Rolex ADs in Toronto - which one to pick?

[ml91]

I am aware of the Rolex game and I do not mind playing it as I want to re-buy a blue SMP and a Hesalite Speedy to get my foot in the door. Which one would be a better AD to buy my OMEGAs from to then get onto the list?

Royal Des Versailles (Yorkville)

or

Humbertown Jewelers (Etobicoke)

I have a connection with an AD from RDV but one of my friends who buys thinks I should try to Humbertown since I'd be going up against a lot of wealthy people in Yorkville.

Anyone have experience with both ADs or can provide input as to which they would choose?

Sad it has come to this and hope to see Rolex SS Sports models in stores one day!!!

Have a good weekend everyone

[ciceroyeah]

You’re going to be up against extremely rich people at either. If you have a connection at RDV that’s probably better.

[Tim Plains]

Make appointments with both, go in, talk, explain what you plan on purchasing, and ask what assurances that gets you. If you have a significant other and/or family, bring them along.

One thing Royal has going for it is they are going to run the new/huge Rolex boutique. Who knows what that implies for allocations and other dealers.

[mg18]

RDV over humbertown, only because I very much disliked the service at humbertown, but neither are great. I live near RDV so pop in regularly and I will probably never step foot in humbertown again. Neither are my preferred spot, but I don't know any other that sells omega.

[Arid]

I’ve been dealing with Humbertown for over thirty years and have been treated very well. However I did refer a family friend there about five years ago and it didn’t work out for him.

[nr1416]

Humbertown.......LOL

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[buffetwarren]

Both are terrible and will take your money without allocating a decent Rolex to you.

[Trane]

My brother wanted an oyster perpetual so on a whim I dragged him down to RDV on the off chance they had stock because you never know. As we walked in there was the obligatory empty Rolex display. Since I made the trip I figured I’d look around the store, I was trying on a Tudor BB58 when the salesperson leaned in close and quietly told me to send my brother back to the Rolex display. Since we entered the store three Rolexes were placed in the display case, two 36mm datejusts and a 36mm Oyster Perpetual with silver dial. Within seconds a group of people formed behind my brother who was inspecting the OP, wanting it for themselves. I shot my brother a look and he smartly decided to take it. I’d suggest going to the store in person because I called that morning before we went and was told they had absolutely no stock.

[brandrea]

I dunno … Oakville probably has more millionaires per capita than Toronto

Personally, if Rolex is your end game, I’d choose an AD to work with and start by telling them what you hope to acquire. Go straight to the watch you want.

[GB-man]

In my experience Humbertown was the worst run of the bunch. RDV would be my choice between the two but you already know the line will be long there.

[Jets_fan44]

Don’t bother, both are idiots

[Giovannibravo]

I think you have a better chance of winning the lottery then getting a watch from either. I ordered a watch from Damiani Jewellers. Got offered the watch about a month ago. They seem to be honest.

[k1985]

I have dealt with both and while it’s always going to be tough to get anything in Toronto, RDV was a much more pleasant experience. They have a lot of VIPs, but also get a lot of stock it seems.

Humbertown has a bad reputation for a number of reasons and other local watch folks had told me to steer clear. I didn’t think it could be that bad, so decided to check it out myself. My experience wasn’t great.

I called inquiring about a DD (this was before Covid, so DD’s were being discounted). I was only after one specific configuration, so asked if they had it. I was transferred to the owner. He said they had it and to come in.

I show up, and he isn’t a very welcoming guy, but that’s ok. We sit down and he pulls out the watch… it’s the wrong dial. Not only this, but it is clearly old stock. Stickers peeling and it had the old green hang tag. I politely mention it is the wrong dial and ask if he has the other, to which he blames me for telling him the wrong dial on the phone… ok.

He doesn’t have it, but says he can get it. Punches in a number on his calculator, turns it to me and sits back, arms folded… take it or leave it. Yep, definitely left it. Not at all the type of experience one should expect when dealing with any luxury product.

Not as bad as some of the experiences I read in reviews on the place, but I personally won’t be back there.

