Getting a popular steel model at MSRP as a random customer?

[WatchesNBlondes]

I think it’s doubtful. But still possible.

[Cigars&Watches]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

I'll take things that never happened for $800, Alex.

[Closs1909]

It’s definitely doable, I would say your best bet is connecting with the GM at a big chain AD or the owner of a smaller AD, and building rapport. Go there relatively often, build a connection, and my opinion is there’s a good chance. This has worked for me…and also definitely start with a sub over GMT.

[hutch300]

Originally Posted by JDelage

So, I went to my AD. They were very nice and took my name. I made it clear I understood their situation and didn't ask for an ETA, etc. The salesperson said that the fact I had actually visited and that I was local (they too my address) were 2 things in my favor. Interestingly they said they see more subs & GMTs than Explorer II, but then the demand is also higher for those.

I did choose to wear my Streamliner, just to see if that would give me increase CREDIT...

We shall see...

I hope you went to Alvin Goldfarb's. They are very nice people and locally owned. Ben Bridge is a place with terrible service and arrogance. I am very happy we have an AD like AG's in our area.

[RBradleigh]

Originally Posted by JDelage

I'm not sure what "the right AD" looks like. I'm in Seattle (so in the US) and we don't have that many options.

My main interest is actually for the Explorer II, for what it's worth.

Granted it was 2018 and times change but I was able to get an Explorer II as a one and done purchase from Ben Bridge on 5th Ave. Of course there was also a Sub date in the case that day too.

Anyhow I think its possible, most probably ask about Pepsi and Daytona.


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[Stranger]

Originally Posted by hutch300

I hope you went to Alvin Goldfarb's. They are very nice people and locally owned.

Yep.

[GGGMT]

No


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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by JDelage

Is it possible to get a steel Submariner or GMT at a Rolex AD at MSRP as a random, 1-purchase customer?

In other words, can one get such a piece by simply putting their name on a list & wait? Or is it a recipe for waiting forever for one's turn to come?

I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but here's how I started with my AD, getting a hot stainless steel professional model on my first visit (believe it or not; read story below).

My story ... at least my recollection from 12/8/2018 three years later (original thread with more detail and accuracy here --> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=644180)

In the fall of 2018, my wife and I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. We saw plywood over a storefront (obviously changing tenant, who was getting ready for their launch) with a wrap touting the coming of a new Rolex Boutique (fascinating I thought). It listed the opening day (12/8/2018), which I noted in my calendar (at least I thought I noted it correctly as I quickly jotted it down on my iPhone).

The day I thought they were opening (Friday), I needed to be in San Diego for something work related, so I thought I'd go a bit early and stop in to see the grand opening. I got there at 7:30am. Even though they had a couple hours before opening, I thought "wow are they behind, with still some brown paper covering the windows". By about 9am, someone came out to tell me I was a day early ... doh!

The following morning (Saturday), I got up early and drove to San Diego. I got their around 7:22am, as noted on my SD43 in the below video ... wow, I was surprised to be the first to arrive!

https://youtube.com/shorts/fE7Ym9pNKXs?feature=share

The wait seemed like forever, but I figured they must have something, so I was day-dreaming of a white dial Daytona and GMT Pepsi ... my pick of the litter. I waited outside without company for a long time. Around 8:30 or so, a few others showed up, so we decided we better form a line. By 9:15, there must have been fifteen or so of us in line. At 9:30am, they had a ribbon cutting ceremony with Fourtane's owner Josh, the GM Marc and the rest of their employees, family and friends and German Shepard.





They told us they'd be opening at 10am ... the excitement grew and I could overhear overlapping chatter about desired watches, "I wonder if they will have a Hulk?", "I hope I can get a Submariner", or discussions about hoping to at least be high on the wait list for a hot model. One guy and his girlfriend flew down from San Francisco just to get on the Daytona 116500 waitlist. The visible displays in the front window were full of two-tone Datejusts and such, I presume because the store knew the hot models would sell within the opening hour and they didn't want to fetch them from the displays.

... but I was at the front ... what will they have, what will I get? I was so excited to be their first customer. Each store only has one of those.

