The AD experience

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by West

Peroni and cheap champagne plus invites to events a couple of times a year.

You've bought from Goldsmiths too

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Phil75

We were straight coming from LV and Wellendorff and he probably could have made another good sale if he just had invested some time.

Wow, I rarely find anyone online who knows Wellendorff. Wife and I have matching wedding rings and their catalogs are far superior to that of Rolex, Patek, etc too. Wonderful meeting another cold enamel enthusiast!

Getting back OT, my AD is Mayors and they offered champagne, etc. Now when my wife and I stop in they always make time for us. Mayors also doubles the warranty so you get 10 years. During one visit tHeyallowed me to try the new DD Pres in RG and while nice, think I'll pass as it just didn't speak to me.

[tvo7]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

The AD experience is a big shame. Get knowledgeable about the watch. Know everything about it and go through a trusted seller on here. Just lot 3k on a new watch when i decided i didn't like it. I lost 3k on the trade price in 4 months. Never making that mistake again buy from a trusted seller and you'll be getting the appropriate price.

That is a shame. What watch did you lose 3k on?

[R G]

Makes me laugh, I mean, I know we are enthusiasts of Rolex but the 'swag' that people on this site go mad for really makes me laugh. Lets face it, realistically, what these AD's offer is essentially just cheap promotional tat. Some individuals however crave the possibility of coming away with a pen, a cap, a cloth, and possibly be fed and watered whilst there.

I always go to AD's just like I always go to main dealers for cars I have ever bought - I guess that says I'm over particular and am happy to pay a price for that.

Comparatively, I bought a watch from Cartier in December. I went to a Cartier boutique (thier own) rather than a multi-brand AD. The service was the best - the interpersonal element was second to none and additionally I was offered all manner of drinks and chocolate whilst there.

It was at New Years so as we left the sales person brought over a bag telling us it was something to celebrate with. It was a bottle of champagne that gets sold for over £200 and a range of Cartier accessories that if they were 'Rolex' branded, a lot of people here would be going mad to pay for! For anyone that has bought from a Cartier store, you will know what accessories they have available - beautiful.

Incidentally, I had an issue with the bracelet on my watch and normally I would have insisted that the entire watch was replaced as it was a fault that I noticed immediately. I had bought the last Santos Galbee available in the UK though (a discontinued watch now) so the next best thing was a completely brand new replacement bracelet.

When the fault occurred they were mortified and not only was the new bracelet fitted and back on my wrist in two weeks, but also came another round of 'complimentary' apology token gifts.

I know what some of the more 'rigid' Rolex fans will be thinking... that other brands have to compensate to make up for the shortcomings in design and build. Nothing to do with that, though - just a better game offered elsewhere.

Saying that, Rolex is still a favourite brand of mine, but I guess you're in an even better position when you're dealing with an actual boutique that is owned by the brand themselves - something Rolex are yet to do.

I will always buy from an AD, regardless.

[West]

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

You've bought from Goldsmiths too

Watches of Switzerland......but it's all the same company

[joli160]

Originally Posted by R G

Makes me laugh, I mean, I know we are enthusiasts of Rolex but the 'swag' that people on this site go mad for really makes me laugh. Lets face it, realistically, what these AD's offer is essentially just cheap promotional tat. Some individuals however crave the possibility of coming away with a pen, a cap, a cloth, and possibly be fed and watered whilst there.

I always go to AD's just like I always go to main dealers for cars I have ever bought - I guess that says I'm over particular and am happy to pay a price for that.

Comparatively, I bought a watch from Cartier in December. I went to a Cartier boutique (thier own) rather than a multi-brand AD. The service was the best - the interpersonal element was second to none and additionally I was offered all manner of drinks and chocolate whilst there.

It was at New Years so as we left the sales person brought over a bag telling us it was something to celebrate with. It was a bottle of champagne that gets sold for over £200 and a range of Cartier accessories that if they were 'Rolex' branded, a lot of people here would be going mad to pay for! For anyone that has bought from a Cartier store, you will know what accessories they have available - beautiful.

Incidentally, I had an issue with the bracelet on my watch and normally I would have insisted that the entire watch was replaced as it was a fault that I noticed immediately. I had bought the last Santos Galbee available in the UK though (a discontinued watch now) so the next best thing was a completely brand new replacement bracelet.

When the fault occurred they were mortified and not only was the new bracelet fitted and back on my wrist in two weeks, but also came another round of 'complimentary' apology token gifts.

I know what some of the more 'rigid' Rolex fans will be thinking... that other brands have to compensate to make up for the shortcomings in design and build. Nothing to do with that, though - just a better game offered elsewhere.

Saying that, Rolex is still a favourite brand of mine, but I guess you're in an even better position when you're dealing with an actual boutique that is owned by the brand themselves - something Rolex are yet to do.

I will always buy from an AD, regardless.

Similar experience with Cartier, amazing service, does not get better than that

[R G]

Originally Posted by joli160

Similar experience with Cartier, amazing service, does not get better than that

Glad my sentiments have been reinforced and someone else has been privy to that treatment.

Obviously I don't want to make this thread all about another brand, as I'm talking comparatively but as another example; I bought a watch from another Cartier boutique in 2005 and even now, if I call the boutique up and tell them I need a cleaning kit, they literally ask me for my address (presumably diplomatically checking on thier system I'm a previous customer, as well as for delivery) and within a week I have the kit, gratis! All Cartier branded - some of you guys would go nuts for the same thing if it was Rolex branded.

[tomallen]

Originally Posted by adawil2002

With my 1st purchase at my local AD, I received Rolex Magazine Issue 1 about the Daytona. A year later I bought the D-Blue and received the companion The Last Frontier book.

That comes with the watch anyway.

[beer]

i would feel quite awkward if they brought out champagne when i was buying a watch

maybe a glass of water if i felt dehydrated, but any shop would do this, even the hardware store so this has nothing to do with "AD experience"

[Verdi]

As a WIS the only thing I'm really interested to receive is some nice reading
material and maybe a cloth...........Whatever Rolex I buy new I don't inted to ever sell so anything that I would get would become part of my collectable set to be passed on. Hopefully!

2 new watches bought from the boutique and got nothing. I don't buy the watches for the freebies but as explained why I would have liked to be offered something.
It's basic marketing and promoting the brand. Because it sells so well, many Rolex AD's don't bother at all.


It is my understanding that some AD's are still making an effort. I congratulate them especially for someone that waited for a long time and saved for years to get their Rolex.
It's very little money spent from their side but the impact on the customer is huge.