Ready for my First Rolex

[kingel]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Read my post again, and you will see I wrote "REPUTABLE sellers," and I know because I've done it several times.

I'll take the "Pepsi Challenge" and pit my DavidSW against your AD any day of the week.

okay, ill take the challenge, but i don't know how we would do it exactly!

I guess:
Pick a watch you will seriously buy, then get your Grey market price. If my AD beats it you buy from him, fair?

Seriously, an AD pays Rolex for a watch at a wholesale cost. A grey market guy buys from an Ad at a discount, but the AD is still going to make something over cost. Now the Grey market guy has to make a small percentage also. So no matter what, the AD, if he wants to, can always beat the Grey market guy- cause he can sell it to you for the same price he would sell to the grey market guy! now, I'm certainly not saying all Ad's do this or that they shoud, but that's just easy math if they wanted to.

Back to my original post to this genteman's original question, shop around, AD's and Grey Market if you're comfortable with that and see what's out there. IF it was me, and it's close, I would go with an AD.

[hennabav]

What are you planning on buying??

[ma93z71]

Thanks for the response on the grey market issue. Didn't mean to start such a heated discussion, but I guess this is what these forums are for. I did contact David SW and he was able to find what I wanted from his suppliers. I have since entered into negotiations with swisswrist.com on a unused 2005 16233 wth Oyster bracelet. They came $300 off the list price on a wire payment, so I'm going to ponder it for the day and see if you all have an opinion.

[t e x]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Buy from DavidSW or one of the other reputable sellers on TRF and save yourself A LOT of money. Seriously, you will save a ton of cash and get the real deal--if you specificy--from an AD with the warranty card in your name.

It's a touchy subject here sometimes, but I honestly don't understand why anyone would not want to save money and get the exact same watch with the exact same warranty. Sure ADs and those who prefer them will try to convince you with their extras like chocolates and free cleanings and kissing your butt and questioning the security of your warranty. But the truth is you're ultimately getting the same watch with the exact same guarantee. People can talk about the "sense of comfort" and "support" they get from their A.D., but the truth is it's overpriced nonsense that preys on your fears.

It's BUSINESS! The A.D.s want to make money, and you want to save it!

Just my two cents, of course, as I am not that bright.

Yep, one word: paranoia

+2 DavidSW

[ma93z71]

I meant to say the David SW was unable to find what I wanted through his suppliers. I went to a local AD today to see what they had in their pre-owned section. They have a 30 day return policy as long as the watch has not been worn or sized. Three weeks ago they sold a NEW 116233 (blue face) to a regular customer who has purchased other Rolex's from them. He returned it this past Wednesday, so they checked it out and put it in their Pre-owned case for $3200 off what they NEW one sold for. I grabbed my iphone and googled the price for a new 116233 and the best I could find was $7K. The offered the returned one to me for $5500 and no interest for 12 mos. They want 20% down, told to put the cash in the bank to earn some interest on it, then once a month make a payment on my CC to earn airline miles, then pay the CC payment from the funds in the bank. Is this too good to be true?

[Johny]

hi for my first time which was last month i went to an ad. next time it will be an honourable grey seller. you would have to make a decision based on your own circumstances.i know that it is money but it is also memories. i chose memories. just my 2p worth. johny. p.s. good luck with whatever you decide and enjoy your watch.

[OYSTERMANN]

Originally Posted by ma93z71

I told myself that as soon as I finished my Masters Degree, I would buy myself a Rolex. That time has come. Should the first one be a new one or should it be a pre-owned? If I went NEW, is an AD the only option and if so, will they come off the retail price?

Hey, CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to TRF

Definitely for something as defining as getting your Masters, go for a new Rolex

[WatchlLover]

If this is a reputable dealer go for it. Do you like the style of the watch? If you do push them for another 5% the pitch on the financing sounds good, but I am more of a cash guy. If you go that route place the purchase on your higest yielding point card, but remmber whenever finacing it shows on your credit report. You want to be careful on your debt to credit ratio. If you like the blue face the deal does not sound bad, you are basicly buying a brand new watch for a deep discount from a trusted AD.
Paul

[ma93z71]

Blue is actually my favorite color and after I able to compare the weight and feel the difference of the new heavier solid link bracelet, I knew that I was no longer interested in the hollow link version. Good point about my credit to debt ratio, but other than the house and the wife's car, my credit card is paid off every month and really just use it for the mileage benefits. The last time I checked my credit score was in the high 700's and low 800's depending on who I pulled. The AD is a national chain so there is some comfort in being able to walk in and deal with them face to face.

I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks to all the members who responded. I'm going to sleep on it and may be wheeling and dealing tomorrow.

[kingel]

Originally Posted by ma93z71

Blue is actually my favorite color and after I able to compare the weight and feel the difference of the new heavier solid link bracelet, I knew that I was no longer interested in the hollow link version. Good point about my credit to debt ratio, but other than the house and the wife's car, my credit card is paid off every month and really just use it for the mileage benefits. The last time I checked my credit score was in the high 700's and low 800's depending on who I pulled. The AD is a national chain so there is some comfort in being able to walk in and deal with them face to face.

