Daytona via jewelry spend ($30k)

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Carguy87

If you’re buying the jewelry anyways and the pricing is similar, nothing wrong with building AD spend at the same time, and if they can allocate you a watch you want (maybe not an SS Daytona, but something you’d like to add) then I say go for it!

I wouldn’t, however, spend the $30k at the AD if it doesn’t get you what you want for your better half first and foremost just in hopes of getting thrown an allocation of an SS Daytona.

Well said Steve

[justdate]

Just be candid and say “I want to buy xyz jewellery. If I do will you allocate me a Daytona?”.

If they will then make sure you collect both together, I.e. leave with the jewellery and the watch, not the jewellery and a ‘promise’. They get Daytonas in pretty often so you can easily get one once the deal is agreed.

Only issue you have is that the new model changeover will cause a slow down in supply of stock for at least a couple of years, the old model likely out of circulation by now, and the new model with a big list of VIPs who want one asap.

But still worth a shot, you really have nothing to lose. I speak from experience ;)

[Geo1980]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Interesting. Was this in the states or the EU?

Was in Greece, touristic area where the locals can't really afford those pieces, meaning not that much of waiting lists

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[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Carguy87

If you’re buying the jewelry anyways and the pricing is similar, nothing wrong with building AD spend at the same time, and if they can allocate you a watch you want (maybe not an SS Daytona, but something you’d like to add) then I say go for it!

I wouldn’t, however, spend the $30k at the AD if it doesn’t get you what you want for your better half first and foremost just in hopes of getting thrown an allocation of an SS Daytona.

If my heart was set on a Daytona, I wouldn’t spend a dime at an AD on anything I didn’t want. If you compare the grey cost premium vs the time/money/drama cost that the AD process will require, going grey is clearly the cheapest and most efficient way to get a Daytona. By miles.

I got offered a Daytona many years ago before things went nutso and that was after spending well over 100k in jewelry over the years and the AD still acted like he was doing me the favor of a lifetime. I would imagine it’s probably twice that these days.

[travisb]

You're already planning to get the jewelry, so it's definitely a conversation worth having. Good luck.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by padi56

Sorry but anyone willing to spend $30 on jewelry just to get a Daytona must have more money than sense, this is whats wrong with this hobby today.If everyone stopped playing these AD games them perhaps we could get back to normality.

/\ THIS /\

There would be no “game” if there were no players.

[CarlOver]

If you are planning on buying the jewelry anyway, then have that discussion with numerous AD. You might be pleasantly surprised. Best to you!

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by physicist

Man, you’re best off keeping it all in your pocket right now. Don’t play the game.

I agree. The market is strange right now. Our trusted greys are doing their best to keep prices inflated.


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[Calatrava r]

To me the correct answer is to jive with an AD. They actually do want to place some of these with folks who are very into the brand and the watch for what it is not just what it's worth. There is no mathematical spend formula to do that.

[Pboned]

It doesn’t hurt to ask. Possibility try this at multiple locations if they have the same jewelry that your wife likes.

[codecow]

No harm in trying.

One big thing will be what the margin is on what you’re buying. If it’s branded stuff with a strong brand like Cartier or Van Cleef it will be different than loose stones. It all depends what you’re doing and the exact AD and their situation.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by justdate

Just be candid and say “I want to buy xyz jewellery. If I do will you allocate me a Daytona?”.

If they will then make sure you collect both together, I.e. leave with the jewellery and the watch, not the jewellery and a ‘promise’. They get Daytonas in pretty often so you can easily get one once the deal is agreed.

Only issue you have is that the new model changeover will cause a slow down in supply of stock for at least a couple of years, the old model likely out of circulation by now, and the new model with a big list of VIPs who want one asap.

But still worth a shot, you really have nothing to lose. I speak from experience ;)

Thanks, RJ. Can you say more about your experience? Also, feel free to send me a DM. The new model release could put a damper on things. But as long as I pick up around spring time or early summer 2024, it’s all good.

Originally Posted by Geo1980

Was in Greece, touristic area where the locals can't really afford those pieces, meaning not that much of waiting lists

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Ahh man I was just there. Nothing to be had when I went (though wasn’t trying to buy jewelry either)

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Hi all, . . . If it is possible, I of course wouldn’t approach the conversation with a transactional tone. Instead, it would be more along the lines of “ we have a special occasion coming up, and I’d love to commemorate it with a watch as well” with a wink and a nod type thing lol . . . . .

I don't agree with your wink and nod approach. Best to be direct. Even if you think it comes off blunt.

[Geo1980]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Thanks, RJ. Can you say more about your experience? Also, feel free to send me a DM. The new model release could put a damper on things. But as long as I pick up around spring time or early summer 2024, it’s all good.







Ahh man I was just there. Nothing to be had when I went (though wasn’t trying to buy jewelry either)

I was in creete, in a tiny city known for the jewelry, we went there to buy some stuff for the lady and saw the rolex stand at the back of the shop, more or less empty. The seller saw me looking there and basically said that with what we were buying in jewelry we had an access to his drawer, one sub date, one sub no date and a sprite. Took the last 2 and discussed a bit with him what were the triggers for him to sell these watches. The guy is making much more money on the jewelry so doesn't care much about the watches, just use them as kind of gifts for jewelry clients!

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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by padi56

Sorry but anyone willing to spend $30 on jewelry just to get a Daytona must have more money than sense, this is whats wrong with this hobby today.If everyone stopped playing these AD games them perhaps we could get back to normality.

