Oyster Perpetual 28mm - chances of getting?

[Soultime]

Looking at the pics, I think 28 is definitely a great size for you. Blue and Pink both look great on you.

I am probably also closeby to you (Cheshire). PM me if there is anything you want to ask off forum.

My wife is not usually into pink, but bought the pink 36 Datejust (Diamond insets).
It's a stunning colour.... Reminds me of a Salmon/bronze cross rather than a usual 'bright' pink.

Also....try Mappin at Chester. We have done really well there recently.

[MichelleP]

I think the blue looks great and definitely not masculine.

[kacey1001]

Originally Posted by Novartis

Posted to wrong forum - not sure how to move. Reposting here but would be grateful if moderators could delete the other!

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Hello, I'm new here. It's a special event next year (14 months away) and I would like to get a Rolex. I am female, small of build and work in a very non-flashy profession. I'm not a luxury buyer in general. I like well-made, unfussy things that are built to last a lifetime.

I am drawn to the Oyster Perpetual 28mm as the simplest, smallest, and yes, cheapest Rolex - though even if it wasn't, there is something very pleasing and pure about how plain it is (IMO). I'm not fussed about the dial colour, I like them all.

I approached a local AD. They were nice but immediately told me I wouldn't get an OP, even 28mm, as they are far too popular. They advised I could get a Lady Datejust within the timeframe and put me down for one.

But, I don't really want a Lady Datejust, I want an OP. And I don't want to spend £1200 more on a watch I don't like as much They suggested that they prioritise existing customers "or those who intend to become customers" - is that a veiled way of telling me I need to buy other stuff to have a chance of being offered an OP? I know it happens for the high-demand watches, but I guess I wasn't expecting all that business for a little ladies size basic Rolex.

I then wandered into Goldsmiths at the Trafford Centre on the off chance. They were much more straightforward, said it should be fine to get an OP 28mm within 14 months, sat me down and registered my details and preferences, let me try some on and take photos, and told me they'd be in touch when they had a delivery that matched. Generally it was all a lot more like my usual experience of buying things in shops.

Now I'm confused as to who is right and whether I'm likely to get this watch. I don't want to spend a year hoping and it never happen. Hence... this post.

TL;DR - how likely is it to get an OP 28mm as a brand new customer in the UK within the next year?

Hi Novartis

I also live in the North West. Whittles is my local AD but I regularly frequent the Trafford Ctr (In fact, I was there today). Out of the two, I would highly recommend Whittles, they have looked after me previously, as well as a work colleague that I recommended.

I would recommend that you visit them in person and ask for Rose or Harri, as it is a special occasion, I would be hopeful that they could source the watch you want.

[Soultime]

I am sure you will get one from an AD in time.

But just FYI, a very well known local (Liverpool) Rolex specialist currently has this on at £200 over retail. This would suggest they paid below retail to get the watch.

So it will be do-able one way or another.

[Number3]

Great news - sounds like a good bunch at Prestons. The blue looks amazing, it really is a ‘heads or tails’ versus the pink. Fingers crossed for a speedy outcome.

[amh]

Between those two I'd go with pink. Why? It's more versatile, also looks silver in some light. (I'm saying this based on how I see my wife picks a watch to go with an outfit.)

[winst]

Originally Posted by Novartis

Thank you Starhutch, BlueLight, Lew Archer, Deepseadog, gnardex, winst, Vesper Lynd and Number3 for the opinions on the watch size and colour! It's greatly appreciated.

So, some positive news. I tried Prestons in Wilmslow on your suggestion Number3 (it's the only other non-WoS within 30 mins) and they were fantastic. Very straightforward, helpful and down to earth. The salesperson told me she was confident she would be able to get me one but it may take 12-18 months. She could not guarantee she could get it in time for my birthday, but she felt she probably could, and if not it would be within a few months. She spent a lot of time talking to me about the watch and the practicalities of owning it (how to wear, how to wind, servicing intervals etc) and checking how to contact me once it was in (what time of day around my working pattern etc), which gave me a good feeling that it was going to really happen!

There was no pressure to buy anything else, unlike DMR. She said that the OP is a popular line but the 28mm the least so, hence the most realistic prospect, which fit with what I thought.

