Airport AD

[Rockefeller]

Is it worth striking up a good relationship with an airport AD. I go through Hong Kong International Airport 4 times a year. I can not see this changing as i am travelling to and from my homes and not work related.
I would not expect the AD to do lists on any watches but there might be a surprise now and again. Would airports find it harder to obtain certain models compared to city AD's?

[MrPear]

My AD has always said - get friendly with the airports as there is never lists.

However, a good friend of mine wear a BLRO that I know the AD in Paris held for him as he is there every week going to meetings.

Start the conversation, you never know!

[Alan111]

The HKG airport AD are very nice people and they get a great selection.

[enjoythemusic]

Yes, airport ADs rock!

[Rockefeller]

Good to hear positive feedback.

[BMW Guy]

It is always good if you can click with someone you never know what they can do for you ?

[greengold]

meh

[yOyOYoo]

I'm sure building a good relationship with an airport AD couldn't hurt. But I wouldn't be surprised if they are keeping all the good stuff in the safe.

[watchmework]

It never hurts, give it a shot and see what happens...remember a member or two traveling through airports and grabbing a SS Daytona just by chance.

[Roger Lococco]

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[supersam80]

Airports here definitely have lists. We got ours from one and have been waiting on another for the best part of a year

[Boaters]

You bet love it

[buxfactor]

Stock seems very slim at HKG - here now. Only sports models that they said they have are the Yachtmaster II (two-tone and in gold). Salespeople were very nice and admitted stock is extremely slim on the sports models.

Otherwise, PM Day-dates and PM and two-tone Datejusts / Oyster Perpetuals.

[RyanO]

Airports now have lists. Heathrow now requires you to "register your interest".

It also seems that the airport AD's don't get as many of the in demand models, at least from the conversations I've had with sales reps. When inquiring about particular models, many tell me that they've never even seen a Hulk or a steel Daytona in the store. Whether this is true I don't know..

[Navarino]

Originally Posted by RyanO

Airports now have lists. Heathrow now requires you to "register your interest".

It also seems that the airport AD's don't get as many of the in demand models, at least from the conversations I've had with sales reps. When inquiring about particular models, many tell me that they've never even seen a Hulk or a steel Daytona in the store. Whether this is true I don't know..

Disappointed to hear this. I am going to be there for a few hours passing through tomorrow. Was hoping by some miracle they may have had something on my shortlist in-stock there. Are there two ADs within the airport terminals (looks like a Rolex boutique and WoS)?

[RyanO]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

Disappointed to hear this. I am going to be there for a few hours passing through tomorrow. Was hoping by some miracle they may have had something on my shortlist in-stock there. Are there two ADs within the airport terminals (looks like a Rolex boutique and WoS)?

It is still worth going in and check out their inventory. Please let us know what they have.

There are several dealers but they’re in different terminals. I was told that they can get a piece from the stock of another terminal transferred in about 45 minutes.

Hope you’re able to pick something up! What are you looking for?

I have my heart set on an LV Sub right now.


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[Navarino]

Originally Posted by RyanO

It is still worth going in and check out their inventory. Please let us know what they have.

There are several dealers but they’re in different terminals. I was told that they can get a piece from the stock of another terminal transferred in about 45 minutes.

Hope you’re able to pick something up! What are you looking for?

I have my heart set on an LV Sub right now.


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Totally going to stop by either way to kill some time - certainly more entertaining that hanging out in an airport lounge.

I am still waiting patiently for a BLRO from my AD back home, so that would be the #1 find. I've also been recently intrigued by the SD43, but would definitely need to try that one on before making a decision. Also looking for an LV Sub for my younger brother.

[padi56]

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

[77T]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

In general I agree...



I do think when one uses the proper noun “AD” it is an inanimate object. An AD is an entity with the goal of maximizing profits to ensure continued existence.

But if you come across a family owned AD, or small partnership AD, then a relationship within the bounds of human interaction is possible. They come to know you, your family and their birthdays. If you make those people a priority for most (or all) of your purchases for precious moments, then you have a relationship. But such a small operation will be getting less priority from Rolex regarding the variety of new releases.

It may help you when you least expect it. But it will be hit or miss at best.

If you go into this theory of relationship with a goal of getting something for yourself at their expense...
Or if you expect some priority over and above their best interests, then you are probably going to be disappointed.

If you purchase hundreds of thousands of $ £ € per year, then you’ll more likely get what you wish. I guess that’s a relationship too - however, it’s not the kind most of us can hold up on our end for long.


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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

These days -- ABSOLUTELY Peter, I couldn't agree with you more. ADs KNOW that they hold all the cards these days - and are using that to their advantage. Commerce, plain and simple.

An 'AD Relationship' has become widely used terminology that, to me is grossly misconstrued. Rapport, friendship, respect and all of the perks that go along with those things are unable to be purchased.

I will use my personal example. The relationship (friendship) that I have with my AD - in my hometown is a friendship that was founded 60 plus years ago with my grandparents knowing the family who started the business and being friends first, as well as loyal customers, followed by my parents continuing the relationship as their generation took over the business, and now my generation.

[icnbne]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

What? So buying a box of chocolates doesnt work?

[Mr.Rolex1]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

I'm glad someone still says it like it is

[Flying Clog]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

Talking recently with the Manager of Gassan who own the concessions at Amsterdam Schiphol airport it's exactly this.
They said they have no discounting and no wait listing as they simply don't have to. They have enough passing trade that when a highly desired or new model / any steel sports Rolex hits their shop(s) they usually sell it the same day.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by padi56

IMHO all this building a good relationship with any AD only exists in internet fantasy land.All ADs are in business to sell as many watches to any Tom, Dick,or Harry who is willing to part with there cash its that simple.

I couldn’t have phrased it better myself.

[17noir]

You would probably need to spend to build that relationship. They are nice people, but you are not the first to be doing that. Hope you do find something nice there.

[FireMedic37]

I got a SkyDweller from mine..... but absolutely no lists and no discounts.

[brandrea]

I like airport ADs if for no other reason, than it’s a fun way to kill time before a flight. I have zero expectations beyond that.

[westsiderkg]

Maybe if you buy 100 Rolex's each visit its worth it, lol.

[watchmaker]

Thing to remember about airports are there are business travellers that pass through the same airport nearly every day of the year. Plus airport and airline staff. Pilots are known to frequent ADs in Heathrow.

I wouldn’t expect visiting the same airport 4 times a year to come close to the ‘frequent customer’ status an airport AD will be looking for. But I wouldn’t let that stop you trying. Stranger things have happened.

[ttman333]

It's worked for me. A DJ for my wife - I know it's an easy watch to find - but by building a relationship and buying chocolates a SD43 within 6 weeks of the DJ.

Both MRSP less 16% as well - it's worked for me!