At 9:45am, a lady SA came out and said she was going to take orders from the first three in line. She asked me first, which model are you interested in. I asked about SS Daytona ... "Sorry, we don't have one right now". Ok, how about GMT BLRO ... "We got one, but it went to a VIP at the main store in Carmel, sorry." Ok, blue Sky Dweller ... "Nope, we don't have any Sky Dwellers in SS at the moment." Ok, a Hulk? ... "Sorry, none." Ok, what about a James Cameron DSSD? "Yes, we actually have only 1 of those and it's yours, what is your name?" She did the same with the next two in line (can't recall what they got).

5 minutes or so later, they opened their doors, escorting those with orders to seat in the back of the Boutique, telling us to just sit tight and our watches would be brought out to us. Along the way to my assigned seat, I could see a lot of hot models (SS subs date, no date; PM Daytonas, DayDates, RG Rootbeer, Wimbledon dial DJ41). So exciting! People were rushing in with great anticipation ... lots of chatter, questions and answers, people jockeying for position, etc. Meanwhile, I waited for what appeared to be an eternity, but finally Marc (Store GM) came out with my large box. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful dial in the Rolex lineup ... that of the monstrous DSSD D-Blue (aka James Cameron). Marc showed me the watch, asked me if I wanted it (Yes!) and proceeded to take my credit card in the back (with the watch) and then return with my receipt to peel the stickers. I took pictures of every part of the experience. There was no bubbly, whiskey or even water ... they were just to busy during their grand opening. But, I had my watch; a watch they honored in that boutique with a special Deep Sea Special room, which had models of the submersible used by the Navy back in the early 60's to dive the Marianna Trench. They also had a model of the lime green submersible James Cameron used to dive those same depths. They also had both the 60's Deep Sea Special watch as well as the modern watch that was strapped to the outside of James Cameron's submersible on display, both of which are on permanent loan from Rolex to Fourtane San Diego.

A special moment came while there ... a man sat down near me with his entire family (wife and two boys). He was buying his very first Rolex, and it was a Submariner (no date). He was giddy and his family was so happy for him. I really enjoyed their excitement and how they all shared in his joy. What a nice family.









Anyway, hope you enjoyed my experience.

So, if you know of a new Rolex AD or Boutique opening in your area, it doesn't hurt to get up early and be the first in the store. They are bound to have something really good for you to buy day 1.

As a followup, this was not a one and done ... in the years that followed, I was able to get other terrific pieces from Fourtane, but prefer not to list them as such things can cause upset with people who think they should be higher on the "list", so I'll just say that it was very much worth getting up early for a grand opening.







If you ever get to San Diego, I recommend you visit Fourtane and view their DeepSea display and say hi to the staff. They may not have the watch you are looking for, but they are professional, courteous and respectful. My favorite Authorized Dealer!

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by JDelage

Is it possible to get a steel Submariner or GMT at a Rolex AD at MSRP as a random, 1-purchase customer?

In other words, can one get such a piece by simply putting their name on a list & wait? Or is it a recipe for waiting forever for one's turn to come?

Very unlikely
It’s not all about your “turn”, it’s about your spend and status typically

[Pinchy]

There is no waitlist. It's not a matter of waiting.

[Decoy12]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but here's how I started with my AD, getting a hot stainless steel professional model on my first visit (believe it or not; read story below).

My story ... at least my recollection from 12/8/2018 three years later (original thread with more detail and accuracy here --> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=644180)

In the fall of 2018, my wife and I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. We saw plywood over a storefront (obviously changing tenant, who was getting ready for their launch) with a wrap touting the coming of a new Rolex Boutique (fascinating I thought). It listed the opening day (12/8/2018), which I noted in my calendar (at least I thought I noted it correctly as I quickly jotted it down on my iPhone).

The day I thought they were opening (Friday), I needed to be in San Diego for something work related, so I thought I'd go a bit early and stop in to see the grand opening. I got there at 7:30am. Even though they had a couple hours before opening, I thought "wow are they behind, with still some brown paper covering the windows". By about 9am, someone came out to tell me I was a day early ... doh!

The following morning (Saturday), I got up early and drove to San Diego. I got their around 7:22am, as noted on my SD43 in the below video ... wow, I was surprised to be the first to arrive!

https://youtube.com/shorts/fE7Ym9pNKXs?feature=share

The wait seemed like forever, but I figured they must have something, so I was day-dreaming of a white dial Daytona and GMT Pepsi ... my pick of the litter. I waited outside without company for a long time. Around 8:30 or so, a few others showed up, so we decided we better form a line. By 9:15, there must have been fifteen or so of us in line. At 9:30am, they had a ribbon cutting ceremony with Fourtane's owner Josh, the GM Marc and the rest of their employees, family and friends and German Shepard.





