Newbie

[AKM]

Hello, like many I am close to buying my first Rolex, been looking for years but more seriously over the last month. Been into 2 AD, one very close to Harrods in London who I have to say were the most helpful and took me seriously, and one in Lakeside today who were ok.

I have however come to the conclusion, and I guess its understandable, the the AD really want to sell you what they have in stock, todays watch at Lakeside seemed a lot smaller than the London one and it was not really explained why, it was not till I came home, viewed this site and the Rolex site that I learnt why.

The one I viewed in London was fantastic, I loved the size and feel. It was a Bi-metal Date-just 2, the stock one had an ivory dial. The one today, was not explained as a Date-just 2, I was just given a number 116203, but I was not as happy with the feel or size.

Now I have researched it, todays appears to have been just a Date-just and not a "2".

I have also learnt today that you don't just buy whats on the shelf, unless it so happens the one on the shelf is exactly what you want. It appears that you custom build on the Rolex site and then take your order to a AD.

I have learnt a lot over the last 2 weeks and am ready to go, is there any more advice to be offered? And a couple of questions if I may...

1) I keep hearing these watches are an investment, the guy in London did state that a lot of the time, if you buy a new Rolex, it will be worth what you paid for it in 5 years time. So £7,750 today, in 5 years it will be worth roughly £7,750... true or false... or nearly the truth!?

2) Should I consider used?

3) Has it been known to be able to ask for movement on prices within a AD, or are the prices strictly fixed?

4) Best way of insuring a Rolex?

Thanks in advance

[Tyl3r]

1) I keep hearing these watches are an investment, the guy in London did state that a lot of the time, if you buy a new Rolex, it will be worth what you paid for it in 5 years time. So £7,750 today, in 5 years it will be worth roughly £7,750... true or false... or nearly the truth!?

Probably true. However, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Also, Euros five years from now will not be worth what they are today.

2) Should I consider used?

Yes, unless you get a decent discount. Rolex watches take a slight depreciation hit the second you walk out of an AD and another hit when you take the stickers off of the new watch.

3) Has it been known to be able to ask for movement on prices within a AD, or are the prices strictly fixed?

Depending on the model, discounts range from 0-25%.

4) Best way of insuring a Rolex?

Jewelers Mutual

[wolffram]

I think the OP meant a movement on the price: meaning can you ask for a discount. In my experience here in Australia no discounts. Stateside it appears no problem. It's the economy of scale in play. I went looking for my first Rolex being a specific watch I wanted, rather than going into an AD and browsing. And yes, any AD would prefer you to buy what they have in stock. The first AD I went into didn't have a Sub (ND) in stock, so did his best to sell me what he did have which was a DSSD. Not because I wanted it, but because he had one and he wanted to sell it. But that is normal sales practice no matter what you are shopping for. I have bought two Rolex at ADs and spent a total of twenty minutes inside. Not because I don't like them, but because I knew exactly what I wanted each time. As far as investment goes, no ordinary Rolex is an investment as such. There are much better places to park your money if you just want a good return. Even if you can sell your Rolex in five years and get what you paid, in real terms with inflation you have taken a substantial loss. Just buy the watch for the experience, not the investment and you'll be more than happy.

[locutus49]

Do not buy for investment (that is a sales technique). Buy because you love it and want to keep it. Unless you have a lot of experience, I think a new rolex buyer is safer buying new. You don't want to buy a watch with potential problems as your first Rolex. If you are experienced, then by all means buy a pre-owned. Just my opinion.

[smellychips]

past experience (my own).... AD first' this will give you piece of mind and the added benefit of registering your brand new Rolex in your own name. Then when the "illness" takes hold of you , you are then at the mercy of the five point crown' ....feed your addiction from the TRUSTED sellers on this forum

[AK797]

On that DJ2 I would want 10-15% off from an AD. Otherwise try Watchfinder for a used one and look on chrono24 for other sellers in the London area.

[watchwatcher]

Totally agree...if they won't budge on the price, there are other fish in the sea. And the DJ2 you're looking at is stunning, by the way.

Originally Posted by AK797

On that DJ2 I would want 10-15% off from an AD. Otherwise try Watchfinder for a used one and look on chrono24 for other sellers in the London area.

[AKM]

Some great replies, thanks. I think I would prefer the DJ2, I am a "bigger" guy I guess and feel the DJ would get lost on me. The DJ 2 is coming in at £7,750, so you think I could chance my arm at a £7,200 offer from a High street AD?

[brandrea]

Welcome to TRF and good luck with your purchase.
I'd also echo,what's been said above, in that a Rolex is not an investment . It's a luxury and depreciates as such.

Having said that buy new from an AD for your first and you can't go wrong. Here in Canada you could expect about a 15% discount, give or take. As for insurance many here use jewellers mutual but I do not know if they'll write a policy for someone in Europe

[AK797]

Originally Posted by AKM

Some great replies, thanks. I think I would prefer the DJ2, I am a "bigger" guy I guess and feel the DJ would get lost on me. The DJ 2 is coming in at £7,750, so you think I could chance my arm at a £7,200 offer from a High street AD?

Yes, tell them on bimetals you expect more of a discount than on SS which often can be nothing on subs etc. Go to a few and tell them other ADs have offered you £7K but are out of town and you'd prefer to buy more local and build a relationship for the future etc so if they can match price you'll go with them.

[Racerdj]

Welcome to the forum! Good luck in your search and I have nothing to add except purchase your number 1 pick.

[ChuckFinlay]

17% off at Iconic. No one in Knightsbridge is going to be offering you a deal. Maybe at Lakeside, somewhere like Goldsmiths or Fraser Hart you'll get 10%.

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex...rey-green.html