How well do you play the AD game?

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I see this "checking in" thing frequently. It baffles me too. Before "checking in", maybe people might consider turning it 180. Where does "checking in" stop and pestering start?

I suppose I am relatively lucky in that my AD sells a wide range of goods and we visit a few times a year to buy other things, sometimes very inexpensive things. Being in the shop for a reason and being seen to buy things strikes me as a better way of managing a relationship. But whatever works for the individual - providing it works.

Over the normal course of the year I will stop in the AD a few times. To look at new watches, to get a bracelet sized, to buy a strap etc. I am a watch enthusiast/collector. It’s not beyond the realm of reasonableness to find yourself in a watch store four times per year. And this was true prior to the current craze.

I stopped in last week to add a half link to my north flag. The SA told me without prompting about the LV I was waiting for.

[sunandtime]

I'm not buying pieces I don't want, but I do send a card on my SA's birthday and a case of wine at Christmas. Have been doing this a couple of years and it hasn't paid off yet... maybe time to change my strategy!

[amh]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Over the normal course of the year I will stop in the AD a few times. To look at new watches, to get a bracelet sized, to buy a strap etc. I am a watch enthusiast/collector. It’s not beyond the realm of reasonableness to find yourself in a watch store four times per year. And this was true prior to the current craze.

I stopped in last week to add a half link to my north flag. The SA told me without prompting about the LV I was waiting for.

In other words, they have several of them on hand.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by amh

In other words, they have several of them on hand.

No. He just confirmed the general timeline. I didn’t actually get the watch.
Maybe they do have several on hand, but he didn’t pull any out of the safe that day.

[BoppinVinnieB]

Hello all, first time poster here on TRF (although I've been on WUS for several years.) After the sale of my business earlier this year I decided it was time to purchase a Rolex, which I've always wanted to do but could never afford until now. I decided I want a Z-Blue Milgauss because it's different, but still a beautiful watch.

About six months ago, I started "doing the dance" with four different ADs. One (chain jewelry store) flat out told me I wasn't getting a Rolex, but took my name anyway, probably putting my info straight into the trash can. Two others also took my name but, without coming right out saying it, intimated I wouldn't hear from them either. The last AD, who happens to be the closest to my home, has been cordial and even a bit encouraging, but tells me they never know what they're getting from Rolex, so be patient. Of course, the one watch I want is rumored to be discontinued at any time, so that just adds a bit to my anxiety!

I refuse to buy from a grey dealer because firstly, I'm not paying their bloated prices; and secondly, it nauseates me that they seem able to get any model of watch they want while the real consumer has to play these games.

Sooo...the bottom line is I don't seem to be very good at playing the AD game. I have bought some jewelry for my wife at the "friendly" AD and so have a bit of history there. Maybe that will help. They say good things come to those who wait...we'll see!

[Cigars&Watches]

I’m not sure all this hate for the Rolex AD is warranted. Are they behaving any differently than any other red hot brands at the moment.. The “Rolex”experience is the same as if you walked into a PP, AP, RM,etc watch shop… is it not?.. the same experience you get walking into buy a new vette, gwagon, Porsche, Ferrari, etc.. Like any other desirable luxury market.. hell, dealerships are even up charging for Kias and Hyundais in my neck of the woods in this day and age… hopefully the pendulum will swing to the consumer at some point soon, however, I think getting a SS sport model in an AD case is a thing of the past sadly IMO..

God I hope Rolex and my AD are reading this… lol..

[AEV]

4 for me.
I bought 8 pieces in the last 2.5 years, worked with 4 ADs in 4 different countries.
As I got more into the hobby and my taste got more refined, I have narrowed my watches to 4 and keep in touch with only 2 ADs.
I am happy with what I have and check in every 2 months on the last piece I want to add.

[Driver8]

Until I stopped buying new Rolexes - which happened after my SD43 debacle - I had a very good relationship and buying history with two local AD's going back well over 25 years.

Over that time it definitely changed from being able to get pretty much whatever I wanted ether immediately or with just a couple of months wait, to probably one a year in 2019. The longest I ever waited for "the call" was just over a year for a BLRO (that I actually declined).

Since then I'm sure my "relationship" with both of them is on a steady downward trajectory due to lack of purchasing, so it's just as well that I don't want any of the current models!