I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks to all the members who responded. I'm going to sleep on it and may be wheeling and dealing tomorrow.

Sounds like from your description of the watch and the circumstance and timing of it being brought back- that it was meant for you! Congrats! Ur making a great choice in watch.

[ingoodtime]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

I check from time to time with local AD's here in Florida
They are willing to discount by 10% even 15% the hard to sell models
both ladies and gents which most of us are not interested to buy.
If you are looking for a classic Rolex, a newly introduced Rolex or a sport Rolex..?
authorised dealers will not be interested to discount.

The TRF for sale section is a place to look for some fantastic deals
both new and used...with many desireable & hard to find models available for sale.
Compare prices and you will be pleasantly surprised.

I bought a GMTIIC last September in SS. Got 15% off MSRP and 12 mos no interest financing.Times are tough and some of the smaller AD's are willing to deal. If not, just walk away. Although I have not anything YET from TRF sellers, I know I would be comfortable doing so. Whatever you do, a hearty congratulations to you for your accomplishment. I hope you get your Rolex soon and wear it every day.Don't forget to show us some pictures.

[HL65]

Go grey!!!! Save the money!

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by ma93z71

I meant to say the David SW was unable to find what I wanted through his suppliers. I went to a local AD today to see what they had in their pre-owned section. They have a 30 day return policy as long as the watch has not been worn or sized. Three weeks ago they sold a NEW 116233 (blue face) to a regular customer who has purchased other Rolex's from them. He returned it this past Wednesday, so they checked it out and put it in their Pre-owned case for $3200 off what they NEW one sold for. I grabbed my iphone and googled the price for a new 116233 and the best I could find was $7K. The offered the returned one to me for $5500 and no interest for 12 mos. They want 20% down, told to put the cash in the bank to earn some interest on it, then once a month make a payment on my CC to earn airline miles, then pay the CC payment from the funds in the bank. Is this too good to be true?

If this 116233 was a V serial UNWORN for $5500 you have a winning lottery ticket..
For statistical porpuses I would like to know the Serial letter of the watch that this kind AD sold to you.

[ma93z71]

The deal is not done yet. Both the pre-owned and the one in the NEW case have D serial numbers. I've been going back and forth with DavidSW about him sourcing one for me. He opined that the prod date is 2005, but all the charts I have found online point to 2006-2007. It does not have the ROLEXROLEXROLEX in the rehaut, but it does have the heavy jubilee bracelet with the crown clasp. I wish Rolex would at least declare the date of the first serial number of each series.

I sent a pic of the face to DavidSW and can't wait to hear back from him.

[ma93z71]

Does anyone know for sure when they started putting the heavier bracelet on these watches?

[gelshocker]

I love these stories. Congrats on your achievement. You deserve your crown and buy one new, not second-hand. Cheers,

[Traveler]

Get new from an AD with your name on the paperwork and warranty.

[kingel]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Get new from an AD with your name on the paperwork and warranty.

Are you looking for the jubilee bracelet or oyster?

[ma93z71]

Just got off the phone with DavidSW. What a great guy. We talked about future values, demand, etc. We are nixing the Date Just option. We're moving on to the Sub and he gave me two options to sleep on. Name on the PW is one of them.

[m_later]

I'd definitely recommend DavidSW. Even though I didn't buy from him due to the wait for a GMTIIc, he was incredibly responsive and very helpful. Good luck with the purchase. Thats got to be a great feeling to have such a big milestone to celebrate with a Rolex.

[ma93z71]

Its a done deal. My SS Sub will be on the way tomorrow. The watch was owned by the previous owner for 6 days and then traded back to David. The card will have my name on it. I think that's as close to new as you can get and still keep some cash in my pocket.

Here is the problem....This was such a great experience and with all my new found friends on this forum, I'm going to be itching for a TT DJ with the new heavier solid link bracelet. Gonna have to get some gold to match the MBA class ring on the right hand. Not right away, but soon......like when the wife isn't noticing. HA!

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Go grey!!!! Save the money!

__________________________________________________ ______________

I have seen the "Grey's" marking up the Sub LV since Basel, seems the AD's are the discount place now!

Guess it's a sign for me to not add an LV anytime soon.

-Pete

[ma93z71]

I've never been a fan of the LV. Green just has never been a color that appeals to me, except when its green grass on a golf course.

[sirjohnbrian]

Originally Posted by ma93z71

Its a done deal. My SS Sub will be on the way tomorrow. The watch was owned by the previous owner for 6 days and then traded back to David. The card will have my name on it. I think that's as close to new as you can get and still keep some cash in my pocket.

Here is the problem....This was such a great experience and with all my new found friends on this forum, I'm going to be itching for a TT DJ with the new heavier solid link bracelet. Gonna have to get some gold to match the MBA class ring on the right hand. Not right away, but soon......like when the wife isn't noticing. HA!

I think the Dark Side is calling this one. Congrats on the new watch and yes, it won't be the last. Sub and and a DJ are an awesome combination.

[superb]

Welcome to TRF. I bought my first watch used.