YMMV, as said above you won’t know until you step in and explain your situation and see what happens.

Best of luck!


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[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by k1985

I have dealt with both and while it’s always going to be tough to get anything in Toronto, RDV was a much more pleasant experience. They have a lot of VIPs, but also get a lot of stock it seems.

Humbertown has a bad reputation for a number of reasons and other local watch folks had told me to steer clear. I didn’t think it could be that bad, so decided to check it out myself. My experience wasn’t great.

I called inquiring about a DD (this was before Covid, so DD’s were being discounted). I was only after one specific configuration, so asked if they had it. I was transferred to the owner. He said they had it and to come in.

I show up, and he isn’t a very welcoming guy, but that’s ok. We sit down and he pulls out the watch… it’s the wrong dial. Not only this, but it is clearly old stock. Stickers peeling and it had the old green hang tag. I politely mention it is the wrong dial and ask if he has the other, to which he blames me for telling him the wrong dial on the phone… ok.

He doesn’t have it, but says he can get it. Punches in a number on his calculator, turns it to me and sits back, arms folded… take it or leave it. Yep, definitely left it. Not at all the type of experience one should expect when dealing with any luxury product.

Not as bad as some of the experiences I read in reviews on the place, but I personally won’t be back there.

YMMV, as said above you won’t know until you step in and explain your situation and see what happens.

Best of luck!


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Wow that's an interesting story. Not surprised. I always tell my brother to not bother going there. We can't compete with Drake lol.

[Kinnakeet]

I don’t care for those AD’s. I have had nice dealings with another AD that carries both Omega and Rolex.

[Luv rolex]

Go to any of those and show them this thread and tell them that you still beleavie in them and ask for the model you want directly maybe they will negotiate with you…lol

[Cigars&Watches]

Originally Posted by ml91

I am aware of the Rolex game and I do not mind playing it as I want to re-buy a blue SMP and a Hesalite Speedy to get my foot in the door. Which one would be a better AD to buy my OMEGAs from to then get onto the list?

Royal Des Versailles (Yorkville)

or

Humbertown Jewelers (Etobicoke)

I have a connection with an AD from RDV but one of my friends who buys thinks I should try to Humbertown since I'd be going up against a lot of wealthy people in Yorkville.

Anyone have experience with both ADs or can provide input as to which they would choose?

Sad it has come to this and hope to see Rolex SS Sports models in stores one day!!!

Have a good weekend everyone

OP, what model are you looking for with a two watch purchase history would be my first question?

Humbertown: I friend visited about 1-2 ago and asked for a sub. He was told why would I allocate a sub to you when I have plenty of existing clients to satisfy (not wrong I guess) but it was the manner in which he said it that turned my friend off. He will never return because of the attitude.

Not too long ago someone posted on TRF that they had to purchase 4-5 watches: ie: Tudor, omega, etc just to be put on the list for a sub at Humbertown..

Also, Humbertown is the only Patek store in Ontario which I would think make getting a Rolex even harder.

RDV

Been in and I have had pleasant conversations with the owner and manager and SAs. I believe they will try to make as many people as happy as possible from the whales down to the Rolex fan boys.

Of the two I would definitely go with RDV. 1) You have a bit of an in; 2) they are opening up a boutique soon which should mean more allocations; 3) two watches at Humbertown probably won't get the watch you want

Again, all this depends on the piece you want.

[ciceroyeah]

Originally Posted by mg18

RDV over humbertown, only because I very much disliked the service at humbertown, but neither are great. I live near RDV so pop in regularly and I will probably never step foot in humbertown again. Neither are my preferred spot, but I don't know any other that sells omega.

There’s a straight-up Omega boutique at Yorkdale mall if that’s your bag. If you’re hoping to spend your way to a Rolex but still get something interesting, I’ve been informed by an SA at Humber that it takes a six-figures purchase just to get a SS GMT. Refreshing, though somewhat dismaying, honesty.

[goldboy]

Here’s a good breakdown of the best AD’s in Toronto