Who has gotten "the call" without AD relationship?

[Largoshark]

I will openly admit that I am starting this thread for self-assurance, but hopefully it will prove useful to others as well.

I have called ADs all around the USA in an attempt to get on as many lists as possible for the Daytona 116500ln. Most have been brutally honest in that it would be impossible or at least take 5+ years, however a few were optimistic that they could make something happen within a somewhat reasonable timeframe given the popularity of the model (a few months to a year.)

From what I've read on this forum (many here are more knowledgeable than most AD's) trying to obtain a ceramic Daytona without a well established relationship with an AD is simply impossible. However, I have seen a few members state that hope is not lost, and if you're willing to branch and and be persistent, eventually your hard work will pay off.

So now I'm asking for testimonies from those of you who have been in my situation, and have actually seen results. After getting on a list with no prior history with the AD, was your patience rewarded? Did you get the infamous "call"? If so, how long did you have to wait?

I know there have been a lot of threads lately regarding the AD shortages, waiting lists, etc., and that some members are understandably tired of them. If this applies to you, I apologize in advance for wasting your time. For everyone else, I appreciate your constructive feedback. Thanks!

[037]

My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Building a relationship doesn't always require spending money but does require some face time at a minimum. But, nearly every AD willing to sell a stainless Daytona generally prefers a prior purchase unless it's for a major event and/or they've met the customer in person.

The reason why they don't offer a Daytona to callers is because they assume that anyone on the phone is just another person taking the easy route in trying to get Rolex's most sought-after piece. They also assume it's yet another flipper. If all you've done is call then your chances are slim to none. Dealers won't sell Daytonas to someone who calls and has never been to their store.

Get out there and pound some pavement.

[Air Rescue 5]

My advice is to spend some money. Money talks BS walks

[Speed]

Or pay several grand more to a trusted seller to have the Watch tomorrow.

Life is short - so if you really want the watch...

[jkater1]

Originally Posted by Tmayberry

My advice is to spend some money. Money talks BS walks

Agree with this. I've been stopping in at a few AD's regularly that said that they would put me on a list, to see how things are and shoot the breeze. At one that I haven't bought anything if from I asked about the new Pepsi the other day and he said he had a big list for that. So I asked if it was bigger than the Daytona list. He kind of laughed and said no, the Daytona list was bigger and a lot of people, like you could easily go their whole life without seeing one in person.

[rmh45]

From my limited experience being local and taking the time to visit the AD in person will get better results if no prior relationship exist. Cold calling far away AD's in today's climate probably won't work all that well.

I walked out with a Hulk, albeit much easier to get than a ceramic Daytona, on my first visit to a nearby AD after 30 or so minutes of talking and visiting. It wasn't in the case and only came out after it was established that I was local and they felt comfortable I wasn't a flipper. Honestly it was easier than I thought and really wasn't anticipating buying that day but happily did when the opportunity presented itself.

[PLNYC]

I’ve seen some members here get a daytona without prior history with an AD. Now, my AD who I’ve had done prior business with said I’d be in the 20s for a white daytona or the teens for a black one if I bought a 116613

[bbressler]

Originally Posted by rmh45

From my limited experience being local and taking the time to visit the AD in person will get better results if no prior relationship exist. Cold calling far away AD's in today's climate probably won't work all that well.

I walked out with a Hulk, albeit much easier to get than a ceramic Daytona, on my first visit to a nearby AD after 30 or so minutes of talking and visiting. It wasn't in the case and only came out after it was established that I was local and they felt comfortable I wasn't a flipper. Honestly it was easier than I thought and really wasn't anticipating buying that day but happily did when the opportunity presented itself.

That’s awesome. Ive had ADs pull watches out of the safe after chatting as well. If you get a sales person that sees you are an enthusiast sometimes they’ll hook you up.

[jrs146]

Hope is not lost. There are several ADs in my area. I’ve generally stuck with one for most of my purchases. I decided to give it a shot with another AD. After talking with them a few times and showing I was serious by buying another watch (not a Rolex) they surprised me with the next Daytona that came in. When I asked them how I got one so quickly they told me that they wanted to build a long term relationship with a local person. It’s worked out because I’ve made several purchases from them since.

