Sometimes Better to Be Dumb and Lucky than Charming and Rich: Another AD Tale

[ericinexile]

If you wish to skip the fluff, go to the last paragraph. After almost a year of chasing various nice watches with GMT functions, I got my Explorer II (Polar) today. Here's my tale: It started last year when I heard about the Tudor BB GMT. The local AD had one but with a leather strap. However, I wanted a bracelet. At this point I knew nothing about the Rolex SS "shortage". Nor was I aware of the problems with the Tudor. All I knew was that I needed the GMT functionality as it meshed with my job. Ever since the Yeager ad in the '80s I have wanted a GMT Master. I brought my wife with me to look at the Tudor. We then looked at the Rolexes. She has always wanted a nice watch with diamonds but rarely mentioned it because she figured I would never agree to it. But I did and a month later she was sporting a lovely steel version with the pearl face and diamonds around the bezel. By this time I had put my name on the list for a Roli GMT Batman or LN, Tudor GMT, and an Explorer II (in that order of preference). Then came Baselworld and the hugely disappointing Jubilee Batman/girl (no offense anyone). By that time I became aware of the Tudor datewheel issue and was by this time well aware of the SS backlog. I didn't need a 3rd timezone so the Explorer actually turned out to be the perfect choice.

So I have been on the "list" ever since. But the whole grey market thing and Rolex's handling of it began to grate. I joined this forum and it grated even more. I had no burning love for Rolex. I just wanted a good watch with a quickset hour hand and a GMT function. Grand Seiko has several. It's a fantastic watch. And it doesn't carry the baggage that comes with a Rolex. Perfect. I tried a few in London. Kinda big. If I want lume I have to go really big or go quartz. Meanwhile I stayed on the Rolex list and expanded it as I visited ADs in Europe and one in Peru. All the while I continued checking my two local (North NJ) ADs and NYC.

I know. I know. TL:DR. Just skip to the last paragraph!

In all my research I somehow missed the Omega Aqua Terra GMT. There is an Omega boutique across the hall from the AD where I bought my wife's watch. I did try a PO early on but found it to be too massive for my dainty 6.5 in wrist. They never mentioned the Aqua Terra. Yesterday I went by to try one on thinking this would be my watch. You can get 'em all day on Chrono24 for $4k. "Take that and stick it, Rolex!" The watch is beautiful. But, wait, it looks like crap on my wrist. It was almost as big as the Planet Ocean. I love Omega. I really liked that movement. I would have been a great accompaniment to my 20 yo X-33. But at least now I could focus on the Explorer with no more distractions. I thought of walking across to the Rolex shop but I had just been there 10 days ago and I am always a little embarrassed going in. I feel like just another SS stalker. So I drove home happy to still be on the hunt.

This morning I figured I should settle in for the long haul. Nobody needs an expensive watch. The greys will NEVER get my money. Just wait it out. But there is one problem. My spindly wrist is an acknowledged fact and I have never even seen an Explorer II, much less tried one on. Today was free and I decided that I would call around and beg to try one even if it was reserved for a real customer. I had forgotten the name of a different AD that is in a nearby mall. But I figured I would call them with the pitch. I googled "Garden State Plaza Rolex" and touched the resulting number. I gave my first name and said that I would like to try one should it ever make it through the door even if it is reserved for someone else. She said "Wait one sec, please." She came back on line to say that they got one today but it is reserved. "Great!" I was in the process of saying "I would like to come by in half and hour and try it. Is that possible?"

"Please hold again. Sorry, it will just be a moment." … "My manager says that its yours if you want it".

Really? It's that easy? I know its not a Daytona but still. This should be harder. It was only then that I realized that the number I had called was MY AD, not the one at the mall. They somehow get the 1st hit on Google. At this very AD I was one of several on the list for this watch and definitely not the front of the line. But I happened to make the call the day the watch arrived. When I got there, she explained that they are no longer running waiting lists. It is first-come-first-sever from now on. Now I am sure that's not entirely true. But it worked out. And what a great feeling it is to take the stickers off and get the watch going for the first time. I totally dig this gorgeous watch! I'll post a photo tomorrow from my favorite spot if the weather holds out. You all know what a Polar looks like anyway.

[Syed117]

Congrats!

