How to begin a relationship with an AD?

[M9APO]

I went to two ADs in June, one a small family business and the other a WOS chainstore.

The WOS one told be to buy something else to start a relationship, which I stupidly did.

The family owned one said I’d need a relationship to buy a Professional model but said new relationships can be started and I’d be able to get a DJ eventually to begin with.

I called in last week and although they weren’t on display, she bought out three DJs, one of which I bought and she put me in her diary for a no date Sub which should be available in less than two years.

I even got a gift thrown in, a Rolex Italian leather 3 watch travel case so pretty good new relationship.

Even though I didn’t get a phone call for the DJs after my first visit, I think being proactive and showing up in person works better than just waiting for them to call.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Oh got it. So you can walk into any AD right now, today and get a white faced Daytona. I thought not but in a few clicks I can have one tomorrow. The amount of time (easy over 3 years, not sure what your time is worth but mine is a lot), effort (time wasted going into the AD week after week) , energy and spending (you are not going to get that watch without buying several others) you would have to do at an AD to get the privilege to give them your money to buy that Daytona is at least 10X.

Please prove me wrong. Your nonsense.

I never said anyone could walk in and simply get a Daytona without any kind of history.

What I am saying is that with very few exceptions in most parts of the world, your 10-20x spending is way way off.

Admitting I have no proof seems like it will make you happy, so okay I have no proof at all!

Happy if you have proof, but I really don’t care either way, just wanna say I love the way you spread the 10-20x spending thing.


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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by shanepagne

Hello,

I’m attempting to join the Rolex family and am quickly learning this may literally be an impossibility. I walked into an AD in the DC area to chat about Rolex models, express interest and try to create the beginning of a relationship for the long wait ahead.

The AD had no interest. The gentleman told me no new watches at all until 2023 and they do not take names for waitlists. I had not even mentioned what I was interested in purchasing yet. I chose this AD based on forum recommendations so I was hopeful to start a relationship here based on great reviews.

My question is, is it possible at all to form a relationship with an AD if you are interested and willing to wait as a first time buyer? If so, how does one go about this?

Thanks all!

In the DC area all of the Rolex AD's are awful. Do yourself a favor and instead of trying to get a date, look at some other brands.

You are welcome

[ramenlover]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Oh got it. So you can walk into any AD right now, today and get a white faced Daytona. I thought not but in a few clicks I can have one tomorrow. The amount of time (easy over 3 years, not sure what your time is worth but mine is a lot), effort (time wasted going into the AD week after week) , energy and spending (you are not going to get that watch without buying several others) you would have to do at an AD to get the privilege to give them your money to buy that Daytona is at least 10X.

Please prove me wrong. Your nonsense.

ADs everywhere in the world operate differently and have different spend requirements. I got my Daytona in early 2020 after waiting less than 5 months. I spent just under $30k on watches I enjoyed while waiting for my Daytona and still enjoy today. 10x retail price? Not for a lot of people.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by rambo99

go into an AD, buy two gold cellini, panerai or IWC at msrp. relationship established.

Not necessarily. It depends on the location. I never bought anything I didn't want. I got interested in Rolex about a year ago. Since then, I was offered a number of Rolex watches by authorized ADs, including two-tone GMT rootbeer, two-tone sub, SS YM, Milgauss, Airking, SD43 & SD D-blue. I didn't buy most of them. In particular, I regret I turned down the rootbeer. But the point is, you don't need to be a big spender and you don't have to buy something you don't need. Showing to the AD that you are not a flipper and being nice and patient might get you a hot Rolex watch at MSRP. Or you can go grey and pay thousands of dollars over MSRP.

[Xerxes77]

My advice is to try….we all have our story…. Make yours!

[rlx123]

Originally Posted by shanepagne

Hello,

I’m attempting to join the Rolex family and am quickly learning this may literally be an impossibility. I walked into an AD in the DC area to chat about Rolex models, express interest and try to create the beginning of a relationship for the long wait ahead.

