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Old 14 May 2008, 04:21 PM   #1
DaveInLA
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How much more would you pay to buy from AD vs. reliable online Ebayer?

I visited my first AD today to check out some prices, and was a bit surprised that prices were marked UP from recent MSRP. I've actually heard that this dealer is known for that. There are plent of ADs in these parts, but the overall impression I have is that no matter how much negotiating I do, it's still cheaper to buy online.

I've tentatively decided on the Explorer I. There are various Ebay sellers that are offering the watch "unworn" (aka, new) for a little under $4K. These sellers have lots of great feedback from selling other Rolexes and other expensive watches, but they're not authorized dealers, and that bothers me. I guess the faint possiblity that it could be a replica is a nagging feeling. On the other hand, I figure I can save 10% by going online, and that's a significant discount. What are your thoughts on this?
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Old 14 May 2008, 04:38 PM   #2
walds11
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I am not sure what you mean by 'the prices were marked up from recent MSRP." You mean no discount? You should be able to get a small discount depending on the type of watch (SS, TT or all gold). If it is a SS Daytona or Milgauss, then they sell above MSRP.

I have no problem buying from an on-line grey market dealer. Just do your homework and get plenty of references. I usually buy pre-owned and save even more.

As for the warranty paperwork, you should still be able to get work done for free if the paperwork is filled out properly. Your name does not have to be on there. Just tell the RSC that the watch was given to you as a gift. On-line grey marker dealers usually offer their own warranty as well.
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Old 14 May 2008, 04:51 PM   #3
fear
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I'm not confident enough to buy a modern and/or antique Rolex from the gray-bay. The thought off loosing all that hard earned cash on a fake scares me. With ADs you get the backing of the watch company. I'd rather pay a little more for that piece of mind than risk a fake.

Now there are Rolex experts who know everything about Rolex and gladly buy from a gray, gray-bay, private seller. I wish I had their skill.
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Old 14 May 2008, 04:54 PM   #4
Ursa Major
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveInLA View Post
I visited my first AD today to check out some prices, and was a bit surprised that prices were marked UP from recent MSRP. I've actually heard that this dealer is known for that. There are plent of ADs in these parts, but the overall impression I have is that no matter how much negotiating I do, it's still cheaper to buy online.

I've tentatively decided on the Explorer I. There are various Ebay sellers that are offering the watch "unworn" (aka, new) for a little under $4K. These sellers have lots of great feedback from selling other Rolexes and other expensive watches, but they're not authorized dealers, and that bothers me. I guess the faint possiblity that it could be a replica is a nagging feeling. On the other hand, I figure I can save 10% by going online, and that's a significant discount. What are your thoughts on this?
Dave, what part of town are you in?
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Old 14 May 2008, 05:22 PM   #5
DaveInLA
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Dave, what part of town are you in?
I in the San Gabriel Valley.
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Old 14 May 2008, 05:33 PM   #6
Ursa Major
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I in the San Gabriel Valley.
The friend I got my 16613 from lives in San Marino, he's going to introduce me to his AD either tomorrow or at the end of next week. She supposedly discounts pretty heavily. If it's a good deal, I'll let you know.
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Old 14 May 2008, 05:29 PM   #7
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I recently went through the same delema. Gray market internet prices are very tempting to be sure. I decided to try to build a relationship with my local AD. I bought a GMT-11c first, at MSRP and 2 weeks later bought a Breitling Skyland and a TT Blue sub from the same AD. I did get acceptable discounts on both the Breitling and the Blue sub. For what it's worth, I knew I was getting the "real deal" from the AD. I do have factory warranties and in the long run, I'm sure I'll be buying more watches from them. For me, it was worth paying a little more. Hope this helps.
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Old 15 May 2008, 12:16 AM   #8
karmatp
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I would walk out of a AD that marked their prices up. Their are plenty of mom and pop AD's that will give you nice discounts out their and save you the tax. I would shop around and if you are willing to buy from a out of state AD and have it shipped to your house, I'm sure you can get some good referrals here. I will send you a pm with my AD info., many have used him on various forums and he will take care of you, and ship next day air to your house. Don't pay msrp, you can do much better if you shop around and you have the confidence of buying from a AD.
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Old 15 May 2008, 03:35 AM   #9
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Dave,

I would rather buy from an AD since you know exactly what you are getting. I'm not enough of a Rolex expert to be comfortable enough to buy off the internet. If you sift through some of the threads on the "Watch Out" section of the forum will give you some idea of the risks involved.

My AD doesn't have a store in CA but can save you on tax. You can PM me and I will send you his contact information. I would highly recommend him.

John
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Old 15 May 2008, 04:57 AM   #10
Rolex74
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Any links for the grey market dealers? I am curious to see the prices.
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Old 15 May 2008, 05:28 AM   #11
Ursa Major
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Any links for the grey market dealers? I am curious to see the prices.
Try www.alanfurman.com or www.swissluxury.com.
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Old 15 May 2008, 05:51 AM   #12
GoldenBear
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I would search long and hard for a "fair" AD before I would try to save a few $$ on Ebay. You could lose 100% going that route.
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