Rolex AD and waiting list (UK)

[UK_]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

First thing to note is that in most AD’s, there isn’t really a list in the sense of a chronologically ordered hierarchy of customers. The hierarchy is ordered, but in a different way.

I posted on this thread (about a year ago!) to the effect that WOS Group AD’s (WOS, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb) all have centralised “lists” - meaning that allocation of hot watches has to be approved above the level of the AD itself, though the AD manager has discretion too. If you were on multiple WOS Group lists they would know about it and possibly peg you as a flipper. Before I settled on one AD, I went to about a dozen AD’s, getting on “the list” for a BLNR. All of them but one were WOS group and 2.5 years later I have had zero contact from any of them except the one Aurum AD that got me the watch after a few months and an independent AD that contacted me as they were managing their list after the release of 126710BLNR.

So you’d be safe getting on one WOS Group list and various independent lists (Rolex doesn’t know about or care who gets the watches, aside from not wanting them to be flipped quickly for profit) though the problem there is most independents will prioritise local customers - indeed one AD I went to a while back (in Bournemouth) basically wouldn’t talk to me unless I could prove I lived in Dorset.

This is absolutely spot on


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[makrxx]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

First thing to note is that in most AD’s, there isn’t really a list in the sense of a chronologically ordered hierarchy of customers. The hierarchy is ordered, but in a different way.

I posted on this thread (about a year ago!) to the effect that WOS Group AD’s (WOS, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb) all have centralised “lists” - meaning that allocation of hot watches has to be approved above the level of the AD itself, though the AD manager has discretion too. If you were on multiple WOS Group lists they would know about it and possibly peg you as a flipper. Before I settled on one AD, I went to about a dozen AD’s, getting on “the list” for a BLNR. All of them but one were WOS group and 2.5 years later I have had zero contact from any of them except the one Aurum AD that got me the watch after a few months and an independent AD that contacted me as they were managing their list after the release of 126710BLNR.

So you’d be safe getting on one WOS Group list and various independent lists (Rolex doesn’t know about or care who gets the watches, aside from not wanting them to be flipped quickly for profit) though the problem there is most independents will prioritise local customers - indeed one AD I went to a while back (in Bournemouth) basically wouldn’t talk to me unless I could prove I lived in Dorset.

That's interesting. At WoS, I was told after the pieces come in the shipment, the store manager will decide which staff in the store gets it. And each staff will then have their own share of clients to take care of.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by makrxx

That's interesting. At WoS, I was told after the pieces come in the shipment, the store manager will decide which staff in the store gets it. And each staff will then have their own share of clients to take care of.

I’ve been told similar; that staff “go in to bat” for their clients and petition the manager for the sale and that there’s a roughly equitable rotation amongst the staff.

I understand the name is then “approved” from above (I didn’t intend to imply no decision is made locally) but that for the most sought after pieces e.g. D500, BLRO etc. head office will often simply supply the manager with a name and tell them that is who is getting the next piece.

[playing4time]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

No worries bud.

You decided on a Yachtmaster in the end? Which dial? You should be good for one of those before October.

Yes, pretty settled on YM 40 at this point.... I thought I’d decided on the rhodium, but that was 20 mins ago, and I‘m currently looking at the blue dial.........!
Should hopefully be ok to source one. Will work on the SS Daytona in parallel - I think that will take longer, so if I start on that now, I should hopefully be good for 2021/22 - playing a longer term strategy there... On that note, off to have a coffee with my local AD...!

[makrxx]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I’ve been told similar; that staff “go in to bat” for their clients and petition the manager for the sale and that there’s a roughly equitable rotation amongst the staff.

I understand the name is then “approved” from above (I didn’t intend to imply no decision is made locally) but that for the most sought after pieces e.g. D500, BLRO etc. head office will often simply supply the manager with a name and tell them that is who is getting the next piece.

Thanks for this.

Any idea what is the 'threshold' like to get popular models like BLRO, Hulk etc?

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by wb55

I'm sure they already did. Post is a year old. (I was just about to call)

Oops, these revived threads often get me

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by makrxx

Thanks for this.