+1


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[thenewguy2023]

You have three levers
1. Bundling - See if they can bundle your purchases. Larger sale for SA and you retain some leverage instead of an empty promise.
2. Location - Definitely shop around at a few ADs - perhaps those away from busy / rich neighborhoods are more willing to work with you.
3. Timing - Work on your time and don’t rush (despite the occasion). Pick a slow time of the year for ADs.

[WatchTimes]

30K?
LOL
No way
Sorry.....

[dubins930]

Rolex doesn’t care about watch enthusiasts… they sell them to people who want clout and to tell you how much it cost… save your money.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by dubins930

Rolex doesn’t care about watch enthusiasts… they sell them to people who want clout and to tell you how much it cost… save your money.

This is true. Would you like to hear how much mine cost?

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Hi all,

Before even posting this, I felt a type of way. Watches and ADs have become so transactional, instead of the love of the craft and horology. But here we are and I still want to grow my collection. So before I get flamed - “don’t hate the player hate the game”.

Anyways, have an occasion coming up for my wife and will be spending ~$30k on some fine jewelry. There’s a local jeweler that I’ve recently been talking to (and a Rolex AD). I’m wondering to myself “hey, if I can get a watch while I’m at it why not”.

Is $30k in diamonds/jewelry enough to be seriously considered a Daytona (or bundled)? Unfortunately wife isn’t huge on watches so not an option there.

If it is possible, I of course wouldn’t approach the conversation with a transactional tone. Instead, it would be more along the lines of “ we have a special occasion coming up, and I’d love to commemorate it with a watch as well” with a wink and a nod type thing lol.

Crazy times - wish we weren’t even in a position to post this but here we are

You would be better off buying your jewellery elsewhere, it’s marked up by about 200% in the AD

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by Halifax Daytona UK

You would be better off buying your jewellery elsewhere, it’s marked up by about 200% in the AD

How on earth could you know / assume this? My local AD is competitive with jewelry prices.

[shoppy]

I spent nothing and just purchased watches that I liked and turned down ones that I did not want. My AD was a champ under 2 years and was great I am now after a celebration OP.

[amh]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

How on earth could you know / assume this? My local AD is competitive with jewelry prices.

Jewelry is marked up far beyond 200% so that's a very safe guess

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by amh

Jewelry is marked up far beyond 200% so that's a very safe guess

That’s just daft.

Of course it’s marked up but they said “at the AD” implying it is priced above market there or that you are better off getting it elsewhere.

If I said “don’t buy apples at Costco, they are marked up 200% there” what am I implying?

Don’t buy a Rolex at an AD either, it’s marked up 300% there.

[ons2101]

This is a remarkable thread.

Here are my insights:

I agree, I probably would not buy my wife’s diamonds / jewelry from a store that is part of a Rolex AD - more likely than not you can get better quality jewelry at a better price elsewhere!

As for the watch…. I have been to 2 ADs in the NYC suburbs and they both said the same thing. Essentially offering a daytona is reserved for customers who have shown loyalty over years ! Who have spent years acquiring jewelry and other watches over the years. It’s their way of saying “thank you”

I agree with others
In this case just ask and be blunt


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[Cloudchaser]

If you were to spend $30k a few different times, you'd get there; so, yes, $30k is enough. :)

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Hi all,

Before even posting this, I felt a type of way. Watches and ADs have become so transactional, instead of the love of the craft and horology. But here we are and I still want to grow my collection. So before I get flamed - “don’t hate the player hate the game”.

Anyways, have an occasion coming up for my wife and will be spending ~$30k on some fine jewelry. There’s a local jeweler that I’ve recently been talking to (and a Rolex AD). I’m wondering to myself “hey, if I can get a watch while I’m at it why not”.

Is $30k in diamonds/jewelry enough to be seriously considered a Daytona (or bundled)? Unfortunately wife isn’t huge on watches so not an option there.

If it is possible, I of course wouldn’t approach the conversation with a transactional tone. Instead, it would be more along the lines of “ we have a special occasion coming up, and I’d love to commemorate it with a watch as well” with a wink and a nod type thing lol.

Crazy times - wish we weren’t even in a position to post this but here we are

[rohada]

Originally Posted by dubins930

Rolex doesn’t care about watch enthusiasts… they sell them to people who want clout and to tell you how much it cost… save your money.

Originally Posted by codecow

This is true. Would you like to hear how much mine cost?

Thanks, I enjoyed that.

[Bartolo]

Originally Posted by jb335

I only work with a Rolex boutique so no first hand-experience with a store that also sells jewelry (or other watch brands) but I suspect $30k in jewelry is nowhere near enough to get you on the dance floor for a SS Daytona.


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Is this Rolex boutique company owned? Because most of them are owned by entities that also sell jewelry out of other outlets . . . and will let you know that when you try to source something like a SS Daytona, a Nautilus, etc.

[rgwarden]

Complete madness. All of this. I guess i have never managed to escape the feeling that since Rolex watches are already marked up massively and we all know this - we know we’re paying for styling/heritage/branding etc way more than for a stainless steel automatic watch - the idea of not just paying over that high new price, but preposterously over that (going grey, buying jewellery, whatever) and managing to NOT feel conned every time i looked at my wrist, would definitely be beyond me. I mean hell, do what you want with your money, but it seems off the charts insane to little one-Rolex-bought-new-from-an-AD me.

[Laostuh]

Sheesh. $30k on some jewelry. All I'm gonna say is black Daytonas can be had for under $27k on Moda. Some as low as $23k depending on year but yeah.. On 1 hand you build some history with AD and MAYBE get a Daytona eventually. On the other hand you get the Daytona for sure.