AD to limit 3 purchases per year. Anyone heard of this?

[mrfreaz]

If true, it's the first sign that Rolex is getting serious about trying to shut down the flippers. To date, all they have done is say that they are producing regular amounts of watches and that "unprecedented" demand is the reason for the shortages seen at the ADs. I think that is only half the story, and that they have looked the other way while knowing that most watches are being sold to the grey market to be marked up hugely. They must like the perception that Rolexes are seemingly in such high demand, and are more exclusive than they really are. It feeds into the whole Rolex myth. The ADs are pointing the finger at Rolex and say they aren't getting shipments, which doesn't seem believable except for certain models. No matter what the reason, by letting this continue, Rolex is upsetting a huge amount of customers and collectors who are getting fed up, which is not good for the brand long term. My local AD recently showed me an interest list, and said that common models are running about a year wait. Even said Rolex is encouraging first time customers and that they are selling to them. Unless that is a total ruse, it is an encouraging sign.

[samuel019]

Way to bump an oldish thread but anyway I'd be happy as hell to get one call a year much less 3

I'd be down if offered. I believe this was originally talked about as one SS, TT, and full PM.

Not sure there is a TT I'd be after atm but guess a 116503 would be just fine. However get back to me when I receive "a" call much less 3

[Rolex Freak]

My AD mentioned that they will only sell one “dress” watch and one “sport” watch per year to any one customer. No mentioned of PM pieces, so this might be the policy specific to each individual AD owner versus Rolex making this a rule across the board.

[norcalctr]

Does this mean that I'm guaranteed 3 watches per year from my AD? That's a win for me lmao

[amh]

Well the way I see the AD now "owes" me 3 watches for every year I've waited (15 total )

[Harry-57]

Not my AD. I can't speak for any other ADs.

Rolex has no control over this.

[Spartyfan6262]

Originally Posted by mrfreaz

If true, it's the first sign that Rolex is getting serious about trying to shut down the flippers. To date, all they have done is say that they are producing regular amounts of watches and that "unprecedented" demand is the reason for the shortages seen at the ADs. I think that is only half the story, and that they have looked the other way while knowing that most watches are being sold to the grey market to be marked up hugely. They must like the perception that Rolexes are seemingly in such high demand, and are more exclusive than they really are. It feeds into the whole Rolex myth. The ADs are pointing the finger at Rolex and say they aren't getting shipments, which doesn't seem believable except for certain models. No matter what the reason, by letting this continue, Rolex is upsetting a huge amount of customers and collectors who are getting fed up, which is not good for the brand long term. My local AD recently showed me an interest list, and said that common models are running about a year wait. Even said Rolex is encouraging first time customers and that they are selling to them. Unless that is a total ruse, it is an encouraging sign.

I think the three per year rule is sensible, while a long wait list remains. I know a guy who bought multiple of the same Rolexes this past year so he could wear one and "keep the others in a safe to sell later." I'd rather see those safe watches go to first time Rolex buyers.

[offrdmania]

Does that mean that the back door deals to the gray dealers is also limited to three per year so that the average buyer has a chance to buy a piece at retail and not the marked up price through a gray?


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[shaunylw]

Even on a good year, i don’t know that i would buy 3. I would be highly irritated if it was one sport watch per year though. I have no interest in a Cellini. I’m 100% certain that rule is not going to be followed. If you want a sub, a DD and a gold sub, I’m sure they will be happy to help if you’re buying at msrp.


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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Does that mean that the back door deals to the gray dealers is also limited to three per year so that the average buyer has a chance to buy a piece at retail and not the marked up price through a gray?


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Those are obfuscated through a list of fake names.

[funkright]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Those are obfuscated through a list of fake names.

Was told this just yesterday by an employee at a local Rolex branded POS...

I complained that an acquaintance of mine (not a friend, but someone who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC) managed to purchase 6 Rolex from that location in the last 3 months

The individual I was talking with let it slip that this was his customer (again, the person who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC)

So, ya, there's that

[Wmesallem]

Originally Posted by Gab27

Short of perhaps the Sultan of Brunei or Bono, who exactly has been getting more than three Rolexes in a single calendar year? Maybe you would get three Rolexes if you robbed an AD, but even that seems rather doubtful.

I got 6 from a single ad in one year. Blnr, datejust wg, day date, sub date, blro, plat day date. It just depends on relationship. No other history other than watches.


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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by funkright

Was told this just yesterday by an employee at a local Rolex branded POS...

I complained that an acquaintance of mine (not a friend, but someone who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC) managed to purchase 6 Rolex from that location in the last 3 months

The individual I was talking with let it slip that this was his customer (again, the person who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC)

So, ya, there's that

Welcome behind the curtain

Tell him you recorded the conversation for Rolex HQ and would prefer to settle it with a meteorite Daytona.

[samuel019]

Originally Posted by funkright

Was told this just yesterday by an employee at a local Rolex branded POS...

I complained that an acquaintance of mine (not a friend, but someone who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC) managed to purchase 6 Rolex from that location in the last 3 months

The individual I was talking with let it slip that this was his customer (again, the person who actively flips Rolex, PP, VC)

So, ya, there's that

Jeez. Did he have anything else to say afterwards? I’m assuming no.

I’ve had an SA say “yeah man we are getting a lot more watches” then quickly try to fix his “slip up”

[1995akcoop]

3? I just want one.


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[samuel019]

Originally Posted by Wmesallem

I got 6 from a single ad in one year. Blnr, datejust wg, day date, sub date, blro, plat day date. It just depends on relationship. No other history other than watches.


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That’s awesome. But YMMV depending on market etc but it seems you have a great relationship with your SA/AD.

For some of us it’s much harder even with tenure, spend history, other purchases etc

[RolexSimon]

I think most ADs try and balance their watch allocations and if they're putting down the name of the individual honestly on the card, 3 per year seems reasonable and fair. Some multi-millionaires would otherwise walk out with all the daytonas based on previous spend. Spread the love........

[Tommy125]

The ADs I know are reputable and will not sell to grey out of the back door. With that said, there is still a wait to watches, so I don’t think the shortage is due to people buying bulk, but rather the demand is high. So I don’t know if this will help the situation.

[Ichiran]

My AD only allows each customer to buy 1 professional per year.

[funkright]

Originally Posted by Tommy125

The ADs I know are reputable and will not sell to grey out of the back door. With that said, there is still a wait to watches, so I don’t think the shortage is due to people buying bulk, but rather the demand is high. So I don’t know if this will help the situation.

But their salespeople can, more often than not, decide who to sell to. It's in that discretionary window that decisions get made

[slm9555]

My ad says 1 per year but could make an exception for 2.


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