My take on the Rolex Waiting List for Hot Models

[ninjin]

just joined the forum and thought I would say a Hi to you all with how I built up my relationship with my AD and my take on the waiting lists.

It's a bit of a long post but hopefully shows the newbies to Rolex procurement, that a relationship doesn't just happen overnight.

From my experience and this is what I think happens... there is no chronological waiting list.

Names get taken for watches but if you have a good relationship/big spender/famous face, you will naturally jump to the front of the list.

This is how I built up my relationship with my AD over the past 10years and it has given me the chance to buy a lot of watches many only can dream about owning.

My own purchases with my AD started over 10years ago (lets say 2009), purchasing a non Rolex product, a Zenith El Primero Chrono, then another identical one a few months later for a friend.

Managed to get the 42mm Explorer 2 Black Dial, around 6months after release.

Introduced a couple of friends to them who bought datejusts around 2013.

Then I didn't buy anything from them for a few years (they didn't sell the brands I wanted) until 2017 but I did always give them a chance to supply.

When Tudor was released again, I wanted to buy but they were not as price competitve as HK. But I always approached them to give them a chance.

I ordered a SS DaytonaC Black in winter 2016 and was pleasantly surprised to see it by summer 2017. He said that most people had changed their preference to white dial hence my name had gotten to the top.

It took them 6months to get me a 42mm White Exp2 in 2017, which was rather annoying as many AD's still had them in the windows, but they looked after me with the Daytona so the least I could do is be paitient and give them the business.

Summer 2017, asked to be put down for a Seadweller 43. Still waiting.

After basel 2018, I ordered a GMT CHNR for which I am reputedly the next watch in is mine, since oct 2018.... Still waiting today for that.....

Rather annoyed as it is my first non Silver coloured watch and really looking forward to it.

In Sep 2018 ordered the new Omega Seamaster 300m and picked up in Dec, their first batch.

In Oct 2018, ordered a SubC date, which was meant to take 6-12m. Picked it up in Dec in time for xmas.... I think they let the GMT CHNR go to someone more important than me, and thus gave me the SubC pronto to keep me happy.

In Feb 2019, ordered a SubC no date, after seeing my friends one, the symmetry won me over. Stunning simplicity and low key without the trademark Rolex Cyclops. Still waiting but they said 3-6m.

After the lack of releases at Basel 2019, I thought I would go for the Skydweller in Blue or Black. I knew it would be a long wait and the AD said it would be 12-24m and that for definite the black would be first as he has a long list of people for blue.

During this time, March, I picked up a blue Milguass for my Niece's birthday, stock watch.

My plan was to get the GMT CHNR for this year with the SubC, then the Skydweller would be something to look forward to in 2020.

on the 18th March I got a call..... I have a Black Skydweller if you want it.....LOL, does a hen lay eggs!?

So I'm still waiting for the watch I want most, the GMT CHNR.

To be honest, I've lost interest in the SD43 now and will most probably refuse it if it ever turns up.

To sum up, I think you have to buy somethings that don't have a wait list for them, like for me recently, the Milgauss and Omega.

It's also important that they really know that you are not a flipper, sure I sell my watches when I get bored or fancy I change but I don't sell solely for profit. They also know that I am definitely not a flipper as I never asked for the new Pepsi or Batman before that. It's just not my cup of tea. A flipper would ask for everything.....

So that's my history with my AD and I have managed to get 80% of what I want, even if its a HOT item.

I not a famous person, nor a big spender for them in comparison to some of their other clientelle but they keep me happy enough to be paitient and give them some 'easy' business now and again.

I would post a pic but as I haven't got 10 posts, I cannot.

[Big J]

I have been able to acquire my collection in a relative short period of time. I got my first Rolex (Air King) in Summer of 2017. I was in search of the GMT LN next after trying one on when I bought my Air King. I tried in January of 2018 and the cases were empty. I waited until summer to try again. I walked into a jewelry store in a small town looking for the GMT. I never been in the store before. I told the saleswoman that it was a birthday gift for myself. I gave her my information. Five weeks later she tells me it's in. Two months later she contacts me about a Submariner Date. I never asked about a Submariner so I declined because I wasn't ready for it. However I mentioned the GMT BLNR at that time. So she put me down for that. Five months later she notifies me that they just got one and it's mine if I want. I purchase it. This is ten days before it's discontinued at Baselworld.

