Alan Furman prices and reputation?

[Solar]

I am looking to buy a TT Blue Sub as my next Rolex.

Looking at the Furman site, the prices are well below MSRP and represent a solid savings.

Looking over posts in this forum after searching "Furman", I've seen some comments by satisfied customers. I have not found any profoundly negative posts or dire warnings to stay away from this grey market dealer.

Any main reasons NOT to buy from Furman? I know, you're getting the watch in the mail and not at an AD, but I have bought several high end Swiss mechanicals this way, with no problems so far. Although, my best experience is buying from the AD directly.

That said, any comments or experiences here are appreciated.

Best to all for 2008,

Chris

[sharif]

Alan Furman, and Swiss Luxury have the best reputations on these boards. Personally, if I was going grey, these are the two I would look at. Both very reputable, and honest, from what I gather.

[CPCC]

I have bought 3 rolexes from Alan Furman. He has been top notch. I have a IWC Pilot on order. I have recieved all of them via mail, never a concern or a problem.

[Solar]

Originally Posted by cpcc

I have bought 3 rolexes from Alan Furman. He has been top notch. I have a IWC Pilot on order. I have recieved all of them via mail, never a concern or a problem.

Bill, did you ever have any of his watches authenticated?

Chris

[BuffaloRolex]

Alan Furman is one of the most highly-regarded grey dealers around. I know a lot of our members have even visited the showrooms and been impressed with the stock on-hand.

[XELOR]

I attempted to trade my older R for a new model Rolex with AF...

I don't know what you call the trade in credit AF offered..

AF offered 1/3 of what Preownedrolex did.

1/3

Much lower then two other companies, too.

Nice site, never rude, good reputation but...

My concern is for what other moves they are capable of...just a bad vibe.

[Triple Black 88]

I don't believe RSC will touch any watches bought from Alan Furman. Rolex's warranty will be void. Definitly something to think about.

I actually visited AF to look at a DD they had on their site. So after the 3 1/2 drive, I checked in at the desk, then I was brought into a small office. Then the salesman brought in the watch I had on hold. The watch was in good condition, but had a botched aftermarket diamond dial. The quality of the diamonds was poor and the 6 & 9:00 baguetts were crooked, the 1 & 11:00 diamonds overlap the day window, the white 1:00 marker is ou of place, etc... everything I was trying to avoid!!! (See pic below) I hate the fact that they don't have pictures of the actual watches they sell on their site. I even asked the salesman to send me actual pics. He declined. I wish he would have...it would have saved me a 7 hr round trip!
That is my experience...Good Luck
[IMG][/IMG]

[BuffaloRolex]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

I don't believe RSC will touch any watches bought from Alan Furman. Rolex's warranty will be void. Definitly something to think about.

I actually visited AF to look at a DD they had on their site. So after the 3 1/2 drive, I checked in at the desk, then I was brought into a small office. Then the salesman brought in the watch I had on hold. The watch was in good condition, but had a botched aftermarket diamond dial. The quality of the diamonds was poor and the 6 & 9:00 baguetts were crooked, the 1 & 11:00 diamonds overlap the day window, the white 1:00 marker is ou of place, etc... everything I was trying to avoid!!! (See pic below) I hate the fact that they don't have pictures of the actual watches they sell on their site. I even asked the salesman to send me actual pics. He declined. I wish he would have...it would have saved me a 7 hr round trip!
That is my experience...Good Luck
[IMG][/IMG]

You are correct that the warranty is void, but Rolex will not turn away a watch purchased from a grey dealer so long as it's authentic. You'll jsut have to pay for the servicing.

Watches purchased from AF come with all of the paperwork that you get from an AD, but AF is not authorized to fill out the warranty information---hence the voided warranty.

[DSJ]

You should be able to pay the same or less than Alan Furman at an AD for a 16613.

[CPCC]

I believe RSC with repair any watches that they manufacture. They will not provide coverage under their warranty. All costs need to be paid for by the owner.

[vman]

Are we talking about buying pre-owned watches or brand new ones? I am looking at that site as well for an SD or a GMT II. If I were to get a brand new watch, that would be from somebody who offers an extended warranty for free, just like AF.

Triple Black, you mentioned that your experiences was, well, less than spectacular. Was the watch pre-owned customized? I am relatively new to this expensive watch hobby, but I would imagine that no jeweler will screw with a brand new SD...

[eb641]

You should have bought your TT blue Sub a couple wks ago from Alan Furman. His price on this model just went up $300.

[Triple Black 88]

Originally Posted by vman

Triple Black, you mentioned that your experiences was, well, less than spectacular. Was the watch pre-owned customized? I am relatively new to this expensive watch hobby, but I would imagine that no jeweler will screw with a brand new SD...

It was pre-owned. He said that they took it in on a trade. I don't want to give the impression that they tinker with their watches... just sharing my experience with them. I don't think you would have any problem buying new from them, but I'd be very careful buying anything pre-owned from AF or any "Grey" dealer.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I for my part buy from an AD only.

[Solar]

Originally Posted by DSJ

You should be able to pay the same or less than Alan Furman at an AD for a 16613.

Any experiences from forum members in the USA getting a TT Sub with a discount around Furman-ish prices from an AD?

If the price difference is reasonable, I would certainly favour the AD.

