Did a greedy used watch salesman save me from doing something stupid?

[Saturninus]

So I worked myself up to do something crazy like buying a platinum Daytona. It took awhile, but I finally got comfortable with a number and started a dialogue with a seller. After going back and forth, I finally agreed to his asking price. Then suddenly, he said the watch was on hold. The next day, he relisted at a higher asking price and said he could not honor the previous price.

Meh. I didn't even bother to ask for an explanation.

It did give me time to step back and think about it. Yes, the SS market is white hot, and yes it is probably pushing up the PM market a little. But I think it is a mistake to think that the very top end of the market will ride the same wave as the SS market. It's probably best to wait this one out.

If dealer thinks he can pull those kinds of shenanigans in order to get a higher price, then it is a bad time to be chasing platinum.

[oldman2005]

Blessing in disguise?

[Sandpit]

I have very little to back this up but to me it feels a little like the market could be softening a touch. I've been looking for a Sub Date for a while. They seemed to be like hens teeth and a few months ago when I dropped in to a few dealers in Dubai I was totally dismissed and told there's a minimum 18 month wait.

Fast forward to this week and I dropped in to look at a DJ41 as I didn't want to wait. I thought I'd ask about current Sub waiting list. The guy said there isn't one. I said no I came here recently and categorically got told there is a long wait list. He said no, there is no list and that a local branch got 5 delivered last week and there's still a few left.

Unfortunately I couldn't jump at one at the time but I'm at least confident I can get one from an AD at list price when the time comes.

This would also fit the amount of posts I see here and on reddit and whatnot of people posting pics of newly acquired SS models.

So that's my feeling anyways.

[topgear]

Whether it is a watch acquisition, car or even a big ticket item like a property, I will never succumb to a price increase at the 11th hour AFTER I have agreed on the price with the seller.

To me, it is just bad form and lack of ethics.

I am fine if the seller list a crazy asking price, it is a free market and he is free to list whatever price he or she sees fit. It is up to me as a potential buyer to bite or engage in a negotiation with the seller.

It is just distasteful to pull a last minute on hold tactic due to a price increase. The seller is just trying to play with your emotions and will succeed with a less level headed potential buyer.

[jimcameron]

I wouldn't want any watch that I knew I'd overpaid for.

[Rogdogg]

It's an awful thing to have happen when any deal has been agreed. it never feels nice. Wait until another more trustworthy seller can be found.

[LAFLARE]

It could have been a consignment piece where the owner changed his mind, which I would cut the seller some slack for. That would not change my decision to skip on it though.

[Watch Admirer]

yes

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by Saturninus

So I worked myself up to do something crazy like buying a platinum Daytona. It took awhile, but I finally got comfortable with a number and started a dialogue with a seller. After going back and forth, I finally agreed to his asking price. Then suddenly, he said the watch was on hold. The next day, he relisted at a higher asking price and said he could not honor the previous price.

Meh. I didn't even bother to ask for an explanation.

It did give me time to step back and think about it. Yes, the SS market is white hot, and yes it is probably pushing up the PM market a little. But I think it is a mistake to think that the very top end of the market will ride the same wave as the SS market. It's probably best to wait this one out.

If dealer thinks he can pull those kinds of shenanigans in order to get a higher price, then it is a bad time to be chasing platinum.

Was it one of the trusted sellers here on TRF? If not, I’d limit my search—especially for such a statement piece—to them.

[peterpl]

That is bad form. A deal is a deal and going back on your word shows bad form.

I never respect anyone in business who does this. I would find a new dealer.

I hope it wasn't one of the trusted sellers on here.

[yvrclimber]

If they're on a forum, I hope you provided some feedback to help others avoid them.

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by topgear

Whether it is a watch acquisition, car or even a big ticket item like a property, I will never succumb to a price increase at the 11th hour AFTER I have agreed on the price with the seller.

To me, it is just bad form and lack of ethics.

I am fine if the seller list a crazy asking price, it is a free market and he is free to list whatever price he or she sees fit. It is up to me as a potential buyer to bite or engage in a negotiation with the seller.

It is just distasteful to pull a last minute on hold tactic due to a price increase. The seller is just trying to play with your emotions and will succeed with a less level headed potential buyer.

Totally agree. It is not something I would do to anyone else and would not accept it if it were done to me. Always be prepared to walk away. Once you 'shake hands' on a deal, as it were, then to my mind the deal is done!

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I have very little to back this up but to me it feels a little like the market could be softening a touch. I've been looking for a Sub Date for a while. They seemed to be like hens teeth and a few months ago when I dropped in to a few dealers in Dubai I was totally dismissed and told there's a minimum 18 month wait.

Fast forward to this week and I dropped in to look at a DJ41 as I didn't want to wait. I thought I'd ask about current Sub waiting list. The guy said there isn't one. I said no I came here recently and categorically got told there is a long wait list. He said no, there is no list and that a local branch got 5 delivered last week and there's still a few left.

