Is the A/D experience worth it for you?

[DRKBC]

I have been an AD, but I am not anymore when I bought my watch I would have loved to walk in an had an espresso while pondering my options, but I couldn't bring myself to pay the entrance fee, how about the rest of you, worth it ... or not?

[Art 1]

To me it's worth it, I have a great time.

[East Bay Rider]

I have a great relationship with my AD. I sometimes just stop in to say hello.

[OYSTERMANN]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I have a great relationship with my AD. I sometimes just stop in to say hello.

I have a great relationship with my AD in Torquay UK. Whenever I'm there, I always call in to say 'hello', too. He always does his best to get me a good deal when I'm in the market for a new one and has sold 2 of my previous models on a commission basis in his store for me, rather than just giving me a derisory part exchange official price for a trade in.

He's a top man and I won't go anywhere else.

[2careless]

What's the use of an AD anyway?
1. For servicing/sizing of the watch, there's an RSC in Melbourne.
2. For priority placement of desired models, that's kidding anyway. There are so many wealthy people not everyone can be #1 in their waiting list.
3. For purchasing experience... yeah right... a $500 cup of coffee or glass of wine is really worth it.
Just my opinion

[vh_bu98]

I have bought 3 Rolexes from three different ADs.

The LV because it was MSRP and hard to get at the time.

The platinum YM because I got 10% off and no tax which made it only a little more than grey.

The ladies datejust because it was a discontinued model and a unique dial. No discount, but I didn't have to pay tax.

And the fact that Dallas has an RSC, it's comforting to know that I can just drive there for any warranty work such as regulations.

[topcat30093]

I have to echo everything that Neil has said on his reply, as we both share the same AD
He is 100% genuine person and will help anybody as Dan (CEG) found out.

[OYSTERMANN]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

I have to echo everything that Neil has said on his reply, as we both share the same AD
He is 100% genuine person and will help anybody as Dan (CEG) found out.

Nice one, Tony.

[walds11]

Nah, I prefer to save some cash and go the pre-owned route.

[Jimbits76]

When I bought my LV I wanted to use an AD. £200 saving to go grey...no way.

My AD knew I wanted an LV and even though some other guy had it reserved for 6 months, when my AD knew I was serious they gave the guy at No1 two weeks notice to buy it.

He didn't, I got bumped to the top.

These guys have sold me my wife's engagement ring and Christmas presents for years, as well as all jewellry/watches my father buys for his partner.

I didn't get a coffee or wine etc, I got a Rolex certificate with my name on it stamped the year my son was born. That way, he'll get the watch when he's 21 and it will be as old as he is. Sentimental and daft maybe but it was important to me. Hopefully, he'll be like his old man and grandfather and believe in purchasing loyalty and use the same AD when he gets older.

What do I get in return...I get all brandss of watch catalogue issued to me each year, a decent rate on branded diamonds (hearts on fire etc) and priority position on lists for any new watch models if I want it...although they still can't get me a SS Cos!!!!

To me, I think it's worth it.

J

[unclesallie]

my experience with AD's has been less than optimal, with one exception, Smyth Jewelers in Timonium, Maryland; they treated me right on a trade-in I had bought there, giving me full value. I must say, however, that it's more fun, dealing with my grey market dealer friend. We have lunch, drinks, talk about watches, politics, women(what else?) and the world in general. Sometimes we do rolex deals! MUCH more fun than an AD.
best, dan

[docnagel]

Buying from an AD ensures an authentic watch, whether or not you get a discount. We tend to forget that the AD has a buisness to run, has overhead, and deserves to get paid for his or her efforts. If you have a problem with a watch and need someone to "go to bat" for you with RSC, an AD is the only way to go. Your Grey market dealers certainly can't do that. Either way, buy the watch you want from whom ever you want, and most of all.... enjoy your timepiece.

[SPORTSFAN]

I bought a SS sub date from my local AD in 2004 and he would not even put me on the list for a SS Daytona he said " I suppose you want to sell that as well as the sub "
( I still own the sub and have worn it every day since )

2 months earlier I had bought a non date SS sub from an AD out of the area I asked to go on the Daytona list ...18 months later he called me to say my Daytona had arrived.
I now always travel to him.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

It depends on the AD, I guess.

Some AD's aren't really worth a visit due to back customer service.

I have had a customer relationship to my AD for over 20 years, so I tend to prefer him. I have another AD, as well, though, that I like to visit occasionally but it's not quite the same experience as with my main AD.

[Jimbits76]

Nice one Mike!

As I've seen Bo mention a few times, "Buy the seller".

