Who has gotten "the call" without AD relationship?

[imageviewer]

Originally Posted by 037

My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Building a relationship doesn't always require spending money but does require some face time at a minimum.

This is all getting really weird just to get a stainless steel Daytona. What's next, foreplay?

[MH82]

caveat - I'm talking about a UK experience not a US

Been a long time omega buyer including first in the world for models in the past.
Always bought from Omega boutiques so had no relationship with a Rolex AD
When I heard about the SD43 last year I contacted a couple of ADs about getting on a list. Most wanted cash up front but one said they'd open their list once they had their own Baselworld event in May.
Sadly I was away for that but they put me on a list and I finally got the call in February
Interestingly I contacted them about the Pepsi on announcement day and they said because I was a previous customer I'd go on the list and they'd sort me out.
So both experiences from the same AD.

[Eva123]

Unfortunately, Daytona-C is impossible to get without AD relationship. I was able to buy it as I knew owner of AD. Currently all sports models are a bit scarce and Daytona-C still has a very strong demand comparing with supply.

Some people (including me) thought that after 1 year after 11500 release supply will meet demand and it will be possible to buy it openly in any AD. However, it seems that Rolex is playing its games and does not have any intentions to meet demand in the market.

[Kobus]

I have a very good relationship with the owner of my AD. I do know that will help me getting a DaytonaC, but I also know they get silly offers from potential buyers sometimes. He recently had an offer from someone that was willing to buy two gold Rolexes if he could get the next Daytona. Tough one for them. Loyalty, but business is business.

[speedbird90]

You mentioned without a relationship with AD? I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Sprta]

You need to be realistic, the chances of you succeeding are extremely long. I would suggest you give yourself a period of time to acquire this watch via an AD, and if unsuccessful go the trusted seller route.

[Anson880621]

I wish too but I think that's impossible
As I know they only call their repeated customers

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by 037

My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Doesn't always work imho, and what if that 'someone there' quits or moves to another retail location, then what are your options? There seems to be some wisdom in avoiding large chain stores and going with 'mom & pop' stores, yet what if they go out of business or lose their Rolex AD status?

[amilch]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

that is AD's own BS policy making you buy stuff you don't need! Rolex does not have policy against same people buying "hot items"

All from the same AD:

• i have two SS daytonas, BLNR, and SD4K.
• Was offered and turned down SkyD SS (blue), SD43, Hulk, Daytona WG oyster flex, and DSSD James Cameron
• Was put on the "list" for Pepsi (before i even called to get on the list)
• I have never bought jewelry or asked to buy other watches in order to buy the watch that i really wanted.

Yeah I agree with you ....you need to go somewhere else. Not because the AD won't put you on the list but because AD is asking you spend $30k on unnecessary items and lying to you about Rolex policy

That’s exactly what I though. Why would I purchase jewelry that I don’t need or other watches I don’t like. I will definitely be going else where.

[tng11]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

that is AD's own BS policy making you buy stuff you don't need! Rolex does not have policy against same people buying "hot items"

All from the same AD:

• i have two SS daytonas, BLNR, and SD4K.
• Was offered and turned down SkyD SS (blue), SD43, Hulk, Daytona WG oyster flex, and DSSD James Cameron
• Was put on the "list" for Pepsi (before i even called to get on the list)
• I have never bought jewelry or asked to buy other watches in order to buy the watch that i really wanted.

Yeah I agree with you ....you need to go somewhere else. Not because the AD won't put you on the list but because AD is asking you spend $30k on unnecessary items and lying to you about Rolex policy

My AD also kvetched about me not buying enough TT/PM pieces, since my last 7 purchases from them were "hot" SS references that they "could have easily sold to the next person in line", snidely inferring that I meant little to them despite my loyalty and purchase history.

I am taking my business elsewhere.

[AK797]

It's like getting your first summer job that everyone wants, gotta think outside the box and make yourself standout, like sending your CV with some gourmet teabags, because you're going to make a fantastic cuppa. For ADs go in there with a drawn up contract stating you are not a flipper, on your Mum's life, and will let them have the warranty card for 1 year to prove it. Have your mum sign the contract too and Michael Avenatti if you can get him.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by AK797

It's like getting your first summer job that everyone wants, gotta think outside the box and make yourself standout, like sending your CV with some gourmet teabags, because you're going to make a fantastic cuppa. For ADs go in there with a drawn up contract stating you are not a flipper, on your Mum's life, and will let them have the warranty card for 1 year to prove it. Have your
mum sign the contract too and Michael Avenatti if you can get him.

