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Old 16 March 2022, 09:29 AM   #1
cvz
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First AD Experience- sort of unbelievable

Hi All,

I've appreciated reading about everyones experiences, struggles and frustrations and wanted to share my quite-likely unique story.

As I posted previously, I don't live in close proximity to an AD and was thinking I would never be able to establish a relationship with a SA. The grey market prices are frustrating and it might sound strange but I wanted the direct from AD purchase experience.

So there I was... In Orange County for an event with my kids and popped into South Coast Plaza to do some non-watch shopping. Passing by however, I was sure to window shop AP, VC, IWC and Rolex. I spoke to security at Rolex about browsing inside and they indicated it would be 10-15 minutes before they would let me in. I almost went on my merry way but decided to stick around and have my first experience inside a Rolex AD.

While I waited I made a couple of notes about what I would like to try on and potentially which reference numbers I would add to a wishlist if the visit seemed to go well.

Once inside I was introduced to my sales associate who couldn't have been nicer. She was enthusiastic about Rolex, about the quality of their watches and was knowledgeable about everything they had on exhibition. She said on the outset they didn't have watches for sale but depending on what I was interested in she might be able to help.

We talked briefly about why I was interested in purchasing a Rolex. Among other reasons (quality/craftsmanship/all the other reasons we love Rolex), my great uncle, who spent his life in Southern California wore a Rolex and I remember as a kid how proud he was of it. I like the idea of heritage and family heirlooms and felt it was something I could wear proudly and pass on to my kids (tragically the Presidential he in-fact wore is long gone).

From my list of watches I was able to try on the Explorer II, Date/No Date Subs, TT Daytona TT Root Beer, OysterFlex YachMaster and the Airking. We talked movements, sizing, materials and look. We compared watches side-by-side and on both wrists. Having not spent much time doing luxury watch shopping this was an absolute blast! Feeling like a kid in a candy store I asked to compare the sub and GMT one last time (thinking I would put the Explorer II and either the Sub or GMT on my wish list). We went in a side room and she said... let me get those and I have something else I want you to look at.

She returned with the Sub, TT Root Beer, and a Sea Dweller. I tried all three of them on and when I couldn't decide which I wanted on my wish list she mentioned that she had just received the SD43 and it was available if I wanted it.

"Available like... I pay you now and leave with this watch... available?"

She laughed and said yes. I said don't you have clients waiting for this? She said she did, but she'd be happy to "put this on your wrist" now. I didn't know what to say... after reading about and hearing everyone's frustrations with getting a Rolex allocation (especially a steel sport watch) I couldn't believe I was being offered one on my first visit!

Credit card out, watch sized by the jeweler, and I was on my way with a 43mm Sea Dweller (126600) on my wrist.

From ALMOST passing by, to my first Rolex in about an hour- I'm in awe and amazement. I feel SO very fortunate and lucky for this experience and am loving this watch.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and good luck to everyone working on finding pieces you love.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:34 AM   #2
Laszlo
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That’s awesome, big congrats.

I think the everything bubble has officially popped IMO.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:37 AM   #3
MikeMWatchFan
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Amazing! I also got an SD43 as a walk in this year. But that’s with an AD I’ve built a relationship with over 4yrs and have bought 3 other Rolexes from.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:39 AM   #4
173rdabn
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Sometimes you just get lucky. Congratulations!
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:39 AM   #5
NachoNeal
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Nice!
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:40 AM   #6
7enderbender
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Very cool. Congratulations. Good choice.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:41 AM   #7
JRell
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What a great experience and well told. Congrats! Pumped for you. I really think the tides are turning for the customer that really wants to buy a watch to own and not to flip.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:45 AM   #8
KathleenL
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Fabulous story! Huge congratulations to you. Please post some pics.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:45 AM   #9
cvz
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Here's a couple of pics... so stoked!
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:46 AM   #10
t60
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Congrats on the pick up!

Edit: Uh yeah don't misquote me.
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:53 AM   #11
Dr.Smellody
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Wow!!! Fantastic. Congratulations. It looks great!
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Old 16 March 2022, 09:56 AM   #12
mfserge
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Originally Posted by t60 View Post
Congrats on the pick up!

FWIW the SD43 isn't that hot anymore IMO -- I've had them offered to me twice this year, so not too surprised.
Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:01 AM   #13
Vipes
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Congrats! There are good ADs out there
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:01 AM   #14
wchbos
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Great story. Congrats!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:03 AM   #15
cvz
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I'd argue its smokin' hot... love it! So so fortunate... last pic.. thanks all!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:07 AM   #16
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Awesome
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:12 AM   #17
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Good for you. Congrats At the right place, at the right time.
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:13 AM   #18
maodonald
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Congrats!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:13 AM   #19
JoseR
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Way to rain on his parade unnecessarily. Congrats on the SD.
+1..
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:16 AM   #20
hitman23
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Very nice 1st Rolex
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:17 AM   #21
John Sheridan
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Congratulations to you and commiserations to anyone on the wait list for that watch at that store!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:23 AM   #22
Navin Johnson
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Nice watch and awesome experience!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:23 AM   #23
JonaG
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Congrats, that’s the way to go!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:30 AM   #24
cszy67
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That is an absolute beast of a watch. A timeless classic. You are one fortunate man!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:31 AM   #25
Marcaine
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Congrats! SD43 was my first as well. Looks great!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:34 AM   #26
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Great watch. Wear it with pride and joy! It will outlast all of us.
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:35 AM   #27
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Very nice.
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:38 AM   #28
itsinthebag
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Great story and beautiful watch. Rolex seems to have an extra emphasis this year on trying their hardest not to sell to flippers while meeting demand from first time buyers. Glad it worked out well for you!
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:40 AM   #29
Maharishi
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That’s awesome.
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Old 16 March 2022, 10:41 AM   #30
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Love reading these stories! Congrats! Enjoy it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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