Newbie: Rolex MSRP? And how to buy one?!

[WestCoastS]

Welcome to the world of finding a watch at MSRP it is not easy but not impossible. My advice go in person to a few AD's show interest in a couple models you want and get on the list. Stress you are new to the brand and a watch enthusiast and lastly have patience.

There are good AD's out there still just have to find one.

[mulberry083]

I’m in a similar position to you. Finally at a point where I have disposable income and have recently decided it’s time to treat myself. Basically did what Dapper suggested. I struck up a conversation with a local AD, was sincere that I wasn’t sure what I really wanted. The AD took the time to show me some watches and I was sold on a Sub41 after trying on an older version. By the end of the conversation he not only took my info, but also shared his cell so that I could check in from time to time. I know I’ll have to be patient, but I’m willing to wait. BTW, stopped by a week later and bought a Tudor.

[fsprow]

I would recommend Hamilton Jewelers in Princeton on Nassau Street. Really fine folks and should give you the straight story on availability,

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

OP lives in the tri-state area with no purchase history and no AD relationship, there is really no reason to suggest they will be able to purchase a BLNR within a couple of months.

He could get one same day at legit greys in NYC, assume there are several?
Or just $20k in obscenely overpriced jewelry and boast about never paying over MSRP.

[214270Explorer]

Agreed about the "only ask for one" comments made in these posts.
Why?
If you go in asking for several of the hot models, they will IMMEDIATELY peg you as a "potential flipper" and you will never hear from them again.

Once you get something from them, and later they see you still have it and have not flipped it, they will be more willing to get you the future purchases you want.

[russ86]

If you dont wang to wait few years go grey

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ignore all the trolls and haters. There’s a lot of bad vibes on this forum.

I was a newbie and quickly got my first Rolex from an AD with no purchase history.

If you have 2 nearby AD you can ask them which one is supposed to serve clients in your area and they should tell you. ADs aren’t supposed to compete with each other they’re supposed to serve areas and guide clients to the correct AD.

Just go into the AD in person, don’t call. Tell them what you told us, that you’ve wanted one for a while and you’re ready to buy your first watch. Tell them which one you’re interested in, only pick 1 model. Follow up with them in person every few months.

If it’s a low demand model you might only wait a couple of months. If it’s a high demand model it could be years. So just set your expectations early. For a Batman it’s probably a couple of year wait but it’ll be worth it.

Don’t buy used/Grey especially for your first watch.

You’ll be happy you went the authentic method and were patient rather than wasting money.

Sorry, but I don’t think anyone is being a “troll” or “hater” — they’re just being direct. You pretty much summed up what previous posters had said when you say that “if it’s a high demand model it could be years.”

The fact of the matter is that the market is even tougher now than it was a year ago. It is not impossible to get a “hot” watch as a first piece, but it’s quite hard. A submariner? Difficult but certainly not impossible. A GMT? Much harder than a Submariner, but also not impossible (as another poster here indicated). Daytona or blue Sky-Dweller? About as close to impossible as it gets for a steel watch, Patek Nautilus notwithstanding.

[thenewrick]

Lots of people just say the same drivel that it’s impossible, gotta bribe an AD, that it’s a better option to pay the extra $10-15k and buy used. All hogwash and defeatest. A first time buyer should absolutely not be buying a $9k watch for $20k from a used jewelry salesman.

If AD’s aren’t selling you watches, you may want to take a look in the mirror.

If you suddenly decided that your dream watch is (insert highest hype model), you may want to take a look in the mirror.

For normal newbies don’t overthink things. Just go into the AD as I described and be a decent person and see what happens.

Lotta bitter folks on forum who bribed AD’s or overpaid used and try to discourage newbies. Shame on them.

[slp5]

Thank you all for your advice, it definitely is a learning experience! I went into one AD here in central jersey, met with the manager, he was extremely pleasant (and didnt sell me any optimism, was very realistic) told him i want the sub41 or gmt ii. He did ask me what others watches i have (since i was wearing an apple watch, ha, probably a bad move!) and i told him and told him i wanted to enter the world of rolex. We had a great conversation, he also gave me one of those hard covered rolex catalogs, which, I'd like to take as hopefully hope that he knew i was serious. I'll drop in again in a couple of months to check in. Perhaps I'll go visit the other AD in the nearby area and do the same.

It is my first watch, and I know this might put me in the midst of a long time waiting, but i dont want to pay 20k for a 10k watch, if i was willing to do that then i would just aim for my YacthMaster rose gold which i believe msrp is 24k.

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Lots of people just say the same drivel that it’s impossible, gotta bribe an AD, that it’s a better option to pay the extra $10-15k and buy used. All hogwash and defeatest. A first time buyer should absolutely not be buying a $9k watch for $20k from a used jewelry salesman.

If AD’s aren’t selling you watches, you may want to take a look in the mirror.