So they said it was reserved and then just let you have it? That's not shady at all...

I know that AD in GSP and I had a pretty bad experience with a salesman there. This was years ago before I found my current AD.

[Catatafish]

It's like you wrote my entire story, 95% match, including the Seamaster GMT bit.... After several months of gyrating, I happened to email about a DJ41 and they said it was gone, but they did have an Explorer II polar...I was thinking, why didn't you call me then!? I was supposedly going to be called if anything with a GMT complication came in.

It's true, there's no "list". The whole process is far too esoteric. Although I did drop a bag of fancy chocolates by the AD the weekend before.

But grats to you, I just picked mine up last night and can't stop looking at it.

[EndlessEight]

I now have in person visits to 3 ADs in North Jersey and long phone calls to all of the mid-town Manhattan ADs trying to obtain 2 Submariners for our wedding anniversary.

Been officially waiting since the beginning of June.

This is fun. (nope).

[Gerardus]

Congratz!

[Stx]

Well done - I needed some calling encouragement..

[Mr.Rolex1]

Congrats

[ericinexile]

I should add that this AD is in the early stages of big changes including a move to a bigger space. That might explain some of this. Not sure why it would but I don’t want to totally blow up the idea of lists for those customers on them.

[dkast85]

I still find it so fascinating that a year ago everyone universally agreed the GMT on a jubilee with blue and red looks exceptional. But then Rolex makes the same watch with blue and black and it’s extremely polarizing.

I personally agree tbh. I prefer a GMT on an oyster bracelet. Not that I hate it on a jubilee… I just find it interesting how people find the bracelet awful when the bezel is blue and black but find the bracelet amazing when the bezel is blue and red.

[Odie-r]

Congrats! Love that Polar dial.

[Urosfan]

Congrats

[Navarino]

Congrats on the Explorer II! Glad it worked out for you in such a surprising way too!

I seriously doubt there is a lot of truth in the remarks about no longer running waitlists though.

[TimeLord2]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Yea, I read the whole thing. Congratulations!

[MikeyV]

Regarding the dealer selling it to you...A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so they say.

[othertbone]

So you're sayin' there's a chance!

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

I now have in person visits to 3 ADs in North Jersey and long phone calls to all of the mid-town Manhattan ADs trying to obtain 2 Submariners for our wedding anniversary.

Been officially waiting since the beginning of June.

This is fun. (nope).

Good luck. I'm in SoCal, been on a list for a sub date or no date since March. Crickets.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[Nikrnic]

Hey that was a good story
Congrats to you on your Polar!! I was thinking on and off about one and on a visit to my AD a year ago just to say hi and chat he should me a delivery they just received of four, well one out of the four was available and that turned out to be my Polar. Enjoy!!

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[42itus]

Nice story and great find!

What you said about being embarrassed to go in resonated with me because I feel the same way. Not so much embarrassed but I feel like it's pointless to go in.

[bonovox]

Congrats! Good story to go with a great watch

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by djyolky

Good luck. I'm in SoCal, been on a list for a sub date or no date since March. Crickets.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

I’m not buying the scarcity on the Submariner. I’m sure the ADs have them every other shipment or so.

We’re just being ghosted.

[doubleinfive]

I was dumb and lucky once, now I'm just charming and rich...

[bojinns]

Great share of your experience and many congrats! Post pics when you have a moment


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[rcclarkie]

Great story, and you got the exact Rolex I'm currently on the wait list for too, so extra congrats.

I do second the somewhat awkward feeling about going into the AD too often. While I understand the importance of nurturing the "relationship" with the sales staff, half the time I just want to quietly stroll around the store and check out the display cases (everything is full except the Rolex corner… shocker) without needing to engage in some pedantic discussion with them about the SS crisis.

Regardless of how you got to it, you've proven that persistence certainly does pay off

[Mike Jab]

Dumb indeed but congrats! Wear in good health.

[Art 1]

Congrats it’s a very nice watch.

[Muxi]

Charming and rich has its benefits too.

[schoolboy]

Congrats OP!

I feel like that is the way it should be.

[iheartrolexx]

congrats and please post pictures

[Heu]

Nice

[Rollied]

Obligatory “pics or it didn’t happen” post