Hoping you can help

[Calatrava r]

Very sorry to hear this tale. I would just find a new AD. There have been a lot of threads lately on people getting sports models with no purchase history. It's really about chemistry. If ADs think you want a specific watch to wear and keep, they will work to get you one. People who go in and want everything, rarely do well, since they cannot get everything anyway.

[amh]

Yes, indeed you dove hard into that pool! I'd feel pretty bad as well.

FWIW I've had a very similar experience. Bait & Switch texts from AD, then it's an Omega instead of a Rolex. These days I don't believe anything and will confirm before driving over: "What exactly did you have in mind?" If it's just more jewelry for my upcoming anniversary I reply with "Thanks, but I'm only looking for that 126710BLNR." Saves my afternoon and reduces frustration with AD treatment.

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Never buy anything you don't want ... ever!

Solid advice. There is no direct link between buying all that crap and advancing your "spot" on the mythical waitlist.

Drop that SA and AD.

Sure, but the AD pool is shrinking rather than expanding. Out-of-town ADs tend to say "Go back to where you're from."

The fact is that Rolex still sells itself, the main mission of an SA is to generate more income for the AD while weeding out weaker customers. Brands like Tudor, TAG, Omega & GS need pushing and you can easily get a discount. They're considered relationship-builders. Decide for yourself if you want anything like this.

[Hardtimes]

Just go gray, get what you want and you will actually SAVE money!

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Hardtimes

Just go gray, get what you want and you will actually SAVE money!

Yes.

The math is so easy

[faz]

Directly tell the SA that you no longer wish to work with him, and that you like him to refer you to another SA in the same location or elsewhere. No retail manager or store owner wants their store to get bad rep due to an SA's wrong approach. Escalate and talk to a manager.

To send you a pic of a watch and arrange for you to drop in, only to take you to an Omega counter? ridiculous.

[temporarychicken]

I love the way the SA sent a picture of the watch you wanted to lure you in, and then tried to sell you some other stuff you didn't want.

They take this as far as they can, until either you run out of disposable income and go away, or you force them to sell you a Rolex.

The problem with these 'relationships' is that they are one-sided.

You just keep buying non-Rolex stuff in the faint hope that they will sell you a Rolex? This is ridiculous.

If the Rolex needs to be bundled with other stuff, then agree on day one how much other stuff and buy it all at once including the Rolex.

If they don't have one in, then they can sell you the whole bundle when they do.

[Beto737]

Bad SA, don’t do anymore business with this establishment.

Their loss because the watch market is not what it was just a year ago. They appear to carry other brands that need a lot of pushing to move. They could benefit from having clients that purchase other brands from time to time.

But before you go, raise hell with the manager. The SA outright lied to you. The picture of the GMT with the price was exceptionally distasteful.

[Mr. Z]

Everyone thank you for the time and consideration to give me advice.

A couple of quick points of clarification-
1. I did not expect that 16k in spend at the store would warrant me a gmt ii watch. In fact, i did not expect that at all. The SA last Christmas when I purchased a GMT Tudor, asked me what i liked and then said, "Mr. Z, for you a sub and a GMT are the same wait." haha now i know that wait is longer than eternity in purgatory for both. Last month, he texted me asking what my preference was again, and I stopped by and he said, "oh, i just wanted to see if you liked one more than another but i don't have it in," and then went on to confirm that for me a GMT batman was easier to come by- expect it soon. Now, i look back and realize it was an unhealthy relationships with all the of hallmarks of an abuser.

2. I did enjoy my purchases and bought with a two-fold purpose. First, I want to legitimately buy non-rolex watches. I plan on purchasing a seamaster, panerai, IWC spitfire, Tank, etc. in the next few years. But, I also did not want to waste those purchases with a SA that would take advantage of me. I was hoping that with each purchase of a watch i wanted, i was also equally developing a mutually beneficial relationship. I just cannot figure out why, he would burn the bridge with someone that may have purchased a seamaster from him in 6 months, but surely will not now. In the business that i am in, i am used to negotiating contracts and in the B2B world i operate if you want to have longterm growth, you don't screw the relationship for short term gains. I just can't wrap my mind around calling someone to move meetings around on a monday to drive 30 minutes to the mall to just sandbag him with omega watches.

3. And this is really a question for the board- everyone is suggesting the gray market. but, i have gone away from that since i am nervous about how good fake rolexes are and knowing I am not an expert at spotting real vs fake. I have a tendency at taking people at their word and realizing that, I can be swindled. I suppose the irony of this point is pretty apparent. But, i digress. When you buy gray, do you take it to a rolex ad for authenication? how can you be sure? And one follow up question... when you then sell your watches, do you expect to get 50% of a speedy back? 50% of tudor or more?

Anyways, thank you all so much for your time and consideration.