If you suddenly decided that your dream watch is (insert highest hype model), you may want to take a look in the mirror.

For normal newbies don’t overthink things. Just go into the AD as I described and be a decent person and see what happens.

Lotta bitter folks on forum who bribed AD’s or overpaid used and try to discourage newbies. Shame on them.

You just can't seem to get it in your skull that a new, unworn watch from a legit grey is no less a UNUSED watch as anything bought from an AD.

[Snerks]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Lots of people just say the same drivel that it’s impossible, gotta bribe an AD, that it’s a better option to pay the extra $10-15k and buy used. All hogwash and defeatest. A first time buyer should absolutely not be buying a $9k watch for $20k from a used jewelry salesman.

If AD’s aren’t selling you watches, you may want to take a look in the mirror.

If you suddenly decided that your dream watch is (insert highest hype model), you may want to take a look in the mirror.

For normal newbies don’t overthink things. Just go into the AD as I described and be a decent person and see what happens.

Lotta bitter folks on forum who bribed AD’s or overpaid used and try to discourage newbies. Shame on them.

That 9k MSRP watch is not worth 9k anymore. It's now worth 20k. I understand it was, at one time, worth 9k, but being stubborn and refusing to understand the market says its a 20k watch is not helping any newbies.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a hype watch. These hype watches are hype for a reason. Many are some of the most treasured and desirable watches Rolex has made for decades. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a Daytona or BLRO.

The fact of the matter is, any newbie walking into an AD and asking for just about any Rolex will be denied service. Its completely understandable this is frustrating to you, and any new Rolex buyer, but pretending like it isn't true is just silly.

"Don't hate the player, hate the game". Your anger is misdirected at individuals accepting the new reality of the game, when it should be directed at the game itself.

[ks58]

Batman will be impossible. I like hearing the stories of people getting a great piece with no purchase history. But that isn't the norm at all. Rather shocking but the realistic answer is you'll definitely have to put in a bunch of work to get something. Especially without any purchase history.

[Roll-E]

I think the truth is somewhere in the middle.

I think a newbie should test the waters and try a few AD’s. There is absolutely a chance you can get a datejust, PM piece, and maybe a Sub.

Now if you walk-in as a newbie with no history, you can’t expect to walk-in and get a Daytona or BLRO. It’s just not happening.

If you have no time to wait or just don’t want to wait, of course go grey.

[slp5]

On the original poster I’m out of state and have come across an authorized dealer who has a 36 date just Jubilee with a diamond bezel. Around 15k msrp. I wanted the sub41 or gmt ii. Is the date just something that’s easily attainable and I shouldn’t bother jumping on the opportunity and keep looking a bit?

[teck21]

Originally Posted by slp5

On the original poster I’m out of state and have come across an authorized dealer who has a 36 date just Jubilee with a diamond bezel. Around 15k msrp. I wanted the sub41 or gmt ii. Is the date just something that’s easily attainable and I shouldn’t bother jumping on the opportunity and keep looking a bit?

Diamond bezel references tend to be the least desirable.


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[doboy007]

Originally Posted by slp5

On the original poster I’m out of state and have come across an authorized dealer who has a 36 date just Jubilee with a diamond bezel. Around 15k msrp. I wanted the sub41 or gmt ii. Is the date just something that’s easily attainable and I shouldn’t bother jumping on the opportunity and keep looking a bit?

Don’t settle for what you don’t truly want. Just keep trying. I know it’s easier said then done but you don’t really have a choice other than overpaying $5k+ for a watch, which ultimately is not a necessity.

[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by slp5

On the original poster I’m out of state and have come across an authorized dealer who has a 36 date just Jubilee with a diamond bezel. Around 15k msrp. I wanted the sub41 or gmt ii. Is the date just something that’s easily attainable and I shouldn’t bother jumping on the opportunity and keep looking a bit?

If there’s something available in the window like that, there’s a reason.

[slp5]

Thanks. Ok something to consider. And probably right. I just got excited for a moment with a store actually having a model for sale! I don’t think it’s over paying though as it is the msrp listed on the Rolex site. I didn’t know if it’s something g I should just grab and then sell maybe In the future after attaining a sub or gmt ii.

[JRell]

If I was you, I would print out this tread, find the owner to the closest AD, tell the owner I am sure this isn’t something you haven’t heard before. Show them your dedication to buying through them and not grey. Ask them what is most realistic to get from your wish list. And follow-up, a lot. You will get it.

[garyk]

It’s a cruel Rolex world these days with even longer wait times for sports watches than ever!

[slp5]

Thank you all! I think you’re right. I’ll be momentarily happy in gaining a Rolex but won’t be completely pleased since I want the sub or gmt. The diamond bezel is not my style either. Just didn’t know if I should get it and keep it and try to sell it after but I probably don’t want to have to deal with a sale of it privately either..thanks all for the advice :)

[TheVision]

Be weary on forums. Most are patrolled by reselles (inc Reddit/Wus) and the usual answer will be "GO GREY MARKET!!". They are boosting their own sales and 100% marked up profits.

