Dire situation in NZ, Asia Pacific / Hawaii AD recommendations for a loyal customer

[notaflipper]

Hi everyone,

Long time reader and first time poster in the forum.

Recently I saw a post on 'the availability of Rolex Sub-Date in Australia as of 2020' and the extent certain members have gone through to obtain their beloved piece. I live in New Zealand and I have to say the situation is even more dire.

In New Zealand there are only 2 x AD's, one who claims they don't have any waiting list for SS/hot models (most likely reserved for VVIPs only) and another who is willing to write your name down on a 'expression of interest list' for as many models you want.

I have been dealing with the latter, my relationship with this AD extends 6 years back when I first purchase an engagement ring for my partner. From then onwards, I would pop in every so often and make a purchases on jewellery items every year. I discovered my love for Rolex 3 years ago and went into put my down on the 'expression of interest list' for a Daytona-C. Early last year, my passion for Rolex grew and further I expressed by interest for a Submariner (date and no-date) and a SS Sea Dweller 43. Being a long time reader in this forum I have taken up some common advice and frequented the AD more often, established a relationship with a sales associate, met the manager and owner, showed interest and made further purchases on other jewellery, show passion and knowledge for the Rolex brand etc.

Last year I purchased a Datejust 41 and a PM Datejust 31 for the wifes milestone birthday on top of some other jewellery at the AD. Reading all these post about pairing up PM and with SS models, I thought I had a good chance of at least securing a Sub no-date. I asked the sales associate and was told that's not how their AD operates. This year, I decided to test the waters and asked the manager if I purchased a certain item of jewellery (not watch) worth $65000NZD (approx $50,000.00) or a Day-Date, could you please secure me a SD43 or even a Sub? Unfortunately I was given the same speech 'we can put your name down on the list and will prioritise customers like youself but we cannot guarantee anything'. In total I have spent over $150k USD with this AD over the past 6 years and it is heart breaking that they are unable to reward me in return.

Therefore, I am considering moving my business elsewhere and working with another AD(s). I frequently travel around Asia-Pacific and occasionally to Hawaii for work and I was wondering if fellow members have any particular AD's, Cities, Countires to recommend.

I know most people here will tell me to go grey, infact I have already gone there and purchased a 116710BLNR and 126710BLRO. I am not in a rush to expand my collection but I would just like to work with an AD who is willing to reward me for my loyalty, efforts and other purchases.

Thanks for reading!

[dukie748]

If $50k of ancillary purchases can't secure you a Sub, you REALLY need a new AD.

[rdizzle92]

is this for real?

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by dukie748

If $50k of ancillary purchases can't secure you a Sub, you REALLY need a new AD.

This

Originally Posted by rdizzle92

is this for real?

And this....

[illiguy]

We ought never call lack of acquiring a Rolex “dire”. First world problems. We are a lucky lot.

[Twentyfourframe]

Really no disrespect intended but to me this is a bit of madness, I love rolex but no way would I spend over list price at a grey or buy other items to gain favour with an AD on the off chance they may be able to supply me with what I was after, more power to you and best of luck with the search, this whole supply situation has put me right off the brand in general and although I still love them I’m starting to hate everything they are beginning to represent, apologies for the rant!


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[blankapdx]

That AD has got to go. That's just wrong.

[1Zach1]

Am I crazy? The AD has been upfront with you on not being able to secure the watches you want, and apparently isn’t partaking in an incredibly shady business practice, but you’re upset with them? Go to a different AD while you travel, or go grey. Maybe I’m way off base or misunderstanding your post.

[42itus]

Originally Posted by Twentyfourframe

Really no disrespect intended but to me this is a bit of madness, I love rolex but no way would I spend over list price at a grey or buy other items to gain favour with an AD on the off chance they may be able to supply me with what I was after, more power to you and best of luck with the search, this whole supply situation has put me right off the brand in general and although I still love them I’m starting to hate everything they are beginning to represent, apologies for the rant!