I found making the manager laugh every time i called to enquire my position on the "list" worked for me,,,,

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by jaySL350

I found making the manager laugh every time i called to enquire my position on the "list" worked for me,,,,

usually just asking for a Daytona does that though

[Cold904L]

I will add the one thing I haven’t heard anyone acknowledge yet and that is that many of us who have good relations with some ADs, and have been able to acquire a ceramic Daytona (two in my case), established that relationship before or early in its release.

That is, the hysteria that exists today simply did not exist (at least to this degree) a couple of years ago. Now, most, if not all, ADs are frustrated by both the endless, annoying phone calls from strangers asking about the most coveted watch AND with Rolex! You see, they have experienced a shortage of not only Daytona shipments but virtually every other stainless steel model in demand.

This results in a bit more cynicism on their end and a much greater challenge for getting in on “the action” now. A lot of great advice has already been given, and I completely agree with the idea that they have to get to know you as a person and watch enthusiast, as ultimately they want to be as excited to sell the watch to a true watch lover, as you are going to be to pick it up. It helps to spend money with them, but I can guarantee you you don’t have to spend tens of thousands to get the watch you want. They simply have to like you AND they have to believe that you are 100% ready to buy.

I’m afraid this is the sad truth, but one can and sometimes does get lucky.

The last thing I’ll say is although they are beautiful watches, please remember that they are just beautiful watches. The scarcity factor definitely adds to the excitement, but in the end, you will habituate to it just like any of your other great watches.

Best of luck and remember most of the thrill is in the hunt ;)

[Clasper]

It may well be worth buying another model as part of the deal, when you think it's a false economy say paying thousands extra on the grey market when if its a dealbreaker you could get two watches for a bit more.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by jaySL350

I found making the manager laugh every time i called to enquire my position on the "list" worked for me,,,,

Originally Posted by tyler1980

usually just asking for a Daytona does that though

I always ask for a discount too and my AD laughs his head off, but then he takes a swing at me so I sometimes think this ain't working...

[Jimmy0311]

[QUOTE=037;8451102]My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Building a relationship doesn't always require spending money but does require some face time at a minimum. But, nearly every AD willing to sell a stainless Daytona generally prefers a prior purchase unless it's for a major event and/or they've met the customer in person.

The reason why they don't offer a Daytona to callers is because they assume that anyone on the phone is just another person taking the easy route in trying to get Rolex's most sought-after piece. They also assume it's yet another flipper. If all you've done is call then your chances are slim to none. Dealers won't sell Daytonas to someone who calls and has never been to their store.

This is what worked for me, stopping in every week, talking and got the call in two months. I would recommend a bigger dealer and just stick with them. I had I had no prior relationship with them.

[037]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Doesn't always work imho, and what if that 'someone there' quits or moves to another retail location, then what are your options? There seems to be some wisdom in avoiding large chain stores and going with 'mom & pop' stores, yet what if they go out of business or lose their Rolex AD status?

That's always a risk and I've learned that lesson personally. My chain store AD from fifteen years ago closed one of their stores and I lost a solid contact. She took a different job rather than moving to one of their other locations. Luckily I had purchased enough watches to stay relevant in their system. Now I deal with two small mom-and-pop stores and have multiple contacts for redundancy. Always have a backup plan.

[rpl77]

Originally Posted by 037

My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Building a relationship doesn't always require spending money but does require some face time at a minimum. But, nearly every AD willing to sell a stainless Daytona generally prefers a prior purchase unless it's for a major event and/or they've met the customer in person.

This is exactly how I got mine last year after a two month wait. Well, I did buy a DJ2 first after waiting that first month.

[Bigsoftee]

I went to see my local AD when I moved countries and enquired about a blue faced sky dweller. He said sure I will order you one. This was in July, 2 days before my birthday he called to say it’s in, I was there within 30 minutes to pay. Since then I placed an order for a Daytona which is due any day down as per his rep, and I am number 1 on the SS Pepsi. Real gentleman of a AD been around for 20 plus years. He even did me a tax free price on the Skydweller. All my rolexes will be purchased through him now.

[Droolex]

I am always emailing my AD. I get all sorts of nice magazines, and items when I go visit and get invited to events. It pays to be cordial, and maintain regular contact.

