How to go about buying a stainless steel Rolex as a new buyer

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

If there are 10 buyers and the AD gets one every three months what can they do anyway ??? They can only sell what they get.

The MRSP on ss sports models are too low .It should be upped and this circus may come to an end .The AD and the buyer scores in the long run.Flippers and Greys are not needed in this chain of events .

I agree. The Daytona should likely hover in the 16-18 range and this would be solved.


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[BDGator]

I emailed 10+ ADs near my parents home down south and somehow got a Sky Dweller Black last summer - stuff happens. Probably will be easier with BLNR than BLRO or Daytona. Big cities / big dealers are comparatively challenging but you’ll need some connectivity to whatever area to make up a good story I guess. From my understanding Rolex factory shuts down for winter, so you may have to wait till March before giving that a try. If anything - they’ll add you to a list maybe.

[meyers]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

This is tantamount to starting a thread in an actor's forum saying, "I'm new to L.A. I want to play leading roles in feature films. How do I go about that?"

This analogy is brilliant

OP - wish you all the luck in the world finding the SS pieces you mention

[jamesreid978]

I’d recommend going to a remote tourist area in the UK with a small population and expressing interest in the BLNR and that only as it’s the easiest to get. The other two you have no chance with and putting your name down for multiple watches isn’t a good look and will decrease your chances. The reason I say remote tourist is that the population near these places are low and a lot of the people on their “lists” would be people out of town and when called won’t even answer or not be in a position to buy as they were only visiting when they put their name on the list there. I know someone who had no relationship with an AD in a tourist location in remote Scotland and enquired about a hulk last summer, hit offered one a month later.

As others have said, people who have a long spending history at ADs can’t even get these watches, so having no history isn’t going to leave you in a good position.

I wish you good luck!

[JacksonRain]

Which is more "difficult" to get, a BLNR or LV?

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Hi everyone,

I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

If you want a Rolex to wear and enjoy, maybe consider a DateJust or Oyster Perpetual. Much more available from an AD, and every bit as capable at telling the time as the 3 very popular (for the moment) references you have named.

If you're buying as an investment, you are in competition with Grey Market experts or on a long waiting list (if ever) from an AD.

Selling a Rolex has it's own pitfalls, and not anywhere near as easy as calling up your broker and selling your stocks/bonds.

Good luck.

[harvey]

Maybe OP is trolling? Only looking to get the most sought out references currently in the UK?

Apologies if I'm wrong...

[NewRolexer]

Originally Posted by harvey

Maybe OP is trolling? Only looking to get the most sought out references currently in the UK?

Apologies if I'm wrong...

What? I’m just looking to buy a watch I like, I’m going to wear it everyday and I don’t plan on selling it but it’s nice that it will also hold its value..

[harvey]

Erm okay? Obviously you know they're difficult to get, and you state you have no history with an AD and further add you want to pay retail? But you still ask what are your options?

Even if you been on this forum for a day, you will see numerous threads on the same topic.

Have a good weekend.

[Rocket_Man]

As others have said, you are really late to the party. Many are already in line and you don't even have an invitation. The way I see it, you could get really really lucky, or go to a Trusted Seller like DavidSW or Takuya and pay the market value.

Contrary to others in this thread I don't see the Grey Market or Trusted Sellers as the cause of this, they are a symptom of the problem, not the cause. The cause is Rolex, their distribution methods, the sales contracts they have with ADs, and the boom in the economy which has brought out more buyers than normal. At some point one or more of those factors will change, then I'd guess the first watch you'd be able to pick up in a reasonably way would be the BLNR. Rolex will always be limiting production of the DaytonaC and Pepsi GMT.

You can bet that any regular owner of a Pepsi GMT, DaytonaC, or BLNR who goes to sell their watch are going to seek the most the market will bear. No different than a TS or GM seller. If ADs weren't selling to these guys, someone else would fill the void. Afterall, the Paul Newman Daytona listed for less than $200 when new and sold for $15M. Does that make them part of the problem? I don't think anyone would say so, but it was the sale of this watch that really kicked up the interest (and prices) in all Daytona models, not just the newest one.

[tle156]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

Could not agree more. That's what I'd do as well

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by tle156

Could not agree more. That's what I'd do as well

Ok but let’s be honest....it’s a rah rah speech. I wish everyone had lots of money to buy Rolexes, too...but that’s not reality.

The reality is grays suck....but you won’t be getting a watch anytime soon from an AD. Fighting the “good fight” gets you nowhere right now.

The real suckers are those of you who fight the good fight and refuse to pay a gray $2k premium but are willing to get down on your knees and bundle 2-3 other watches that you don’t really want for $20k just for the chance that God, I mean your AD....will bestow the distinguished privilege of letting you buy a Daytona for MSRP (that they are making 40 percent profit off of).

[tle156]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Ok but let’s be honest....it’s a rah rah speech. I wish everyone had lots of money to buy Rolexes, too...but that’s not reality.