The first AD sounded like a real classy guy!!!! Even if you did want to sell it, it's your property and nothing to do with him.

Congrats on the Cos...now where do I find this AD of yours; mine's just been given the elbow!!!!!

J

[BillA]

I bought a SS Daytona from an AD only because it was an MSRP deal
But otherwise, agree with Adam, go the pre-owned and save some coin.
AD's always treat you well when they hear the jingle in your pocket

[harvey]

i have a local ad about 5 miles away who gives great customer service etc however can not match any deals given by the larger national chains for example any discounts on ss models; or interest free credit. also avalability is better with national chains like goldsmiths or ernest jones. the bad thing about these stores is a lack of knowledge and atmosphere.

[ohsixx]

No thanks! I am a grey market type.

[DS/B MINI S]

I've bought from our local AD and I've also purchased preloved. It depends on what I'm looking for, budget and time frame. I'd like to pick up a GMT IIc and if I buy preloved I can save between $1000-$1500 on an 'almost' new watch. I figure with those savings I'm off to a good start on the next watch.

To answer your question, NO I did not feel the AD experience was worth the entry fee.

[DocD]

As previously stated, it's certainly a matter of personal preference. But, to many it's a definite security blanket knowing that there is absolutely NO question about the authenticity/history of the watch.

Some people are willing to possibly pay that extra amount, knowing that the AD has been chosen by Rolex to carry their product. In reality, we all know that there are some lousy AD's, but the bottom line is that an AD does relieve some of the stress of knowing if a watch is the real deal (especially for a novice), and will USUALLY go to bat for you if there is a problem.

[John685]

I've had an excellent experience with my AD. After researching the grey market, I advised the AD what I would have to pay for the Rolex I wanted and asked if he could match the price. It was very cordial and I told him I would prefer to buy local but the cost was a primary consideration. He not only matched my best price but using the same criteria, I returned for 3 more over the following months. Knowing that I am a serious customer, he has also voluntarily extended a discount on some jewelry for the wife.

Saving money is a major concern. However, the piece of mind knowing you have obtained a genuine Rolex without worrying if it is legitimate or been tampered with is also a plus when dealing with an AD.

[DRKBC]

So far - Between the UK and north America, there are very different sentiments. Here in North America 50% say yes to the dealer 50% say no. In the UK it is almost 100% A/D. 1 in Denmark with a yes and 1 in Australia with a no. The comments seem to suggest that you have a much better experience with your A/D's in the UK than we do here and we may put a little less weight on the experience than we do on the overall outcome. Overall, everyone obviously seems to like the security of the dealers but it comes with a price and if the dealers don't come to the table with service people are a little less the happy to part with their hard earned $$$.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by John685

After researching the grey market, I advised the AD what I would have to pay for the Rolex I wanted and asked if he could match the price.

I tried the same when I bought my TT Datejust, but two ADs would not budge from retail. I was willing to pay $1000 more than I did just to support them, but they held to the "Rolex won't let us discount" line. The difference was enough to steer me to a very reliable online seller.

I've sent others to a couple of the local ADs, but I'd have to say that most of them lack the customer service skills I have found more often in other countries. I have visited ADs in France, the UK, Canada, and Ireland. And I've purchased from ADs in Italy, as well as in Argentina. The level of professionalism and courtesy was always remarkably high. I'll pay a higher price for good service, but most ADs here seem to have a fluctuating service scale that is proportional to the amount of money you spend with them. And all too often, they don't put on their best UNTIL you've spent the money.

Exceptions, in my experience (none sell Rolex):
Armstrong Rockwell in Hartford, CT
Watch Connection in Costa Mesa, CA
Chatel & Co. in Carmel, CA
Hamilton Jewelers in Sacramento
Fox's Gem Shop in Seattle (formerly a Rolex AD - I purchased a Sub there)
Panerai Boutique in Beverly Hills

[buz-lh]

For new my AD has been super. Knows watches, has access to other brands and treats me right when it comes to pricing. I have referred a few TRF'ers to him and they were very happy with their deals also. I think ,if going used, the forum here would be the way to go.

[pnefan]

I've been buying from my AD for about 5 years & my father has been buying from him for about 20 years.

He has always gone "above & beyond" what you would expect an AD to do, for both of us

We have never waited for more than a few weeks for any model, including SS Daytonas, of which we have had 3 in the last 12 months.

I can just phone him or call in for a chat anytime & he calls me anytime he gets new stock in.

The discounts we get are excellent, even on the hard to get items.

For me, I would never go anywhere else

Dan

[Monkeyman]

I have heard good reports about AD's in uk and asia.. the full white glove treatment..no rush and very thorough