Back in January I was walking around Las Vegas and no steel models present. I went into a new Rolex dealer at the Crystals Shops at Aria. I asked specifically for a steel DateJust with the blue dial. She walks me over to the case and there it was. I purchased it and had it shipped home. I thought about a Submariner for my next watch. A couple of weeks ago I reached out to the same sales woman about a Submariner. I was hoping I would get it by summer. She contacts me seven days later and says they have the Submariner in stock. I purchased it the next day and had it shipped home. I have been enjoying it for a week now.

I have been able to acquire all the pieces I wanted (as of now) through three authorized dealers without an excessive wait time. I'm just so happy with how quick I have been able to get what I wanted. It has turned into getting a couple of luxury watches that I could enjoy into a collection of five in less than 21 months. The last four in less than 7 months.

[JePro]

Originally Posted by ninjin

just joined the forum and thought I would say a Hi to you all with how I built up my relationship with my AD and my take on the waiting lists.

It's a bit of a long post but hopefully shows the newbies to Rolex procurement, that a relationship doesn't just happen overnight.

From my experience and this is what I think happens... there is no chronological waiting list.

Names get taken for watches but if you have a good relationship/big spender/famous face, you will naturally jump to the front of the list.

This is how I built up my relationship with my AD over the past 10years and it has given me the chance to buy a lot of watches many only can dream about owning.

My own purchases with my AD started over 10years ago (lets say 2009), purchasing a non Rolex product, a Zenith El Primero Chrono, then another identical one a few months later for a friend.

Managed to get the 42mm Explorer 2 Black Dial, around 6months after release.

Introduced a couple of friends to them who bought datejusts around 2013.

Then I didn't buy anything from them for a few years (they didn't sell the brands I wanted) until 2017 but I did always give them a chance to supply.

When Tudor was released again, I wanted to buy but they were not as price competitve as HK. But I always approached them to give them a chance.

I ordered a SS DaytonaC Black in winter 2016 and was pleasantly surprised to see it by summer 2017. He said that most people had changed their preference to white dial hence my name had gotten to the top.

It took them 6months to get me a 42mm White Exp2 in 2017, which was rather annoying as many AD's still had them in the windows, but they looked after me with the Daytona so the least I could do is be paitient and give them the business.

Summer 2017, asked to be put down for a Seadweller 43. Still waiting.

After basel 2018, I ordered a GMT CHNR for which I am reputedly the next watch in is mine, since oct 2018.... Still waiting today for that.....

Rather annoyed as it is my first non Silver coloured watch and really looking forward to it.

In Sep 2018 ordered the new Omega Seamaster 300m and picked up in Dec, their first batch.

In Oct 2018, ordered a SubC date, which was meant to take 6-12m. Picked it up in Dec in time for xmas.... I think they let the GMT CHNR go to someone more important than me, and thus gave me the SubC pronto to keep me happy.

In Feb 2019, ordered a SubC no date, after seeing my friends one, the symmetry won me over. Stunning simplicity and low key without the trademark Rolex Cyclops. Still waiting but they said 3-6m.

After the lack of releases at Basel 2019, I thought I would go for the Skydweller in Blue or Black. I knew it would be a long wait and the AD said it would be 12-24m and that for definite the black would be first as he has a long list of people for blue.

During this time, March, I picked up a blue Milguass for my Niece's birthday, stock watch.

My plan was to get the GMT CHNR for this year with the SubC, then the Skydweller would be something to look forward to in 2020.

on the 18th March I got a call..... I have a Black Skydweller if you want it.....LOL, does a hen lay eggs!?

So I'm still waiting for the watch I want most, the GMT CHNR.

To be honest, I've lost interest in the SD43 now and will most probably refuse it if it ever turns up.

To sum up, I think you have to buy somethings that don't have a wait list for them, like for me recently, the Milgauss and Omega.

It's also important that they really know that you are not a flipper, sure I sell my watches when I get bored or fancy I change but I don't sell solely for profit. They also know that I am definitely not a flipper as I never asked for the new Pepsi or Batman before that. It's just not my cup of tea. A flipper would ask for everything.....