The reality is grays suck....but you won’t be getting a watch anytime soon from an AD. Fighting the “good fight” gets you nowhere right now.

I can not answer for everybody since each of us has our own background, opinion... But to me, I choose not to pay over MSRP for Rolex watches even I have enough money for that. If this madness keeps happening for 10 to 20 years, I'll still keep avoid to buy them. At the end of the day, it's just a hobby to me, there are something more important in life I'd prefer to spend my money for

[watchbowl]

If I was you I’d aim for a Patek 5711 instead


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[dukeystanez]

I paid def over retail and it was well worth it. Find the best deal you can, and move forward. You will not regret. Cheers

[Soultime]

To the OP.....

I would do what someone above said and go to a tourist area and go into an AD and specifically ask about one model (BLNR?).
North of the country may be better than the south - unfortunately for you.

Then....

Widen your search for something to wear in the meantime. You have selected the hot models right now.
But what about an Exp ll / Milgauss / DJll / YM etc?

All fantastic watches that you could later sell if your AD order comes good - and lose very little if you buy well.

I personally have a BLNR that is hardly worn now since getting a rhodium DJ ll.

Try and see past the hype of the hot models.

Personally, I think the rhodium YM is a stunning only watch (not my pic)...

[calh22a]

OP, there are many people who already have relationships and purchase history with ADs who are still waiting to get their hands on one of the watches you want. The chance of you getting one quickly is low. My best recommendation is to try the smaller ADs, and the ones located further away from a metropolitan area. Good luck on your search.

[NewRolexer]

Originally Posted by Soultime

To the OP.....

I would do what someone above said and go to a tourist area and go into an AD and specifically ask about one model (BLNR?).
North of the country may be better than the south - unfortunately for you.

Then....

Widen your search for something to wear in the meantime. You have selected the hot models right now.
But what about an Exp ll / Milgauss / DJll / YM etc?

All fantastic watches that you could later sell if your AD order comes good - and lose very little if you buy well.

I personally have a BLNR that is hardly worn now since getting a rhodium DJ ll.

Try and see past the hype of the hot models.

Personally, I think the rhodium YM is a stunning only watch (not my pic)...

Some very good points mate. I’m liking the new two tone rose gold GMT so may try and pick one of them up while waiting.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by tle156

I can not answer for everybody since each of us has our own background, opinion... But to me, I choose not to pay over MSRP for Rolex watches even I have enough money for that. If this madness keeps happening for 10 to 20 years, I'll still keep avoid to buy them. At the end of the day, it's just a hobby to me, there are something more important in life I'd prefer to spend my money for

For sure....I respect that. We pay premiums for stuff everyday that others may not think is worth it.

That being said, I think everyone has their line. Personally, I paid maybe $1200 more for my 126711 over what I would have paid an AD after tax. However, I would never pay an $8k premium for the SS Daytona. It’s like buying something and paying for faster shipping. I’ll pay a premium to get it here quicker but won’t let them assault me and charge me the price of the item in shipping just to have it the next day.

[Syfret]

Originally Posted by Simon040289

If I was you I’d aim for a Patek 5711 instead


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[doboy007]

Originally Posted by JacksonRain

Which is more "difficult" to get, a BLNR or LV?

Used to be LVc, but now not so sure.

[Soultime]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Some very good points mate. I’m liking the new two tone rose gold GMT so may try and pick one of them up while waiting.

The model you mention (TT CHNR) is starting to gain a lot of popularity on here. Even amongst those who don't normally like TT. Remember it only came out recently.

I am seriously considering selling the BLNR for one. Never considered a TT watch previously. I actually think TT is coming back into fashion (as it was in the 80s) due to the issues with SS.

There waiting lists for these, but probably not excessive (currently). Very unusual for a two tone.

[Soultime]

Ps
If you do get a CHNR, I can't see you wanting to chop it in for a BLNR when/if one becomes available.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona? You don't sound like a buyer who wants a watch to own and enjoy for many years to come. All you are saying is that you want a flipper's delight but you don't really care which one AND you only want to pay retail. You have flipper written all over you.

The first step is to decide what watch you really want. Go from there.

If all you care about are investments and holding value, then try real estate, stocks or the like.

[Swiss Mad!]

Unfortunately for you, your in the UK!

Not good news I'm afraid if you only want to pay retail.

No AD will put you on a list for a SS Ceramic Daytona with no previous purchase history so put that one to bed straight away.

A Sub no date or Explorer II may be a bit more realistic for a first purchase but even those won't be sat waiting for you.

Your best bet is to visit the AD's in person, ask for the manager or at least one of the senior sales staff, sit down with them & explain your situation.

Depending on the AD, whether it's part of a large chain such as Goldsmiths, Watches of Switzerland etc or a small family owned indipendant will very much determine the type of response you get.

The large city AD's will have hundreds/poss thousands of enquiries already logged for all the popular SS stuff so you have little to zero chance of getting a call from them.

