Amusing hour at my AD exchanging TRF and Real Life Stories

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by TomCarter

Every time I've been to my AD to purchase a watch this year in the 30-40 minutes it takes to swipe the cc, get a couple links removed, shoot a little s*** , I have overheard the same conversations almost verbatim at least 2-3x per trip between potential customers and other SA's. Asks for every hot SS model, SA:I'm sorry sir but we don't have any of those in stock currently supply is extremely low and demand is 10x what it was a year ago, well can you put me on the Daytona GMT Skydweller Sub list? I don't mind waiting, SA: we don't have a list waits for those particular models are 5yrs+ but if you would like you can leave your information and I will register your interest in them. My heart goes out to the real watch enthusiasts that are going through it trying to get ahold of the watches they so desire but I also put myself in the AD's shoes. Man having the same conversation 85 times a day everyday has to get old quick!

Same, but a true watch enthusiast doesn’t just go into an AD only looking for “any of a Daytona/GMT/Submariner.” That’s insanely transparent, and to be honest, on the rare occasions when I’m in an AD these days and hear that, I actually enjoy hearing the SA shoot the obvious flipper down.

[drjrhc]

Well, I'll play...

As someone who has genuinely wanted to purchase a Rolex Sub or Sky-Dweller for the past 2 years I can't get any traction at any ADs I have visited in a 250-mile radius.

I have been an Omega/Panerai/Tag guy for the longest time and purchased a couple of Rolex watches about 10 years ago, two Subs and a GMT-II. But that AD has since gone out of business, and I have no relationship with anyone.

I have offered to pay in full, pay half, hell pay anything that they want to guarantee when one comes in, and it's my turn, get a watch. I can't get anyone to bite.

It is extremely frustrating for someone who wants the watch to keep. Not flip.

Having said this, I don't necessarily blame Rolex for what they are doing. It is a business, and they are doing what is best for them. But, for the 5-10% of people who are actually looking for a watch for themselves, it is nigh impossible to achieve.

As a result, I have given up on ever getting one. I have dreamed of the Sky-Dweller in blue since it was announced. Was willing to get another model to build up a reputation to achieve one eventually, but can't even do that. LOL. It is kind of nuts.

Anyway. As my favorite saying goes, it is what it is...

[Rolesor_66]

I was visiting an AD while on a trip on the west coast. I was minding my business asking to try on a few Exhibitions pieces because I'm still patiently waiting for the Pepsi from my local AD. There's a guy sitting next to me who started telling the story that his wife has cancer treatment and he's in town every six months; he would like to buy a watch for her as part of the journey and will engrave the case back when she's cancer-free. The SA had a few selections of DJ31 on the tray but he was being indecisive asking my opinions, we chat for a little. As I was getting up ready to leave I heard this guy say to the SA ' well, if a Submariner Date becomes available I will buy it first without hesitation.' I smiled at the SA and walked away.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm pretty happy to have my Rolex collection and really not wanting to spend any more on them. I feel no need to buy more. My last two purchases this year were more than enough making five in total. I don't want to play the Rolex one upsman game any more as it's just too expensive.

[JPK1982]

I know my place, I hope to have my silver dial DJ36mm on my wrist between January and March based on what the AD said! :)

[jaySL350]

Told we will receive our chnr before Xmas but I can wait,,,
After that I’m off to GS and others,,,

[J to the Z]

The typical “story” my AD gets usually has to do with a son showing up alone saying he’s trying to buy a watch (SS sub, GMT, or Daytona) for his dad’s upcoming milestone birthday. These are some of the more amusing “stories” my AD has heard:

AD gets a phone call from this guy who says he’s in the hospital and dying, but his one last wish in the time he had left was to get a SS Pepsi for his son (it had to be a SS Pepsi, no other watch was acceptable).

A guy comes in asking for a Batman for his unborn son (due date later this year). AD says that’s a watch they’d only sell to an existing customer and brought up the idea of buying some jewelry for his wife. The guy ran out of the store so quick after hearing that.

A guy comes in asking if there was a Batman, Pepsi, Submariner, Daytona, or Skydweller available and he would buy any of them right on the spot. My AD tells him he should’ve stopped by an hour earlier because he just got a shipment from Rolex with all of those models but they were sold immediately (there was no shipment, my AD was just trying to have some fun with an obvious flipper). The guy actually believed the AD and got angry that he hadn’t been there an hour earlier LOL

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Anyhow, do you guys have any similar anecdotes, views or stories? How do y’all feel about these incessant entitlement posts or the whining?

My favorite two recent stories are:

1) the guy who contacted my AD claiming to be Mark Wahlberg's personal assistant and saying that Mark needed a green Submariner, "so, what do you think, are you going to be able to help Mark out?"