They told us they'd be opening at 10am ... the excitement grew and I could overhear overlapping chatter about desired watches, "I wonder if they will have a Hulk?", "I hope I can get a Submariner", or discussions about hoping to at least be high on the wait list for a hot model. One guy and his girlfriend flew down from San Francisco just to get on the Daytona 116500 waitlist. The visible displays in the front window were full of two-tone Datejusts and such, I presume because the store knew the hot models would sell within the opening hour and they didn't want to fetch them from the displays.

... but I was at the front ... what will they have, what will I get? I was so excited to be their first customer. Each store only has one of those.

At 9:45am, a lady SA came out and said she was going to take orders from the first three in line. She asked me first, which model are you interested in. I asked about SS Daytona ... "Sorry, we don't have one right now". Ok, how about GMT BLRO ... "We got one, but it went to a VIP at the main store in Carmel, sorry." Ok, blue Sky Dweller ... "Nope, we don't have any Sky Dwellers in SS at the moment." Ok, a Hulk? ... "Sorry, none." Ok, what about a James Cameron DSSD? "Yes, we actually have only 1 of those and it's yours, what is your name?" She did the same with the next two in line (can't recall what they got).

5 minutes or so later, they opened their doors, escorting those with orders to seat in the back of the Boutique, telling us to just sit tight and our watches would be brought out to us. Along the way to my assigned seat, I could see a lot of hot models (SS subs date, no date; PM Daytonas, DayDates, RG Rootbeer, Wimbledon dial DJ41). So exciting! People were rushing in with great anticipation ... lots of chatter, questions and answers, people jockeying for position, etc. Meanwhile, I waited for what appeared to be an eternity, but finally Marc (Store GM) came out with my large box. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful dial in the Rolex lineup ... that of the monstrous DSSD D-Blue (aka James Cameron). Marc showed me the watch, asked me if I wanted it (Yes!) and proceeded to take my credit card in the back (with the watch) and then return with my receipt to peel the stickers. I took pictures of every part of the experience. There was no bubbly, whiskey or even water ... they were just to busy during their grand opening. But, I had my watch; a watch they honored in that boutique with a special Deep Sea Special room, which had models of the submersible used by the Navy back in the early 60's to dive the Marianna Trench. They also had a model of the lime green submersible James Cameron used to dive those same depths. They also had both the 60's Deep Sea Special watch as well as the modern watch that was strapped to the outside of James Cameron's submersible on display, both of which are on permanent loan from Rolex to Fourtane San Diego.

A special moment came while there ... a man sat down near me with his entire family (wife and two boys). He was buying his very first Rolex, and it was a Submariner (no date). He was giddy and his family was so happy for him. I really enjoyed their excitement and how they all shared in his joy. What a nice family.









Anyway, hope you enjoyed my experience.

So, if you know of a new Rolex AD or Boutique opening in your area, it doesn't hurt to get up early and be the first in the store. They are bound to have something really good for you to buy day 1.

As a followup, this was not a one and done ... in the years that followed, I was able to get other terrific pieces from Fourtane, but prefer not to list them as such things can cause upset with people who think they should be higher on the "list", so I'll just say that it was very much worth getting up early for a grand opening.







If you ever get to San Diego, I recommend you visit Fourtane and view their DeepSea display and say hi to the staff. They may not have the watch you are looking for, but they are professional, courteous and respectful. My favorite Authorized Dealer!

What a cool story! Thanks for sharing especially for us that are newer to the forum!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stranger]

Very cool story. It was a unique opportunity and you took it. Well done.

[kxux]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but here's how I started with my AD, getting a hot stainless steel professional model on my first visit (believe it or not; read story below).

My story ... at least my recollection from 12/8/2018 three years later (original thread with more detail and accuracy here --> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=644180)

In the fall of 2018, my wife and I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. We saw plywood over a storefront (obviously changing tenant, who was getting ready for their launch) with a wrap touting the coming of a new Rolex Boutique (fascinating I thought). It listed the opening day (12/8/2018), which I noted in my calendar (at least I thought I noted it correctly as I quickly jotted it down on my iPhone).

