Sydney Rolex shopping experience . . .

[wilsonpepper]

Hey TRF'ers

Went to 2 Rolex ADs in Sydney this week. Both stores had lots of Rolex watches, I mean lots, and not just "Ladies Datejusts", everything from SS sports watches to Sky Dwellers, and everything in between. Amazing. Exhibition signs in all window displays, and all in-store display cases.

So I tried to purchase an AirKing (both shops had one), but I was told by both places that every watch in the store was an exhibition piece. I was told that the store can sell these watches, but just not to me.

One shop was nice enough to tell me that their AirKing was reserved, and that the purchaser was picking up the watch on Friday, and that if I could please give them 2 weeks notice prior to my next trip to SYD, they would put together a sale piece for me. Very nice people.

Other shop flat out stated that they are "saving" their Rolex collection for someone who comes in and spends $$ on other stuff like diamonds or whatever.

Again, both shops had multiples of all the "desired models" in the store ! One store had 3 GMT's !

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

I know this is not "news" but just sharing with you what I experienced - on the good side, at least there was a lot of inventory since the last time I was in Sydney (MAY 2022), on the bad side, you still can't buy them.

I'd say once the "safe in the back" of both places has a few desirable Rolex's "laying around" sales will probably open up to the guy/gal that wants to buy a watch, instead of buying "diamonds and a watch" - which I hope happens in the future.

At least the 2nd shop was open to selling me a watch only, and I will keep you all updated as I have trips to SYD in DEC and JAN, and I have the SA's personal WhatsApp number which she asked me to contact her on prior to my arrival.

At least it's great to see inventory out there.

Oh yeah, I wore my 5711 green dial into both shops, the store manager of one shop said "nice watch", and the SA of the other store did not comment.

Not that it matters, but I was trying to "put my best watch forward", as if it might help "influence" a Rolex purchase, but NOPE !

[SLSteve]

If you have a 5711, I wouldn’t really be bothered with the SS models. Maybe a meteorite dial Daytona or something.

But I think you are right. Where I first didn’t even get the chance to buy a Cermit, now they accept me on all lists with an ‘interest card’. Still no idea about the waiting time, but it seems like it is just waiting for the next batch. I noticed the Cermit being posted more and more on their forum. Last time it was the Wimbledon dial, currently it appears to be the Rhodium YM40, and hopefully soon the Cermit again.

[Oscar2010]

Good to hear. My last trip was 2019 and I must have visited 10 stores between Sydney and Melbourne, ( with zero available for purchase).
I am back for Christmas, so let’s see………

[93 Turbo]

Thanks mate, I live in Sydney and haven't been into a AD for ages for the obvious reasons.

Will be in the market for a SD43 or JC DSSD shortly. When I'm ready I'll try the AD's, if I get the usual BS brush off, I can pick one of these up easily pre owned for not much above MSRP. Thanks J

[foreignexport]

Thanks for the post - I may pop into a couple of stores in Sydney where I live
I too am after a JC DSSD

cheers

[BlueRoman]

Lots of inventory in the Brisbane AD also

[Tritto]

Hi @wilsonpepper. I'll be in Sydney in a few weeks and was planning to visit a few stores. Good to hear there are display models to view, even if there isn't anything for sale. Which two stores did you visit? Was either more or less welcoming?


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[brandrea]

Nice to hear that they have watches that you can actually try on at least

[wilsonpepper]

Originally Posted by Tritto

Hi @wilsonpepper. I'll be in Sydney in a few weeks and was planning to visit a few stores. Good to hear there are display models to view, even if there isn't anything for sale. Which two stores did you visit? Was either more or less welcoming?


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I found Jelena Zmire to be quite helpful. Senior Sales Associate.
Rolex Botique
192 Pitt Street, Sydney
(02)91603888

[Tritto]

Originally Posted by wilsonpepper

I found Jelena Zmire to be quite helpful. Senior Sales Associate.
Rolex Botique
192 Pitt Street, Sydney
(02)91603888

Thank you.


