My quest for a GMT II ceramic continues (long rant)

[beshannon]

Just need to vent a little to some people that just might understand

In my quest for my once a year watch purchase, I have honed in on a Rolex GMT II ceramic in stainless. Simple enough, I could even get one from a reputable seller on this very site.

Problem is real life

So what is a guy to do? Aha! Sell some stuff (including watches) to raise cash. That keeps the wife happy and is the sensible thing to do especially in these times.

I throw a bunch of stuff up on Craigslist, I take two watches and post them up to various forums, knowing it is a tough market for selling anything right about now.

Soon the scammers, lowballers and morons start Ok whatever, I was ready for that. I had priced my items very fairly and I am still getting low ball offers, in some cases 50% below what was already a near giveaway price

I try to sell one of my best watches to an online dealer, I get offered 25% of what they are selling it for on their site Thanks for the insult, why don't you just say you do not need anymore stock in that piece?

So I get someone who wants to buy a little Seiko 5 for $50. Ok better than nothing every little bit helps . . . I meet this person at a well known watch shop that takes trades. I figured I would take my nice watch and see what it is worth in trade there.

This guy proceeds to look at the Seiko 5 (which is in the original box, with papers and hang tags--all for $50) and has the gall to tell me that he does not think it is original It does not have some "marks" he thinks should be on the crown and caseback. Marks which by the way I have never even heard of, seen or know about.

Whatever, I show him my Rolex Sub and tell him I don't sell fake watches and that he can take a hike.

After regaining my composure I find a salesperson to speak to. Well they don't take trades against new Rolex unless it is another Rolex Ok fair enough, I understand. They will take my trade against anything else in the store including pre-owned Rolex.

So I have them check on an Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" that I have been wanting. They take all my information, they take my watch into the back, I wait and wait and then here it comes . . .

I can buy the Omega Speedmaster for list price, less the trade value of my watch (which is less than 40% of what I paid), oh and plus tax!

I know it is a recession, times are tough, everyone needs to make money blah blah blah

But here is the rub. I can buy a Speedmaster right now, new from an AD with a 30% discount from list, keep my trade in watch and only pay about $500 more than doing the trade in deal

Bottomline, I have been selling some of my stuff but am only about 50% of the way to the selling price here for the 116710.

Best of luck to everyone out there, it's Friday, maybe something good will happen today.

/rant

[SLS]

It's a great time to buy, but the worst time to sell as you have recently found out. I would just continue to save up and hold firm on your sale prices of your watches.
Scott

[DSJ]

Scott is spot-on. Any other alterntative would be an emotional decision and probably not in your best interest. Do you still want your Submariner? IF not, you might be able to trade it in and up for the GMT?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by SLS

It's a great time to buy, but the worst time to sell as you have recently found out. I would just continue to save up and hold firm on your sale prices of your watches.
Scott

Agreed and I was aware of this going in. It just frustrates me that the two retailers I visited yesterday maintain the same stiff upper lip and would not even entertain the notion of the dreaded "discount" word.

Originally Posted by DSJ

Scott is spot-on. Any other alterntative would be an emotional decision and probably not in your best interest. Do you still want your Submariner? IF not, you might be able to trade it in and up for the GMT?

True and I have already thought to do this. I still might but then again I don't want to take a hit on my Sub either. The one Rolex dealer I visited yesterday (other than the trade store) offered me 2K for my Sub and told me that "when the time came, they would be willing to discuss discounts"

I was the only person in the store, they had one of everything in the case and I was told that they have no problems getting GMT IIc's. Not sure what I am missing?

[Bebot]

Why not buy the GMT IIc now and sell the other watches later when economy pick up.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by beshannon

True and I have already thought to do this. I still might but then again I don't want to take a hit on my Sub either. The one Rolex dealer I visited yesterday (other than the trade store) offered me 2K for my Sub and told me that "when the time came, they would be willing to discuss discounts"

I was the only person in the store, they had one of everything in the case and I was told that they have no problems getting GMT IIc's. Not sure what I am missing?

When did you get your Submariner? Did you pay MSRP? How old is it? Why are you so hungry for a GMT2c right now?

I wouldn't buy the Speedmaster at this time, because it's not what you want most, would be a compromise, and put you further from your goal of getting the GMT. Have you tried putting your watches online here?

I think you're smart to save up for it, rather than using a credit card or something like that, by the way.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by DSJ

When did you get your Submariner? Did you pay MSRP? How old is it? Why are you so hungry for a GMT2c right now?

I wouldn't buy the Speedmaster at this time, because it's not what you want most, would be a compromise, and put you further from your goal of getting the GMT. Have you tried putting your watches online here?

I think you're smart to save up for it, rather than using a credit card or something like that, by the way.

Thanks for the advice and support

My Sub is a Y serial bought by me pre-owned from an online seller. I am sure that even in this environment I could at least break even and maybe even make a few bucks on it.

I actually do want the Speedmaster, the GMT IIc simply caught my eye perhaps because it is "new". It is not necessarily a case of "now" but my wife and I usually get one nice thing when we vacation every year in the Caribbean. In addition we are both turning 50 this year so a watch, the GMT would be a nice 50th birthday gift. I am trying to talk her into a ladies Rolex as well but she is a tough sell.