So that's my history with my AD and I have managed to get 80% of what I want, even if its a HOT item.

I not a famous person, nor a big spender for them in comparison to some of their other clientelle but they keep me happy enough to be paitient and give them some 'easy' business now and again.

I would post a pic but as I haven't got 10 posts, I cannot.

This is insightful to read. Good to learn something here

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by Big J

I have been able to acquire my collection in a relative short period of time. I got my first Rolex (Air King) in Summer of 2017. I was in search of the GMT LN next after trying one on when I bought my Air King. I tried in January of 2018 and the cases were empty. I waited until summer to try again. I walked into a jewelry store in a small town looking for the GMT. I never been in the store before. I told the saleswoman that it was a birthday gift for myself. I gave her my information. Five weeks later she tells me it's in. Two months later she contacts me about a Submariner Date. I never asked about a Submariner so I declined because I wasn't ready for it. However I mentioned the GMT BLNR at that time. So she put me down for that. Five months later she notifies me that they just got one and it's mine if I want. I purchase it. This is ten days before it's discontinued at Baselworld.

Back in January I was walking around Las Vegas and no steel models present. I went into a new Rolex dealer at the Crystals Shops at Aria. I asked specifically for a steel DateJust with the blue dial. She walks me over to the case and there it was. I purchased it and had it shipped home. I thought about a Submariner for my next watch. A couple of weeks ago I reached out to the same sales woman about a Submariner. I was hoping I would get it by summer. She contacts me seven days later and says they have the Submariner in stock. I purchased it the next day and had it shipped home. I have been enjoying it for a week now.

I have been able to acquire all the pieces I wanted (as of now) through three authorized dealers without an excessive wait time. I'm just so happy with how quick I have been able to get what I wanted. It has turned into getting a couple of luxury watches that I could enjoy into a collection of five in less than 21 months. The last four in less than 7 months.

From reading forums, seems like the USA is a much easier place to buy than the UK. The UK short supply is no doubt due to the cheapest prices in the world after a tax refund.

Ultimately, we are here for our love of this brand and whichever way, just be happy we have managed to purchase our wants.

Still pi$$ed my CHNR is taking so long though.....

[Lifeisarolliecoaster]

[QUOTE=ninjin;9548291]From reading forums, seems like the USA is a much easier place to buy than the UK. The UK short supply is no doubt due to the cheapest prices in the world after a tax refund.

Speaking from experience, their experiences may have been different if they had started to purchase their first Rolex as of 2019. In the UK it seems that anybody like me is ‘late to the Rolex Party’ as a poster on a similar thread. Visit a uk AD and the moment you utter an interest in a ‘hot model’ the atmosphere changes (and not for the better) and you get spun a tales of there’s a 5 year plus waiting list to customers with previous spending history get first refusal. You will be shown the rows of watches you probably don’t like but there’s an implicit message emerges ‘get a blingy DJ and you move ever closer to your hot SS watch’

[ImSorryBut...]

So this is a story about how you are on different lists, and are still waiting for your watches?

Good job on the Daytona C tho!

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by ninjin

just joined the forum and thought I would say a Hi to you all with how I built up my relationship with my AD and my take on the waiting lists.

It's a bit of a long post but hopefully shows the newbies to Rolex procurement, that a relationship doesn't just happen overnight.

From my experience and this is what I think happens... there is no chronological waiting list.

Names get taken for watches but if you have a good relationship/big spender/famous face, you will naturally jump to the front of the list.

This is how I built up my relationship with my AD over the past 10years and it has given me the chance to buy a lot of watches many only can dream about owning.

My own purchases with my AD started over 10years ago (lets say 2009), purchasing a non Rolex product, a Zenith El Primero Chrono, then another identical one a few months later for a friend.

Managed to get the 42mm Explorer 2 Black Dial, around 6months after release.

Introduced a couple of friends to them who bought datejusts around 2013.

Then I didn't buy anything from them for a few years (they didn't sell the brands I wanted) until 2017 but I did always give them a chance to supply.

When Tudor was released again, I wanted to buy but they were not as price competitve as HK. But I always approached them to give them a chance.

I ordered a SS DaytonaC Black in winter 2016 and was pleasantly surprised to see it by summer 2017. He said that most people had changed their preference to white dial hence my name had gotten to the top.

