Got screwed by my AD on DaytonaC

[jameson]

I live in a very wealthy, populated area. My local ADs get a lot of stock but they have serious high-rollers so my 1 watch a year is chump change to them. Because of this, I have a smaller AD out of town that I have been using for the past 5 years. I have bought 5 Rolex's from this small town AD in the last 5 years.

So Basel last year, called this small-town AD same day and they said I was first on the list for Daytona 116500. Confirmed it in an email.

They don't get as many watches as big city ADs which I understand, might take an extra few months. But figured first on the list, no big deal I'm patient, no need to go to my other ADs. I have checked in periodically and they say "haven't gotten one yet".

Then in November they go dark and stop returning my calls/emails. Finally the owner calls me this weekend, says that they have gotten 2 in, owner kept one and they gave the other one to a very good client. I say "no problem, I get it and that's totally fair,...am I in line for the next one?" This is where it gets sketchy.

Excuse #1: Owner says that Rolex won't let them sell to "out of area" folks and are checking their warranty cards to confirm. I respond that won't be a problem, I own a home in that town still.

Excuse #2: Owner then says "we are calling people to tell them they are off the list unless you have bought a number of watches from us". I remind Owner that I have bought 5 in the past few years and have a Patek on order with them, and they say "you are right, you are still on the list I guess...but if I were you I'd start looking elsewhere, it could be a while (years), I likely wont even be able to sell to you anyways"

So I then go to my other two ADs in my hometown as a hail mary (whom I have bought a number of watches from as well but a few years ago), and they both say "if you had called us you would have been on our list and had one. But we can't bump someone because we honor our list". Totally fair.

So couple of questions:
1. Is there any truth that Rolex wont let ADs sell out of area?
2. Any suggestions on how to get on a list elsewhere and not have to wait 5 years?

This out-of-town AD has been great to me, and I have introduced them to friends and we have bought probably 30 watches from them...Feels pretty bad that they are trying to push me aside after my loyalty. This whole post is probably more of a vent/rant than anything.

[brandrea]

AD's can sell to who ever they want. Infact most of ours in the GTA sell to our American neighbours due to the favourable exchange rate.

I'd start calling around, you never know where you'll stumble on one. Be prepared to wire funds immediately to secure if you find one.

Good luck.

[KenNethcole]

This ad was good to you. Time to take your money and referrals elsewhere.
It will be tough to get a daytonac now from an ad as everyone will have a long waiting list. Doesn't hurt to try but it will be tough. If you willing to pay a premium you can get one now from one of our trusted seller.

[Chiboy]

I would cancel your PP order with this AD. Then I would call other Rolex/PP dealers and tell them you would like to buy both watches from them and see what they can do.

I'd be quite pissed at this AD, as it sounds like you have given and referred them a a lot of business.

[2focus]

if this doesn't turn off consumers, i don't know what will.

[rollee1]

Pay the premium, you'll have it tomorrow.

[ap1]

Been there and am in it

Found black literally with a cold call

White, getting all BS. My AD messing with me and I've bought many more pieces than you describe. Nothing else to do but fume. Gonna be real tough to jump on a list now.

[Hollister]

All this hype about the ceramic bezel, waiting lists, etc., really puts me off, and the steel bezel looks nicer to me in any case. Might be a good time to pick up a secondhand one instead?

I would definitely cancel the PP order, and never darken their door again. Consumers do have power.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by jameson

I live in a very wealthy, populated area. My local ADs get a lot of stock but they have serious high-rollers so my 1 watch a year is chump change to them. Because of this, I have a smaller AD out of town that I have been using for the past 5 years. I have bought 5 Rolex's from this small town AD in the last 5 years.

So Basel last year, called this small-town AD same day and they said I was first on the list for Daytona 116500. Confirmed it in an email.

They don't get as many watches as big city ADs which I understand, might take an extra few months. But figured first on the list, no big deal I'm patient, no need to go to my other ADs. I have checked in periodically and they say "haven't gotten one yet".

Then in November they go dark and stop returning my calls/emails. Finally the owner calls me this weekend, says that they have gotten 2 in, owner kept one and they gave the other one to a very good client. I say "no problem, I get it and that's totally fair,.