My advice would be to hunt down the small indipendant AD in smaller towns rather than the big cities.

Definitely make the effort to go and see them, just phoning will have little effect.

Sorry to paint such a bleak picture, but just telling you how it is.

If you want something now rather than in 12 to 18 months, then unfortunately you will have no choice but to pay a little more & go grey.

Good luck!





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[wytrader]

All depends on how badly you want the watch. If you want the value then buying them at market discounted AD prices is the only way but invloves luck, patience or people skills. If you want the watch then I think there is a pretty good indication of what the world values the watches at use that as your point of reference as opposed to MSRP.

My advice would be get as much face time as possible in at the AD's in your area. If you are a likeable guy then you might get lucky. If they have lists get on them.

Step 2: Find the best prices used version of the watch you really want. You seem to have listed the 3 watches with the largest grey markups but find the one you really want and wear and enjoy it in great health.

Step 3: When your lottery ticket number comes up at an AD and you get "the call" sell the watch you bought grey, knowing you will probably lose a little but embrace the enjoyment you had and got from the watch.

Step 4: Enjoy pulling the stickers off the new watch, enjoy the bracelet squeak.

Good luck.

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

Great advice!! I agree with this opinion 1000%

[Nairn1980]

My advice (being that you’re so late to the party) is going grey if you’re firm on model.

Alternatively go AD but for an Explorer, Air King or Yacht Master.

Good luck either way

[Rolex Essex]

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex so unfortunately I haven’t got a history with any AD. After months of saving I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Thanks for any replies, hope everyone here had a good Christmas and New Year!

Sounds like you’re purely drawn by the hype and demand of those three hot watches.
No AD is going to touch you with a barge pole without a relationship.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I’ll summarize the upcoming responses:

1. You’ll never get one of those three watches without a relationship with an ad and even in this environment, it will be a while before you can score one.

2. Put your name on a list and wait it out.

3. Call around and hope for the best.

4. Buy used from a former owner from a second-hand marketplace.

5. But from a grey dealer (Trusted Seller). You pay more but you get the watch immediately.

In my opinion, put your name on a list and focus on cultivating a relationship with an authorized dealer.

Buying from the grey market is perpetuating the problem. The grey market is the problem. Avoid them like the plague. They’re pirates. They hoard supply, and under the guise of “good customer service,” they’re manipulating the marketplace. Don’t play their games. Don’t pay $15k for a blnr. Leave that for the suckers, the impetuous, the undisciplined, the unconcerned, or the unsophisticated.

5 out of the next 10 posts will tell you to go grey market. Be prepared for the sales pitch.

Good luck and I hope you find the watch of your dreams.

We don’t always agree, but these are wise words

Originally Posted by NewRolexer

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex so unfortunately I haven’t got a history with any AD. After months of saving I have decided I want to purchase a Batman, Pepsi or ceramic Daytona - I want a piece that can also be an investment and will hold its value.

With these being so hard to get, what are my options? How can I go about buying one without a history with an AD, I only want to pay retail.

Thanks for any replies, hope everyone here had a good Christmas and New Year!

OP. If you are in the UK (which it looks like) I would add the following.

Stay away from larger chain ADs. Find small more local independents and go visit them in person. Explain your dilemma and make it clear you understand that the situation is really tough right now, especially as you are a first time buyer.

Was speaking to “my” AD’s general manager the other day and times are changing. It’s one of the big ones and it’s clear that their policy is now only to sell to known customers with purchase history. Basically new buyers have zero chance of getting an in demand reference from them.

Also, chose one of the three to express interest in. Not all. Makes you look less like a flipper and more like a serious buyer. Realistically I’d be looking at the BLNR as the easiest of the three to source currently. Make sure you appear like a genuine buyer and not someone buying to flip for profit.

Do not and I cannot stress this enough talk about value retention or use the word “investment”. Make it clear you want the watch to wear. Work on establishing a relationship with that AD. Pop in from time to time when they are quiet to talk watches. If they like you they will be more inclined to sell you a watch you want.

I don’t buy all this “hard to get pieces are all in the safe waiting for the big spenders” chat we read on here - in the UK at least. Perhaps in the States, but I’d say it’s less prevalent here.

Take your time, build that relationship, appear genuine, be liked, let them know you’re aware of warranty card retention etc and say you are more than happy happy for them to do that and you’ll probably have a BLNR on your wrist within 6 months.

The only other option to buy from an AD is find someone with an existing solid relationship and have them help or refer you. Get the “in” that way.

Or look at other references (as posters have mentioned) or other brands.

There’s the most beautiful LE. Grand Seiko spring drive GMT sitting in my local retailers window. It’s been there for 3 weeks. You could probably buy it for £5,000. The GS diver is right beside it. It’s been there even longer. Better finished, arguably better “quality” watches.

It’s where my money would go if I was looking at an all steel GMT right now.