[M9APO]

I played their game and I think I won.

Registered interest in June 2021, bought a DJ in August 21, no other purchases.

AD offered me a Sub 124060 in September 22, I bought it and traded in my DJ for more than I paid for it. Also received 2 VIP gifts, for each purchase: a 3 watch travel pouch and a watch roll.

I was also offered a Sub date in March 21 but declined as I was waiting for the 124060.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I realize on my visit yesterday that I'm pretty bad. Reason? I heard 2 sets of words that I hadn't heard from my SA before, "other brands" and "spend history". Basically I got the hint that unless I spend money on other brands and spend more, I'm not going to be able to get what I want. So the thing is I did look at several other brands such as the JLC and Breitling and none of them is a good fit for me even though on its own they are beautiful watches. And if I were to spend an extra $10 on other watches I don't want, I'm not sure that'll really get me anywhere closer to the top. Another bit of info I found out is that the owner of the store is holding all the Daytona and Skydwellers for clients that he himself deem worthy. So no matter what relationship I have with my SA, I'm never going to get a Daytona, because I don't have a relationship with the owner of the store. I guess I'm just glad I bought my Daytona from a trusted grey dealer at what I hope is a reasonable price a few weeks ago. But apparently there's a Recession now and who knows what that means for the watch market.

So how's your game?

the best relationship I have with a local AD that I have been checking in for years and I am slowly getting to a point where I feel like I am getting somewhere - I tried a bunch of other ADs before and it did not or did not work as well - in your case switch ADs or go grey - what watches do you want in the near future

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

You showed them!

They probably were in deep self reflection on their way home from work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kegan]

Originally Posted by Mystro

A lot of people can’t afford to buy a Rolex from their AD as it’s too expensive for their integrity.

Exactly, my pride is too demanding to buy a Rolex now days.

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by waxy88

If you haven’t got a purchase history with the AD and only interested in buying Rolex watches, then stop wasting your time and energy and go grey.

And if you are only interested in buying Rolex at MSRP, I’d say stop dreaming…

Go grey, no thanks guy... I rather wait for the call, even if it takes awhile. Got time and patience to wait it out.

Grey market could sell fakes and you wouldn't know unless the case back was opened. Not worth buying from the grey flippers... mass produced watches are not an investment.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by kegan

Exactly, my pride is too demanding to buy a Rolex now days.

Originally Posted by Mystro

A lot of people can’t afford to buy a Rolex from their AD as it’s too expensive for their integrity.

Lol, you guys keep your pride. I’ll suffer the indignity of being nice to a salesperson 3-4 times per year and continue to get watches at retail.

[kegan]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Lol, you guys keep your pride. I’ll suffer the indignity of being nice to a salesperson 3-4 times per year and continue to get watches at retail.

It was a joke I have no pride My watch obsession is a waste of time money and an embarrassment to my wife and friends. The last think I can do add kissing up to purchase a watch to my shame.

[Jack T]

I’m happy with the Rolex’s I have, other brands and models hold more interest for me, no need to spend a penny on anything I don’t want.

[diggity]

It's funny and frustrating. Locally, we have a few different AD's. One of which, only sells Rolex's in their main location. Not having purchased a watch from them before, it seems like a complete catch 22 to buy anything. Long waiting list for those who have purchased in the past, but I can't purchase any Rolex's from them because they don't have stock. It's quite the predicament.

[classicalthunder]

been on the list at two ADs for almost 18 months now to purchase a 124060 for my 40th birthday. Both are close to home or work, so its easy to swing by and say hello and show face and see how things are going, which I do about every other month. Only have nominal purchases at one AD (some earrings for the wife and a wedding band re-sizing, all in sub $500 total).

Gave them plenty of runway, have a reasonable ask (standard black Sub, not a Daytona/SubLV/GMT) and have basically been spinning wheels for that entire time with no noticeable change in my position other than the fact that they know my name now.

I have a close second choice I want to purchase for a dress watch which I should be able to get at both, but the entire experience has left a bad taste in my mouth that I'm considering just going to the second choice boutique in NYC to order. Vastly different experience from when I bought my 16710 almost 20 years ago where I picked one out of the case and got a nominal discount.

