Buying first Rolex in NYC

[clements88]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a Rolex Forum neophyte so if another thread already exists on this topic, please point me in the right direction.

I live in NYC and I've been thinking about buying my first Rolex for a long time. I assumed that when I was ready I would waltz into Wempe or Tourneau, try on a few models, and pick the one I liked the best. But after attempting to do just that at a few locations, I was surprised to learn that the popular stainless steel models (e.g. submariner, GMT, 41 mm DJ) are very hard to get and involve long waiting-lists, luck, and hefty deposits.

So, my questions are: are the models I mentioned really that difficult to get? Is this just an NYC thing or true everywhere? Is there anything I can do to get the watch I want faster? Are there other better options in NYC besides Tourneau and Wempe? (note: I want to buy new, not vintage)

Thanks, everyone. I'm currently kind of bummed out that, after waiting so long, it seems that my journey to owning a Rolex is going to take much longer than I expected!

[dafuture]

It's everywhere. Do some searching on here, there's waiting lists for every stainless steel sports model everywhere.

That being said, a 41mm DJ shouldn't be too hard to source with some poking around.

[Chute]

I would decide which DJ41 you want (126300 or 126334) and then decide which bracelet (jubilee or oyster), then pick a dial option. Go in person to as many Rolex authorized dealers as you can and buy the DJ41 you like the most. Finding a sub or GMT now will be difficult as a first purchase from an AD

[77T]

Originally Posted by clements88

Thanks, everyone. I'm currently kind of bummed out that, after waiting so long, it seems that my journey to owning a Rolex is going to take much longer than I expected!

Be not bummed any longer.

Seek the treasure you wish in the TRF Classifieds. They are all there waiting for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[calh22a]

OP...I'm in the same boat as you. I've been thinking about purchasing a rolex for a few years now and finally very recently decided I'd go ahead and purchase one. To my dismay, I've come to find that I am trying to purchase at a time when popular SS models are difficult to come by. I'm looking primarily for new from an AD not TS. I stumbled into a smaller AD near my work in California and found a GMT LN, but passed as I'd rather have a Sub or a BLNR if going GMT. I tried ADs in a bigger city and they had absolutely no SS profressional models, just mostly DJ. One told me 3 years for BLNR and another wouldn't even add me to the waitlist. I'd recommend trying to check into smaller ADs. But this is based on my very limited experience. Good luck on your hunt!

[imgook]

Not sure what it's exactly like in NYC, but I've seen a few SS subs here and there during my travels through Europe earlier this year.

Other than that, maybe the grey market. Don't think the mark ups are that much on the models that you are after.