It took them 6months to get me a 42mm White Exp2 in 2017, which was rather annoying as many AD's still had them in the windows, but they looked after me with the Daytona so the least I could do is be paitient and give them the business.

Summer 2017, asked to be put down for a Seadweller 43. Still waiting.

After basel 2018, I ordered a GMT CHNR for which I am reputedly the next watch in is mine, since oct 2018.... Still waiting today for that.....

Rather annoyed as it is my first non Silver coloured watch and really looking forward to it.

In Sep 2018 ordered the new Omega Seamaster 300m and picked up in Dec, their first batch.

In Oct 2018, ordered a SubC date, which was meant to take 6-12m. Picked it up in Dec in time for xmas.... I think they let the GMT CHNR go to someone more important than me, and thus gave me the SubC pronto to keep me happy.

In Feb 2019, ordered a SubC no date, after seeing my friends one, the symmetry won me over. Stunning simplicity and low key without the trademark Rolex Cyclops. Still waiting but they said 3-6m.

After the lack of releases at Basel 2019, I thought I would go for the Skydweller in Blue or Black. I knew it would be a long wait and the AD said it would be 12-24m and that for definite the black would be first as he has a long list of people for blue.

During this time, March, I picked up a blue Milguass for my Niece's birthday, stock watch.

My plan was to get the GMT CHNR for this year with the SubC, then the Skydweller would be something to look forward to in 2020.

on the 18th March I got a call..... I have a Black Skydweller if you want it.....LOL, does a hen lay eggs!?

So I'm still waiting for the watch I want most, the GMT CHNR.

To be honest, I've lost interest in the SD43 now and will most probably refuse it if it ever turns up.

To sum up, I think you have to buy somethings that don't have a wait list for them, like for me recently, the Milgauss and Omega.

It's also important that they really know that you are not a flipper, sure I sell my watches when I get bored or fancy I change but I don't sell solely for profit. They also know that I am definitely not a flipper as I never asked for the new Pepsi or Batman before that. It's just not my cup of tea. A flipper would ask for everything.....

So that's my history with my AD and I have managed to get 80% of what I want, even if its a HOT item.

I not a famous person, nor a big spender for them in comparison to some of their other clientelle but they keep me happy enough to be paitient and give them some 'easy' business now and again.

I would post a pic but as I haven't got 10 posts, I cannot.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by ninjin

From reading forums, seems like the USA is a much easier place to buy than the UK. The UK short supply is no doubt due to the cheapest prices in the world after a tax refund.

Ultimately, we are here for our love of this brand and whichever way, just be happy we have managed to purchase our wants.

Still pi$$ed my CHNR is taking so long though.....

UK got into this first, on the day after Brexit crashed the Pound so ADs are hardened to the situation for nearly 3 years now, and guess what, still no Brexit nor is it even in sight.

[s7horton]

You said you are not a big spender, but you bought your niece a Rolex as a gift. From you seat you absolutely are a big spender.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by ImSorryBut...

So this is a story about how you are on different lists, and are still waiting for your watches?

Good job on the Daytona C tho!

I am on lists for different models but always from the same AD. At present I have 3 watches still on wait, GMT CHNR, SubC and SD43.
I always give them a chance to sell me what I want (not always Rolex) as it shows that you are a genuine customer.

The Daytona C in black is something I fell for right away upon release. The black bezel just makes the watch look bigger. I've always stayed away from the old one for this reason. The White dial Ceramic looks great in pictures but when its on the wrist, just looks so small.

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by s7horton

You said you are not a big spender, but you bought your niece a Rolex as a gift. From you seat you absolutely are a big spender.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I normally don't buy anything for my niece or nephews (birthday xmas etc as I rarely get to see them) but I always try and get them something special for their 21st.

As reference to the Big Spender, was more in the eyes of the AD, I am definitely not one of those in comparison to some of their other clients.

[ninjin]

[QUOTE=Lifeisarolliecoaster;9548302]

Originally Posted by ninjin

From reading forums, seems like the USA is a much easier place to buy than the UK. The UK short supply is no doubt due to the cheapest prices in the world after a tax refund.