We spend a lot of time about “building relationships” with ADs and I’ve always stated that although money talks, it’s not just the money. ADs want to know you also. They appreciate long term relationships and often times showing your face and building a rapport goes a long way.


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[Furrygoat]

Originally Posted by 037

My recommendation would be to stop into local ADs and talk to them in person. Chat about watches, try a few on and get to know someone there.

Building a relationship doesn't always require spending money but does require some face time at a minimum. But, nearly every AD willing to sell a stainless Daytona generally prefers a prior purchase unless it's for a major event and they've met the customer in person. Expect to spend some money.

The reason why they don't offer a Daytona to callers is because they assume that anyone on the phone is just another person taking the easy route in trying to get Rolex's most sought-after piece. They also assume it's yet another flipper. If all you've done is call then your chances are slim to none. Dealers won't sell Daytonas to someone who calls and has never been to their store.

Get out there and pound some pavement.

This is how I got mine.

I spent money here and there at this place, but nothing crazy. Over the course of years, and always on my wife’s stuff. Tried on watches here and there and talked about them every time. Got on “the list” (which I always figured was bs) as soon as the 500 was announced.

Was just finishing a small ish purchase for my wife and was Daytona infatuated at the time. Had the incredible opportunity to buy a NOS 116520 at the time so I bugged the guy to let me see the first 500 that he saw next so I could decide if I really needed the next hottest thing, or if I could live with the tried and true. A few days later he called me in and I check it out. It was “sold” but I loved it. A few days later he called me and said the buyer backed out and I should come in that day if I wanted it. So I did.

I think it was just a combination of being in the right place at the right time. The sales guy was very nice, probably wanted the commission easy, and knew I was serious about buying. Plus he knew I was into watches.

Presto!

Don’t be just a voice on the phone.

[dkg1616]

I walked into my AD for the first time with the only relationship being my step dad bought my mom’s wedding ring there and telling him I would like to buy a Rolex and will be buying my girlfriend’s engagement ring from them in the next two years. He went in the back and brought out a ceramic Daytona for me to try on, as this was the initial watch I wanted. He said if I really wanted it he could make things happen and I could get it within 4-6 months. I actually am still deciding, but between a sub with date and rhodium dial YM.

Long story short... walk in there happy, friendly and like you want to spend money and good things will come

[MinMay]

Join the club, you're probably one of the million people calling around to be on the list. Daytona was released over 2 years ago and millions of collectors put their name on the list when it was first released.

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by Furrygoat

This is how I got mine.

I spent money here and there at this place, but nothing crazy. Over the course of years, and always on my wife’s stuff. Tried on watches here and there and talked about them every time. Got on “the list” (which I always figured was bs) as soon as the 500 was announced.

Was just finishing a small ish purchase for my wife and was Daytona infatuated at the time. Had the incredible opportunity to buy a NOS 116520 at the time so I bugged the guy to let me see the first 500 that he saw next so I could decide if I really needed the next hottest thing, or if I could live with the tried and true. A few days later he called me in and I check it out. It was “sold” but I loved it. A few days later he called me and said the buyer backed out and I should come in that day if I wanted it. So I did.

I think it was just a combination of being in the right place at the right time. The sales guy was very nice, probably wanted the commission easy, and knew I was serious about buying. Plus he knew I was into watches.

Presto!

Don’t be just a voice on the phone.

This is interesting and makes me think how hard it must be to strike a balance between pleasing old customers who have spent a lot at an AD and attracting new, young customers who have the potential to spend a lot over the years.



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[tattooedtexan]

I got a call today from an AD I have not dealt with in the past for a new 116710blnr. I've been on "the list" for a month.

[westsideclock]

Originally Posted by MinMay

Join the club, you're probably one of the million people calling around to be on the list. Daytona was released over 2 years ago and millions of collectors put their name on the list when it was first released.

I hope that is not actually the case because from what I understand production is like 14k per year. So it would take 70 years for everyone to get one.