2) the AD employees playing a version of the "name that tune" game. In this case it's the "name what brand they are calling about in as few words as possible". For example, caller inquiring about Tag: "yeah, what's your best price and availability on the Monaco?". Caller inquiring about Rolex Sub: "Hi Michelle! Hope your day is going great today! Do you by any chance have a Submariner in stock currently?". They can typically pick the brand within 2 words it seems haha.

[Rado63]

Originally Posted by inadeje

We read stories on here of novice collectors dumbfounded about the unavailability of certain Rolex models. There seems to be an endless supply of threads on the matter. There’s also the TRF members who’ve been away for a while and just returned back posting after reacquainting with our hobby and Rolex. I’m sure I missed many common thread profiles, all with the varying grades +/- of disbelief. AD staff too are confused.

Anyhow, today I shared some of these TRF stories, anecdotes and tribulations with my main AD and his female colleague. We took turns, I told one TRF frustration post story, while they told me a real world no bs story of the ploys and shenanigans they hear to get a Rolex. We exchanged a good 10 or so stories each.

I left the boutique with a distinct sentiment of surprise. It seems that the Rolex hype is very real, and I would say tiresome for those working at the ADs. The lower supply of Rolex watches is (as far as they’re concerned) a complete fallacy, since each has achieved the same sales quotas as several previous years back to 2017. They say sales are “easier”, but nothing more.

What has clearly changed in the Rolex world is the hysteria surrounding the brand. Speculators becoming attracted to quick cash flips and the upsurge in YouTube/instagram “¿stars?” creating ever increasing FOMO.

This is the new reality and it is unlikely to subside. I’m amused by posts I read on here, especially those from the low post-count seemingly entitled newish members, who seem to feel that they’re owed a Rolex watch, that 10 seconds later is worth 100% more than they paid…go figure…

Anyhow, do you guys have any similar anecdotes, views or stories? How do y’all feel about these incessant entitlement posts or the whining?

All this story does is confirm that the AD's are lying to those potential buyers who are told that they haven't seen that watch in years, haven't got any new shipments, etc, etc, but somehow all the sales quotas are met. I guess they meet these quotas by selling to the same people over and over again.

[Tensai]

Unfortunately this world is full of idiots desperate to make a quick buck, and even more desperate to brag about their “wealth” on the interweb. When the easy money goes away, they will move on.

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by Rado63

All this story does is confirm that the AD's are lying to those potential buyers who are told that they haven't seen that watch in years, haven't got any new shipments, etc, etc, but somehow all the sales quotas are met. I guess they meet these quotas by selling to the same people over and over again.

The quote I heard, paraphrased...."If you own four Rolex's (from the same AD) it's relatively easy to buy a fifth. If you are looking for your first when you reached a personal milestone, good luck."

[Jack T]

My AD said he has a Rolex list, hundreds of names, not for a Sub or DJ or a GMT, just any Rolex that comes in.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by JonaG

An AD in Japan told me it’s the same people who wait outside for doors opening at 10am everyday.

whats the point of that ? waiting outside the store ?

[Exceptional1]

Originally Posted by dauster

whats the point of that ? waiting outside the store ?

Rolex Japan do not have any form of waitlist policy - they won't take names for anything and just advise potential buyers to come to the store as they may put something out before store opening. However, I do believe they have certain clients that they reserve watches for.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by jlovda

The quote I heard, paraphrased...."If you own four Rolex's (from the same AD) it's relatively easy to buy a fifth. If you are looking for your first when you reached a personal milestone, good luck."

Welcome to Rolex, where you cant make a purchase until you've made a purchase

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by drjrhc

Well, I'll play...

As someone who has genuinely wanted to purchase a Rolex Sub or Sky-Dweller for the past 2 years I can't get any traction at any ADs I have visited in a 250-mile radius.

I have been an Omega/Panerai/Tag guy for the longest time and purchased a couple of Rolex watches about 10 years ago, two Subs and a GMT-II. But that AD has since gone out of business, and I have no relationship with anyone.

I have offered to pay in full, pay half, hell pay anything that they want to guarantee when one comes in, and it's my turn, get a watch. I can't get anyone to bite.

It is extremely frustrating for someone who wants the watch to keep. Not flip.

Having said this, I don't necessarily blame Rolex for what they are doing. It is a business, and they are doing what is best for them. But, for the 5-10% of people who are actually looking for a watch for themselves, it is nigh impossible to achieve.

As a result, I have given up on ever getting one. I have dreamed of the Sky-Dweller in blue since it was announced. Was willing to get another model to build up a reputation to achieve one eventually, but can't even do that. LOL. It is kind of nuts.

Anyway. As my favorite saying goes, it is what it is...

Have you considered purchasing from a pre-owned dealer ?