The AD had no interest. The gentleman told me no new watches at all until 2023 and they do not take names for waitlists. I had not even mentioned what I was interested in purchasing yet. I chose this AD based on forum recommendations so I was hopeful to start a relationship here based on great reviews.

My question is, is it possible at all to form a relationship with an AD if you are interested and willing to wait as a first time buyer? If so, how does one go about this?

Thanks all!

Which AD was it?


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[loudmofo]

Originally Posted by Ona

You might still end up on the wait list.

oh maybe not lol.

[greeneyedguy]

You need a time machine and go back at least five years. When watches would sit in the case. Start the relationship there. Rolexes are so hot right now its insane. If you are in you are in, if not then good luck.

[ce027772]

The OP is not answering. Not sure if he is actually interested in joining the "Rolex family." After all, it's not that hard to join.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Why do you want a Rolex in this current climate when you know it's difficult to get.

Have you ever met a human? Pretty sure a majority of earth's population want something more the harder it is to get.

I mean this is literally a sentiment found on "inspirational" posters around the world...

Originally Posted by Teddy Roosevelt

Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty...

Originally Posted by Andrew Carnegie

Anything in life worth having is worth working for.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

The longer you wait for something, the more you appreciate it when you get it

And on and on...

Now to the OP's question, you build an AD relationship like you build any relationship. One step at a time. And just as all people are not receptive to, nor deserving of, new relationships, the same is true of ADs. From what you have already experienced at this particular s**t hole store, I'd would say move on and do not ever go back. Take a 3 hour drive some Saturday to an AD out of your immediate area. Tell them face to face you did so because you prioritize professionalism and integrity over convenience. If they suck too, then try another the following month. You will find one that clicks and you will make progress over time.

Or, pay 2x and get your watch tomorrow. Only you can decide what feels right to you.

[TswaneNguni]

TRF ..The Relationship Forum .

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by greeneyedguy

You need a time machine and go back at least five years. When watches would sit in the case. Start the relationship there. Rolexes are so hot right now its insane. If you are in you are in, if not then good luck.

Maybe a time machine and go forward a few years? Or get there by the process of aging.

[fastrack1]

First post to share my recent experience. It will probably annoy many but the point is I got very lucky and you might also. Be persistent and decide at what level you want to play this game (probably determined by your pocketbook)

I had absolutely no relationship with my local AD. Had never been in their store. I have always loved and wanted a Rolex but never pursued it in seriousness and simply enjoyed the Omega Planet Ocean that I had instead. I haven't really been following the Rolex market.

I heard about all the shortages and price increases on the Submariners and I specifically like the "kermit" so I randomly stopped in my AD. Of course, they didn't have it, didn't have inventory and the sales rep said that he would put me on a list and let me know if one came in. Out I went.....

Two months later (last week) he called and said he had a green dial Submariner if I wanted to come look at it. I was super busy and actually put him off for 3 days until I could get in there. When I finally woke up, did some reading online and realized how stupid I was being for leaving him waiting, I went in and bought the watch. I specifically asked why they sold to someone like me. He said he looked me up on FB, I'm a local business owner and they thought I'd be a good representation of the brand. Makes no sense to me, as there has to be deeper pockets elsewhere.

Anyways, I beyond excited to have the watch and if they get other submariners or GMT's in over the next couple years, my rep knows that I am interested in buying them. They have been incredibly pleasant to deal with and seemed excited to sell a Rolex to a first-timer. I am excited to begin my collection that I will pass down to my sons at some point.

[Snerks]

Starting a relationship with an AD is really easy and the same as its always been - spend a bunch of money on things they couldn't easily sell to others.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by perpetual

To establish a relationship with my local AD I wrote a song about Rolex watches and I play my tambourine and sing it outside of their store every day at around noontime.

Well, anyway I used to until they got the restraining order.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Ona

You might still end up on the wait list.

No, no, no. $50,000 is the fee to get onto the list, not to skip it.

Originally Posted by perpetual

To establish a relationship with my local AD I wrote a song about Rolex watches and I play my tambourine and sing it outside of their store every day at around noontime.