Any idea what is the 'threshold' like to get popular models like BLRO, Hulk etc?

'Fraid not. I'm a bit more optimistic than some on here based on my personal experience but I was probably a bit lucky. My first Rolex was a BLNR (having bought the wife an OP from the same AD, with no previous spend there) then got an OP39 for myself and after that managed to snag a Hulk and an SD. I'm waiting for the call on a BLRO now.

However I'm aware of people who have spent almost an order of magnitude more and still can't get some of these watches. It's very AD dependent and also things are a lot worse than when I started out. In that sense a "relationship" (i.e. is your AD or SA well disposed towards you) might make a small positive difference.

[terrywoods]

Originally Posted by garyfromleeds

Spend your money else where mate , I had the exact same with the Leeds Prestons store , the Manager said he was in charge of who got what , then in the next breath he said he got a client a Daytona in receipt for some Rugby tickets , the whole thing " STINKS " my advice don't buy Rolex any more as its a corrupt market , ADs are grabbing everything they can and JOE PUBLIC aint seeing any of the good stuff , I have this first hand as I have an insider that works for an AD in westyorkshire , the directors and managers grab all the good stuff for themselves what happens after that isn't hard too imagine , nice way too top your wages up .

There are a couple of Honest ADs out there being Goldsmiths and Frazer heart , me and my friends have bought hard to get steel sports from both these guys , they defiantly run a straight book , PRESTONS , LISTERHORSFALL , and Fattorinis in harrogate are ones to swerve because of reasons above , Prestons and Listerhorsfall totally corrupt !

Would love to do a hidden camera on Prestons I’ve given up ever going in that place it’s turned me off the brand and thoughts of ever getting a SS model

Rolex spoilt the UK market by getting rid of a lot of the ADs were you had a chance of getting a watch from them without having to be a VIP

[Gmt tony]

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Please excuse my ignorance but if we were to purchase a watch in the US and pay taxes there surely we wouldn't need to pay VAT again when re-entering the UK? There is no requirement to pay VAT twice?



I could understand that if you bought the watch in the US (Tax free) then you would need to pay VAT upon your return.



Is this not the case?



Many thanks in advance (as i'm seriously considering it for my next purchase).

There not going to take it off your arm and tax you on it how will they even know if you are bringing it back from the USA ???


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[Gmt tony]

I went into my local AD couple of weeks ago about a rootbeer was told a 20 month wait he confirmed my name is down on the list by email last week hopefully fingers crossed


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[Harry-57]

That is roughly what I've been told to expect for my TT CHNR. I think there are about eight people in front of me.

[rudestew]

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

[Gmt tony]

Originally Posted by rudestew

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

Should of taken the blnr and ran


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[wb55]

Originally Posted by rudestew

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

He probably thought you were looking a gift horse in the mouth.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I’ve been told similar; that staff “go in to bat” for their clients and petition the manager for the sale and that there’s a roughly equitable rotation amongst the staff.

I understand the name is then “approved” from above (I didn’t intend to imply no decision is made locally) but that for the most sought after pieces e.g. D500, BLRO etc. head office will often simply supply the manager with a name and tell them that is who is getting the next piece.

Duck that. What a ducking shambles. When it equalises well, there could be a lot of salespeople whistling.


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[Gmt tony]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

Duck that. What a ducking shambles. When it equalises well, there could be a lot of salespeople whistling.


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It will never equal supplies will never meet demand


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[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Gmt tony

It will never equal supplies will never meet demand


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You are probably right.

But there is the chance that the country is going to do a bit of circling before finally disappearing down the khazi over the next few years, in which case demand might go down the pan n’all.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by rudestew

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

Was that in Bristol?

[Steven_M]

Originally Posted by rudestew

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

How dare you knock back a watch you don't want :))

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by rudestew

i knocked back a blnr and was told I'm off the GMT list ? trying to explain that i wanted a blro from the get go to a teenager was just a waste of time in any country

It’s the SAME watch apart from half a bezel and a different coloured GMT band.
If you’ve wanted a GMT Pepsi since you were a teenager, buy a pre ceramic 16710 or go grey for the 126710BLRO

[Redadmiral2]

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

I thought they were very rude and arrogant too. I’d love to have been a mystery shopper!