That story by Triple Black is downright scarey. I notice that some of the Subs on the Furman site are less expensive than others for the same model, so I have to ask myself why a TT Sub with Serti diamond dial is less expensive than the same model pictured next to it on the site. I notice that upon clicking on the less expensive-but-same model, the product description reads "custom dial", while the more expensive-but-same model reads "Rolex dial".

While the prices are good--and Xelor's story also doesn not inspire confidence--I would still be a tad dodgy about buying sight unseen. And too far a drive for me I think. Hmmmmmmm. Lots to ponder.

Thanks all for your stories and opinions.

Best,

C

[Solar]

Originally Posted by DSJ

You should be able to pay the same or less than Alan Furman at an AD for a 16613.

Any experiences from forum members in the USA getting a TT Sub with a discount around Furman-ish prices from an AD?

If the price difference is reasonable, I would certainly favour the AD.

That story by Triple Black is downright scarey. I notice that some of the Subs on the Furman site are less expensive than others for the same model, so I have to ask myself why a TT Sub with Serti diamond dial is less expensive than the same model pictured next to it on the site. I notice that upon clicking on the less expensive-but-same model, the product description reads "custom dial", while the more expensive-but-same model reads "Rolex dial".

While the prices are good--but Xelor's and Triple Black's stories don't inspire confidence--I would still be a tad dodgy about buying sight unseen. And too far a drive for me I think. Hmmmmmmm. Lots to ponder.

Thanks all for your stories and opinions.

Best,

C

[Dave Kopf]

AF is a great gray market dealer, perhaps the best in the DC area. I've bought a few watches from them (no Rolex yet) and the experience has been straight forward and pleasant. I was actually going back to purchase a SS GMT II but their prices went up to almost AD level and for the $100 difference I'll go AD.

[FXT3]

Just FYI, I was considering Grey as well, but I got my DD "M" serial number 25% off from my AD. It was a couple of bucks below Alan Furman and NO TAX! You have more wiggle room on TT and solid gold as far as discounts. Can't hurt to haggle a little. Would rather stick with the AD if the price is close, or even a little more. Just my .02.

Fran

[rpryan55]

Triple Black and Xelor have convinced me not to purchase a thing from AF. Thanks for the warnings, guys. I'll stick with ADs.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by Solar

Any experiences from forum members in the USA getting a TT Sub with a discount around Furman-ish prices from an AD?

If the price difference is reasonable, I would certainly favour the AD.

That story by Triple Black is downright scarey. I notice that some of the Subs on the Furman site are less expensive than others for the same model, so I have to ask myself why a TT Sub with Serti diamond dial is less expensive than the same model pictured next to it on the site. I notice that upon clicking on the less expensive-but-same model, the product description reads "custom dial", while the more expensive-but-same model reads "Rolex dial".

While the prices are good--but Xelor's and Triple Black's stories don't inspire confidence--I would still be a tad dodgy about buying sight unseen. And too far a drive for me I think. Hmmmmmmm. Lots to ponder.

Thanks all for your stories and opinions.

Best,

C

I bought mine for $6K from an AD last month.

[Solar]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I bought mine for $6K from an AD last month.

WOW!

Much better than Canada......where we're on par with the US dollar, and MSRP is $9700.00, plus 14% tax here in Ontario..........

[SeaGoer]

For whatever is worth, I bought my discounted TT GMT IIc from an AD considerably less than the advertised price on the AF site.
Check and compare prices; things are not always as they are perceived to be.

[Solar]

Originally Posted by SeaGoer

For whatever is worth, I bought my discounted TT GMT IIc from an AD considerably less than the advertised price on the AF site.
Check and compare prices; things are not always as they are perceived to be.

Agree 100%

[Golf11]

Can someone help me understand how a grey market exists for Rolex since it appears Rolex keeps such tight controls on their watches and ADs? Always been confused as to where or how non-ADs get a hold of the watches.

[Earl Camembert]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

I don't believe RSC will touch any watches bought from Alan Furman. Rolex's warranty will be void. Definitly something to think about.

Rolex will touch a genuine Rolex. For about $150 USD they will tell you everything there is to know about the watch. They will also fix a genuine Rolex but will insist on making the watch all original Rolex as it was at the time of manufacture and must be put in like new condition.

I have a DD that has been looked at by Rolex and other experts. I would like to see some gray market watch sold by these "Top Sellers" subject to the same scrutiny.

Remember it is illegal to offer for sale any Rolex that has one non Rolex screw in it.

[05Vette]

Keep in mind that you can have the same problem that Steve (Triple Black 88) had with a pre-owned watch being sold by an AD. All watches, either new or used, must be examined with your emotions in check. Some ADs have taken in on trade watches with aftermarket components; even after the in-house watch expert examined the watch. Do not be lead to believe that ADs are the holy grail and not subject to honest errors. Know the product you are buying better than the salesman. I have said it before and will say it again. Its your money and spend it however you wish.

[Garandboy]

In the past, I once visited Furman to discuss trading in my GMT II on a new Sub, their offer was laughable. The GMT is in spectacular shape. My father took his GMT to be serviced there, huge mess. The service guy told him "Hey it's a 40 year old watch what kind of time are you expecting it to keep ! My lessons were learned I will stick with AD's and RSC !

[jason427]

AD all the way.

I have heard of good experiences and also bad with AF.

One I witnessed myself.

Find an AD that will work with you a little on the price and you are WAY ahead of the game.

Jason