Visit to a new AD

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

Was NEVER a fan of Finks, at least the Charlotte location. My ad had a few yesterday including a Submariner. I walked by the case and had to do a double take. Sure enough there it was. It was one of only 3 watches in the entire case.

I looked at it and handed it back to the SA. I'm sure it will be gone 5 minutes after they open tomorrow.

What kind of sub?

[992Guy]

Originally Posted by CoveWatch

A number of AD’s are developing a minimum inventory rule where they must meet a predetermined number before selling any above that. I believe that number varies amongst AD’s involved and could take the next few weeks before we start seeing a tiny bit of availability again.

Fact, my new LV is one of them at my fav AD. Should be able to pickup before the end of month!

[DJ2020]

Makes sense. At least customers can actually see one.

[jakemiller69]

A friend says good things to me about Finks, but he said they sell to a lot of whales.

[Dunhill98]

Originally Posted by CoveWatch

A number of AD’s are developing a minimum inventory rule where they must meet a predetermined number before selling any above that. I believe that number varies amongst AD’s involved and could take the next few weeks before we start seeing a tiny bit of availability again.

This ^^^^^

[Bladeshot]

Watches are there and are being sold. Just not to you and many others. Keep trying if you want something. If it’s meant to be it will be.

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Fink’s in North Hills, Raleigh today, my first time there. Salesman was friendly, had a welcoming attitude, but confessed they didn’t have a single Rolex in the store.

Walked to the display cases, entirely empty, not one single watch on display. No Cellini’s no DJ31’s with diamond bezels, no MOP dials, nothing, zippo.

‘I’d be happy to take your name, set up a personal profile with your preferences, of course we have to work our way through the lists of other interested customers…’

Can’t imagine what the long term game plan is.

In San Francisco last week. Tourneau dedicated Rolex boutique on market street: nine watches (2/3 lady datejusts). I remarked that it looked like they’d been robbed. All the cases empty. Nothing in the window displays.

The next day to the incomparable Shreve & Co. on Post Street off Union Square. Nine rolexes. Acres of empty display cases.

It’s getting spooky.

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

Watches are there and are being sold. Just not to you and many others. Keep trying if you want something. If it’s meant to be it will be.

It never hurts to ask. Per my note about the nine rolexes at Shreve & Co. I had my North Flag on and was offered a Tudor black bay 58 blue that was not on display.

The reality is they can sell anything instantly and supply can’t keep up with inflated demand. Sometimes, asking is the best strategy.

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by jstan9

It never hurts to ask. Per my note about the nine rolexes at Shreve & Co. I had my North Flag on and was offered a Tudor black bay 58 blue that was not on display.

The reality is they can sell anything instantly and supply can’t keep up with inflated demand. Sometimes, asking is the best strategy.

Agreed! Ask. And build a relationship by investing your time with a rep. If we enjoy the hobby and they do too, it will be evident that we are genuine enthusiasts and perhaps they will work to accommodate.

[ArtNouveau]

I just moved to a new state two weeks ago. On a slow day I dropped into the local jeweler/Rolex AD. Their Rolex display had only the typical small sized bejewelled Datejusts but nonetheless the saleswoman was very friendly and talkative. I asked her point blank if they were interested in taking on new customers and she said of course we are.
Told her I was waiting on a Coral Red OP41 and would also consider yellow. She pulled out a little notebook, took my info and wrote down what I was looking for. Gave me a copy with her card stapled to it. She said everything is in demand but she wasn’t aware of anyone asking for that exactly.
Who knows? I think I may have passed some test (wearing a Daytona in and not mentioning it probably helps), but I have no idea what their market is like. No expectations. Pretty sure my previous AD will come through eventually but if the local one came in first I should probably support that. That said, if neither comes through I just won’t have the watch. I am learning that my wants versus needs have really evolved.

[Carroll]

Building a relationship with your local AD is very important.

[CoveWatch]

Originally Posted by 992Guy

Fact, my new LV is one of them at my fav AD. Should be able to pickup before the end of month!

I am hoping to have a piece arrive soon as well but hoping they hit their mark by then

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

Was NEVER a fan of Finks, at least the Charlotte location. My ad had a few yesterday including a Submariner. I walked by the case and had to do a double take. Sure enough there it was. It was one of only 3 watches in the entire case.

I looked at it and handed it back to the SA. I'm sure it will be gone 5 minutes after they open tomorrow.

Surprised they even put that watch on display

[novae500]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Fink’s in North Hills, Raleigh today, my first time there. Salesman was friendly, had a welcoming attitude, but confessed they didn’t have a single Rolex in the store.

Walked to the display cases, entirely empty, not one single watch on display. No Cellini’s no DJ31’s with diamond bezels, no MOP dials, nothing, zippo.

‘I’d be happy to take your name, set up a personal profile with your preferences, of course we have to work our way through the lists of other interested customers…’

Can’t imagine what the long term game plan is.

not surpised at all with Finks. I've been trying for 20 years to start a purchase relationship with them. Always told $50k in jewelry to then be considered for a steel watch. So had to go grey first few Rolexes. Several in VA closed down, lost their AD status, and went out of business. Others on here said they have relationships with Finks and able to get some watches

[Rolexforthewin]

Every case in every AD will be empty. Every AD has watches in the back to some capacity.

[GONZO2LR]

i'm sorry but if i were to walk in and ask...and they had none...i would look at my wrist and start laughing....as i walk out....point at them...still laughing......

[dajiggalo]

Originally Posted by Carroll

Building a relationship with your local AD is very important.

Every time I hear “build a relationship” I translate it as “buy a bunch of other stuff from us and we might consider selling a steel Rolex to you”….

[afmars]

Originally Posted by dajiggalo

Every time I hear “build a relationship” I translate it as “buy a bunch of other stuff from us and we might consider selling a steel Rolex to you”….

It’s not always the case. It’s true you have to spend some but you can usually spend a minimal amount (a few thousand here and there) and develop a solid personal relationship and compete with the whales in my experience. YMMV.

[dannymac55]

Talked to an AD at a smaller family jewelry store recently who told me over a third of their business was Rolex sales, and even though it's considered a small family jeweler, their adverts are literally everywhere, to include multiple on airport concourses.

So they get plenty of stock - it's just navigating the process to eventually get what you want without insane mark up. Will never find out what you can get if you don't ask.