It's entirely up to you, but if you buy another watch from this AD then I'd like to recommend a watchmaker named Kent in Chicago that will be happy to service your watches...

[Melchizedek]

Sorry, nothing you can get mad at. Even though you've bought 5 watches in 5 years, there are people that buy 10 a year. And to top it off, you should've been buying from your local AD and not from the "smaller out of town" AD.


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[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Tony64

It's entirely up to you, but if you buy another watch from this AD then I'd like to recommend a watchmaker named Kent in Chicago that will be happy to service your watches...

[AK797]

As this watch is in so much demand I can believe Rolex are putting more conditions on ADs to verify who they sell to so they aren't just flipped for huge profits. In UK we've certainly had the local directives to prevent the foreign raiders, and stickers have to be removed on site and no warranty cards for a year etc. I wish they would just up supply but I guess it gives us something to talk about.

[Mystro]

i certainly would cancel my order and let the dealer know why. This elitist dealer treatment isn't helping Rolex. Rolex Dealer rule #1. As long as Rolex sells watches, they could careless about the customer or ethics.

[helson]

So travelers will never be able to buy Rolex? I call it a BS.

[goog53]

What PP is it? If 5711 Blue keep the order. Anything else cancel IMMEDIATELY and I love Patek but the modern pieces are taking a beating I am afraid

[Tomas Eriksson]

More or less the same everywhere. ADs take advantage of the limited models from Rolex to maximize their profits and sales. Rolex could fascilitate a proper queue system if they wanted.

[Tomas Eriksson]

More or less the same everywhere. ADs take advantage of the limited models from Rolex to maximize their profits and sales. Rolex could fascilitate a proper queue system if they wanted.

[fishingbear]

ADs can sell to whomever they choose to. I've also found that they also shuffle their waiting lists pending on how much a customer does with them rather than what order they are put on the list.
Just the way it is, good luck finding your Daytona.

[Tomas Eriksson]

More or less the same everywhere. ADs take advantage of the limited models from Rolex to maximize their profits and sales. Rolex could fascilitate a proper queue system if they wanted. You are as you already pointed out not a big enough fish in your area

[Goin2drt]

Take your money elsewhere and cancel the Patek incoming order. Use that as leverage and go find another AD that will sell you a Daytona if you purchase the PP from them.

A Ben Bridge I was in yesterday is engraving the Daytona's if you want one bad enough. That is this particular stores way that they hope to stop flippers. Whether that works or not it is the cost of poker of you want a Daytona from them.

[U5512]

It's time to do business with a different AD.

[Al1969]

Let your money do the talking and take your business elsewhere. Sometimes I question these so-called 'lists'.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I would cancel your PP order with this AD. Then I would call other Rolex/PP dealers and tell them you would like to buy both watches from them and see what they can do.

I'd be quite pissed at this AD, as it sounds like you have given and referred them a a lot of business.

Bingo. Unless it's a 5711 blue then you probably will get smirks from the dealers anyways. I would still cancel the order and never do business with them again. They flat out lied and you have proof.

[slashd0t]

Yep, cancel your PP order and make it clear to them that it was clearly stated to you that you were first on the list (email proof) and relationships are built on trust and you can no longer support a loyalty that only goes one way.

I wouldn't do business with these guys. The watch industry is hurting right now and it's a buyers market. This is not how you foster and build life long customers. That's brutal.

[HorologyK]

At the end of the day there is no "list" other than the one the owner complies in his head who he likes. The one he likes best, gets the next Daytona, and so on...

[Silvio_86]

If I were you I would report directly to Rolex. It's evident he is making profit from daytonas... I bet that the one he decided to keep for himself has already been sold for a premium as a NIB watch somewhere else...

[Rebel]

When they call you on the PP, tell them you bought elsewhere.......

[FTX I]

I'd never buy from this AD again.

[Beauregard]

Originally Posted by slashd0t

Yep, cancel your PP order and make it clear to them that it was clearly stated to you that you were first on the list (email proof) and relationships are built on trust and you can no longer support a loyalty that only goes one way.

I wouldn't do business with these guys. The watch industry is hurting right now and it's a buyers market. This is not how you foster and build life long customers. That's brutal.

Exactly this.

There are plenty of AD's out there who will love to have your business.

[kneedeep]

Your small town AD not worthy of your business.