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I was refraining from commenting because I feel the same way. I love to talk about watches but the whole situation with ADs is pretty ridiculous.

[exador]

I've bought two Tudors from the same AD to get my name on the list

But seriously, $150k??? Cheaper to have bought from a flipper on Trademe.

Also just another thought - asking for all the hot refs at once may raise red flags...

[juliet]

I’ve dealt with Partridges and found them great. They’ve been very upfront about what is available, what is possible. Perhaps trying to get a Daytona, one of the hardest watches to find, as your first purchase was a bit unrealistic.

I have found that they actually try to prioritise watch enthusiasts. I know that they have turned down offers to buy much more expensive watches if it gets them something like a Daytona.

I am hardly their biggest customer, I have two watches, but they’ve always treated me very well.

[AshCashEmAll]

I would of purchased off a grey if you wanted a no date sub. In general, you would of saved a whole lot of money doing this. I would never do business with that AD if I were you.

[Rolexavidfan]

I would look for another AD. Unfortunately in some countries, the purchase of hot models is probably reserved not only for VVIPs but also for locals due to the long waiting lists. There are inputs providing on going to family owned ADs but I’m unsure about that route. Sometimes you don’t have to spend so much to get a particular model, in other times it is just plain luck and being at the right place at the right time.

Good luck mate and do keep us updated of your journey. With patience and perseverance you’ll definitely land with one soon.



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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by exador

I've bought two Tudors from the same AD to get my name on the list

But seriously, $150k??? Cheaper to have bought from a flipper on Trademe.

Also just another thought - asking for all the hot refs at once may raise red flags...

DavidSW ships worldwide. Why play games?

[dmash]

Originally Posted by AshCashEmAll

I would of purchased off a grey if you wanted a no date sub. In general, you would of saved a whole lot of money doing this. I would never do business with that AD if I were you.

Yeah that’s the biggest thing that stuck out to me.....he’s not even talking about a Pepsi....literally a no date sub. I can source one of those from multiple dealers within 2-3 months EASY. And that’s with zero purchase history, much less 150k.

[Greg 59]

Welcome to Australasia folks! As I told forum members on a previous post, you are looking at an annual spend of between $500k and $1million to get a SS Daytona right now. It's only the very very very special VIP 's that get what they want these days.

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[Mr. Miami]

I just about fell over after reading you spent $150k and still no watch. Wow. Stop doing business with that AD.

[MTdweller]

Wow. Tough situation given you want to buy at MSRP. Continue to go grey and save the hassle.

[calh22a]

That’s madness that they won’t get you a sub after spending 150k. I believe the US will be much easier!

[notaflipper]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your replies and comments. Just to clarify I am not spending $150k on jewellery to buy Rolex or to get on waitlists. It just happens my wife has an expensive taste for diamonds and these purchases were going to be made either way. Therefore I am hoping to find an AD who would recognize these spends and reward me for rewarding my wife.

And by no way I am trying to disrespect the AD or there policies, I was just emphasizing what the situation is like in Australasia.

[jerryguo]

Grey is the way to go, the watch doesn't justify the premium you are paying with your spending.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by notaflipper

Hi everyone,



Long time reader and first time poster in the forum.



Recently I saw a post on 'the availability of Rolex Sub-Date in Australia as of 2020' and the extent certain members have gone through to obtain their beloved piece. I live in New Zealand and I have to say the situation is even more dire.



In New Zealand there are only 2 x AD's, one who claims they don't have any waiting list for SS/hot models (most likely reserved for VVIPs only) and another who is willing to write your name down on a 'expression of interest list' for as many models you want.



I have been dealing with the latter, my relationship with this AD extends 6 years back when I first purchase an engagement ring for my partner. From then onwards, I would pop in every so often and make a purchases on jewellery items every year. I discovered my love for Rolex 3 years ago and went into put my down on the 'expression of interest list' for a Daytona-C. Early last year, my passion for Rolex grew and further I expressed by interest for a Submariner (date and no-date) and a SS Sea Dweller 43. Being a long time reader in this forum I have taken up some common advice and frequented the AD more often, established a relationship with a sales associate, met the manager and owner, showed interest and made further purchases on other jewellery, show passion and knowledge for the Rolex brand etc.



