36 with Ombre emerald dial) and possibly a YG Sub (probably not if I bought the DD and steel sub). Also looking for maybe a Steel Sub/Sea-Dweller and a turquoise dial OP 31 for my parent's big birthday milestones in about 1-2 years time. All super hot pieces. What are the chances really of getting these within a reasonable timeframe from a high income area of London off the back of one TT DJ purchase? Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting to get them anytime soon. But what are the chances of getting them at all? Low I'd imagine in the current market.

However, as someone else mentioned, the smaller ADs may get lower stock of these models anyway. I know for a fact the smaller AD used to have lots of DDs before the hype but not sure about the others.

[Mdotlife]

Originally Posted by waxy88

I am sure I know the AD store in London you are referring to and if I were in your position I would go with the smaller local AD. The reason being if any of the other watches on your wish list are hot piec3s (which currently is pretty much everything) then imagine the customers you will be competing with at the London AD?

The London AD, may get more pieces, but in that neck of the woods they have almost certainly got more heavy hitters too. The smaller AD, is a better proposition for future success IMO.

The London AD is Bucherer. Not the biggest AD in the country, but bigger then most.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I'd go smaller. They're closer to home, and more likely to work with you in future than a boutique, which will be unimpressed with your business unless you're a major player.

Have to agree and smaller business have less need to play the AD games so widely broadcast by many on forum today.

[waxy88]

Originally Posted by Mdotlife

The London AD is Bucherer. Not the biggest AD in the country, but bigger then most.

Good job I didn’t bet money on it, I thought it was the Rolex boutique on New Bond Street.