I just sold my smp (which funded towards my goal of $11k) in the bank for the new 41mm sub or new 2021 Explorer II GMT.

After reading all the horror stories online, I started my real AD hunt last weekend. Took me all but one day and I was able to build a strong relationship with one of them.

Already have my name down and I'm dealing with the store mgr directly. Just be honest and be yourself and do NOT hint that u are purchasing to resell or make a profit!.

My AD said he can hook me up before X-mas. It's not exactly weeks but I can wait for another 1-3 months.

Yes, there's a wait but if u do your shopping , it's not as bad as the internet will tell ya.

Good luck.

[doboy007]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Be weary on forums. Most are patrolled by reselles (inc Reddit/Wus) and the usual answer will be "GO GREY MARKET!!". They are boosting their own sales and 100% marked up profits.

I just sold my smp (which funded towards my goal of $11k) in the bank for the new 41mm sub or new 2021 Explorer II GMT.

After reading all the horror stories online, I started my real AD hunt last weekend. Took me all but one day and I was able to build a strong relationship with one of them.

Already have my name down and I'm dealing with the store mgr directly. Just be honest and be yourself and do NOT hint that u are purchasing to resell or make a profit!.

My AD said he can hook me up before X-mas. It's not exactly weeks but I can wait for another 1-3 months.

Yes, there's a wait but if u do your shopping , it's not as bad as the internet will tell ya.

Good luck.

This seems too good to be true especially if you’re in CA but good luck.

[slp5]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Be weary on forums. Most are patrolled by reselles (inc Reddit/Wus) and the usual answer will be "GO GREY MARKET!!". They are boosting their own sales and 100% marked up profits.

I just sold my smp (which funded towards my goal of $11k) in the bank for the new 41mm sub or new 2021 Explorer II GMT.

After reading all the horror stories online, I started my real AD hunt last weekend. Took me all but one day and I was able to build a strong relationship with one of them.

Already have my name down and I'm dealing with the store mgr directly. Just be honest and be yourself and do NOT hint that u are purchasing to resell or make a profit!.

My AD said he can hook me up before X-mas. It's not exactly weeks but I can wait for another 1-3 months.

Yes, there's a wait but if u do your shopping , it's not as bad as the internet will tell ya.

Good luck.

Fair points. How did you sell it? I’m not looking to sell it immediately but just in future when I am able to get my hands on the one I truly want! Is selling one difficult?

Also I just realized in the picture the sales rep sent me that it just says Swiss made at the 6, without the crown, so I assume this is not the updated current DJ but the previous model.

Out of curiosity if you were in my shoes would you go for this and to keep you content til you found “the one”? So conflicted!

Some of the desire to jump is fueled by reading the scarcity of availability through these forums!

[Ringhio]

Originally Posted by slp5

Fair points. How did you sell it? I’m not looking to sell it immediately but just in future when I am able to get my hands on the one I truly want! Is selling one difficult?

Out of curiosity if you were in my shoes would you go for this and to keep you content til you found “the one”? So conflicted!

Some of the desire to jump is fueled by reading the scarcity of availability through these forums!

Buy what you like. There is no need to flip watches to get what you want.
Just stick with an AD an be patient.

I would suggest to find an AD with multiple brands and with jewels as well. So if you need to get something, even a little gift (such as a $200 necklace) you will get it from the AD, so that you start building some relation.
You don’t have to buy things that you don’t want, of course.
But if the same jewel is at the AD vs another jewelry, get it from the AD.

Bracelet for your sister’s birthday? AD!
Necklace for mom? AD!
Ring for your wife/girl? AD!
Cufflinks for your cousin’s wedding? Of course... AD!

If you work with the right associate and you don’t appear like a flipper your watch will magically appear.

[slp5]

All good advice. Thanks!

[joli160]

You want what everybody else wants.
AD’s getting these questions multiple times, if you don’t want to go grey you need to be very patient and wait ...
In my place zero chance, AD’s don’t even take your details.

It’s just how it is.

[Onequik135i]

I called my local AD when the newer models were released last fall & I got the call for the new sub date 4 months back. It happens you could get lucky.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by slp5

On the original poster I’m out of state and have come across an authorized dealer who has a 36 date just Jubilee with a diamond bezel. Around 15k msrp. I wanted the sub41 or gmt ii. Is the date just something that’s easily attainable and I shouldn’t bother jumping on the opportunity and keep looking a bit?

If you want a Sub41, and are considering a diamond bezel DJ36 at 15K because it is available then you should absolutely just buy a Sub41 from a trusted grey reseller for $15K.

[Sprta]

For all the people who say go grey and pay the current market price, well the market price is not what they are selling it to you for but what they would pay to buy it from you. Big difference in the two prices.