The day I thought they were opening (Friday), I needed to be in San Diego for something work related, so I thought I'd go a bit early and stop in to see the grand opening. I got there at 7:30am. Even though they had a couple hours before opening, I thought "wow are they behind, with still some brown paper covering the windows". By about 9am, someone came out to tell me I was a day early ... doh!

The following morning (Saturday), I got up early and drove to San Diego. I got their around 7:22am, as noted on my SD43 in the below video ... wow, I was surprised to be the first to arrive!

https://youtube.com/shorts/fE7Ym9pNKXs?feature=share

The wait seemed like forever, but I figured they must have something, so I was day-dreaming of a white dial Daytona and GMT Pepsi ... my pick of the litter. I waited outside without company for a long time. Around 8:30 or so, a few others showed up, so we decided we better form a line. By 9:15, there must have been fifteen or so of us in line. At 9:30am, they had a ribbon cutting ceremony with Fourtane's owner Josh, the GM Marc and the rest of their employees, family and friends and German Shepard.





They told us they'd be opening at 10am ... the excitement grew and I could overhear overlapping chatter about desired watches, "I wonder if they will have a Hulk?", "I hope I can get a Submariner", or discussions about hoping to at least be high on the wait list for a hot model. One guy and his girlfriend flew down from San Francisco just to get on the Daytona 116500 waitlist. The visible displays in the front window were full of two-tone Datejusts and such, I presume because the store knew the hot models would sell within the opening hour and they didn't want to fetch them from the displays.

... but I was at the front ... what will they have, what will I get? I was so excited to be their first customer. Each store only has one of those.

At 9:45am, a lady SA came out and said she was going to take orders from the first three in line. She asked me first, which model are you interested in. I asked about SS Daytona ... "Sorry, we don't have one right now". Ok, how about GMT BLRO ... "We got one, but it went to a VIP at the main store in Carmel, sorry." Ok, blue Sky Dweller ... "Nope, we don't have any Sky Dwellers in SS at the moment." Ok, a Hulk? ... "Sorry, none." Ok, what about a James Cameron DSSD? "Yes, we actually have only 1 of those and it's yours, what is your name?" She did the same with the next two in line (can't recall what they got).

5 minutes or so later, they opened their doors, escorting those with orders to seat in the back of the Boutique, telling us to just sit tight and our watches would be brought out to us. Along the way to my assigned seat, I could see a lot of hot models (SS subs date, no date; PM Daytonas, DayDates, RG Rootbeer, Wimbledon dial DJ41). So exciting! People were rushing in with great anticipation ... lots of chatter, questions and answers, people jockeying for position, etc. Meanwhile, I waited for what appeared to be an eternity, but finally Marc (Store GM) came out with my large box. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful dial in the Rolex lineup ... that of the monstrous DSSD D-Blue (aka James Cameron). Marc showed me the watch, asked me if I wanted it (Yes!) and proceeded to take my credit card in the back (with the watch) and then return with my receipt to peel the stickers. I took pictures of every part of the experience. There was no bubbly, whiskey or even water ... they were just to busy during their grand opening. But, I had my watch; a watch they honored in that boutique with a special Deep Sea Special room, which had models of the submersible used by the Navy back in the early 60's to dive the Marianna Trench. They also had a model of the lime green submersible James Cameron used to dive those same depths. They also had both the 60's Deep Sea Special watch as well as the modern watch that was strapped to the outside of James Cameron's submersible on display, both of which are on permanent loan from Rolex to Fourtane San Diego.

A special moment came while there ... a man sat down near me with his entire family (wife and two boys). He was buying his very first Rolex, and it was a Submariner (no date). He was giddy and his family was so happy for him. I really enjoyed their excitement and how they all shared in his joy. What a nice family.









Anyway, hope you enjoyed my experience.

So, if you know of a new Rolex AD or Boutique opening in your area, it doesn't hurt to get up early and be the first in the store. They are bound to have something really good for you to buy day 1.

As a followup, this was not a one and done ... in the years that followed, I was able to get other terrific pieces from Fourtane, but prefer not to list them as such things can cause upset with people who think they should be higher on the "list", so I'll just say that it was very much worth getting up early for a grand opening.







If you ever get to San Diego, I recommend you visit Fourtane and view their DeepSea display and say hi to the staff. They may not have the watch you are looking for, but they are professional, courteous and respectful. My favorite Authorized Dealer!

What a great story! Thanks for sharing.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by WilsdorfNDavis

Outstanding.


