Never knew buying a Rolex would be this difficult

[cchukan]

Hello all,

First post here - hoping to learn more about Rolex on this forum.

I'm originally from the US but currently living in Melbourne, Australia for work. Will be returning to US summer this year and I'm hoping to buy my first Rolex soon and get duty free. I own a Tag Heuer and Mont Blanc watch but thought it was time to get a Rolex.

Today my wife and I visited a Rolex boutique and was shocked to find out I may have to wait a year to buy the watch I want.

I asked to see either GMTII (Pepsi) and the Submariner in Green or Black. I was informed that I would be waiting a very long time for the Green Submariner and there's a long waiting list for the black...

Questions:

1. The lady informed me that they have no idea when and how much of each model they will get in each month due to security reasons. She hinted that I may have to wait more than a year to get my hands on a green submariner. I will check out the other authorized dealers here but was told it will be similar situation. Is this true?

2. I was informed that the GMTII Pepsi no longer comes in stainless steel; only white gold which makes it much too expensive for purchasing. How come Rolex doesn't give option of stainless steel? Is it possible to maybe get a previous model that's new in stainless steel? If so, where? Yes, I can google websites but just don't know if there are validated websites Rolex enthusiasts utilize. Obviously, very concerned about authenticity and how to prove it's actually brand new?

3. Is it actually really this hard to buy Submariners? The lady said it's because the model is "somewhat" affordable price for Rolex (price wise) which is why it's so popular/sold out.

Look forward to hearing from you guys. Thanks in advance.

['Andy']

Welcome and yes some models are not easy to get.....your lucky you didn't ask about the new Daytona..!!
1. Correct dealers ask for whatbthey want but get sent much less....the green sub, or Hulk is very hard to get.
2. The previous Pepsi in SS was discontinued many years ago so you will not get a new one for love nor money...these are pics of mine just recently back from service in perfect condition but its not for sale....I also have all 3 bezels for it. The current one in white gold I'm sure others will fill you in on....the bezel alone due to being so hard to manufacture and 4 years at leadt of development wouls cost more thean a complete new SS sports model hence its only on the gold model.
3. A regular Sub should be easy to fine to be honest just ask around other local AD's.

Enjoy your quest.

[cchukan]

Thank you for the response - looks like Submariner is the only option at this point. I'd like to see the green (hulk I guess it's nicknamed?) before I buy it though.

In one of the sticky posts for pricing there are so many Submariners listed.

Can someone explain the differences between Submariner C / Date C / sub date verte C and then I think there are multiple of the same ones listed by different model numbers?

How can I compare this to what's on the actual Rolex website? For example, I only see two models for stainless steel: the black and hulk...which one does it reflect on the pricing chart in the sticky post?

Thanks again!

[sgmgolf]

Sub C - Black Dial no date
Date C - Black Dial with date and magnify cyclops
Sub Date Verte C - aka Hulk: Green Dial with date and cyclops...the one you are looking to purchase.

Good luck!

Cheers

[andyxxx]

I guess each country is different as to supply, but certainly worth calling a few different ADs.

I am on the waiting list for a DaytonaC (which will be many years!) but want a ceramic Rolex so have also decided to purchase a Submariner straight away (and not bothered if black or green because I like them equally.) My local AD (like yours) said 12 -15 months but within 15 minutes phoning around I managed to locate a dealer only 40 miles away that reckons I should have one in about 4 weeks.

Worth a few phone calls. Good luck

['Andy']

As mentioned Sub Non date, Sub with Date and Green Sub with Date.....I have the Non Date as I get sick of setting the date although the latest movement has a quick set date (the old GMT doesn't so the only way of changing date is to keep winding the time forward...!!!)
This is also the Daytona...

[Cryten]

Why not buy in the US? Rare models are only as rare as Rolex allow them to be, you'll find the Subs easy enough. If you're spending Ozzy dollars the 0.72 exchange rate might make the prices a little high though, but a TRF trusted seller can save you some money.

[Zyfon]

Have you considered pre-owned? I fell in love with the Hulk when I saw it in person. Hope you'll locate one soon.

[Nairn1980]

Check out the GMT BLNR...it won't be easy to get in Australia I'm sure but well worth a look.

In my opinion it's the bet modern Rolex with no exceptions.

[flw]

Buy your Rolex in the US this summer. A Submariner ought to be easier to find here. If you contact an authorized dealer ahead of time, you may be able to reserve one.

[BillA]

As another poster said, wait until you come to the US. Prior to coming to US, contact some of the trusted resellers on the forum, this way you will not to have settle for what you really want. Waiting over a year for a watch is nuts.
Good luck.

[donut]

I would call ADs in the US and wait for this summer.
The Hulk or the black sub is not very difficult to find. I'm sure you will find one soon. Good luck.

[Patton250]

Can't he just buy one from a trusted seller here and have it shipped to Australia? You can get any model you want in the US including the new Daytona if you pay the premium.

[dpdan93]

Originally Posted by cchukan

Hello all,

First post here - hoping to learn more about Rolex on this forum.

