AD Experience Vs. Used (Savings)

[SubmarinerIwant]

What value do you give the experience of getting your rolex right from the AD vs. getting a percentage off from a reputable seller?

Those who went to an AD please share your experience of how you were treated.

Thanks

[nyyankees]

I usually buy here but just once I ought from an AD. It was kind of cool. I feel good knowing I can just walk in if I need anything and get it covered under warranty. However I bought used and at a good price. I never hesitate to buy here from the trusted sellers and most times their prices are much better and the experience is great. Nothing like getting a package from DavisSW

[Watchflair]

Go with your gut. I have done both. The AD offers instant gratification and you get a brand new piece. The used offers a financial savings that can be tempting.

[Art 1]

I have always been treated well at an AD.

[GradyPhilpott]

The advantage of the AD experience is not so much the treatment you get on the day you fork over $5,000+, because anyone will kiss your butt and offer you a bottle of apple juice when you're giving them a bundle of money.

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

[Israguard]

You're 1000% right Grady. Knowing you can walk right in to where it came from is priceless. I believe all AD's treat their own customers slightly better than those who walk in off the street with the warranty card asking for service.

[donas]

I have purchased two from ADs and three here on TRF.....personally, I seem to be a flipper and don't like the immediate loss I get when I walk out the door of the AD. Emotionally, I'm more attached to a great deal than brand new.

[Speed]

What value do I give an AD Vs a minty used watch from a seller i trust?

Honestly? Close to zero.

Warranty service is rarely required as far as I can see.

For any issues, I live close to a RSC who treats me like a king.

Afraid I have no motivation to pay thousands more to get the AD treatment.

[z32turbo]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The advantage of the AD experience is not so much the treatment you get on the day you fork over $5,000+, because anyone will kiss your butt and offer you a bottle of apple juice when you're giving them a bundle of money.

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

Well said Grady.

Plus you have to remember most AD's sell more than just Rolex watches and having a good relationship can help when trying to purchase those "other" items as well.

[karmatp]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The advantage of the AD experience is not so much the treatment you get on the day you fork over $5,000+, because anyone will kiss your butt and offer you a bottle of apple juice when you're giving them a bundle of money.

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

My AD also gives me a 3 year warranty which is nice to have just in case.

I actually went into my local AD today to get my bracelet adjusted a bit. I wanted another link taken out so I could use the micro adjustments and the half link on my Explorer II. When we sized it when I purchased it I had the perfect fit, but my micro adjustments were all the way in and I had the half link tucked in as well. Now that it is getting cooler, I found it to be a little loose, and I could not tighten it up myself because all the little adjustments were all ready in. Taking out a link lets me now use the half link when it gets colder, and my micro adjustments are in the middle, so I can tighten that up a bit also. Anyway, that was a long about way to say the using a AD and having a relationship does pay off a bit if you ever need anything done to your watch.

I also find that prices here are pretty much in line with what a lot of AD's will sell their watches for, it is all about negotiating a bit and building that relationship.

I also want my name on the papers, especially if I plan on passing it down to my kids.

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by SubmarinerIwant

What value do you give the experience of getting your rolex right from the AD vs. getting a percentage off from a reputable seller?

Those who went to an AD please share your experience of how you were treated.

Thanks

I can't say I like Rolex ADs very much. Much better deals here buying from a trusted seller. There is nothing an AD can do for me that I can't achieve with a trusted seller and Rolex Service Center phone call. Many, but not all, ADs I have run into will even lie about their margin to try and sell a watch at MSRP or very low discounted rates. The liars must think all their customers are chumps...

[Hairdude1]

I have bought at both! Ad's are great but the deals are hard to beat here on TRF!

[77T]

Twice with LeeBrant here in ATL, an Expl.II & a Lady DJ. Both times were stellar. But over time I learned the thousands $$$ saved are worth the difference in dealing with Pre-loved or LNIB.

[tkerrmd]

AD has always treated me tremendously and I really enjoy the whole experience.
The fact I can walk in anytime and see touch and compare any and all watches is really a great experience and a lot of fun.
Putting up my watch to compare to multiple others really gives good insite to current state of collection and any future purchases and even trades.
Been given every Rolex goodie out there, good discounts and even good trade ins.
Always get first crack at any new inventory as it arrives.
Will bring in any watch I want to see just because.

So yes I really enjoy the AD experience.

[caryyee]

I find my relationship with my AD allows me to purchase locally (I'm in Australia) at prices maybe only 3-4% higher than from a TRF seller in the US (based on what I paid for my RG Daytona), so to me, I'm happy to buy from my AD being less than a 5 min walk from work plus the instant gratification of getting the watch then and there. However, if my AD can't get near what I can get on TRF or elsewhere from a non-AD (ie my SS Daytona, GMT, Milgauss), then I'll happily buy elsewhere. Having a relationship with my AD means that he seems to take more time with me if I come in, and ask to see watches, he'll happily spend the afternoon with me and show me whatever I want as I've spent a significant amount of money with them this year.

So, in a nutshell, in cases where my AD can get close to my target price, I'll buy from them, otherwise a big saving in $ always beats great service. Plus, having the RSC only a 10 min walk away is also a bonus for me.

[RACER_X]

I've talked w as many bad ADs as good ones

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The advantage of the AD experience is not so much the treatment you get on the day you fork over $5,000+, because anyone will kiss your butt and offer you a bottle of apple juice when you're giving them a bundle of money.

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

Exactly this. (Only I received a bottle of water).