Speaking from experience, their experiences may have been different if they had started to purchase their first Rolex as of 2019. In the UK it seems that anybody like me is ‘late to the Rolex Party’ as a poster on a similar thread. Visit a uk AD and the moment you utter an interest in a ‘hot model’ the atmosphere changes (and not for the better) and you get spun a tales of there’s a 5 year plus waiting list to customers with previous spending history get first refusal. You will be shown the rows of watches you probably don’t like but there’s an implicit message emerges ‘get a blingy DJ and you move ever closer to your hot SS watch’

I have to agree what you say is so true. I've dealt with a lot of 'up their own arses' Rolex Salesmen in my travels over the years. But I think the morale of my story is, which you have worked out yourself too, you can't walk in and expect the shop to sell you a Hot Model.

Even for me, I started with a Zenith from them and not a Rolex...

So I would say, I built up to a Rolex customer from them, rather than starting at a Rolex.

Whichever way, when you are successful at getting what you want, the patience is rewarded by something you can see everyday (if you want!) on your wrist.

[Weinboyz]

I can tell you from going in to my AD and just shooting the breeze, he was straight with me about how their lists work. It seems to be the same responses (but not always) that I see here on TRF. Basically you put yourself down on the list for what you want. And there actually is a numbered order of recipients; However, if one of their VIP customers (customers who spend a lot) comes in and requests a particular watch, they go to the top of the list. Once that order is fulfilled, the lists starts back where they left off.
So basically in a nutshell, congrats on what you acquired as its not the norm. I'm gonna head to Vegas soon. Most likely will stay in the Aria, we love it. gonna have to stop by that AD and roll the dice. Congrats on all you acquisitions!!!!!

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by Weinboyz

I can tell you from going in to my AD and just shooting the breeze, he was straight with me about how their lists work. It seems to be the same responses (but not always) that I see here on TRF. Basically you put yourself down on the list for what you want. And there actually is a numbered order of recipients; However, if one of their VIP customers (customers who spend a lot) comes in and requests a particular watch, they go to the top of the list. Once that order is fulfilled, the lists starts back where they left off.
So basically in a nutshell, congrats on what you acquired as its not the norm. I'm gonna head to Vegas soon. Most likely will stay in the Aria, we love it. gonna have to stop by that AD and roll the dice. Congrats on all you acquisitions!!!!!

Yeah, I think we have the same conclusion on the wait list.

I wish you all the luck in Vegas and lots more Rolex's with the winnings!

[TheFuture]

I’ve passed on the CHNR 3 times. Took me 11months for BLNR and still waiting on Blue SkyD they offered me the white one I declined.

[JayHantz]

Thanks for sharing. Good luck on the CHNR, I think it may be my next hunt!

[blacksun]

Yesterday i saw the CHNR in a Grey D. , stunning !!! hard to stop my self for buying it 2k more then the official price...! Pictures are not enough to explain the beauty...

Called my AD today to buy it but they told me that "waiting list" ...

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by blacksun

Yesterday i saw the CHNR in a Grey D. , stunning !!! hard to stop my self for buying it 2k more then the official price...! Pictures are not enough to explain the beauty...

Called my AD today to buy it but they told me that "waiting list" ...

The CHNR is well regarded as the one that slipped under the radar at Basel 2018. At the point of ordering mine I had never seen one in the flesh... Until a few weeks ago.

Went on a trip to Bangkok with a friend and he rocks up with one! I said you kept that quiet! He just laughed and said he knew it would wind me up as I have been waiting so long. He got his in oct 2018 from a UK AD that he does business with (my friend is a wholesale jeweller). He said when he picked it up, the salesman were quite pi$$ed as they were instructed to not sell it and allocate it to my friend.

Which in turn, adds weight to the Rolex allocation lists......

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by TheFuture

I’ve passed on the CHNR 3 times. Took me 11months for BLNR and still waiting on Blue SkyD they offered me the white one I declined.

I like that. If you don't like it then don't buy it. Many would have succumb to tempatation and just bought it to flip.

That's why you have been offered 3 times. A genuine customer!

Here's the closest I have gotten to mine, trying on my friends one last month...

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by ninjin

just joined the forum and thought I would say a Hi to you all with how I built up my relationship with my AD and my take on the waiting lists.



It's a bit of a long post but hopefully shows the newbies to Rolex procurement, that a relationship doesn't just happen overnight.



