To AD or Not To AD?

[Notsoprobro]

I know everyone here is thinking, "oh god, not another gray vs. AD conversation." Well I am glad to say its not! This is going to be a longer read, so I’ll include a TL:DR for those who want the skinny.

TLDR: Support long standing family jeweler for an engagement ring or pay slightly more at an AD to have a slightly higher chance of being able to get more “exclusive” watches sooner?

To give some context, I worked in the jewelry trade during my first two years of college and truly had a passion for it. I learned a lot and really respect jewelers who specialize in the high-end stuff and wanted to eventually grow into that as well. One day my girlfriend and I walked past a high-end jewelry store which is also an AD and she pushed me to pop in and look rather than drool through the window. Upon entering the store, we were greeted by a sales person who took around 45 minutes to show us various pieces as well as explained the various brands of watches (solidified my love for Rolex) once he had learned that I was also in the jewelry industry.

Going back about two months now, I just landed my full-time post college job and decided it was time to finally purchase my first Rolex. The first guy who came to mind was the aforementioned sales person, and I decided to drop in and give him a visit. He remembered me clearly and was jokingly upset that I had abandoned the jewelry trade but was happy I could still appreciate it. I let him know that I had a tall request as I wanted a SS sport watch for my first watch, and he took my information down. I got a call saying that he wouldn’t be able to get any of this year’s GMTs for me as the lists were too long, but when the new BLNRs hit (he said November or December) I would be one of the first people to get a call. During this call I asked his opinion on C&C and a 116713 they had as I really appreciated the look of the TT and he urged me to get it as my graduation gift and to bring it in for him to take a look.

Last week I pulled the trigger and received my watch. I decided to take it, along with my other jewelry to be appraised for insurance at the jeweler my dad has been going to for the past 30 years – a small but very high-end family jeweler. Of course, while I was there my girlfriend spots a shiny… a very expensive shiny. The kind of shiny that isn’t just a price tag... she tried it on, and I talked with the owner as to the quality etc. Obviously having worked in the industry, I know the mark ups and such but refrained from discussing it in front of her. The retail was roughly $12k. I must pick my appraisals up today and I plan on seeing what kind of a deal he can cut me if I end up deciding to go for that ring – but there’s more.

I take the watch to the AD to have him look, especially as I notice a few imperfections. He tells me to not worry about the things as they are very minor and to wait a few years until it needs a service to have them fixed. While I am there, he invites me to a press showing of the new watches so that I can try on the new BLNR before committing to it. Then my girlfriend wanted to look at their rings, and obviously found another shiny, a similar style and quality but a lower setting. It was a whopping $16k. During the discussion the AD drops, “if you support the jewelry side of the business, you’re more likely to get the more exclusive models, like I doubt anyone would care if I called you when a Daytona showed up. Heck it’ll be like I’m handing you $10k.” I laughed and claimed I wouldn’t flip it if that was the case. I also understand that this could just be a tactic to close the deal and there could be no watches coming for me; I know I am a very small fish in this pond. Especially when someone had just purchased two PM models while I was looking at a ring.

So that’s where it leaves us, the press showing is in 7 weeks and he did text me to confirm. I am not worried that skipping on the ring purchase will affect my standing for a BLNR, however I am weighing options. I’m not even sure if I want to purchase the ring for another 4-6 months. So, do I support the family jeweler who has been helping my dad for that past 30 years and offers amazing workmanship or do I build a connection with my AD in hopes of being able to get the more exclusive pieces as they’re released? The family jeweler is a more homely atmosphere, where as the AD seems more business based. I would say the quality of jewelry is the same.

[Calatrava r]

Well you are right, it is a long read.

[Albusdabbledore]

Sounds like a simple case of are you willing to be loyal to the man who was loyal to your dad or take a short sided way to exclusive watches moral compass guide him


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[ocwatching]

I would actually keep the two "relationships" going...and see who delivers...
Ring is a totally separate issue...thou in both cases would help you a lot...

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Well you are right, it is a long read.

Have to make it seem like I am working over here.

[trelane]

You should move the TLDR to the top


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[shapiroeric]

Originally Posted by trelane

You should move the TLDR to the top


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Agreed!!


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[ckaynyc]

I leave my jewelry purchases to jewelry experts that can create whatever my wife is looking for, and watches to whomever can get me the watch at a price I am OK with. I shouldn't feel obligated to do business with a person on one side with the hopes of doing business on the other side.

But then again, I don't have the "gotta catch em all" mentality some do in the Rolex world.

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by trelane

You should move the TLDR to the top


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Just for you

[trelane]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Just for you

Much better, thank you, but already read all of it haha. I’m also of the mindset of leaving the more competent jeweler to make the ring. My wife still thinks of her engagement ring as her precious to this day, even though I got her Rolexes quite a bit more than the ring now.

As for the other consideration, you’ve got time to get that Daytona. And if not that one, there’ll always be more. I doubt that cash cow will ever be removed as a model.


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[bobernet]

Your dad’s relationship is not necessarily yours. Sounds like you’ve formed a business and personal connection with the AD and your long game interest is in watches, not high-end custom jewelry.

Seems a pretty easy decision to me.

[airpeace]

it's a trap, run