A monthly journal of trying to get a Daytona 116500

[green_dial]

Good job on getting the Lv and BLNR.

Not to hijack the thread, but I'm in a similar position. I'll have been waiting for 2 years in October for a Daytona C from an small independent AD that I've know for years and have bought from since being on the wait list. It was even indirectly confirmed that they prioritise people who have spent a lot with them, rather than going through the 'list'. For me at least, AD relationship counts for nothing.

[Orthogonal]

When we all retire and you get your Daytona, we should have a party. This is without a doubt one of the best threads on TRF right now.

[Brazicano]

Wow You’re lucky you even got those 2 that fast. Probably a couple years on the Daytona, best of luck!

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by green_dial

Good job on getting the Lv and BLNR.

Not to hijack the thread, but I'm in a similar position. I'll have been waiting for 2 years in October for a Daytona C from an small independent AD that I've know for years and have bought from since being on the wait list. It was even indirectly confirmed that they prioritise people who have spent a lot with them, rather than going through the 'list'. For me at least, AD relationship counts for nothing.

Not downplaying your experience, I lived that when I lived in PA. My recent experience has been the exact opposite. I moved to a new city and started a relationship with a new AD. I went in, introduced myself and told them what I wanted - the scarce Daytona C. They put me on the “list”. Over the next 18 months I visited often, talked watches, and gave them some business. Some small jewelry items for my wife and a SS sub date I gifted to a friend. The salesperson and I are now friends and I have an advocate with the owner who knows I am local, not a flipper and someone with whom more business was possible. 18 months in I got my Daytona C. The owner wanted to meet the guy he had heard so much about and handled the delivery of my new Daytona C himself. I don’t know where I stood on the list but I am 100% sure I was no where near a big spender for this store.
Two weeks later I picked up a SD43 when the 1st buyer turned it down and they put it in the case.
I value their consideration of my business and I think it’s fair to say they value me as a customer. I’m sure the Pepsi gmt won’t be far off.
Sorry for the long post, but I would suggest those still waiting for their scarce pieces to not underestimate the value of a relationship over pure spending.

[imgook]

6 months in and you already got 2 highly desired watches. There was a another guy on here with goals to get them 3 watches from AD's and he succeeded.

Here's the link
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=571886

[green_dial]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Not downplaying your experience, I lived that when I lived in PA. My recent experience has been the exact opposite. I moved to a new city and started a relationship with a new AD. I went in, introduced myself and told them what I wanted - the scarce Daytona C. They put me on the “list”. Over the next 18 months I visited often, talked watches, and gave them some business. Some small jewelry items for my wife and a SS sub date I gifted to a friend. The salesperson and I are now friends and I have an advocate with the owner who knows I am local, not a flipper and someone with whom more business was possible. 18 months in I got my Daytona C. The owner wanted to meet the guy he had heard so much about and handled the delivery of my new Daytona C himself. I don’t know where I stood on the list but I am 100% sure I was no where near a big spender for this store.
Two weeks later I picked up a SD43 when the 1st buyer turned it down and they put it in the case.
I value their consideration of my business and I think it’s fair to say they value me as a customer. I’m sure the Pepsi gmt won’t be far off.
Sorry for the long post, but I would suggest those still waiting for their scarce pieces to not underestimate the value of a relationship over pure spending.

Good story! Sounds like you made yourself known with all the people that mattered and showed you were an enthusiast

I'll be visiting them soon, so we'll see how it goes.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by green_dial

Good story! Sounds like you made yourself known with all the people that mattered and showed you were an enthusiast

I'll be visiting them soon, so we'll see how it goes.

Thanks. I really hope it works out for you. I know how frustrating it feels fwhen you feel played by an AD or any retailer for that matter.

[jaisonline]

September 2018 :

Visited my AD a few times in late Aug and Sept. Had 2 watches serviced with them and purchased some jewelry for the mrs and me.

Regarding SS prof watches, I saw YM and SeaDweller on display in Aug. Saw a Milgauss last month.

[HONDABBQ]

Why are you at your post?? TK421 do you copy?

[tyler1980]

To summarize, your quest for a Daytona has resulted in two AD purchases of watches you were not after and you will still buy a Daytona... Anyone think the Rolex strategy isnt working now?

congrats on the watches.

[Odie-r]

At least you got two nice pieces so far. Congrats!

[jaisonline]

thanks.

no. i was in the market for a 6 digit sub and gmt when they were offered to me. the dealer knew i was after a daytona from the start when we met.

Originally Posted by tyler1980

To summarize, your quest for a Daytona has resulted in two AD purchases of watches you were not after and you will still buy a Daytona... Anyone think the Rolex strategy isnt working now?

congrats on the watches.

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by HONDABBQ

Why are you at your post?? TK421 do you copy?

ha. funny. thing is my BLNR's serial starts with "TK". i will never willingly depart with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1w90XSN3Tc

[jaisonline]

Hey folks,

Oct and Nov 2018 updates.

