Visited every single AD in Paris, most frustrating experience ever !

[Peter123]

To the Op. if you are willing to travel around you might want to try some Independent ADs outside of the main commercial hub like Paris. Not sure what the set up is in France but I’d imagine >50% + of watch money is spent in Paris mixed between locals and visitors.
Not much downside to having a couple of weekends away in other cities! Not the riveria though! Think about maybe which areas may have been hardest hit by Covid lockdowns, fewer watch buyers and fewer holiday makers. A batgirl might be asking too much but starting your Rolex journey with say a black sub is probably possible from a smaller out of town AD.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by djyolky

So your Rolex granted you entry into a Paris AD? Curious as to what in the hell made you believe that?

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The first thing the staff does when you walk in a watch store is look at the watch you’re wearing. I don’t do a lot of random browsing but of course bringing a Rolex into a Rolex store gets the conversation started.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

You only have 3 choices...buy the DJII from the best AD you can find locally (from a salesperson with some tenure) and try to build up from there, go grey of course, or keep saving your money and pray that Covid and the dumpster fire that is 2020 gets worse and the economy gets really bad. If that happens as it did in 2009, stock will start to be plentiful for those willing to pull the trigger.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

keep saving your money and pray that Covid and the dumpster fire that is 2020 gets worse and the economy gets really bad. If that happens as it did in 2009, stock will start to be plentiful for those willing to pull the trigger.

yeah so economy will be in hole....but how willing will OP want to drop $10k on a watch

[mstauqir]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Unfortunately for you, Paris is one of the most visited tow in the world. try small towns when you are in Spain. I’ve seen some decent collection there. Surely, DJ41 I suppose.

[Yess]

You even went to the Rolex AD at the Louvre? That's dedication... Considering that it really is just advertising in one of the busiest places on earth - they didn't even have 36mm grape OPs when I was there in late Feb.

[Goonthree]

Exactly as not many ad or people would sell you a product that has a market value $10k over msrp for msrp. Most are going to customers that have spent money that has contribute to ad profit. Their attitude comes because they can sell that watch anytime.

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

These are hot commodities. Just like you can’t walk into Hermès and buy a purse off the shelf. Go grey to get what you want if you’re tired of waiting. Otherwise, join the waiting game and hope you’re lucky. That’s just how it is unfortunately

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Coronette

Take a trip to the UK you will find something there.

Good one

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

To help manage your expectations (although I’m sure you now get the message loud and clear)

You’re NOT getting a Daytona so forget that one.

You’re extremely unlikely to stumble into a Batgirl either as they go to preferred customers.

DJ41 is your best chance, focus on that and put the effort into getting it. Then use that relationship to move to your Batgirl.

It isn’t a quick process and your expecting to find a Batgirl and Daytona is just being naive.

(Or go grey market)

[Ihatecheese]

Yes what everyone else said. You can't get the super popular jewellery because everyone else already bought the stock. Compare it to a Hermes Birkin, I'm sure those are also quite impossible to buy the favourite colours in Paris.

[campfire]

Good luck OP. Hopefully a piece you like comes soon.

[Old Expat Beast]

You should visit the new Grand Seiko boutique on the Place Vendome

[TswaneNguni]

I'll wear a PAM 671 Blue Bronzo ,we will always have Paris ....

[joli160]

Plenty for sale without waiting lists.

I’d keep my dignity and go the trusted seller route without the trouble of kissing up an AD for vague promises.

[Rashid.bk]

So you tried all of Paris, then you’ll try all of Spain, then London, then NYC, then Rome, then etc etc. you’ll get the same results, nada, because all the locals are beating you to the punch. You want what every one else wants and you already know that, a bit naive to think in 2020 you’ll walk into a random AD and they’ll have a Daytona waiting for traveling you.

In your case, I’d save my time and headaches and just go grey, it’ll be much cheaper than hopping around different cities then wasting your time when you could be enjoying your destination.
Plus, there are dozens of these threads, read through them, you’ll see the same outcomes, except when some random guy hits the lottery while passing through an airport, but it has never been a Daytona or BLRO.
Good luck.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

Its weird......I know there is a Rolex AD in Dublin, Weir & Sons and its not shown on the Rolex website. Clearly there is something amiss with the Rolex dealer locator on their website, as there seems to be a lot of missing UK AD's as well.