From my experience and this is what I think happens... there is no chronological waiting list.



Names get taken for watches but if you have a good relationship/big spender/famous face, you will naturally jump to the front of the list.



This is how I built up my relationship with my AD over the past 10years and it has given me the chance to buy a lot of watches many only can dream about owning.



My own purchases with my AD started over 10years ago (lets say 2009), purchasing a non Rolex product, a Zenith El Primero Chrono, then another identical one a few months later for a friend.



Managed to get the 42mm Explorer 2 Black Dial, around 6months after release.



Introduced a couple of friends to them who bought datejusts around 2013.



Then I didn't buy anything from them for a few years (they didn't sell the brands I wanted) until 2017 but I did always give them a chance to supply.



When Tudor was released again, I wanted to buy but they were not as price competitve as HK. But I always approached them to give them a chance.



I ordered a SS DaytonaC Black in winter 2016 and was pleasantly surprised to see it by summer 2017. He said that most people had changed their preference to white dial hence my name had gotten to the top.



It took them 6months to get me a 42mm White Exp2 in 2017, which was rather annoying as many AD's still had them in the windows, but they looked after me with the Daytona so the least I could do is be paitient and give them the business.



Summer 2017, asked to be put down for a Seadweller 43. Still waiting.



After basel 2018, I ordered a GMT CHNR for which I am reputedly the next watch in is mine, since oct 2018.... Still waiting today for that.....



Rather annoyed as it is my first non Silver coloured watch and really looking forward to it.



In Sep 2018 ordered the new Omega Seamaster 300m and picked up in Dec, their first batch.



In Oct 2018, ordered a SubC date, which was meant to take 6-12m. Picked it up in Dec in time for xmas.... I think they let the GMT CHNR go to someone more important than me, and thus gave me the SubC pronto to keep me happy.



In Feb 2019, ordered a SubC no date, after seeing my friends one, the symmetry won me over. Stunning simplicity and low key without the trademark Rolex Cyclops. Still waiting but they said 3-6m.



After the lack of releases at Basel 2019, I thought I would go for the Skydweller in Blue or Black. I knew it would be a long wait and the AD said it would be 12-24m and that for definite the black would be first as he has a long list of people for blue.



During this time, March, I picked up a blue Milguass for my Niece's birthday, stock watch.



My plan was to get the GMT CHNR for this year with the SubC, then the Skydweller would be something to look forward to in 2020.



on the 18th March I got a call..... I have a Black Skydweller if you want it.....LOL, does a hen lay eggs!?



So I'm still waiting for the watch I want most, the GMT CHNR.



To be honest, I've lost interest in the SD43 now and will most probably refuse it if it ever turns up.



To sum up, I think you have to buy somethings that don't have a wait list for them, like for me recently, the Milgauss and Omega.



It's also important that they really know that you are not a flipper, sure I sell my watches when I get bored or fancy I change but I don't sell solely for profit. They also know that I am definitely not a flipper as I never asked for the new Pepsi or Batman before that. It's just not my cup of tea. A flipper would ask for everything.....



So that's my history with my AD and I have managed to get 80% of what I want, even if its a HOT item.



I not a famous person, nor a big spender for them in comparison to some of their other clientelle but they keep me happy enough to be paitient and give them some 'easy' business now and again.



I would post a pic but as I haven't got 10 posts, I cannot.

I read this twice, it sounds like you've bought a few watches that are pretty easy to find, waited a long time for some that are also not that tough to find and are on a "list" for a few hard to find items.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Ravager135]

Your story is a good read, but it doesn't change the fact that you spent a lot of money over 10 years to build a relationship. As I have said on the forum numerous times, I am glad I built my Rolex collection over the past decade because if I was a new buyer right now I'd be screwed.

[Jonesy2099]

There’s too much onus on the customer building a relationship. It really should be the other way round.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

There’s too much onus on the customer building a relationship. It really should be the other way round.

That's exactly it. Look it's a paradox. I can totally understand ADs wanting to give items that come in limited supply to good customers. To that end, I expect a wait on newly released pieces or Daytona in stainless steel which have traditionally been hard to get. What I can't understand is having to purchase watches you don't want to be allowed to be placed on a wait list for watches that 1. shouldn't be hard to get and 2. if they require a wait, shouldn't be more than a few months.