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[wilsonpepper]

Here is the other shop - lots and lots of Rolex watches inside:

Swiss Concept
Address: 90 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Hours:
Closed ⋅ Opens 10:30AM
Phone: +61 2 9221 6288

[ArtieFufkinPolymer]

Rolex at Sydney Airport has most ss models. Even a Milgauss

[Giangos]

Man you guys are dreaming, sorry to say.

I think you have very little concept of how deep the lists are in Sydney and Melbourne. For an out-of-towner to show up at an AD in these cities and hope that on the first or on the next visit something special will happen…. well you may as well ask Santa to be on his list for all the good it will do.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is just the state of things today. If you do not have history with an AD that is long and also includes recent activity, your chances are somewhere close to zero.

Think about it, every reference has a list of approved buyers, buyers with history known to the AD. Then you show up with no history. And you also have to show up when the watch is actually there, and in the short timeframe between the watch arriving in store and the store contacting those already on the list. So perhaps, half a day? Or one day? Maybe two??

Dreaming, you’d have a better chance of picking up some jousting sticks

These ADs are explicit in supporting local clients over others. If you ask, they will probably tell you exactly this. I know this because I have been told. A visitor would be at the very back of a far queue.

Understanding all of this is why I don’t bother visiting ADs when I travel. Aside from airports.

I am happy to be proven wrong though. Good luck to you.


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[Tritto]

Originally Posted by Giangos

Man you guys are dreaming, sorry to say.

I think you have very little concept of how deep the lists are in Sydney and Melbourne. For an out-of-towner to show up at an AD in these cities and hope that on the first or on the next visit something special will happen…. well you may as well ask Santa to be on his list for all the good it will do.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is just the state of things today. If you do not have history with an AD that is long and also includes recent activity, your chances are somewhere close to zero.

Think about it, every reference has a list of approved buyers, buyers with history known to the AD. Then you show up with no history. And you also have to show up when the watch is actually there, and in the short timeframe between the watch arriving in store and the store contacting those already on the list. So perhaps, half a day? Or one day? Maybe two??

Dreaming, you’d have a better chance of picking up some jousting sticks

These ADs are explicit in supporting local clients over others. If you ask, they will probably tell you exactly this. I know this because I have been told. A visitor would be at the very back of a far queue.

Understanding all of this is why I don’t bother visiting ADs when I travel. Aside from airports.

I am happy to be proven wrong though. Good luck to you.


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Hey mate. I'm not expected to buy a Rolex or even be offered the possibility in the future. All I'm looking for is to feel welcome in the store, have a chat, and have the chance to try on a few of the display models that seem to be populating some Rolex ADs these days.


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[Giangos]

Originally Posted by Tritto

Hey mate. I'm not expected to buy a Rolex or even be offered the possibility in the future. All I'm looking for is to feel welcome in the store, have a chat, and have the chance to try on a few of the display models that seem to be populating some Rolex ADs these days.


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I believe you will be afforded such an experience. I do suggest you book an appointment in advance. Some ADs discourage walk-ins. You may be turned away and asked to return having made an appointment.


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[jingerman]

Thanks!! Will note that next time I get to Sydney


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[foreignexport]

Was in Melbourne this weekend - not much happening there in the Rolex dealers, but picked up a lovely IWC Portugeiser - so happy days

[Hydracus]

I've heard most Sydney ADs will be fair to their local clients, all except JFP, everyone has told me they only service their existing book of VIPs and tell new customers to pound sand or by the latest SNG Tudor to 'maybe' get on the waitlist for a Rolex DJ.

[UltraVires]

I've had great experiences with the AD's over in Perth - both when browsing (very pleasant and welcoming), and buying.

Plus as a lifelong Melburnian and regular business traveler to Sydney, Perth (and the nature over here in Western Australia) puts the rest of Australia to shame as a beautiful holiday destination.

[michael6120]

What are people’s thoughts if I were to walk in to the hour glass and request an explorer 1? I’ve purchased everything used apart from a new Breitling which I got from the hour glass. Wasting my time or do you think it’s possible this calendar year? It’s a long journey for me lol

[Oldfellow]

I would think your chances would be pretty good.