Well, anyway I used to until they got the restraining order.

I thought the ending was: "They agreed to sell me any watch I wanted if I promised to end my singing career now and forever."

Definitely had a Cool Runnings outcome in mind...

[shanepagne]

Originally Posted by ce027772

The OP is not answering. Not sure if he is actually interested in joining the "Rolex family." After all, it's not that hard to join.

I do have a busy schedule, so my apologies for not answering sooner. What was your question?

Many have been asking which AD I went to. That is a question I will not answer. The intent of my post is not to create a smear campaign against anyone, it is meant to be a resource for myself as well as those like me who are interested in finding or creating these relationships.

I understand the current situation regarding the market, however, I appreciate the added insight that some replies have brought. I think this has partially turned into a thread of frustration for many, but I would prefer for people to offer advice.

Thanks!

[The Argonaut]

As much as it pains me to write this, but in the current climate, unless you have a plan to buy a series of watches as opposed to 1-2, go grey, find another brand, or wait in the hope the current “fever” passes. Those are your options, and the second one is better than you think.


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[loudmofo]

well i did get a new batman last week.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by loudmofo

If they sell tudors buy one first. you will get what you want at some point, i started at my AD aug 2020, i have gotten 3 tudors a 41mm sub date ,a ym 40mm blue dial , a blue dial 34mm, a 41mm datejust black dial, and a new batman last week all at retail.

When you started this journey, one year ago, what was the one watch you were seeking ??

[russ86]

Honestly I play AD games. I buy everything my AD’s (1 in new york and 2 here in Miami) offer me doesn't matter what it is. Thats the name of the game now. I keep whatever I like and resell whatever I dont like or dont want. Yes I take a hit at the resell of some pieces but I have now 5 Daytons including green dial, 6 GMT’s, the entire Sub collection with all the green and blue dials, a lot of Datejusts and some OP including tiffany dial in 36 and 41. Sometimes it sucks to buy something I dont like but if I want something I know my AD’s will not refuse and will get it for me.

[xrole]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Omega or Tudor.

Rolex has nothing magical that Omega/Tudor can’t offer

Tell that to the Sky Dweller.

However, Rolex certainly has the brand recognition and influence that Omega and Tudor certainly do not have and to say otherwise is disingenuous.

[rolexalias]

That was an awful experience.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by xrole

Tell that to the Sky Dweller.

However, Rolex certainly has the brand recognition and influence that Omega and Tudor certainly do not have and to say otherwise is disingenuous.

Looks like Rolex marketing caught another one.

[Tikandtokalot]

Sod buying stuff from an AD just to get an item.
I’d rather do without.
If you play these games you’ll defo lose.
WOW!

[Bmats]

Some ADs make up stuff like no watches until 2023. But others in DC will let you order things like a DJ 36 or TT DJ 41. Of course if you were looking for a SS professional model with no history then that’s unlikely to happen right away. So it might depend on what you want and it probably is worthwhile to visit another AD.

On the AD games — I’m not sure it’s really a game. It makes perfect sense to me that an AD would rather sell to a customer that has spent before when it’s a highly allocated item. And for those that don’t like having to spend “extra” at an AD by buying jewelry and the sort — you’re spending extra to a grey dealer. There just a certainty trade offs. With the grey you know you’ll get the watch right away. For the AD your purchase may or may not be enough. For the AD you know you have a real Rolex. With the grey you’re basing it on how trusted the dealer is.

For me, I’d probably rather spend the extra at an AD but I buy jewelry and other stuff anyway. Rather than pay the $6-8k premium for a sub to a grey dealer I’d rather spend that on something I can keep or use at the AD.

[ramenlover]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Looks like Rolex marketing caught another one.

He’s just stating a fact. Are you really going to argue that Omega has more influence than Rolex?

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by ramenlover

He’s just stating a fact. Are you really going to argue that Omega has more influence than Rolex?

And another one…

[Greenwood_]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

TRF ..The Relationship Forum .