No one should have to call an AD and beg to be placed on a wait list for a Submariner. It's sad that's how things are.

[BillA]

I would call you a big spender.
Sure there are bigger.
Your AD has a good fish on the line.

[VicLeChic]

Nasty business, that's what the AD experience has become, unfortunately.

Don't get me wrong, I love the product, but Rolex (for limiting steel) and their AD network (for their irritating games) are pi**ing me off lately.

Not a big spender so there you go. PMs and TTs are kind of out of my budget. Now even sports steel has become unavailable. Rolex as a brand is starting to suck as far as I'm concerned.

There, it had to be said.

[nuwildcat928]

You too can get a desired watch, just buy 8 watches over the course of 10 years and send a ton of business to a specific AD. And you’re STILL on the list for a few... this is exactly the game that people don’t want to play.

[ninjin]

When I purchased my first Rolex, a Black Dial Oyster Datejust in 2000, I could walk into any AD and walk out with what I wanted (in my budget anyway). How I chose my AD at that time, whoever gave me the biggest discount! Times sure have changed regarding premium products, not just watches but clothes and for the girls, the handbags....

Social Media without a doubt is to blame for the pronounced increase in demand for premium branded goods. In the 70s, 80s, 90s, everyone knew a Rolex was a good watch brand but not everyone wanted one. Now people buy them just for social media bragging rights.... The un-informed ones too..... They post a Rolex on their mdeia feed and think they're so cool..... only to realise later on when more informed, Rolex cost peanuts compared to the real big watch players.

I agree I have spent a fair amount on money with my AD but I have not purchased anything that I don't want nor specifically to make it easier to buy the hot items.

The daytona, as example, was purchased without a single penny spent with them in 4years prior, so cannot really say they offered it to me because I am buying their easy items.

I think location also makes a huge impact on supply, from what I have read on this forum, you guys in the USA get it a hell of a lot easier than us, here in the UK.

To put it into context, the whole of the UK will fit into one of your US States!

One way I look at this Customer to AD relationship, if the AD is selling you a product that can be flipped to make money, then they are technically giving you free money.

At the end of the day, a shop, irrelevent if selling donuts or watches, is there to make money. If I am going give freebies or discount, then it's always going to be to my best customers. As a businessman, I totally understand and accept this concept.

So the way I see it, the daytona, skydweller, Subs he has sold me, I can flip anytime for more than I paid. So the least I can do is give back to the AD by spending with them my none hot purchases. Don't get me wrong, I won't pay retail for those, and I can safely say, I have been very well looked after with the price of my recent Omega Seamaster from them.

[rudestew]

My local AD might as well be in Timbuktu all the staff have changed and tbh they don’t have a clue about watches

[ntoryes]

I have been lucky to acquire a couple of watches I like (SubDate and CHNR) from my AD after buying a higher end datejust for my wife 6 months ago. Each watch except the sub was discounted. I’m only in the list for a BLNR and was told I’m at the top. My AD knows what I like and knows to call me when he has something good on hand.

Reason I consider myself lucky is that it was possible to establish a relationship buying watches I liked. Last weekend, I was traveling down south and stopped at a Ben Bridge. The manager was a nice lady who was easy to talk to. She liked my CHNR and seemed to want to talk forever. When I asked her how many of those she had seen in the last year she told me zero. She told me something some suspected but I hadn’t heard confirmed. Ben Bridge headquarters in Seattle holds all “hot” models and allocates them to stores only when an appropriate buyer is selected. She went on to tell me an appropriate buyer is usually not someone who buys multiple watches but someone who has spent thousands on their high end Jewelery. She told me to stick with my AD.

Also, she told me she hears Rolex is making changes in how they track sales. She mentioned the warranty card being swiped into an iPad which I think has been standard for a while. But she also mentioned new changes that will limit resellers. Lastly, she basically confirmed my suspicion that some Grays are closely linked with or themselves are AD.

[oldman2005]

A week ago, my friend asked me if I want a new CHNR from his AD since they had one in stock but CHNR isn't my cup of tea. I think CHNR can be easily obtain from USA AD. I heard conflicting availability from UK, as some guy claimed to be able to get a SS BLRO as new 1st time customer...