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

If you have hard proof of this they won't be an AD for much longer. This is your chance to do something about an alleged bent AD. What are you going to do?

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

I know a customer of theirs. He’s a proper wide boy and he’s somehow managed to convince them that he has a huge watch collection so they supply him with one of everything sought after that comes out. What they don’t know is that he’s on the phone and has it sold by the time he’s walked past Selfridges! He thinks it’s hilarious that they don’t know.
They offered him an LV when he called in last October and he had delivered it to somebody else by tea time that day for a quick £3,000 profit!

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

Originally Posted by 3sheets86

I know a customer of theirs. He’s a proper wide boy and he’s somehow managed to convince them that he has a huge watch collection so they supply him with one of everything sought after that comes out. What they don’t know is that he’s on the phone and has it sold by the time he’s walked past Selfridges! He thinks it’s hilarious that they don’t know.
They offered him an LV when he called in last October and he had delivered it to somebody else by tea time that day for a quick £3,000 profit!

Originally Posted by Harry-57

If you have hard proof of this they won't be an AD for much longer. This is your chance to do something about an alleged bent AD. What are you going to do?

Contact Watches of Switzerland at the Head Office and put your evidence to them and see if they act, WoS are keen to stop flippers and they supported holding the warranty cards so if one of their stores is doing dodgy deals they will be interested otherwise they will lose the franchise.

I believe that Fraser Hart stopped playing ball with Rolex on a few issues and have lost a number of franchises as a result.

Losing the Rolex franchise is a big deal for these stores so if you can prove unethical sales practices do so.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by 3sheets86

I know a customer of theirs. He’s a proper wide boy and he’s somehow managed to convince them that he has a huge watch collection so they supply him with one of everything sought after that comes out. What they don’t know is that he’s on the phone and has it sold by the time he’s walked past Selfridges! He thinks it’s hilarious that they don’t know.
They offered him an LV when he called in last October and he had delivered it to somebody else by tea time that day for a quick £3,000 profit!

I used to nip in when I’m back in Manchester but now I just don’t see the point anymore. I was there on 27th picking up some last minute bits before flying back to UAE. The Rolex counter was just bombarded with kids so I carried on walking. Robinson’s are slightly better to deal with but again, even in Manchester they’re too focused on so called whales. They also get really funny when I try and leave my parents phone number as I don’t have a UK mobile.

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I used to nip in when I’m back in Manchester but now I just don’t see the point anymore. I was there on 27th picking up some last minute bits before flying back to UAE. The Rolex counter was just bombarded with kids so I carried on walking. Robinson’s are slightly better to deal with but again, even in Manchester they’re too focused on so called whales. They also get really funny when I try and leave my parents phone number as I don’t have a UK mobile.

I bought a couple from Mappin & Webb in 2013 when they weren’t too difficult to get but, a Sub and a Daytona and my mum a DJ. Still got the Sub and Daytona but that doesn’t make me worthy enough to be considered for anything these days so I don’t bother with them anymore. I found a nice independent that I’ve bought a few bits from, a 116613LB, an 116710BLNR, a 126300 and my mum bought a new DJ and some jewellery all since 2016. Not a huge spend in the grand scheme of things but you call or walk in they know who you are, what you’ve bought and who you’ve referred so that’s got to be worth something. Been promised a BLRO by my birthday in June which they have said several times they will be able to fulfill so fingers crossed!

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Goldsmiths in Trafford Center are very unethical in how they sell Rolex watches.
Unless you are a pro footballer or a Chinese bulk buyer the only way to get a sports model is to pay extra premium to the salesman.

A wad of cash in an envelope for the salesman ?

[Redadmiral2]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

A wad of cash in an envelope for the salesman ?

Yes a friend of mine went down this route to get a blue date just.
Bunged the salesman some money after the sale after they agreed in advance.

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Redadmiral2

Yes a friend of mine went down this route to get a blue date just.
Bunged the salesman some money after the sale after they agreed in advance.

For a datejust?!!!!!!