I already have my dream watch, so its probably colors my perspective here but I think the key in this current market is to realize that watches are watches and if you can get one great, and if you can't then its not the end of the world

[noshake]

The only way to win is not to play. Only buy what you want.

[dwaine99]

Purchased two new Rolex from AD's in the past 5 months. No purchase history with either, no butt kissing and I didn't have to buy things I didn't want. I waited less than a month on my Starbucks 126610LV...and a 5 months on my No Date Sub 124060... For new, I wait. For discontinued, like my wife's YG Datejust, I go grey. Selecting the right SA is important. On my 126610LV, I dealt with the senior SA. When I purchased the 124060, I dealt with the owner's grandson.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by BoppinVinnieB

Hello all, first time poster here on TRF (although I've been on WUS for several years.) After the sale of my business earlier this year I decided it was time to purchase a Rolex, which I've always wanted to do but could never afford until now. I decided I want a Z-Blue Milgauss because it's different, but still a beautiful watch.

About six months ago, I started "doing the dance" with four different ADs. One (chain jewelry store) flat out told me I wasn't getting a Rolex, but took my name anyway, probably putting my info straight into the trash can. Two others also took my name but, without coming right out saying it, intimated I wouldn't hear from them either. The last AD, who happens to be the closest to my home, has been cordial and even a bit encouraging, but tells me they never know what they're getting from Rolex, so be patient. Of course, the one watch I want is rumored to be discontinued at any time, so that just adds a bit to my anxiety!

I refuse to buy from a grey dealer because firstly, I'm not paying their bloated prices; and secondly, it nauseates me that they seem able to get any model of watch they want while the real consumer has to play these games.

Sooo...the bottom line is I don't seem to be very good at playing the AD game. I have bought some jewelry for my wife at the "friendly" AD and so have a bit of history there. Maybe that will help. They say good things come to those who wait...we'll see!

Isn’t the millgaus trading at retail ? If it’s the only one you want call David SW or Chase from Nashville Watch and be done with it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by dauster

Isn’t the millgaus trading at retail ? If it’s the only one you want call David SW or Chase from Nashville Watch and be done with it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don’t think you can get a Milgauss at retail. If I’m looking at Bobs and David SW


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dauster]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

I don’t think you can get a Milgauss at retail. If I’m looking at Bobs and David SW


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shockingly it appears you are right found new ones on Chrono24 for 12.5k - could have sworn somewhere recently on one of the watch shows YT it was sold for like 10.5 but I don’t remember where exactly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[aparker973]

AD I am close with (personally, not "professionally") said nearly 100% of hot pieces go to the owner or his celebrity friends. I'd say this is highly dependent on the AD obviously.

If it's a game, I'm really bad at it. I am no good at putting on a facade.

[amh]

Originally Posted by noshake

The only way to win is not to play. Only buy what you want.

So in other words, go Grey? For the regular guy who just wants a SS model and nothing else (jewelry, Omegas, Tudors, ladies Rolex) it's a tough mountain to climb. ADs have figured out the old SS "tool watch" line is useful for leverage.

[noshake]

Originally Posted by amh

So in other words, go Grey? For the regular guy who just wants a SS model and nothing else (jewelry, Omegas, Tudors, ladies Rolex) it's a tough mountain to climb. ADs have figured out the old SS "tool watch" line is useful for leverage.

The first line is from WarGames movie. I'd only go grey for vintage or discontinued model. If my AD doesn't get me the goods I spend on something else.

[bluestreak]

I think I played it pretty well. I got three watches over the past year from two ADs. I bought a Tudor that I love. And a Nomos that I thought I would but sold at a minimal loss when I ended up hating the lug length and realized I don’t really like dress watches.
Granted, I was helped by the fact I didn’t want a Daytona (too small) or a GMT (too blingy), but the stories of needing tens of thousands of dollars of spend just wasn’t the case with me. I just made them think I like watches and would be a long time customer.

[Block506]

Spend history may matter a little more in high traffic areas (i.e. big cities) where the AD could sell a few everyday if they liked. Im sure it helps regardless of the area. Im Rolex in for 2022 w/ an AD and bought a few K worth of DY pieces as gifts ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Its more of a sign of good faith lol. At least thats what I tell myself lol