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but here's how I started with my AD, getting a hot stainless steel professional model on my first visit (believe it or not; read story below).

My story ... at least my recollection from 12/8/2018 three years later (original thread with more detail and accuracy here --> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=644180)

In the fall of 2018, my wife and I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. We saw plywood over a storefront (obviously changing tenant, who was getting ready for their launch) with a wrap touting the coming of a new Rolex Boutique (fascinating I thought). It listed the opening day (12/8/2018), which I noted in my calendar (at least I thought I noted it correctly as I quickly jotted it down on my iPhone).

The day I thought they were opening (Friday), I needed to be in San Diego for something work related, so I thought I'd go a bit early and stop in to see the grand opening. I got there at 7:30am. Even though they had a couple hours before opening, I thought "wow are they behind, with still some brown paper covering the windows". By about 9am, someone came out to tell me I was a day early ... doh!

The following morning (Saturday), I got up early and drove to San Diego. I got their around 7:22am, as noted on my SD43 in the below video ... wow, I was surprised to be the first to arrive!

https://youtube.com/shorts/fE7Ym9pNKXs?feature=share

The wait seemed like forever, but I figured they must have something, so I was day-dreaming of a white dial Daytona and GMT Pepsi ... my pick of the litter. I waited outside without company for a long time. Around 8:30 or so, a few others showed up, so we decided we better form a line. By 9:15, there must have been fifteen or so of us in line. At 9:30am, they had a ribbon cutting ceremony with Fourtane's owner Josh, the GM Marc and the rest of their employees, family and friends and German Shepard.





They told us they'd be opening at 10am ... the excitement grew and I could overhear overlapping chatter about desired watches, "I wonder if they will have a Hulk?", "I hope I can get a Submariner", or discussions about hoping to at least be high on the wait list for a hot model. One guy and his girlfriend flew down from San Francisco just to get on the Daytona 116500 waitlist. The visible displays in the front window were full of two-tone Datejusts and such, I presume because the store knew the hot models would sell within the opening hour and they didn't want to fetch them from the displays.

... but I was at the front ... what will they have, what will I get? I was so excited to be their first customer. Each store only has one of those.

At 9:45am, a lady SA came out and said she was going to take orders from the first three in line. She asked me first, which model are you interested in. I asked about SS Daytona ... "Sorry, we don't have one right now". Ok, how about GMT BLRO ... "We got one, but it went to a VIP at the main store in Carmel, sorry." Ok, blue Sky Dweller ... "Nope, we don't have any Sky Dwellers in SS at the moment." Ok, a Hulk? ... "Sorry, none." Ok, what about a James Cameron DSSD? "Yes, we actually have only 1 of those and it's yours, what is your name?" She did the same with the next two in line (can't recall what they got).

5 minutes or so later, they opened their doors, escorting those with orders to seat in the back of the Boutique, telling us to just sit tight and our watches would be brought out to us. Along the way to my assigned seat, I could see a lot of hot models (SS subs date, no date; PM Daytonas, DayDates, RG Rootbeer, Wimbledon dial DJ41). So exciting! People were rushing in with great anticipation ... lots of chatter, questions and answers, people jockeying for position, etc. Meanwhile, I waited for what appeared to be an eternity, but finally Marc (Store GM) came out with my large box. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful dial in the Rolex lineup ... that of the monstrous DSSD D-Blue (aka James Cameron). Marc showed me the watch, asked me if I wanted it (Yes!) and proceeded to take my credit card in the back (with the watch) and then return with my receipt to peel the stickers. I took pictures of every part of the experience. There was no bubbly, whiskey or even water ... they were just to busy during their grand opening. But, I had my watch; a watch they honored in that boutique with a special Deep Sea Special room, which had models of the submersible used by the Navy back in the early 60's to dive the Marianna Trench. They also had a model of the lime green submersible James Cameron used to dive those same depths. They also had both the 60's Deep Sea Special watch as well as the modern watch that was strapped to the outside of James Cameron's submersible on display, both of which are on permanent loan from Rolex to Fourtane San Diego.

A special moment came while there ... a man sat down near me with his entire family (wife and two boys). He was buying his very first Rolex, and it was a Submariner (no date). He was giddy and his family was so happy for him. I really enjoyed their excitement and how they all shared in his joy. What a nice family.









Anyway, hope you enjoyed my experience.

