How are gray dealers able to sell watches with stickers if Rolex AD’s remove them?

[Frank McKay]

Apparently it’s been confirmed that AD’s must remove stickers from all sold watches per Rolex. How does, for example DavidSW get his watches with stickers on them? Do Gray’s have under the table arrangements with AD’s? Something really stinks about it all.

[Bigblu10]

I would imagine the grey dealers get the watches untouched in their shipping coffins. These watches don't even see a display case, so of course they will be stickered.

[FTX I]

DSW sells new watches with and without stickers. As far as I know a SS watch with stickers is 300 dollars more than the one without, and on gold models 1500 more give or take. Sticker collectors are facing difficult times..

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Frank McKay

Apparently it’s been confirmed that AD’s must remove stickers from all sold watches per Rolex. How does, for example DavidSW get his watches with stickers on them? Do Gray’s have under the table arrangements with AD’s? Something really stinks about it all.

Because the Game is rigged my Friend.

[ArcticMoose]

I have peeled the plastic off all the watches I have purchased from ADs myself, latest one this year.

[PLNYC]

I’ve seen where ADs in the tristate area left the stickers on and required them to be taken off. Each AD runs their businesses differently. Also, this happened recently

[Brian Page]

I always peel if new..

[Dyim]

Rules are for people that follow them.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by FTX I

DSW sells new watches with and without stickers. As far as I know a SS watch with stickers is 300 dollars more than the one without, and on gold models 1500 more give or take. Sticker collectors are facing difficult times..

LOL

[Wcdhtwn]

Gray market buyers have evolved to accept a NIB piece is probably not going to have stickers. It is an understandable move by Rolex to require their removal. But a move with little substance, as gray dealers still seem to be the best way to get high demand pieces. Sorry, I meant the only way to get high demand pieces.

[frankfrazetta]

Last month I bought a full set, fully plastic stickered exp II from DavidSW. Great service. Exactly as described. Peeled those suckers off and sized it. It's my every other day wearer with my subc.

[037]

I always keep the stickers and throw the watch away.

Problem solved.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by droptopman

LOL

People seem to love stickers my friend.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=601461

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by 037

I always keep the stickers and throw the watch away.

Problem solved.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by Frank McKay

Apparently it’s been confirmed that AD’s must remove stickers from all sold watches per Rolex. How does, for example DavidSW get his watches with stickers on them? Do Gray’s have under the table arrangements with AD’s? Something really stinks about it all.

ADs sell watches with the stickers on all the time even to end customers.

[Doc Savage]

I prefer them without the sticker. Always a hassle to remove them myself.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by 037

I always keep the stickers and throw the watch away.

Problem solved.

I think the benefit of snickers ( stickers ) is
that one can be certain the watch is new and not
polished or scratched/dented and in need of a polish .

[lenfried29]

ADs remove stickers in the store for hard to get collectible watches and leave sticker on for slow moving ones.

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

I think the benefit of snickers ( stickers ) is
that one can be certain the watch is new and not
polished or scratched/dented and in need of a polish .

But doesn’t the date on the warranty card show that? Unl ss Some me puts it in a safebto sell it as NOS ten years later

[uniqueMR]

My AD always ask me if I want him to remove the stickers. I usually remove stickers at home, at my own pace :)

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

But doesn’t the date on the warranty card show that? Unl ss Some me puts it in a safebto sell it as NOS ten years later

I purchased a brand new Tudor BBN without stickers
from my AD... NO DISCOUNT!!!!
The case was scratched and still no discount!!!
They offered to polish the case ...
Ok ... really ? I returned the watch .

[037]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

I think the benefit of snickers ( stickers ) is
that one can be certain the watch is new and not
polished or scratched/dented and in need of a polish .

...except for those bizarre instances where someone lists a "BNIB" watch with stickers in terrible condition and dirt collected underneath every edge from clearly having been worn for the last six months knowing the watch would later be flipped, either by choice or as an insurance policy because the buyer couldn't afford the watch in the first place.

Wow, that was a long sentence.

Stickers don't guarantee anything is truly new or protect against dings, dents, scratches or wear. But, I understand the preference for them when buying new from an AD. It's just odd to me seeing owners wearing watches with stickers in place. Apparently they're quite valuable.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by 037

...except for those bizarre instances where someone lists a "BNIB" watch with stickers in terrible condition and dirt collected underneath every edge from clearly having been worn for the last six months knowing the watch would later be flipped, either by choice or as an insurance policy because the buyer couldn't afford the watch in the first place.

Wow, that was a long sentence.

Stickers don't guarantee anything is truly new or protect against dings, dents, scratches or wear. But, I understand the preference for them when buying new from an AD. It's just odd to me seeing owners wearing watches with stickers in place. Apparently they're quite valuable.

Yup I agree totally ... that’s the other side ...

[Sarosh]

Originally Posted by 037

I always keep the stickers and throw the watch away.

Problem solved.

[Strummer25]

Originally Posted by FTX I

DSW sells new watches with and without stickers. As far as I know a SS watch with stickers is 300 dollars more than the one without, and on gold models 1500 more give or take. Sticker collectors are facing difficult times..

[Watchdaytona]

It's not a rule to take the stickers off, depends on the AD. I bought a sought after watch recently and the stickers were left on.

[Waddy1]

When I picked my Sub up a few months ago they kept the warranty card but did say I could keep the stickers on but I wanted to wear it straight away so wasn't bothered.
My friend who is waiting on a Hulk wants to just put it away in the box and forget about it. He asked them and they said no problems keeping stickers on.
I can't see it making that much difference with the demand for certain watches anyway. If you did want to sell a new piece anyway.

[challer]

Greys are often affiliated with ADs. They do what they want. And when the time is right, someone will counterfeit factory stickers, boxes, tags, etc. it’s a common situation in the collecting world.

[VicLeChic]

What if some greys were receiving their stock directly from Rolex Geneva without going through the ADs network? How's that for a bombshell? Ha!

[Waddy1]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

What if some greys were receiving their stock directly from Rolex Geneva without going through the ADs network? How's that for a bombshell? Ha!

I can see it being exactly like that.