They had a blue dial 28mm to try on, and I was surprised by how much I loved it! I think even more than the pink. The depth of colour is just beautiful. The only thing that worries me is whether it looks too masculine, like I'm wearing my dad's watch if you see what I mean

Whittles are a great AD, I have bought a few watches from them now and deal with Jo there who is a delight to deal with. I’m sure if you stay in contact they will come through for you. The blue looks great on you, I had a Rolex Date for many years with a blue dial and they are great. The only advice I would give though is blue can be a bit limiting in terms of wearing with other colour clothes. The pink dial looked great on you and may be more versatile, but also have you seen the Silver dials with the gold batons and hands on - that could look great on you?

[Novartis]

Oh my goodness.

Just had a call from Prestons Wilmslow. The brand new blue OP 28mm they have in, that I tried on yesterday, is mine if I want it!!!!

Can't believe it. 16hrs from registering interest to having the exact watch I wanted!!

My only concern is whether it would be good for the watch to remain unused for 14 months? As I'm determined to wait for my 40th. They can hold it in their safe for me.

The guarantee can be held to only activate when I collect, if I pick up next year.

Advantages would be I have it secured and avoid any price increases. Money is ready now.

Random thought - would they let people try it on if it was in their store? I wouldn't mind one or two people but not keen on it being the sample for a year. Also, would it be better to have in my possession in case they go out of business unexpectedly or something...?

I could collect now and keep as my sister has a very secure safe.

What would you do?

Can't believe my good fortune so just feel there must be something I'm missing...

[Soultime]

Buy it now!!

Get it sized. Give it your sister to store it.

Don't worry about the warranty. You will still have 4 years left on it.

And it's also worth knowing (check with AD) that you can generally change to another colour dial at a future date - if it was available option when the watch was bought.

[amh]

Great news!

Buy it now and take it home. Keep it in the sock drawer until the big day

[Soultime]

If it was me....

Buy it and give it to sister to store in safe.

Then go and see it and give it a full wind every few months. See how accurate it is over 24 hrs also. But don't wear it.... Wait till birthday.

Reasons:

The dealer could go bust with your watch and your money. Unlikely, but we live in strange times.

Rolex RRP only ever goes up and not down.

I doubt you will be dining out on the bank interest while the money is on deposit.

If someone does go into the shop and ask to try on a OP28 in blue, I imagine your watch will be shown.

Sometimes things just come good for you and all the planets align.

[Number3]

What fantastic news, I’m really pleased for you.

I would do exactly what these guys have said - grab it now and stash it in your sister’s safe. As Soultime said you’ll still have 4 years of warranty left when you come to wear it and, especially with a Rolex, if the warranty is ever needed it’ll be straight away or not at all.

What a brilliant result!

[Deepseadog]

Or, buy it now and wear it immediately! Life is too short to wait for some arbitrary date that's not guaranteed...

[gnardex]

Hurra!!!!!

Novartis, remember my story? well... exactly the same happened to me with the Sea Dweller of my son! The day after they phoned my son!
And the same happened to you.
Do everything the other wise guys told you.
Keep it safe, do not use it but give it a charge monthly and check if it keeps the time.
Also, remember to check if with your model you can, in the future, change dial, as Soultime told you! Wise, just if in the future you want it in another color.

Buy it!

Great great news!
So happy for you

[Novartis]

Thank you so much to everyone for your replies :) Sorry not to thank those who posted the colour opinions, in my excitement to post my AD update - I did read them all and they were enormously helpful in making my decision. I'd already decided to go for the blue before getting the call - the depth of colour is amazing and it matches sapphire jewellery I have. The shimmery sunburst dial on dark blue reminds me of the deep ocean.

OK, so it sounds like it's unanimous to pick up and keep in my possession. I visit my sister about once a month so could gaze at my precioussss. Or the sock drawer option is tempting amh...

Soultime - very clearly explained rationale for bringing it home and not leaving there - I'm convinced! (Just noticed the 276200 from the Liverpool seller above - it seems exactly the same as the one I'm getting, but it's more than £200 over retail - mine at MSRP is £4200?).

Number3, I'm very grateful to you for suggesting Prestons Wilmslow, I wouldn't have thought of it otherwise. What a fab place.

gnardex, I do remember, what a fab story. It's so nice when the planets align!