I'm originally from the US but currently living in Melbourne, Australia for work. Will be returning to US summer this year and I'm hoping to buy my first Rolex soon and get duty free. I own a Tag Heuer and Mont Blanc watch but thought it was time to get a Rolex.

Today my wife and I visited a Rolex boutique and was shocked to find out I may have to wait a year to buy the watch I want.

I asked to see either GMTII (Pepsi) and the Submariner in Green or Black. I was informed that I would be waiting a very long time for the Green Submariner and there's a long waiting list for the black...

Questions:

1. The lady informed me that they have no idea when and how much of each model they will get in each month due to security reasons. She hinted that I may have to wait more than a year to get my hands on a green submariner. I will check out the other authorized dealers here but was told it will be similar situation. Is this true?

2. I was informed that the GMTII Pepsi no longer comes in stainless steel; only white gold which makes it much too expensive for purchasing. How come Rolex doesn't give option of stainless steel? Is it possible to maybe get a previous model that's new in stainless steel? If so, where? Yes, I can google websites but just don't know if there are validated websites Rolex enthusiasts utilize. Obviously, very concerned about authenticity and how to prove it's actually brand new?

3. Is it actually really this hard to buy Submariners? The lady said it's because the model is "somewhat" affordable price for Rolex (price wise) which is why it's so popular/sold out.

Look forward to hearing from you guys. Thanks in advance.

Where in the US are you going? My AD has a few shops around the northeast and their selection always seems to quite expansive. I was just in there yesterday and saw a few daytonas and multiple subs with and without date and two "hulks"

[melrob1]

Where in the US will you be?

[gregmoeck]

Davidsw.com or Alex pig

[gates]

Thats what I would do.

[kdphan]

All of the models you listed are plentiful in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Only tough model to get is daytona ceramic.

[Tj O'Reily]

Just a suggestion, visit Rolex.com to see their current line up. To look up past models, worth a trip to Chrono24 to see the various used & new models on the market and to get an idea on pricing. If you decide on used, then buy with confidence from a trusted seller here on the watch forums.

[Boaters]

All I can say is Happy Hunting they are out there you just have to spend the time and look.

[DeeTee]

I want to bring my whole collection to Australia and sell it off there. You guys seem desperate for SS sport watches.

[AK797]

Put your name on a few lists and if nothing is in by summer buy from US.

[WatchingAustin]

1.) IDK, I'd say no. Until Christmas recently there was a green sub sitting in my local ben bridge for months

2.) you probably can't find a verified brand new Stainless Pepsi

3.) Not hard to buy submariners - there are a few in my town locally. Probably many in Las Vegas.

[JimMiller]

Your current issue is that you're "outside of the US". For whatever reason, supplies of Rolex watches seem to be pretty limited in Europe and Australia (and other parts?). They're often much more plentiful in the US, although some can still be hard to get (e.g., Daytonas, especially the new one). Additionally, there are trusted sellers in the US. I just checked the websites of two of them, and both have the 116610LV Hulk in stock, unworn, for around US$8500.

Your best bet is to call the ADs near where you will be in the US (when you get there), and see what they have, or contact a trusted seller and arrange to get one from them.

[Patton250]

Can't a trusted seller just ship him a watch?

[JimMiller]

Originally Posted by Patton250

Can't a trusted seller just ship him a watch?

Possibly. I can't tell from his post but, if he's returning to the US permanently, it probably doesn't make sense to have it shipped to Australia and pay the customs/taxes.

[cchukan]

Wow! Thank you all so much for the responses! I have called 2 other Rolex ADs here in Melbourne, Australia.

Yes, I can go back and buy it in the states but I was hoping for the 10% tax free purchase.

I'll have to cross my fingers and hope it comes in before I leave here. If not, I guess I'll have to buy it when I get back to D.C.

Thank you all!

[cchukan]

I guess another question, do you think Rolex will ever produce a Pepsi Stainless Steel ever again?

[yannis]

Originally Posted by 'Andy'

Welcome and yes some models are not easy to get.....your lucky you didn't ask about the new Daytona..!!
1. Correct dealers ask for whatbthey want but get sent much less....the green sub, or Hulk is very hard to get.
2. The previous Pepsi in SS was discontinued many years ago so you will not get a new one for love nor money...these are pics of mine just recently back from service in perfect condition but its not for sale....I also have all 3 bezels for it. The current one in white gold I'm sure others will fill you in on....the bezel alone due to being so hard to manufacture and 4 years at leadt of development wouls cost more thean a complete new SS sports model hence its only on the gold model.
3. A regular Sub should be easy to fine to be honest just ask around other local AD's.

Enjoy your quest.

Man the RSC in the UK does some amazing work on polishing the watches. You would think it just came out of the box. Chamfers look sharp as new!!

[OmegaJJH]

Oz and UK seem to suffer a similar problem with SS stock.

I remember when I wanted to buy my first Rolex a Sub C and went to the AD cash in hand to purchase and left with my tail between my legs. They make you work for it that's for sure.

I called around and managed to locate one within 2 weeks despite their initial claims. From what we see on here they appear to be plentiful in the US so i'd wait.