What To Do

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by bhas

I am looking to buy a new Submariner Date, GMT Master II, or Explorer II Polar. This would be my first Rolex purchase (really my first watch purchase period) and want to go new. However, I have been to 6 ADs and the best answer I have received is "at least a 2 year wait". I thought about going grey, but the thought of paying 2-5k over retail hurts. Would you:

1. Buy a Tudor Pelagos/BB Now and sell it later when the shortage is done
2. Buy A Marked Up Grey
3. Wait It Out

Thoughts?

Polar 216570

[Nikrnic]

I was at my AD two days ago and it was very bleak. In conversation I was told they've had one Polar since l bought mine in June of '18. That is one piece that l would suggest buying grey. I've recently seen some here on TRF like new for under MSRP. If l were a one watch guy I'd go for it in black.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[bhas]

Thank you for all of the feedback. I have visited those six ADs in person, some a handful of times, others only once or twice. All six said they won't take a deposit. I have been looking (albeit only somewhat locally) since 2nd quarter of 2018. I also went on a cruise recently and tried to get one in the Virgin Islands but had no luck there either, though they did have a BB58!

I agree, the GMT ship has probably sailed. I am more focused on the Sub Date and the Polar anyway. I am leaning toward waiting, but while a lot of people are saying 2 years seems long, I am already at the year mark with the first two ADs.

[bhas]

Thank you for all of the feedback. I have visited those six ADs in person, some a handful of times, others only once or twice. All six said they won't take a deposit. I have been looking (albeit only somewhat locally) since 2nd quarter of 2018. I also went on a cruise recently and tried to get one in the Virgin Islands but had no luck there either, though they did have a BB58!

I agree, the GMT ship has probably sailed. I am more focused on the Sub Date and the Polar anyway. I am leaning toward waiting, but while a lot of people are saying 2 years seems long, I am already at the year mark with the first two ADs.

[joli160]

Unless you have a history at one of the AD's I would not believe much in the so-called waiting lists.
Fact that they don't want a deposit or you paying upfront only confirms that 2 years can easily become 3 or more if ever.
Obviously when a regular shows up and want's a Sub/ Polar he will have preference over you any day of the week.

Wait another year and than you can always go grey

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by bhas

I am looking to buy a new Submariner Date, GMT Master II, or Explorer II Polar. This would be my first Rolex purchase (really my first watch purchase period) and want to go new. However, I have been to 6 ADs and the best answer I have received is "at least a 2 year wait". I thought about going grey, but the thought of paying 2-5k over retail hurts. Would you:

1. Buy a Tudor Pelagos/BB Now and sell it later when the shortage is done
2. Buy A Marked Up Grey
3. Wait It Out

Thoughts?

I would shop around a bit. It’s like fishing. Get around to a few AD’s and and exp ii to should be hard to obtain. The gray dealers dont have too much of a markup on the exp ii them and if they are a trusted gray, there is really no issue.

If I was in your position. I would be looking hard at a 16610, many can be found with the full set and in mint condition or even new in box at a comparatively fantastic price. For some reason the madness has not hit this reference.

[Junior_]

Couple of things. First, every big city/vacation spot/airport AD has dozens of people a day stopping in looking for any SS Rolex. If those are your six ADs, don't bother waiting. Without a history, you're never getting one from them.

Best AD route is your local AD, especially in a smaller city. It may take some time, but they really will try to get you one.

Second, I think the Pelagos is a great watch. Dollar for dollar, it's a great value. It's not a Sub, but it stands on its own as a great piece. If you want a Pelagos, by all means, get one, you'll enjoy it. But don't "settle" for a Pelagos. If you have a Rolex itch, the Pelagos won't scratch it. Heck, an unworn one is on sale at David SW for $3,800 or so.

[Calatrava r]

"when the shortage is done"

I would not hold my breath on that.

[Harry-57]

Nothing will be a good enough substitute for any of the Rolex watches you want. You might convince yourself otherwise, but ultimately you will prove yourself wrong.

By all means buy what you want, whenever you want. But don't buy something else thinking it will purge your Rolex jones. That will only happen if you never have anything to do with watches ever again!

My first Rolex was a 42mm Polar. It's the one that kicked it all off for me. It's a superb watch and more obtainable than the other two through ADs. I still occasionally see them in windows, admittedly not so much.

[BSG75]

Originally Posted by bhas

I am looking to buy a new Submariner Date, GMT Master II, or Explorer II Polar. This would be my first Rolex purchase (really my first watch purchase period) and want to go new. However, I have been to 6 ADs and the best answer I have received is "at least a 2 year wait". I thought about going grey, but the thought of paying 2-5k over retail hurts. Would you:

1. Buy a Tudor Pelagos/BB Now and sell it later when the shortage is done
2. Buy A Marked Up Grey
3. Wait It Out

Thoughts?

I have a BB 41 and it's a great watch. In fact, it's one of my favorites. However, if I were you, I wouldn't buy it to scratch the Rolex itch. Personally, I'm a Tudor fan because while they're a Rolex sub-brand, it's still different enough to stand on its own.

I think I would wait for the Sub or the Polar. I've seen a few stories on TRF where some members were able to pick up their watches after a short wait. Like you, I'd really rather not pay the grey premium right now.

You could also pick up an homage in the meantime, e.g., Steinhart, to give the look a test drive. Again, this will not scratch the itch, but it could give you an idea of how the style/look fits into your everyday life. This way, you're only out a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand while you wait.

Good luck in your search! I'm sure you'll find what you want!

[bhas]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

"when the shortage is done"

I would not hold my breath on that.

Seems to be the consensus around here. I use the term "shortage" loosely as well, as I am not convinced it is necessarily a shortage. Not sure what is happening to be honest.

This will be my first nice watch, so I think the advice of holding out for what I really want (already waited a year, what is another year at this point??) is sound.

[bhas]

Originally Posted by BSG75

I have a BB 41 and it's a great watch. In fact, it's one of my favorites. However, if I were you, I wouldn't buy it to scratch the Rolex itch. Personally, I'm a Tudor fan because while they're a Rolex sub-brand, it's still different enough to stand on its own.

I think I would wait for the Sub or the Polar. I've seen a few stories on TRF where some members were able to pick up their watches after a short wait. Like you, I'd really rather not pay the grey premium right now.

You could also pick up an homage in the meantime, e.g., Steinhart, to give the look a test drive. Again, this will not scratch the itch, but it could give you an idea of how the style/look fits into your everyday life. This way, you're only out a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand while you wait.

Good luck in your search! I'm sure you'll find what you want!

Thanks. I see you are in TN. I have family there. Is there a local AD that may be worth a look?

[BSG75]

Originally Posted by bhas

Thanks. I see you are in TN. I have family there. Is there a local AD that may be worth a look?

Where are you going in TN? I'm in Knoxville and our local AD is Kimball's. They've been around forever. Last time I was there and asked about steel sports models the SA and I both had a laugh. I'd still stop by if I were you. It never hurts to check!

Good luck!

[bhas]

Originally Posted by BSG75

Where are you going in TN? I'm in Knoxville and our local AD is Kimball's. They've been around forever. Last time I was there and asked about steel sports models the SA and I both had a laugh. I'd still stop by if I were you. It never hurts to check!

Good luck!

They are outside of Nashville.