[BLNR1]

Originally Posted by tng11

My AD also kvetched about me not buying enough TT/PM pieces, since my last 7 purchases from them were "hot" SS references that they "could have easily sold to the next person in line", snidely inferring that I meant little to them despite my loyalty and purchase history.

I am taking my business elsewhere.

Yeah but how many of those 7 pieces have you kept? I gather it's from RDV? If perhaps you aren't holding onto those "hot" ss pieces it may impact how they treat you

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by tng11

My AD also kvetched about me not buying enough TT/PM pieces, since my last 7 purchases from them were "hot" SS references that they "could have easily sold to the next person in line", snidely inferring that I meant little to them despite my loyalty and purchase history.

I am taking my business elsewhere.

I can certainly understand your frustration but a lot of AD in my city practice the same thing.

My AD does not factor in the value of a hot model in his "Goodwill Roster". The way it works is I have to purchase not-so-popular items, like DJ/PM/2T/Calatrava/AC/PC in order to get the SS sport models.

I think this approach works for me because I know exactly what I have to do to get these popular SS sport model at MSRP.

Alternatively I have to pay premium at greys. Either way is not ideal but I get my name on that warranty/certificate when I get it new from AD.

[tng11]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

I can certainly understand your frustration but a lot of AD in my city practice the same thing.

My AD does not factor in the value of a hot model in his "Goodwill Roster". The way it works is I have to purchase not-so-popular items, like DJ/PM/2T/Calatrava/AC/PC in order to get the SS sport models.

I think this approach works for me because I know exactly what I have to do to get these popular SS sport model at MSRP.

Alternatively I have to pay premium at greys. Either way is not ideal but I get my name on that warranty/certificate when I get it new from AD.

It certainly was naive of me to think I could "spend" my way into developing a relationship. I have learned my lesson now.

[EmilA]

Goldsmiths Bullring in the U.K. - Left my name for a BLNR in 2016 and received a call 5 days later saying they have one and it’s mine if I want it. Granted this was 1 day before Christmas and people on their list didn’t answer the phone or didn’t have the money for it.

Prior to that, I had only walked in and browsed watches and dreamed of buying a Rolex

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by tng11

It certainly was naive of me to think I could "spend" my way into developing a relationship. I have learned my lesson now.

From a positive perspective, your AD has "given" you a number of popular models before you purchase the not-so-popular pieces. That's cool of them

I would have kissed my AD in my city literally if they treat me like this

[aspivo]

I guess I am one of the few lucky ones that got the Daytona c without any prior purchase or prior relationship with an AD.
Here's what happened.
I pass by an AD to check out their inventory. It was my first time there. Thought about buying a white gold watch but ended up not getting it. I mentioned I wanted a Daytona c when we were chatting. One week after, I got the call indicating that he could get me a Daytona in hope of future business with him. Of course, I went to the shop and took it immediately. This was 2 months ago.

[boost2perfection]

I walked into an AD in Hong Kong around 2015ish. Dealer told me they had zero SS Daytona at the time. After chatting for 30 min and he realize prior my family’s relationship with them. He told me there’s one SS white Daytona. I was very happy as white was what I wanted. The watch was in a clear plastic box he has taken out from their safe. And I picked I bought it! I don’t even try to build a relationship by my area in NY as there are plenty of ppl who buy so many watches.

[GMT Aviator]

I recieved a call from an AD I visit in the US only yesterday offering me the CHNR I’ve been after, and I haven’t bought anything from them thus far. If I had been visiting the US in the next day or two, the watch would have been mine....alas I’m in Cuba instead! So you don’t need to spend money to get ‘the call’ necessarily, but showing your face, shared pics of my collection with said dealer and being genuine all helps.

[gccmd]

It’s really worth establishing a relationship with an AD because once you have it you will always get the “hot” watches at MSRP in a reasonable amount of time. You will need to spend some money first and drop in to visit and chat regularly. I got both the black and white ceramic SS Daytonas, a BLNR, and blue SS Skydweller all at MSRP. Had I paid a grey dealer premium the extra money spent could have been used to purchase several other watches from the AD. Once the AD knows you are a serious buyer and not a flipper you will start to get offered other watches as they come in. I have turned down a Hulk, the SD 43 twice, the JC Deepsea twice, and a TT Rootbeer in the past 6 months alone.