Deepseadog, funny you should say that - my husband just said exactly the same. He suggested I pick it up and start wearing it on my 39th birthday, which is a much more manageable 6 weeks away, and just consider it an "early 40th" present. This is very tempting but I worry that I'll regret it when I don't have it to open on my 40th! I'd be interested to know if others are disciplined enough to wait for their special occasions...

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by Novartis

Oh my goodness.

Just had a call from Prestons Wilmslow. The brand new blue OP 28mm they have in, that I tried on yesterday, is mine if I want it!!!!

Can't believe it. 16hrs from registering interest to having the exact watch I wanted!!

My only concern is whether it would be good for the watch to remain unused for 14 months? As I'm determined to wait for my 40th. They can hold it in their safe for me.

The guarantee can be held to only activate when I collect, if I pick up next year.

Advantages would be I have it secured and avoid any price increases. Money is ready now.

Random thought - would they let people try it on if it was in their store? I wouldn't mind one or two people but not keen on it being the sample for a year. Also, would it be better to have in my possession in case they go out of business unexpectedly or something...?

I could collect now and keep as my sister has a very secure safe.

What would you do?

Can't believe my good fortune so just feel there must be something I'm missing...

Buy it now and bring it home. If you want to hold off until your birthday, put in a safety deposit box. I personally would want to wear it right away

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by Novartis

Oh my goodness.

Just had a call from Prestons Wilmslow. The brand new blue OP 28mm they have in, that I tried on yesterday, is mine if I want it!!!!

Can't believe it. 16hrs from registering interest to having the exact watch I wanted!!

My only concern is whether it would be good for the watch to remain unused for 14 months? As I'm determined to wait for my 40th. They can hold it in their safe for me.

The guarantee can be held to only activate when I collect, if I pick up next year.

Advantages would be I have it secured and avoid any price increases. Money is ready now.

Random thought - would they let people try it on if it was in their store? I wouldn't mind one or two people but not keen on it being the sample for a year. Also, would it be better to have in my possession in case they go out of business unexpectedly or something...?

I could collect now and keep as my sister has a very secure safe.

What would you do?

Can't believe my good fortune so just feel there must be something I'm missing...

That's great news. I agree with those who recommend making the purchase now. This is coming from a fellow who bought an OP for his seven year old daughter to give to her when she's 18 or out of college or whatever.

These watches do keep, so no worries there. Fourteen months is nothing, time wise, to the watch.

As to where to store it, you could simply buy it now and put it away somewhere safe. If you don't want to be tempted by it, find a bank with a safety deposit box (and review the terms carefully). Or, keep with the AD, perhaps clarify that it not be shown to other customers without your permission. I bought my daughter's watch via a "lay away" plan. I don't know if that term is used in the UK. I made a down payment, but the AD retained possession of the watch while I made monthly payments, without interest. That allowed me to absorb the cost over time. I think it was six month period, but have forgotten. I was not in a hurry, as it would be years before I would be giving it to her! I've kept that watch in a home safe; every so often I give it a wind and let it run for a bit. I've been keeping it for about eight years now, and that watch is just fine.

Sometimes the stars come into alignment. So, I'd say close the deal now (under whatever terms you ultimately work out) as it's precisely what you were after. Whether you take possession now or later is a pleasant problem to solve.

Congratulations!

[winst]

Originally Posted by winst

Whittles are a great AD, I have bought a few watches from them now and deal with Jo there who is a delight to deal with. I’m sure if you stay in contact they will come through for you. The blue looks great on you, I had a Rolex Date for many years with a blue dial and they are great. The only advice I would give though is blue can be a bit limiting in terms of wearing with other colour clothes. The pink dial looked great on you and may be more versatile, but also have you seen the Silver dials with the gold batons and hands on - that could look great on you?

Sorry, I meant Prestons at Wilmslow and Jo there. I always get confused with Whittles in Preston. They are a nice dealer as well but I have never been fortunate enough to get a watch from them yet. Enjoy picking your watch up from Prestons if you do - it is a lovely building! If you get the watch I would take it home but just make sure you add it to your home insurance before you pick it up.

[gnardex]

hmmmm.....
in a couple of months, you will enter in your 40-th year of your life.
Isn't it enough to wear a wonderful blue OP28?
after all, in your 40-th birthday, you will have already lived 40 years!

Ask your husband and your sister, but I don't know if I would be able to resist.
It's a torture!

