Where to buy your first Rolex?

[Chloe&Harley]

I went to the local AD wanted the experience . What’s this I read about popping champagne?

[WhiskyVerb]

I got my first Rolex at the AD (an impulse gift from a former Girlfriend).
My second watch was new from DavidSW. I saved $1700 and got the real deal, warranty and all. I could have probably saved $500 more, the the peace of mind was worth the price from DavidSW.

I would not hesitate to buy from one of the Trusted Sellers here.

[Seanken]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

I elected to buy my first Rolex from an AD. Wanted to see what the experience was like, have all the documentation in my name, plus was able to receive a reasonable discount.

Also bought from a trusted seller (DavidSW) here on TRF, and the experience was just as good as with the AD.

This is exactly the path I took. Subc with decent discount from an AD, and now an Explorer I from DAVIDSW.

[Rsubnodate]

Davidsw


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[ajas]

Unless you can buy from trusted sellers here I always would choose AD.


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[Osbong]

First Rolex a Sub I purchased from the Navy Exchange then AD then now trusted seller: Davidsw/Takuya and Tony. All went very well. I thinks it depends on what are you looking for (availability/price).

[brandrea]

I bought at an AD. For a first, I think it's made the mists sense to me.

[BillA]

Right now it might be a tough call if you want a SS Sport model. The resellers are asking over MSRP for some of the models. You can see that for yourself on the FS section of the forum. But for a non-sport or TT, you can do well from the resellers with deep discounts, they even have BNIB if that is the way you want to go.
In ordinary times (not sure if we will ever get back to this) where SS sport models are not in short supply, the advantage of buying from the AD is:
1. They let you buy at MSRP
2. Give you a bottle of water while in the store.
3. Before you leave the store give you a few goodies like a pouche or magazine
4. Will be your best friend for ever! (Or the sooner of when you walk out the door)
Now the above is called a "great relationship with your AD".
Good luck

[Steve36Efc]

For us Brits looking for popular SS Sports models the only sensible option is from an AD. Availability is the problem for us.

[Erixc]

I also dealt with DavidSW.
The watch was BNIB, warranty card stamped from AD with my name on it.
Great experience.

[cfjan]

In general I have no problem buying from reputable grey market dealers.. but in the case of my recent Rolex purchase (a SD43), since most grey market / private sellers are selling for more than MSRP, it is a no brainer to go with AD if they can get you one. (i.e., actually cheaper to go with AD in this case)

[Duende01]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

If it's a BLNR, LV-c, Daytona-c, or SD43, then get it at the AD...if you can.

With you on this one. Especially considering the hefty price some are asking for these pieces due to the shortage. I think someone here is selling a BLNR for $12,000 plus. Not that someone will pay that amount (at least I hope no) but I was able to pick my BLNR from my local AD for $7500 which is a substantial savings even from MSRP.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by Erixc

I also dealt with DavidSW.
The watch was BNIB, warranty card stamped from AD with my name on it.
Great experience.

Seems like some of the TS here are online retail fronts for AD’s to get around Rolex’s policy of no online sales for AD’s.

[topgear1985]

My purchase at the AD was nothing fantastic, although they did give me a green Rolex baseball cap which I'll probably never wear. There are a lot of trusted sellers on this forum, and like some others have said, DavidSW is another great place. Depending on the model, you can definitely save some money, the question is how much.

[daveo5]

An AD.