Mr. Z

[amphr1]

wow. You know what I'd do. I write a letter letting his manager or the director or owner of the store know how they wasted your time (politely).

[enicar]

I wouldn't post this in so much detail on the rolexforums since your AD SA might be reading along and consequently you'll be waiting forever for a GMT or Sub to arrive.
Or is that a paranoid thought?

[gerry100]

you got played into buying the other stuff.

SA( responsibility of AD) senses at this point that once you get a Rolex he cant harvest you anymore.

Live and learn.

Cease contact, if he calls you ,you are in the drivers seat

[MINOLI]

See if you can have a conversation with the manager regarding your disappointment with this employee and how this played out. Maybe this will work to your benefit. Tell the manager you want a different SA from now on. In the meantime try your luck elsewhere and don't spend anymore with that store.

[RustE]

Originally Posted by enicar

I wouldn't post this in so much detail on the rolexforums since your AD SA might be reading along and consequently you'll be waiting forever for a GMT or Sub to arrive.
Or is that a paranoid thought?

Quite a bit of bad press for that AD & SA though. They’d do better to somehow resolve the situation.

[slus]

Originally Posted by enicar

I wouldn't post this in so much detail on the rolexforums since your AD SA might be reading along and consequently you'll be waiting forever for a GMT or Sub to arrive.
Or is that a paranoid thought?

I hope he is reading it, so he can read about how he embodies everything that is wrong with the current state of purchasing a watch and kiss our collective rear ends

They'll try everything they can to prevent it from happening again including shutting down ADs left and right, maybe the one in question as well, but it was not that long ago that we could walk into any AD and only worry about how much of a discount we were going to be able to get that day.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by enicar

I wouldn't post this in so much detail on the rolexforums since your AD SA might be reading along and consequently you'll be waiting forever for a GMT or Sub to arrive.
Or is that a paranoid thought?

as if the SA actually had OP's best interests in mind before this?

[Chaucer1787]

I’ve heard of my AD being visiting approximately 3 times quarterly by Rolex mystery shoppers. Then every AD gets a “green” envelope and a report. Apparently Rolex really frowns on the idea of “bundling” or “spend history”. This seems like more of an AD tactic and luckily one I have yet to encounter. I always think about how their margin is around 36 % on new Rolex watches. Granted, maybe this is lower than diamonds or other jewelry but 36%? I wish I could make a steady 36% at my business.


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[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by 1William

I am also in North Carolina and know all of the AD's from years of trying to do business. There is only one that has earned my business and it is Windsor. They only carry Rolex in the Charlotte store but do have a very nice boutique. The others have lost my business for poor customer relations and a game playing mentality. If you want a Submariner then you have the ability to pick one up now through one of our Trusted Sellers for slightly over retail plus tax. You can pay and have the watch on your wrist tomorrow by lunch. If you want the BLNR use the cash you were going to spend on the model from the AD and trade the Trusted Seller the Speedy/Tudor or both. It is about the watches and the relationship game works very well with Trusted Sellers as they appreciate your business and are very straight forward. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

In NC and will second William's opinion on Windsor, and add the fact that Windsor has always been extremely transparent in our dealings. Windsor also supports watch hobby groups and several of its management are very knowledgeable about the hobby and invested it in. Agree on cashing out and going with a Trusted Seller. Good luck OP.

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by faz

Directly tell the SA that you no longer wish to work with him, and that you like him to refer you to another SA in the same location or elsewhere. No retail manager or store owner wants their store to get bad rep due to an SA's wrong approach. Escalate and talk to a manager.

To send you a pic of a watch and arrange for you to drop in, only to take you to an Omega counter? ridiculous.

This is 100% my thoughts too… The treatment from this AD comes across like your time and effort are worthless. That to me would be enough to never want to do business with that individual again.

[Setarip]

You’re getting played.

Good for you for not losing your cool.

I had a 15+ yr relationship with a store and mgr who got too big for their britches…after many years of regular purchases, started putting the screws to me (…we have buyers who spend millions with us to get a watch)…

So, I walked away. Found a new AD and Mgr who simply said we appreciate loyalty…we don’t play games.

No one deserves to be treated that way…I’d rather go grey (and never have) than be subjected to an SA who’s playing me like that.


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[MrMikee]

I would be fuming. Definitely take it up with the manager because it doesn't sound like this SA is going to get you the GMT anyway. If my SA sent me a photo of a GMT and asked me to come in, it's because I'm getting the GMT. You might burn bridges with the SA, but who cares at this point.

Hype or not, you're spending a lot of money with them and deserve respect. This Rolex situation is getting ridiculous. I can't think of many other consumer instances where this type of bull happens. I'm annoyed and I'm not in your shoes!