Still no Daytona. Wasn't expected it honestly. Maybe in 2019.

However, I did visit my AD multiple times these months to get watches serviced including a recently purchased Y-series 16710 GMT.

If I was in the market for a black 116610, one was available. I already own a 16610T and 116610LV so kindly passed. Also passed on a new non-JC DeepSea since I’m not really into thicker cases (as expected it sold quick).

I also sold a GMT 116710 LN to put more cash toward the Daytona if it ever arrives for my ownership :)

[Busyboy]

I believe I got my ceramic Daytona by being charming...
I sent flowers and chocolate a fair few times

I wrote numerous poems, to the shop floor staff, that made them laugh and understand me...

One day, I was told how much it meant to them, and that I'd gone up several echelons in the list. Shortly after, a few more poems... I got the call...


Watch out tho

Buying the ones you've been offered does tend to suggest that things are going well on both sides ... But it can all blow up in your face - as I found out....

To be expanded on...

[lenfried29]

Originally Posted by jaisonline

Hey folks,

Oct and Nov 2018 updates.

Still no Daytona. Wasn't expected it honestly. Maybe in 2019.

However, I did visit my AD multiple times these months to get watches serviced including a recently purchased Y-series 16710 GMT.

If I was in the market for a black 116610, one was available. I already own a 16610T and 116610LV so kindly passed. Also passed on a new non-JC DeepSea since I’m not really into thicker cases (as expected it sold quick).

I also sold a GMT 116710 LN to put more cash toward the Daytona if it ever arrives for my ownership :)

Less than 6 month and I got my DaytonaC two days ago with no prior history with now my AD. At the end of this June I walked in this AD and purchased my first Rolex(DSSD). Month later my second Rolex BLNR. And now I have DaytonaC from the same AD. Good luck on your Daytona hunting

[BillA]

What I don't understand is buying watches you don't really like to be in the good graces of the AD. With the monies you paid for the 2 watches which you really don't like you could have had a SS Daytona from a gray dealer at a premium, been wearing it now for 6 months, with a big smile on your face.

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by BillA

What I don't understand is buying watches you don't really like to be in the good graces of the AD. With the monies you paid for the 2 watches which you really don't like you could have had a SS Daytona from a gray dealer at a premium, been wearing it now for 6 months, with a big smile on your face.

Never said I dislike (or not really like) the BLNR and Sub LVC. I said I disliked the Sub's green bezel but the rest of the watch is great.

Regarding paying the obsurd gray market price for a Daytona, that wouldn’t put a smile on my face. It would be more like throwing $8k away. That $8k saved pretty much paid for the Green Sub.

My objective from the get go was to get a Daytona for MSRP.

[jaisonline]

Here's just a quick update for Dec post.

I saw my AD 2-3 times since then. Dropped off my recently purchased 16710 for a much needed servicing (don't think it was ever serviced). The service went great and is back on my wrist.

No big 116500 Daytona updates other than answering if I would be interested in a black dial if one become available. I said "yes but do prefer a white dial as pretty much every watch in my collection is a black dial model".

[bmclaurin]

Originally Posted by Busyboy

I believe I got my ceramic Daytona by being charming...
I sent flowers and chocolate a fair few times

I wrote numerous poems, to the shop floor staff, that made them laugh and understand me...

This makes chuckle. How did the poems go? I’m not much of a poet, but would something like this work?

Roses are red,
BLNR’s are blue.
I want a Daytona,
This much is true.

[jaisonline]

I love it! Awesome. I just go it’s put a green sub verse in there.

Originally Posted by bmclaurin

This makes chuckle. How did the poems go? I’m not much of a poet, but would something like this work?



Roses are red,

BLNR’s are blue.

I want a Daytona,

This much is true.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jaisonline]

Feb, March and April 2019 updates :

No news from my AD. No dice yet. I still check in every month or two.

In early Feb, I sold my 116710Ln to my ad. Broke Even. Ugh. Kinda sick about it's current far higher value but I did use the cash for another 16710 so its not too bad.

[Luke@TRF]

Great journey so far and good luck.

[SS Oyster]

Perseverance pays off ... proof right here in OP. Keep going, you'll have a 500c and BLRO before you know it.

[Daveclock]

Originally Posted by explorer42

I can’t smile wide enough.

If only you guys knew the meaning of the word irony.

The AD I went into the other day (gave me the expected 2+ years others waiting longer than me chat....)

Said I could get a No Date Sub sooner - said I was OK and had that already covered - showed him my 5513 with a flick of the wrist - I could tell he thought I was wearing a Timex or something equally exciting...

[subprimero]

Great read! Good luck with your quest!

[whuang29]

Great read.

[JayHantz]

Continuing to hope the best for you! Maybe June is your month!?

In all honesty, you have great patience and this is a great read for anyone trying to acquire a hot model from their AD.

[enjoythemusic]

This thread is a great idea, makes me think I should start one about waiting on the Pepsi.

[Daveclock]

I think this will be more of a yearly entry type of diary!