[drjrhc]

I would. Haven’t been able to find anything.

Grey market is OUTRAGEOUS, and just refuse to pay the premium. Which I get means I don’t get what I want, and am cool with that.

Maybe I’ll change my mind at some point. I don’t know.


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[hondacb1002]

Originally Posted by garyk

A fellow TRF member told me well over a year ago that I should be grateful for the watches I’ve already been fortunate to acquire. He was so right and I am really grateful especially seeing what is going on these days!

good point and i need to dwell on that instead of letting the search for this next rolex pre-occupy me.

[TheDapperYank]

I also think that a lot of the more vocal complainers aren't the paragons of charisma they think they are. I hear so many stories of folks just walking in, making demands for the MOST popular models and being pissed off that they got laughed out of the room. How you get the watches you want is

1.) don't be a douche (which appears to be incredibly difficult for probably 1/3 of the folks here and on reddit)
2.) don't be weird about it
3.) be patient with watches like the SS Daytona which has been on a waitlist since the 90s and you're not special.

[Chester01]

I have been into Rolex since the 90’s and would waltz in plunk down the dough and walk out. No games, no BS, and typically a discount. I’m not upset with the folks looking to get a Rolex, I’m upset with Rolex being complicit in the sham. The excessive hype and massive premiums these watches are getting is grotesque and has turned me off to the brand to the point of I’m embarrassed to wear the thing in public.

This idea that one should jump through hoops, beg, genuflect, wait for ages, for the privilege to buy a watch. I mean it’s not some advanced degree where one can expect some suffering, it’s a mass produced watch and it does not make one entitled to think that they can pick one up at the store as many of us old timers did and had been done for the 99 percent of Rolex entire history.

[Giangos]

I was at my local VC boutique yesterday. It is quite small and due to COVID regulations only limited numbers are allowed in the store at the same time.

A guy was waiting his turn outside and the SA opened the door and told him there would a wait and asked if he would like to book an appointment and come back. His response….. “no, I don’t even need to come in, do you have a blue dial overseas?”

Honestly, at that moment I felt for the SA and ADs in general. Having to deal with that crap all day every day. That guy was not a watch enthusiast. We discussed it after he left. I’m sure he just saw something on YouTube or Instagram and thought he could make a quick buck. The SA told me they get about 30 calls a day, all asking for the same pieces. How tiresome is that!

I know many people here are annoyed with ADs, see it from the other side. They are putting up with a lot, it can’t be easy for them.


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[330ci]

Originally Posted by Giangos

I was at my local VC boutique yesterday. It is quite small and due to COVID regulations only limited numbers are allowed in the store at the same time.

A guy was waiting his turn outside and the SA opened the door and told him there would a wait and asked if he would like to book an appointment and come back. His response….. “no, I don’t even need to come in, do you have a blue dial overseas?”

Honestly, at that moment I felt for the SA and ADs in general. Having to deal with that crap all day every day. That guy was not a watch enthusiast. We discussed it after he left. I’m sure he just saw something on YouTube or Instagram and thought he could make a quick buck. The SA told me they get about 30 calls a day, all asking for the same pieces. How tiresome is that!

I know many people here are annoyed with ADs, see it from the other side. They are putting up with a lot, it can’t be easy for them.


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Oh the horror! How hard these peoples lives must be telling people they can't spend $10k+ on a watch



As has been stated they just laugh at customers who try to spend $10k+ on a watch. Great way to treat customers. Rolex is hardly worth the money they're charging nowadays. The market will realize eventually.


As for the "sales quotas being met are the same as last year"

How many authorized dealers lost their license in that time and how many new licenses were issued? The amount of ADs has been on a decline for the past 10 years. Even if the quotas remain the same, less places with quotas to fill, mean less watches overall. Can't just look at one jewelers sales and use that as a representation for the industry.

And if you think that they will increase in price forever, that's more indicative of hyperinflation than a good investment; which means we're likely facing far bugger problems than who will be next in line for an overpriced watch

[garyk]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

My favorite two recent stories are:

1) the guy who contacted my AD claiming to be Mark Wahlberg's personal assistant and saying that Mark needed a green Submariner, "so, what do you think, are you going to be able to help Mark out?"

Hysterical!! Of course some idiot will try name dropping. Desperate times bring the morons out. Great story!

[waxy88]

Originally Posted by garyk

A fellow TRF member told me well over a year ago that I should be grateful for the watches I’ve already been fortunate to acquire. He was so right and I am really grateful especially seeing what is going on these days!

This is precisely my mindset now. I have a beautiful SD43 and DJ41 and got a fantastic DJ36 for my wife for our 20th wedding anniversary this year.