[Jim_GMT]

Originally Posted by Hulkhunter

A GMT as your first Rolex purchase is a tall order, no impossible, but not likely I’m afraid.
.

Wind the clock back to 2014 and I walked into one of the largest ADs in the NW of the UK looking for a BLNR for my first Rolex. Said they had one for another customer but if I took it there and then I could have it. Asked for a discount and said no so I walked away!

Went and got one, new with stickers, £500 under list at a well-known grey dealer. Happy days!

[Perku-t]

A person with a long purchase history would mostly signify for me that it is a grey market provider... when I see all the offers of 2023 Rolexes sometimes I ask myself why Rolex doesn't dig into thoses sales and blacklist some buyers who immediately sell there purchases, it would be easy and would clear a little of the waiting list from those flippers...

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Sapphire sandwich, diamond necklace, Tudor GMT is what you have bought so far, right, I don't think I missed anything.

Just my opinion, based on my own spend history, that is not enough for a GMT, without knowing diamond necklace details, but more than enough for a Submariner instantly. Most GMTs go to top clients, and just a guess, you need to drop at least $30,000 to even be considered
.

Frankly, I don’t see how you can make a statement like that, unless you’re running that particular shop. Besides, how much must one spend to be treated with basic respect?

[sski]

it's like an auto dealer enticing you to come in to pickup your dream 911 turbo but then switching it to a Panamera (lame!)

[faz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Z

3. And this is really a question for the board- everyone is suggesting the gray market. but, i have gone away from that since i am nervous about how good fake rolexes are and knowing I am not an expert at spotting real vs fake. I have a tendency at taking people at their word and realizing that, I can be swindled. I suppose the irony of this point is pretty apparent. But, i digress. When you buy gray, do you take it to a rolex ad for authenication? how can you be sure? And one follow up question... when you then sell your watches, do you expect to get 50% of a speedy back? 50% of tudor or more?

Anyways, thank you all so much for your time and consideration.

Mr. Z

I understand the worry. The trusted sellers (DavidSW I have done deals with twice, will do more with no hesitation...) and others in the Rolex boutiques section of this forum, are all trust worthy and do provide legit genuine watches. They have a lot more to lose if something goes fishy and their reputation is ruined, than you do losing $10-$20k on a watch purchase. This is why you can go with them with no worries. Not even the need to have the watch authenticated after a purchase from these, at least I didn't for the two I bought from DavidSW.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by faz

I understand the worry. The trusted sellers (DavidSW I have done deals with twice, will do more with no hesitation...) and others in the Rolex boutiques section of this forum, are all trust worthy and do provide legit genuine watches. They have a lot more to lose if something goes fishy and their reputation is ruined, than you do losing $10-$20k on a watch purchase. This is why you can go with them with no worries. Not even the need to have the watch authenticated after a purchase from these, at least I didn't for the two I bought from DavidSW.

100% agreed, takuya and nashville watches are great to work with. I have dealt with them in the past

[joli160]

I don’t play AD games and buy grey. My own self esteem does not allow me to be taken for a fool let alone begging every month for a watch.

Anyway buying grey is for many watches cheaper without having the AD bundling tactics and purchasing online from a trusted sellers there is nothing to worry.

I also like their service. Pay and next day delivery at your doorstep with 14 days no questions asked return option with full refund. No AD matches that in my part of the world.

[Perku-t]

Originally Posted by sski

it's like an auto dealer enticing you to come in to pickup your dream 911 turbo but then switching it to a Panamera (lame!)

With the nuance that he makes you switch brands... from porche to mercedes

as he bait the OP with Rolex and on arrival he offers him an Omega, wich is more than a detail in a marketing experience, I would personnaly contact Rolex and make him get fired for such a move..

[Hardtimes]

Ive got to chime in here again. This type of thing that folks like the OP got roped in to really bugs me. Think about it, unless one REALLY wants these Tudors, Breitlings, Omegas and jewelry at retail, you are throwing money away. Just pay the price on the gray market.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Mr. Z

3. And this is really a question for the board- everyone is suggesting the gray market. but, i have gone away from that since i am nervous about how good fake rolexes are and knowing I am not an expert at spotting real vs fake. I have a tendency at taking people at their word and realizing that, I can be swindled. I suppose the irony of this point is pretty apparent. But, i digress. When you buy gray, do you take it to a rolex ad for authenication? how can you be sure? And one follow up question... when you then sell your watches, do you expect to get 50% of a speedy back? 50% of tudor or more?

Anyways, thank you all so much for your time and consideration.

Mr. Z

First of all you have my sympathies. At least my AD got me two rolexes in quick succession after I made my 'donation', but you've been given the royal treatment that no one deserves.

When you buy the seller what you are really doing is buying that peace of mind. Only you can decide whether purchasing from a trusted seller listed on an internet forum will satisfy.