How long of a wait for a New Rolex Explorer 1

[Teddy2000]

Hi does anyone know what the average wait is for an Explorer 1? Thanks


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[nightmyth]

I saw one at my local AD on display for a few days before it sold. So depending on the AD there might not be a wait at all

[Explorer305]

I'm sure availability will vary from locality to locality, but here's my recent Explorer purchase story. I bough mine from a local Independent AD last month. I had a nominal purchase history from the AD with a Tudor Black Bay last year. Of course, no stainless sports models were in the case. I told the sales associate whom I didn't recognize that I was a previous customer and that I was interested in getting an Explorer. I asked if they had a wait list and was advised that "we don't have lists but I can take your information down and we will call you when one becomes available." This was more or less the response that I expected and I left my contact information with her.

I then wandered around the store, "just looking" at various watches that I either didn't want or couldn't afford. I then ran into the store owner whom I hadn't met before but recognized his name from reviews of the store that I had read. I casually mentioned that I was interested in an Explorer, had left my information with the SA, and that I was happy with my previous purchase. He then asked me when I would be ready to buy the Explorer and I responded "any time". His response was "maybe we can do something, I have a little stash in back." Low and behold, a few minutes later he returns with a new mark II 214270. The SA that I initially spoke to seemed genuinely surprised to see it and I don't think she knew that it existed. A short while later I walked out of the store with a big smile and my face and my first Rolex on my wrist.

Moral of the story: If you have little to no purchase history with your AD, I would recommend finding out who the manager or owner is and speaking with them directly if you can. You may end up being pleasantly surprised as I was.

Cheers.

[Teddy2000]

Thanks for that, that sounds familiar, I phoned the AD a few weeks ago for an Explorer and was told it would be at least 12 months, then I also expressed and interest in an air king (as I was in two minds anyway), he said there is usually a good few months wait for those but asked me to give him a few hours as “there may be one due in that afternoon”. Low and behold he calls back with an air king available to collect. I bought it and I’m happy with it, however whilst I was there they asked if I still wanted an Explorer I said yes but don’t call me too soon as I wouldn’t have the funds. 1 week later they phoned to say they have one! I’m just trying to get my head around how it all works, do people actually wait or does the shop have them or access to them rather quicker that the we are made to expect. It’s an interesting mine field ..


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[Mister_JD]

I am interested in this, having recently decided that the Explorer 1 is the watch for me. My first foray into expensive Swiss watches.

Visited an AD on Tuesday this week, won’t say where other than an affluent town in south of England (not in London) and my experience was awful.

I didn’t have high expectations, certainly not that I’d get the watch in weeks or even a couple of months. My enquiry was about the process of getting one.

I was told by a very uninterested and borderline patronising sales assistant that it’s a three year wait for the watch and even then the managing director decides who can buy a watch.

Gave me details, name and contact number, and left.

I mentioned the watches I had considered before the decision, Tudor BB GMT and Speedmaster. Explained my reasoning and showed that I was genuine buyer.

Was given the option of buying a DJ which would help my “application” to buy the Explorer.

Appreciate there is no shortage of buyers but didn’t expect to come out feeling like a prat for asking permission to be considered worthy of buying some for GBP5k!

Should I approach another AD or are they all like this? If it’s this difficult maybe the brand isn’t for me.