[Soultime]

Soultime - very clearly explained rationale for bringing it home and not leaving there - I'm convinced! (Just noticed the 276200 from the Liverpool seller above - it seems exactly the same as the one I'm getting, but it's more than £200 over retail - mine at MSRP is £4200?).

My bad....
I am in Portugal at the moment and the Rolex site showed in € not £.
Sorry (but better news)!

I think the concensus is..... Get it for your 39th birthday and give it a 1st birthday celebration for your 40th.

And whatever you were going to get for your 39th.....have for your 40th instead!

Out of interest, I got my last watch from that store a couple of years back.

[Novartis]

Ah Soultime that makes sense! What a coincidence you got your last watch from the store - did it have the "aquarium bar" then? It's an amazing sight.

gnardex "entering your 40th year" I like that very much as justification for wearing from 39th birthday!

Thank you again so much to everyone for the help, advice and support - I appreciate each and every one of your replies. What a great community you have here

[CHRONOLEX]

I agree with your reasons for wanting an OP and 28 or 31 look amazing on you. I am feeling pretty optimistic you will get an OP smaller than 34 in less than a year

[amh]

Thank you for this thread OP, it's fun to live through you!

It's shocking to see someone wish for a watch, talk to an AD and have the piece offered after virtually no delay. There's hope!

Well I've been able to find four watches for my wife over the last ~5 years. I could probably find more but she's told me I need to stop For men's models the situation is much more dire, it will take a miracle for anything to become 'available.'

Anyway, congratulations. Post pics when you have it.

[Novartis]

Thanks! I don't usually get this much luck!

I'm picking up on Sunday, making a day of it with the husband and kid (who has just got his first £15 watch from Amazon, which he finds infinitely more exciting than Rolex because it lights up). Watch pick-up, get it sized and hopefully shown how to wind and set it - then a celebratory lunch.

Massively looking forward to it, given that my shopping is usually done in Home Bargains and not dedicated Rolex Rooms...

I'll be back with photos - it will be the same blue dial watch shown upthread, but this time fitting me!

[NachoNeal]

Congratulations on new watches to you AND your kid!

[Soultime]

Looking forward to the photos!

I am not sure if they did have the aquarium then?
We were passing and there were a few Datejust 41 in the window (newish model then) in various combinations. We went in and to the right and a pleasant young lady served us. I tried one on and bought it on the spot. It's my favourite watch now.

My wife also got her first Rolex for her 40th....6 years ago. She has had 3 and owns 2 now.

1. When you get it, phone your house insurance and add it to your contents insurance (probably as a specified item).

2. See how it runs. They generally run a second or so fast or slow. It's normal....they aren't quartz.
I set the time on ours twice a month (1st and 15th) as I personally like them pretty accurate.

3. Don't worry about a few scratches. They happen! At service time (say 10 years) it will come back like new.

[liberalclown]

I suggest you to try 31mm OP and DJ, especially the DJ looks amazing on 31mm size.

[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

I suggest you to try 31mm OP and DJ, especially the DJ looks amazing on 31mm size.

You're a bit late to the party. She decided on 28mm and one has been allocated to her. She will have it in her possession in four days.

[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by Novartis

Thanks! I don't usually get this much luck!

I'm picking up on Sunday, making a day of it with the husband and kid (who has just got his first £15 watch from Amazon, which he finds infinitely more exciting than Rolex because it lights up). Watch pick-up, get it sized and hopefully shown how to wind and set it - then a celebratory lunch.

Massively looking forward to it, given that my shopping is usually done in Home Bargains and not dedicated Rolex Rooms...

I'll be back with photos - it will be the same blue dial watch shown upthread, but this time fitting me!

Massive congratulations to you!

I agree with everyone who has recommended that you start wearing the watch on your 39th birthday, as it marks the beginning of your 40th year.

Also, as DeepSeaDog said earlier, "Life is too short to wait for some arbitrary date that's not guaranteed..." Last year my husband bought my Rolex for me, for our anniversary. The "plan" was that my niece would ultimately inherit it, when I die. Well, that plan fell totally apart when my niece died 6 days before Christmas. (No, not Covid related.) She was only 44. So, the new plan (knock on wood) is that her daughter, my grand-niece, will inherit my Rolex.

Live and enjoy life while you can.

[liberalclown]

Congrats! Wear it in good health!