[Largoshark]

Thanks for the responses so far

It's very refreshing to hear what a difference putting in face time, without having to spend a king's ransom, has made for many of you.

I will definitely be dropping into my local AD's more often.

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by Speed

Or pay several grand more to a trusted seller to have the Watch tomorrow.

Life is short - so if you really want the watch...

I have definitely considered this, and you're reasoning makes sense.

Went the trusted seller route with the two Rolex watches I purchased previously, and everything went smoothly. However, one thing missing from this experience was the anticipation (maybe not missing, but very short-lived) and the ceremony. To an extent I enjoy the waiting, as long as it is a matter of when and not if. And the Daytona feels like the perfect watch for my first Rolex AD purchase.

Plus I think about the fact that if I had gone to an AD for my previous watches, rather than a TS, I'd be in much better favor right now.

[037]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

Plus I think about the fact that if I had gone to an AD for my previous watches, rather than a TS, I'd be in much better favor right now.

On the plus side, you now have a BLNR on your wrist to get a conversation going. It's certainly better than walking in wearing another brand or nothing at all.

If you have any small, family-owned dealers in your area then that's a great place to start.

Good luck on your hunt!

[brucethemanlee]

At the end of day you have to pay to play...

Sure face time is good and is all part of the AD relationship...but ultimately its about $. ADs are running a business.

Of course, its "possible" getting a Daytona by cold calling, getting on a list, and then getting a call within a year but then so is winning the lottery.

You might have easier time with other SS like hulk or BLNR... but getting a call back on a Daytona or SkyD or new Pepsi with no purchase history? Best of luck!

ADs have zero reason to give the hottest watch on the planet to someone who has no purchase history with them when they have long list of people who have spent $

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

I have definitely considered this, and you're reasoning makes sense.

Went the trusted seller route with the two Rolex watches I purchased previously, and everything went smoothly. However, one thing missing from this experience was the anticipation (maybe not missing, but very short-lived) and the ceremony. To an extent I enjoy the waiting, as long as it is a matter of when and not if. And the Daytona feels like the perfect watch for my first Rolex AD purchase.

Plus I think about the fact that if I had gone to an AD for my previous watches, rather than a TS, I'd be in much better favor right now.

Tell me more of the "ceremony" of which you speak.

Personally, I could do without a diet coke and some golf tees. That said, in a major AD in my city, I've seen deals on Pateks close while the buyer was leaning on the counter...not even a seat for a "ceremony."

[sensui]

Here's something basic to think about. You run a business. Do you favor/prioritize a repeat good customer or someone who spend little/walked in for first time chatting you up/someone just cold calling to see if you have the product everyone and their grandma wants in short supply? I'm sure there are success stories especially in smaller ADs across the US in non major cities but it's going to take a lot of luck at this point. You want a Daytona or new GMT? You're going to have to pony up to the AD to start a "relationship" or buy from grey. There are no shortcuts.

[woof]

You do need to have a good relationship with a couple of AD. It helped me a lot in getting both SS daytona (blk & white dials).

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by Speed

Tell me more of the "ceremony" of which you speak.

Personally, I could do without a diet coke and some golf tees. That said, in a major AD in my city, I've seen deals on Pateks close while the buyer was leaning on the counter...not even a seat for a "ceremony."

Okay, you got me. Perhaps "ceremony" was not the ideal choice of word. And I certainly don't care for nor anticipate getting any additional freebies.

I would just prefer to go with an AD this time, and experience the euphoria of finally getting that call...buying the watch at retail knowing that i had the conviction to tough it out. Call me a sucker...

But who knows? I may not possess that willpower. If over a year goes by and I can stand it no longer, I may cave in and go with a TS afterall, albeit at an even higher price...justify it as a 30th birthday gift to myself

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

I will openly admit that I am starting this thread for self-assurance, but hopefully it will prove useful to others as well.

I have called ADs all around the USA in an attempt to get on as many lists as possible for the Daytona 116500ln. Most have been brutally honest in that it would be impossible or at least take 5+ years, however a few were optimistic that they could make something happen within a somewhat reasonable timeframe given the popularity of the model (a few months to a year.)