[gwalker]

I always buy new watches from my AD. I'm treated well and pay about the same prices as the watches in the classifieds I'd have no problems using some trusted sellers if I couldn't locate a price I wanted. The AD also sells other brands and tons of jewelry. I never pay more than $100-200 more than the going price in the classifieds. IMHO ADs have a somewhat bad rep for some reason. Couldn't be farther from the truth if you asked me. I know larger stores can be crazy but I stick to the smaller local ADs. There are plenty on here that will tell you that buying from an AD will cost you thousands no matter what is totally not what I've found to be the case. Yes if you pay msrp plus tax it will be a loss but have a relationship and you will be taken care of. I would much rather buy from a brick and mortar store for basically the same price. If you plan on buying many Rolexes down the road building a great business relationship is by far the best choice.

[rolexman21]

If you are buying a newer model you might as well go used. You will save a ton of money and most likely will not need the warranty. Worse case Should for some odd reason something go wrong your out $750 which would still leave you well below the cost of brand new. As long as you are an experienced buyer I would go used.

[bgriz]

Every AD I have ever been in around here does not discount the sports models, which is what I was looking to buy. I'd rather save the money and buy from a trusted seller here. I've bought 3 bnib Rolex this year and saved significant dollars, while getting great service and professionalism. Now, if I have a problem with any of the watches I won't stroll into an AD and expect them to help me. I will send it off to RSC if under warranty, and if not, still either RSC or an independent watchmaker that has a Rolex account. I've also done some trades this year and feel good about the value I received on the traded watches.

So I would say the AD experience to me is not worth the extra money, YMMV.

[outlaw468]

Originally Posted by donas

I have purchased two from ADs and three here on TRF.....personally, I seem to be a flipper and don't like the immediate loss I get when I walk out the door of the AD. Emotionally, I'm more attached to a great deal than brand new.

These are my feelings exactly. Well said.

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The advantage of the AD experience is not so much the treatment you get on the day you fork over $5,000+, because anyone will kiss your butt and offer you a bottle of apple juice when you're giving them a bundle of money.

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

couldn't have said it better

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The real advantage is knowing that what you are buying is from the factory without having been in another buyer's possession and the fact that you have not only a warranty, but someone to take care of the details in case of some problem.

I got that from DavidSW. I had a problem with one of my watches and texted him. I got a call from him like 5 minutes later; he instructed me on how to use my warranty. It was pretty simple. My watch is now being serviced under warranty...

OTOH, one AD I dealt with awhile back sent my watch in for repairs under warranty, the watch came back and the issue was not fixed! The AD denied anything was still wrong with it. I took the watch to the RSC myself in Manhattan, and RSC fixed it. So much for that AD taking care of the details...

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

In the case of my AD, there is a highly-skilled Rolex-trained watchmaker on the premises who can assist me at any time I wish to drop in for anything from a regulation to just wanting to ask a few questions to a full service when the time comes.

I still get those things when I bring my watches into an AD even if I bought my watch from a trusted seller here; if I didn't get that kind of treatment I would call Rolex, or insert brand, and complain until they recommended somewhere else local where I could bring my watch.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Those things are not worth the premium to many, but they give me some peace of mind.

I get those things without paying the premium, so why buy the cow if you get the milk for free?

Of course, you can get NIB from trusted sellers for extremely good prices. I ask what warranty comes with it; so far both watches I bought from trusted sellers have had a new manufacturer warranty... I guess these watches are technically considered "used" because they were not bought at an AD by you, but if you buy from the right seller they are not really "used," and the seller acts more like a middle-man.

When I buy used without a warranty, for an even deeper discount, I pretty much accept that issues may happen and take that into account (service costs, etc., the seller's return policy and reputation in case I notice a problem right away with the watch).

[Speed]

+1

[tinger]

I've recently bought in 2 watches to RSCny (separate times) for minor issues.
Regulation on one watch and getting 2 replacement bracelet pins on the other.
After being reprimanded for taking the bracelet apart and losing the screws.. They put everything back together(no charge) and gave me 2 free green pouches & polishing clothes.
Both were purchased here from trusted sellers and still within warranty period.. no issue at all at RSCny. .. basically no difference buying here or from AD in terms of servicing under warranty period.

[landroverking]

I have bought new twice. Nice way to go and everyone should do it once.
Thats over 20 years ago. These days I would only buy used.
Let some one else take the big hit. Kinda like buying a new car Vs pre-owned.

[paltak]

My AD discounted my SS Daytona, and is giving me 12.5% off on the SS GMT IIC when I stopped in yesterday, which is about the same if not less than the trusted sellers here for a BNIB and it's in my name and no sales tax.

[RACER_X]

Originally Posted by paltak

My AD discounted my SS Daytona, and is giving me 12.5% off on the SS GMT IIC when I stopped in yesterday, which is about the same if not less than the trusted sellers here for a BNIB and it's in my name and no sales tax.

how is the dealer going around sales tax?

or is dealer giving you 20% off?

[paltak]

Originally Posted by RACER_X

how is the dealer going around sales tax?

or is dealer giving you 20% off?

My AD is in a neighboring state and could not collect sales tax unless they do business in your homestate. I pay $25 to have it overnighted to me.

[donas]

Originally Posted by paltak

My AD is in a neighboring state and could not collect sales tax unless they do business in your homestate. I pay $25 to have it overnighted to me.

You do realize you are responsible to pay the tax in your home state, right? I can't say I haven't had similar transactions as yours (several times with various jewelry), but a moderator will chime in soon saying TRF does not encourage or support violating laws, etc, etc.