Last year I purchased a Datejust 41 and a PM Datejust 31 for the wifes milestone birthday on top of some other jewellery at the AD. Reading all these post about pairing up PM and with SS models, I thought I had a good chance of at least securing a Sub no-date. I asked the sales associate and was told that's not how their AD operates. This year, I decided to test the waters and asked the manager if I purchased a certain item of jewellery (not watch) worth $65000NZD (approx $50,000.00) or a Day-Date, could you please secure me a SD43 or even a Sub? Unfortunately I was given the same speech 'we can put your name down on the list and will prioritise customers like youself but we cannot guarantee anything'. In total I have spent over $150k USD with this AD over the past 6 years and it is heart breaking that they are unable to reward me in return.



Therefore, I am considering moving my business elsewhere and working with another AD(s). I frequently travel around Asia-Pacific and occasionally to Hawaii for work and I was wondering if fellow members have any particular AD's, Cities, Countires to recommend.



I know most people here will tell me to go grey, infact I have already gone there and purchased a 116710BLNR and 126710BLRO. I am not in a rush to expand my collection but I would just like to work with an AD who is willing to reward me for my loyalty, efforts and other purchases.



Thanks for reading!

Thanks for sharing!

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[Ceelo]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

Welcome to Australasia folks! As I told forum members on a previous post, you are looking at an annual spend of between $500k and $1million to get a SS Daytona right now. It's only the very very very special VIP 's that get what they want these days.

This is so off-putting as someone new to the scene who just wants to head into an AD and pay the not-unsubstantial full retail price. It's a wonder why they don't just jack the retail price up as the whole 'scarcity thing' the OP mentions is a double edged sword.

[zen watch]

Just buy from a reputable grey and save yourself the trouble.

[Ichiran]

Try those ADs in HK that sell both jewelry and Rolex. You will get your sub easily.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by dukie748

If $50k of ancillary purchases can't secure you a Sub, you REALLY need a new AD.

Damn straight! That's just crazy! What were you thinking spending all that $ without getting any sense that you had built a real relationship with the AD and that they would hook you up.

[skorN83]

Australia is bullshit at the moment. On the other hand, I've bought many other nice watches in the meantime that I may not have tried if I'd gotten my Sub or GMT.

[ROLEX MAN]

Adelaide, South Australia is the biggest joke!

You walk in and (because they know me) they just laugh!!

[Yoda_Eating_Pizza]

Originally Posted by notaflipper

In New Zealand there are only 2 x AD's, one who claims they don't have any waiting list for SS/hot models (most likely reserved for VVIPs only) and another who is willing to write your name down on a 'expression of interest list' for as many models you want.

Wow, only two ADs? That's virtually a monopoly. I'm guessing the VIP threshold is to the moon.

Speaking just for Honolulu, there are a lot of tourists with a lot of money, so I imagine a big chunk of the clientele don't exactly have long term AD relationships. Most likely it's the bundle game for them.

The locals that happen to be VIPs are whales. There's a lot of wealth concentrated in a very small area, but not a whole lot of places to shop. So guess what--there's a larger proportion of whales shopping at the same places as the mere mortals. Just takes a tiny handful to clear out the entire miniscule inventory of hot pieces.

One exception to the "hot" pieces, for some reason, is the SS Sub. The SA at Ben Bridge said he could get one in about 6 months, even if I didn't have a purchase history. Maybe they just get Subs more often? Who knows. However, I don't know if it would be practical to be on a Honolulu list if you're in NZ; by the time you got on a plane, the SA would have moved on to the next person.

[exador]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

DavidSW ships worldwide. Why play games?

Too expensive.

Sub C Date = $11,925 USD incl shipping ($19,975 NZD).

Add $4,140 for Customs*

So a $13,900 watch ends up costing $24,115

*You also have to apply for a client code as goods over $1,000.