From what I've read on this forum (many here are more knowledgeable than most AD's) trying to obtain a ceramic Daytona without a well established relationship with an AD is simply impossible. However, I have seen a few members state that hope is not lost, and if you're willing to branch and and be persistent, eventually your hard work will pay off.

So now I'm asking for testimonies from those of you who have been in my situation, and have actually seen results. After getting on a list with no prior history with the AD, was your patience rewarded? Did you get the infamous "call"? If so, how long did you have to wait?

I know there have been a lot of threads lately regarding the AD shortages, waiting lists, etc., and that some members are understandably tired of them. If this applies to you, I apologize in advance for wasting your time. For everyone else, I appreciate your constructive feedback. Thanks!

Im really not sure what looking for the "exception to the rule" will do to make you feel better. Its just that..the exception. IMO its like asking for a powerball jackpot winner to share their story so you will feel better about your own odds of winning.

For all practical purposes you need an AD relationship already in place.

[Navarino]

OP - I wish you the best of luck. I will say this, as a small fish in LA, it's going to be tough. I've been waiting a year and a half with my AD (only one previous purchase him) and nothing yet. I just had a big life milestone that I'd love to commemorate with a new Rolex. Planning on pulling the trigger on the BLNR in the coming weeks (just waiting for them to get one in their shipment) but who knows -- maybe when I share the details with him another surprise will come out of the safe. I stop by semi-regularly (every two-ish months) on days I know he is working just to say hi and chit chat and have a laugh about my perpetual wait in purgatory (i.e., not having a Daytona on my wrist) but no luck yet!

Over the past few months while getting anxious I've tried calling and walking in on other ADs in the LA area. Most have shot me down pretty quickly due to not having a purchase history with them.

[amilch]

I have a relationship with my AD. I’ve purchased several watches in the last year. However, I was told that I can’t get on a list for a Daytona or new Pepsi because Rolex doesn’t want the same people getting the “hot items”. That I need to purchase at least 30ks in Jewelry. I guess I need to go somewhere else.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by amilch

I have a relationship with my AD. I’ve purchased several watches in the last year. However, I was told that I can’t get on a list for a Daytona or new Pepsi because Rolex doesn’t want the same people getting the “hot items”. That I need to purchase at least 30ks in Jewelry. I guess I need to go somewhere else.

yes, because Rolex makes an exception for customers who also add jewelry to their purchase even though that has nothing to do with Rolex.

find a new AD

[4srolex]

My buddy got the call on a white dial on xmas eve 2016. He was in LA for the holidays and the watch had to be paid in person not over the phone so I paid and picked it up for him or it would have gone to the next person on the list. It took 8 months. 1st purchase for him at the AD.

[DJRikki]

I did a year ago.

Last Jan I called around looking for a new GMT LN. Laughing asked one dealer about the BLNR at the same time "oh massive waiting list" .. Never asked to be put on it.

3 months later that AD called and said they had gone through their waiting list for a BLNR that had come in and either people didnt answer, return calls or the two that said they would come in within 48 hours didnt appear.

So I dropped work and headed there within the hour.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by amilch

I have a relationship with my AD. I’ve purchased several watches in the last year. However, I was told that I can’t get on a list for a Daytona or new Pepsi because Rolex doesn’t want the same people getting the “hot items”. That I need to purchase at least 30ks in Jewelry. I guess I need to go somewhere else.

that is AD's own BS policy making you buy stuff you don't need! Rolex does not have policy against same people buying "hot items"

All from the same AD:

• i have two SS daytonas, BLNR, and SD4K.
• Was offered and turned down SkyD SS (blue), SD43, Hulk, Daytona WG oyster flex, and DSSD James Cameron
• Was put on the "list" for Pepsi (before i even called to get on the list)
• I have never bought jewelry or asked to buy other watches in order to buy the watch that i really wanted.

Yeah I agree with you ....you need to go somewhere else. Not because the AD won't put you on the list but because AD is asking you spend $30k on unnecessary items and lying to you about Rolex policy