My trade watch is listed on two boards at the moment (not here because I have not been a member long enough) but as you already know the environment is very poor for sellers.

Maybe I just need to go on my vacation and see what happens at several Caribbean AD's that I know for sure will discount

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Maybe I just need to go on my vacation and see what happens at several Caribbean AD's that I know for sure will discount

Well, you'll be 50 all year, so it's best not to rush. And seeing what the folks in the Caribbean can do for you is a good idea too. Plus, you still have a fantastic Submariner to wear until you figure the rest out!

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Well, you'll be 50 all year, so it's best not to rush. And seeing what the folks in the Caribbean can do for you is a good idea too. Plus, you still have a fantastic Submariner to wear until you figure the rest out!

Good point. Maybe after a few dozen rum punches I'll see things more clearly thanks!

[DARK_KNIGHT]

The nature of the beast is to make money. People spend ample amounts of time sourcing watches to buy and sell. They certainly would not do it if there's not a decent profit involved, that's why I never fall for the "oh, I hardly cleared anything off this sale to you (story)." (yeah right). Oh yeah? Really???

The pre-loved market thrives because of the "flippers", it's created a whole economy of its own.


I hear where the O.P. is coming from...............but I am aware of the nature of the beast.

[allanofcalifornia]

You could always try ebay but the best solution would be to wait until the economy gets better.


Allan

[TheVTCGuy]

Hey Brian, still have the Seiko for sale? I'd be willing to pay 50 bucks, plus a reasonable shipping cost....

From somone not too far behind you on the "Nifty Fifty" age group.

[gmh1013]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Just need to vent a little to some people that just might understand

In my quest for my once a year watch purchase, I have honed in on a Rolex GMT II ceramic in stainless. Simple enough, I could even get one from a reputable seller on this very site.

Problem is real life

So what is a guy to do? Aha! Sell some stuff (including watches) to raise cash. That keeps the wife happy and is the sensible thing to do especially in these times.

I throw a bunch of stuff up on Craigslist, I take two watches and post them up to various forums, knowing it is a tough market for selling anything right about now.

Soon the scammers, lowballers and morons start Ok whatever, I was ready for that. I had priced my items very fairly and I am still getting low ball offers, in some cases 50% below what was already a near giveaway price

I try to sell one of my best watches to an online dealer, I get offered 25% of what they are selling it for on their site Thanks for the insult, why don't you just say you do not need anymore stock in that piece?

So I get someone who wants to buy a little Seiko 5 for $50. Ok better than nothing every little bit helps . . . I meet this person at a well known watch shop that takes trades. I figured I would take my nice watch and see what it is worth in trade there.

This guy proceeds to look at the Seiko 5 (which is in the original box, with papers and hang tags--all for $50) and has the gall to tell me that he does not think it is original It does not have some "marks" he thinks should be on the crown and caseback. Marks which by the way I have never even heard of, seen or know about.

Whatever, I show him my Rolex Sub and tell him I don't sell fake watches and that he can take a hike.

After regaining my composure I find a salesperson to speak to. Well they don't take trades against new Rolex unless it is another Rolex Ok fair enough, I understand. They will take my trade against anything else in the store including pre-owned Rolex.

So I have them check on an Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" that I have been wanting. They take all my information, they take my watch into the back, I wait and wait and then here it comes . . .

I can buy the Omega Speedmaster for list price, less the trade value of my watch (which is less than 40% of what I paid), oh and plus tax!

I know it is a recession, times are tough, everyone needs to make money blah blah blah

But here is the rub. I can buy a Speedmaster right now, new from an AD with a 30% discount from list, keep my trade in watch and only pay about $500 more than doing the trade in deal

Bottomline, I have been selling some of my stuff but am only about 50% of the way to the selling price here for the 116710.

Best of luck to everyone out there, it's Friday, maybe something good will happen today.

/rant

I feel your pain ...I sold my Breitling Chrono to get an EX 2 polar but my wife
"took" the money and bought a sectional sofa last week-end.....I got Zip!
I got the money on a Friday and by Monday 70 percent was blown on a sectional....the rest is going to new lamps....

[TurboWatch]

I had just bought a grail, and the wife wasn't too thrilled about that ( my 6th Rolex purchase this year ). To make her happy, I offered to "move" some of my others. I took a brand spanky new GMT II Ceramic V series, and a NIB Daytona SS black faced to a non Rolex AD nearby. The typical jeweler owner came out and inspected that watches. He then with a strong accent offered me $4K for the GMT II and $5K for the Daytona. I just gathered the watches and politely said thanks, and proceeded to leave. The Guy ran out and told me that the regular AD pays about 60% of retail prices for the watches, and economy is BAADDDDDD, He can buy these ALL DAY LONG, from his friends, even the SS DAytona. The offers he made were TOO generous already, he said. I just came back in and walked right to his stupid Rolex show case and showed him what he has: 3 over polished mens datejust and 2 ladies datejust all appeared to be from the 90's, and walked out.

The bottom line is, when you BUY from them, these jewelers are your friends, but when you need to sell.........they are a bunch of leeches, ready to suck your blood.