The already mentioned Pragnalls in Stratford-on-Avon are not listed on the Rolex website, but Pragnall's own website still says they are official Rolex dealers?
The same with RL Austin in Chichester, not on the Rolex website, but still listed as official dealer on their own website.

So, I would guess there are other AD's France but for some reason they are not showing up on the rolex website dealer locator, as the Eire and UK ones are not?

[Ranger67]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

The first thing the staff does when you walk in a watch store is look at the watch you’re wearing. I don’t do a lot of random browsing but of course bringing a Rolex into a Rolex store gets the conversation started.

I concur this.

[KNFRT]

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

[Watchflair]

Lol come on - a simple search of threads would have answered your own question.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

Yes - this is how you build the relationship and get the better pieces! I'd buy it - worst case flip it if you hate it - which you won't...

[rmlovett1]

AD
DJ41-$9900usd
BLNR-$9700usd

Grey
New DJ-$10000-10800
New BLNR-$14800-16000

If you want one now for at/close to msrp get a DJ

If you want a new BLNR now...how much is your time worth? If I absolutely had to have NIB, I’d decide if spending the extra $4500-5500 is worth it, vs waiting what could be 2+ yrs to enjoy my BLNR. Or get a like new BLNR for a bit less....

[GoingPlaces]

Rolex SS market is brutal. Either pay up and go grey or keep trying to get lucky.

[JRell]

When you buy grey, do you get the 5 year Rolex warranty? I think you do not, but I could be wrong.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by JRell

When you buy grey, do you get the 5 year Rolex warranty? I think you do not, but I could be wrong.

You either inherit the original warranty, RSC's warranty, or get a warranty from some grey dealers.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

You either inherit the original warranty, RSC's warranty, or get a warranty from some grey dealers.

Oh - I did not know you can inherit the original warranty...good to know thank you!

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

I have to admit that I should lower my expectations regarding the Daytona and Batgirl.

I'm actually very surprised as after going again yesterday to the AD and getting my name written down in the Daytona and Batgirl waiting lists, I woke up this morning to his voice message saying that a DJ41Fluted Jubilee Black dial he was saving for a customer is now available after this latter went for another model. I'm not sure I want the black one but I'll go try it anyways, this might be my ticket to the other models :)

Thanks again everyone for the valuable info and advice, very much appreciated !

This is your chance,
Take it and work from there

[imsayingthough]

A DJ 41 shouldnt be that hard to find, buy that then keep in touch regarding the gmt. In time they should be yours.

[JRell]

Which datejust 41 do you want? What dial color, bezel, strap? SS or PM? This will all be a factor, but still easier to get as there is more supply and options.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

Well, I was going to suggest you go to one of the AD's in a smaller French city (which is how I got my Daytona in the United States) but it turns out there are no AD's except for Paris (or in Ireland or Scotland judging by the map, which strikes me as weird).

There are lots of ADs outside of Paris. Lyon alone has 3, within easy walking distance of each other. The result however will almost certainly be the same as everywhere else.

Still, I don't think it is necessarily crazy to try and see if a miracle happens - it just doesn't make much sense to be frustrated when it doesn't.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by KNFRT

Hi all,

Apologies in advances if this is a redundant thread, but I need to get this out of my chest ^^.

So I’m planning on getting my first Rolex for like 2 years now. I’ve been mainly interested in a Daytona, Batgirl and a Datejust II (fluted+jubilee) so was on a hunt for these for quite some time now without any luck.
I’ve paid every AD here in Paris a visit, showed my interest many times by stopping, calling and asking to be in a waitlist. The only lists that are still open obviously are the DJII ones. I’ve heard things from : « The last guy we sold the batgirl two is a a customer with whom we’ve been dealing for 25 years now » to: « we recommend to you to start purchasing other models to build a confidence, watches like a day-date, a TT DJ .. etc » which is very frustrating. I totally understand the fact that old clients should be treated favorably, but I’m not going to buy a day-date while all I can think of is a batgirl on my wrist ...
Not to mention how arrogant some can be when they see a young person coming in and asking for these models. Sometimes they don’t even let me in and just tell me from the door that these models are unavailable...

Anybody with an idea where to find these in Europe ? I’m going to Spain in 2 weeks and will check first in the airports then some ADs there ..

Thanks for taking some time to read and write your opinion.
KNFRT

Are those ADs Rolex only boutiques or jewelry stores?
If no, try the boutiques that are Rolex exclusive. But, before anything, try also outside Paris. Big metropolitans are the hardest.

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