Unfortunately I couldn't jump at one at the time but I'm at least confident I can get one from an AD at list price when the time comes.

This would also fit the amount of posts I see here and on reddit and whatnot of people posting pics of newly acquired SS models.

So that's my feeling anyways.

Yup, I knew this was temporary. Just look at the past week on this board, all of the sudden people are sighting many more Subs, etc.

[Richmor]

Life is too short to have to deal with people like this.

[el-heffe]

I think you did the right thing. I don't have patience for people who play games like that!

[Chadridv]

It saved you from buying a watch from a stupid dealer, but the watch is not a stupid choice if you can afford it. Perhaps it’s good you have some more time to think it over, especially since you seem unsure about it now, but that’s an awesome watch. I’d get one and never look back! (Just not from that same dealer).

I haven’t noticed the SS shortage affecting the prices of the platinum Daytona btw.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by topgear

Whether it is a watch acquisition, car or even a big ticket item like a property, I will never succumb to a price increase at the 11th hour AFTER I have agreed on the price with the seller.

To me, it is just bad form and lack of ethics.

I am fine if the seller list a crazy asking price, it is a free market and he is free to list whatever price he or she sees fit. It is up to me as a potential buyer to bite or engage in a negotiation with the seller.

It is just distasteful to pull a last minute on hold tactic due to a price increase. The seller is just trying to play with your emotions and will succeed with a less level headed potential buyer.

I agree with everything here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TonyD]

Its funny how a simple thing can sour an item for me.... (although the price increase may not be simple).

I once bought a Breitling that had an issue within the first month. It was fixed quickly and easily but I never wore the watch again. I somehow didn't want it anymore. I traded it and never looked back and don't miss it.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I have very little to back this up but to me it feels a little like the market could be softening a touch. I've been looking for a Sub Date for a while. They seemed to be like hens teeth and a few months ago when I dropped in to a few dealers in Dubai I was totally dismissed and told there's a minimum 18 month wait.

Fast forward to this week and I dropped in to look at a DJ41 as I didn't want to wait. I thought I'd ask about current Sub waiting list. The guy said there isn't one. I said no I came here recently and categorically got told there is a long wait list. He said no, there is no list and that a local branch got 5 delivered last week and there's still a few left.

Unfortunately I couldn't jump at one at the time but I'm at least confident I can get one from an AD at list price when the time comes.

This would also fit the amount of posts I see here and on reddit and whatnot of people posting pics of newly acquired SS models.

So that's my feeling anyways.

I also think the market on all SS watches has topped and the aftermarket prices on the hard to get stuff will start to soften. Just a sense on my part. It cannot go forever.

[codecow]

I don't think you can go wrong getting this piece like new from a trusted seller here.

[Rolex addict]

Blessing in disguise. Doesn't sound like a very trustworthy seller to me.

[MinMay]

Dealer is bad...very bad. Who is the dealer? He needs to be exposed.

He should have said...hey..do you want the watch or else I'll sell it to someone else.

[Aventura]

I understand that this watch is available in Miami for 30% less than the list price

[Aventura]

[QUOTE=Sandpit;8515969]I have very little to back this up but to me it feels a little like the market could be softening a touch. I've been looking for a Sub Date for a while. They seemed to be like hens teeth and a few months ago when I dropped in to a few dealers in Dubai I was totally dismissed and told there's a minimum 18 month wait.

Fast forward to this week and I dropped in to look at a DJ41 as I didn't want to wait. I thought I'd ask about current Sub waiting list. The guy said there isn't one. I said no I came here recently and categorically got told there is a long wait list. He said no, there is no list and that a local branch got 5 delivered last week and there's still a few left.

Unfortunately I couldn't jump at one at the time but I'm at least confident I can get one from an AD at list price when the time comes.

Those two watches soon, or rather, very soon they will be in all the windows of Rolex. Do not be fooled by anyone. I am a private individual and, in two official dealers shop I showed the seller that I knew much more than he did.

[liuk3]

Who was the seller?

[Saturninus]

It was not a trusted seller on this forum, as far as I know. It was a shop in South Florida who lists on Chrono24. To be fair to the guy, the theory above about the piece being on consignment could very well be true. I can imagine the owner taking a look at the market and instructing the shop owner to raise the selling price. On the other hand, it could very well be nothing more than straightforward opportunism.

Nevertheless, it left a bad enough taste in my mouth that I am not comfortable buying from them. There will be more opportunities no doubt.

[breitlings]

buy one at the price you want then take a picture of your new watch and the price paid and send it to "that guy".

[Chiboy]

I would never buy something from someone who upped their price after we had agreed on a price, even if their revised price was still the lowest. However buying that watch could still be a fine idea.

I do know that, surprisingly enough, platinum Daytona prices are up $4k or $5k from where they were a year and a half ago.

[imperio]

I wouldn't do business with this seller, that's for sure.

[Boaters]

I would stay away from that seller. If really interested check out the trusted sellers on this site they are great!