There are other Rolex pieces I have expressed an interest in, but I am fairly chilled about it, as I am happy with the pieces I have. Plus I will simply divert my attention to the other watches I would like to add to my collection.

Every so often I will swing by the AD and will eventually pick up the other watches I am after and may get the call for another Rolex piece. If not...c'est la vie

[Giangos]

Originally Posted by 330ci

Oh the horror! How hard these peoples lives must be telling people they can't spend $10k+ on a watch







As has been stated they just laugh at customers who try to spend $10k+ on a watch. Great way to treat customers. Rolex is hardly worth the money they're charging nowadays. The market will realize eventually.





As for the "sales quotas being met are the same as last year"



How many authorized dealers lost their license in that time and how many new licenses were issued? The amount of ADs has been on a decline for the past 10 years. Even if the quotas remain the same, less places with quotas to fill, mean less watches overall. Can't just look at one jewelers sales and use that as a representation for the industry.



And if you think that they will increase in price forever, that's more indicative of hyperinflation than a good investment; which means we're likely facing far bugger problems than who will be next in line for an overpriced watch

Perhaps you tell us what the ADs are supposed to sell these people who walk in with 10,000 entitled dollars when there’s little to sell? Or to put it better, nothing of hype to sell. They could buy a different brand if that money is burning a hole in their pocket, but they choose to buy the hottest brand, and most likely the hottest models from the hottest brand.

No, I don’t feel sorry for people walking in off the street looking for GMTs and subs. They know what they are signing up for when they take that path.

Also, your math is bizarre, how can you get to stage where you think there are less watches overall, when roughly the same amount of watches are produced year in year out. Wether some ADs lost their license or not, you are still looking at 800k + pieces made and sold each year. And the remaining distribution network will move all of them.

Finally you state “Rolex is hardly worth the money they're charging nowadays. The market will realize eventually”

Don’t die waiting for this to happen. The market has realised and prices continue to climb.


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[330ci]

Originally Posted by Giangos

Perhaps you tell us what the ADs are supposed to sell these people who walk in with 10,000 entitled dollars when there’s little to sell? Or to put it better, nothing of hype to sell. They could buy a different brand if that money is burning a hole in their pocket, but they choose to buy the hottest brand, and most likely the hottest models from the hottest brand.

No, I don’t feel sorry for people walking in off the street looking for GMTs and subs. They know what they are signing up for when they take that path.

Also, your math is bizarre, how can you get to stage where you think there are less watches overall, when roughly the same amount of watches are produced year in year out. Wether some ADs lost their license or not, you are still looking at 800k + pieces made and sold each year. And the remaining distribution network will move all of them.

Finally you state “Rolex is hardly worth the money they're charging nowadays. The market will realize eventually”

Don’t die waiting for this to happen. The market has realised and prices continue to climb.


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To address your first 2 paragraphs. I have no clue why these shops even open. Why waste money on employees to sell watches that don't exist. But even moreso i was taking a problem with how you act like it was so obtuse of the customer to hope he could get a royal oak(which APs pricing was so messed up they had to have price decreases a few years back just so they could correct their market position)

Why would anyone feel bad for employees who show up to a job daily when they know they have nothing to sell?

As for Rolex production... with random serials noone even knows what production is. Its fact that 2020 had reduced production and was stated to last 2 years in initial articles. So you can't tell me my math is bizarre when you have no discernable proof for your statement as well, other than sales quota from one AD, while factually the amount of ADs has been on a decline over 10 yrs so they should have a proportionate increase of reallocated inventory & sales if we're to follow your logic.

Amd finally, the "they've been increasing for so long they must increase forever argument."
Things are great right now because not many people are trying to cash in. When generations shift, and boomers start dying off leaving their millenials with large collections of watches to sell, the market will correct.
We still haven't had to face any of the economic impact of the pandemic. And if you think this hype won't fade as quick as it came, I think you're mistaken. People who say the hype will never die, weren't here before the hype.

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by 330ci

Amd finally, the "they've been increasing for so long they must increase forever argument."
Things are great right now because not many people are trying to cash in. When generations shift, and boomers start dying off leaving their millenials with large collections of watches to sell, the market will correct.

Millennial here. We're buying watches like crazy. Blame Hodinkee.

[IT114060]

from Rolex website:

MODELS AVAILABILITY
All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict our production capacity and, at times, the demand for our watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Retailers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

Official Rolex Retailers can provide information on the availability of Rolex watches.

[Sgooter]

I think we'll soon have to pay an admission fee just to enter the AD's treasure palace. Surprised they haven't tried this already.

[drjrhc]

Originally Posted by Sgooter

I think we'll soon have to pay an admission fee just to enter the AD's treasure palace. Surprised they haven't tried this already.

LOL.

Change coming in model year 2022...