Waiting to Purchase Your First Rolex, How Much Do You Spend on Other Brands Waiting

[ATLSFO]

The value the "scalper" adds is putting the watch you want, but can't obtain, in your hands more quickly. I'll pay a reasonable premium to get what I want without having to first create spend history with an AD. Time or money, pick your poison.

[grimps]

Originally Posted by superspectral

So far I've spent $7,600 on new non-Rolex watches in just the time I've been waiting for an AD to get me a SS Datejust. If something would come in, I'd hand the AD my money. But so far, just crickets and money to other brands. No, and don't count Tudor. I know I could buy from the scalpers. But I'd rather my extra $7,600 ended up as watches in my collection. Not as in extra profit in someone's pocket. So how much have you spent?

I walked into my local AD for the first time in 2009 and walked out with a black dial steel Daytona , they asked if I wanted black or white .

Things have changed a little since then

[PBJ1925]

Zero alternative spend waiting for my 1st Rolex.

Fast forward to 2021, I did buy a Tudor BB58 Blue while waiting on a JC DSSD and/or Vacheron Overseas Blue. The Tudor was fantastic, supremely comfortable, and I got enjoyment out of it before getting my JC DSSD. The BB58 at that point needed a new home as I landed a blue dial I was seeking. Luckily didn't take much of a hit since the BB58 was still relatively 'hot' for a Tudor.

[vlps]

Zero. The first few rolexes sports models were purchased below msrp from Grey market dealers years ago

[ArtNouveau]

My first Rolex was likely bought before you were born, no waiting back then. I have bought one watch this year, a Seiko Save the Ocean “King Turtle.” I recently asked my SA for a Coral Red OP41, no timeframe estimate but I can wait.

[Harry-57]

The OP appears to be coming from the angle of what I do to occupy myself between Rolex events. My luxury goods buying isn't single brand focused like that. Rolex is one brand of watch that I enjoy owning. And right now, I'm waiting for another one to arrive at my AD with my name on it.

My most recent watch purchase wasn't a Rolex. I went grey for this, because it was 25% under MSRP. I have one more watch on my list but I don't have any time frame in mind. I'm also going to investigate the possibility of ordering a TT Jubilee for my Sky Dweller later this year. Again, I'm in no rush.

So far my Rolex on order goes, the money is set aside and it will turn up when it turns up. If I was desperate, I would go grey. In this instance, I'm not that desperate.

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by superspectral

So far I've spent $7,600 on new non-Rolex watches in just the time I've been waiting for an AD to get me a SS Datejust. If something would come in, I'd hand the AD my money. But so far, just crickets and money to other brands. No, and don't count Tudor. I know I could buy from the scalpers. But I'd rather my extra $7,600 ended up as watches in my collection. Not as in extra profit in someone's pocket. So how much have you spent?

Did you actually talk to the AD and ask them to order it for you, or are you just guessing this is how it would be based on what you have read other people say here anecdotally? I ask because I just bought my wife a new 34mm OP at our AD. While she was trying it on, our SA said if she was interested in a different color than that one, she could go on the website, configure it, and then let him know and he would work on ordering her the different color. No definite timeframe, but he said with those it could take 6 to 12 weeks but she would definitely get it before summer. As it was, she loved the one they had and I secretly bought it for her yesterday. I'm surprising her with a visit over there later this week to pick it up and have them size it for her and go through all of the unboxing and stuff like that.

I share this because there are greys selling these at stupid markups to people who don't realize that all they have to do is just walk into their AD and actually place their wallet down and say I want to buy that piece. Sports models are completely different, of course, but these are nothing like that. People just read about the nonsense going on with the sports models and then create a story in their head that every Rolex must be like this. No, it's not.

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by Mendota

I share this because there are greys selling these at stupid markups to people who don't realize that all they have to do is just walk into their AD and actually place their wallet down and say I want to buy that piece.

That's great if it's how your AD works, but most will politely tell you they are not taking custom orders. and perhaps even yours would say the same if you had just walked in off the street.

[txnarj]

I just got my SS datejust 36 silver stick dials (jubilee/fluted) after about 8-9 weeks of waiting at AD. No purchase history. Just went in and spoke to them toward the end of Feb and they let me place the order about a week or so later.

[aayates]

Zip, nil, nada.

[GONZO2LR]

building a spent history....???? i find this so stupid, a joke, spend money on things you don't want before you can get a Rolex that you want and the AD's wonder why they are losing customers to grays...

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by superspectral

So far I've spent $7,600 on new non-Rolex watches in just the time I've been waiting for an AD to get me a SS Datejust. If something would come in, I'd hand the AD my money. But so far, just crickets and money to other brands. No, and don't count Tudor. I know I could buy from the scalpers. But I'd rather my extra $7,600 ended up as watches in my collection. Not as in extra profit in someone's pocket. So how much have you spent?

Would have been a better move buy a two tone DJ for a lot less than $7600 over a SS. Much nicer watch in my opinion and little or no wait and no pressure to buy garbage. At least in the areas I have been contact with.

[Malum]

I would never buy a watch just because I want to buy something or I think it will impress an AD into getting what I desire . If I see a watch I like I go for it and if it’s a Rolex I just wait for my AD , who is really good .

[Rolex.Journey]

Not sure what’s going on here. But you should be able to get your DJ for about retail on Greg market or from an AD if you do some laps around a city near you. I wouldn’t blow money at watches that won’t get worn once you have your DJ. A simple place holder Watch would do for 2-3k, that wou KNOW would get wrist time after you get the call.