So, if you know of a new Rolex AD or Boutique opening in your area, it doesn't hurt to get up early and be the first in the store. They are bound to have something really good for you to buy day 1.

As a followup, this was not a one and done ... in the years that followed, I was able to get other terrific pieces from Fourtane, but prefer not to list them as such things can cause upset with people who think they should be higher on the "list", so I'll just say that it was very much worth getting up early for a grand opening.







If you ever get to San Diego, I recommend you visit Fourtane and view their DeepSea display and say hi to the staff. They may not have the watch you are looking for, but they are professional, courteous and respectful. My favorite Authorized Dealer!

Fantastic story! I’m thinking that has to do with 2018 more than anything. Nowadays, I think you’d be just another dude in the line.


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[rmwill]

Airport Duty Free Boutiques. Chances are low, but they sell without waiting lists.

[Stranger]

Good point about the airport boutiques.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Fantastic story! I’m thinking that has to do with 2018 more than anything. Nowadays, I think you’d be just another dude in the line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2018 was nearly the same as today. You can tell by some of the comments on the original post.


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

2018 was nearly the same as today. You can tell by some of the comments on the original post.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not in my experience. Substantially tighter market today than 3-4 years ago.


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[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

2018 was nearly the same as today. You can tell by some of the comments on the original post.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely not true ... in January 2018 I purchased my ND Sub with a $500 discount and the AD agreed to send it to a friend’s address across the border (SC) with no shipping cost to avoid sales tax.


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[SottoVoce]

Hello everyone, I am new to this but have been looking for a 124300 fairly intensely over the past few weeks. My experience is in line with everyone else's so far: pretty much laughed out of the Boston Long Jeweler's location, called random ADs in Geneva, Dubai and other parts of Europe where I could have an excuse to go pick it up. Nothing!

As someone said above, I will keep hunting... Airport boutiques are a good suggestion I guess

[train-time]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

2018 was nearly the same as today. You can tell by some of the comments on the original post.


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Definitely a very different market today from 2018. It was just starting back then.

[sleepydoc]

Great story.
Such a beautiful dial on that DSSD Mark!

[waynorth]

It's not impossible. I waited seven days from inquiry to getting a Sub ND just before the new year: no previous purchases. That was here in Alaska though.

[SottoVoce]

Originally Posted by waynorth

It's not impossible. I waited seven days from inquiry to getting a Sub ND just before the new year: no previous purchases. That was here in Alaska though.

Good tip! Anchorage?

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by SottoVoce

Hello everyone, I am new to this but have been looking for a 124300 fairly intensely over the past few weeks. My experience is in line with everyone else's so far: pretty much laughed out of the Boston Long Jeweler's location, called random ADs in Geneva, Dubai and other parts of Europe where I could have an excuse to go pick it up. Nothing!

As someone said above, I will keep hunting... Airport boutiques are a good suggestion I guess

Airport boutiques were a good suggestion 2-3 years ago. Now they're just as bad as everywhere else.

[subby718]

Originally Posted by WilsdorfNDavis

[waynorth]

Originally Posted by SottoVoce

Good tip! Anchorage?

Yes, there is only one AD in Alaska, and that's Ben Bridge in Anchorage. We talked for a while, and a couple of SA's told me about all the calls from around the world that they get. They also told me that they prefer to sell to locals only and will not ship watches out of state. So if you make it to Anchorage, grow your beard out and pop in wearing Carhartt's and a Patagonia flannel. LOL.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

The current situation is COMPLETELY different than what is was like in 2018.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by subby718

Possibly so, but the general consensus from what I have read on this board would suggest customers looking to buy a Sub in the US struggle as much as we do across the pond. I don’t think this Rolex bubble is isolated to the east.

It's definitely a global phenomena, no question about that. But I've had 2 different ADs tell me that Rolex actually "pushes" (though they can't force) ADs to sell some percentage of their allocation to first time customers. It's not good for the brand to have things be so incestuous.

So think 1 in 20 is probably on the mark. But OP is in Seattle, a large market. Let's say an AD gets 200 watches in a year (double what my smaller town AD gets btw). Let's further say that 10% of these are SS Subs (just pulling a number out of my arse). And let's say there are 100 randos who have walked into the AD this year asking if they could get an SS Sub.

So we've got a supply of 20 Subs this year, of which 1 is going to go the rando line, and there are 99 other people in it besides you. So yeah, 1 in 20 going to first time customers can still mean you wait a lifetime.