Finding a Rolex in the Baltimore-DC-NoVa Region

[JeanGenie]

Hey folks!

I'm more of a lurker than a poster around here, but have learned much from the wisdom on this forum. I wanted to see if anyone is in the DMV area has recent experience with the ADs around here. The main options I've been working with are Tiny Jewelbox and the Tourneau in Pentagon City Mall. Both have been great to me so far in terms of treatment and communication. I've only been around this area a couple of years and have not purchased watches from these dealers so I don't have a history to lean on.

I was told by both ADs that a Sub (date or no-date, whichever comes first) is not impossible, maybe within 12 months. Does that seem realistic? Time will only tell if I'm just another shmo way down their long lists or if they can really help me out. I have done my best to go into these shops a couple of times, talk honestly about myself and my years-long dream to own a Sub (i.e. I've tried to convey I'm not looking to flip and want this piece to wear), and have established relationships now with a specific rep at each store. Has anyone had luck with a sports model this year at these locations?

FWIW Tourneau told me they don't have wait lists. I'm not sure I really believe this but they seemed to imply they would attempt to source me the watch based on my inquiry; this sounds like the same difference to me but I'm willing to ride it out! While I was in there today a gentlemen walked in with a Sub he had bought here this year and said he waited about 5 months. Maybe dreams do come true!

Neither store made me feel like I had to purchase something else to improve my chances, and I think I am generally good at reading people's intentions. By my third visit to Tourneau I was introduced to the store's director who was very nice and promised to find me what I'm looking for.

Meandering post, I know; am I being naive here or can a Sub really be had with a little patience and good faith?

[214270Explorer]

It is mostly a crap shoot. Sometimes AD's come thorough for 'newish' customers, and sometimes they don't, or hold their stock for long established repeat buyers.

You just never know.

Good Luck!

[JeanGenie]

Yeah that's what I'm wondering. And Fairfax county Virginia is one of the richest in the country. Way above my league that's for sure. We'll see if they're just giving me the stock response that "they'll take care of me" or if they'll really give me a shot at something.

I'll update this thread if and when it ever happens!

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

With that said: how difficult are Subs right now that we're some time into the launch of the new reference. Doable, medium hard, or impossible?

Generally medium hard, but it’s getting to the point where almost any non-lady DJ reference is becoming hard. Sub is easier than stainless Daytonas and BLROs and a bit easier than BLNRs. But harder to find than an Air King, Explorer or Milgauss. But again, any of those will be pretty difficult in the current environment.

Good luck!

[beshannon]

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

[Rrpdc]

Tiny jewel box def have been honest with me, Slim chance of getting what I want. I was told They have many clients on list with large purchase histories that will get watch well before me. Even for my big 50 th could not make it happen for wg piece.

[Bruce_Wayne]

Without having any purchase history, the fact that they even gave you a semblance of a timeframe is a plus. In the current market, that does not seem unrealistic.


Sent from the Waitlist at 6 different ADs

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I have not been to Tiny Jewelbox in quite some time. I do not go to Tourneau, ever.

That said, Tysons Corner and the Galleria with Lillienquist and Lenkersdorfer have empty display cases. They have been empty for quite a long time and I expect them to remain that way. I have bought two watches from them in the past and they rarely acknowledge me when I go in. My last trip I left after hearing one salesman stating to a customer that it "take an entire year to make a Rolex".

I wish you the best of luck in your epic quest.

I didn't even try at the Tyson's shops because I knew what you describe would be the case. No reason to think Tiny Jewelbox or Pentagon City Tourneau would be much different, but the Jewelbox told me they'll have more stock as they open their Rolex boutique in early 2022. Their Patek boutique is up now and is pretty impressive.

We shall see- I gotta start someplace!

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Rrpdc

Tiny jewel box def have been honest with me, Slim chance of getting what I want. I was told They have many clients on list with large purchase histories that will get watch well before me. Even for my big 50 th could not make it happen for wg piece.

At Tiny Jewelbox they actually put me down for several things- Explorer II (either color though he said black is easier) and a deep-sea in black (he hinted this might be doable sooner than others but I think it's probably out of my price range. I'd probably have to buy it anyways lol). The thing they implied was "if you're open to one of these options it will eventually happen." Oh he also threw the yachtmaster in plat/steel for the heck of it.

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Hey folks!

I have done my best to go into these shops a couple of times, talk honestly about myself and my years-long dream to own a Sub (i.e. I've tried to convey I'm not looking to flip and want this piece to wear), and have established relationships now with a specific rep at each store.

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

Shhhh if you keep talking this way I'll have to confront logic and reasonableness and then I'll go buy the new Speedy in sapphire. Came so close last week.

I agree with you 100% on the decline of the tool watch (i.e. it now looks like bling). I'd still buy the damn Sub tho!

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

At Tiny Jewelbox they actually put me down for several things- Explorer II (either color though he said black is easier) and a deep-sea in black (he hinted this might be doable sooner than others but I think it's probably out of my price range. I'd probably have to buy it anyways lol). The thing they implied was "if you're open to one of these options it will eventually happen." Oh he also threw the yachtmaster in plat/steel for the heck of it.

Just my .02 but are you sure you want to go down this rabbit hole?

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

Shhhh if you keep talking this way I'll have to confront logic and reasonableness and then I'll go buy the new Speedy in sapphire.

Honestly, I just can't help myself! Rolex as a brand, in my honest opinion, is just misstepping everywhere. Who is even in charge over there who is making all these style and business decisions?

Who has decided to dump hundreds of ADs who have been with the company for 20, 30, 40 years?

Who decided to King-Kong these watches?

Who decided to branch out into more and more and more different types of crazy colors and styles?

Who decided that a watch that costs $750 to make, should cost $12,000 retail, but even at that, will not be available, because the watches are being sold to shysters who squeeze another 20% out of the consumers?

It's really quite maddening...

Buy a Speedy, its available today, just as good (or maybe better) than a Rolex, and will cost multiples less... Sad to say, but true. The truth hurts...

I know what I'm talking about... My first good watch was a gift SS Date when I was just 16 years old, more than 50 years ago. When I had a bit of money in my early 20s, I bought a SS Sub-Date for less than $2,500 (I was channelling Steve McQueen!). Then as time went by, I bought more and more. I've had a lot of Rolex watches and have loved the brand. But I am finding it hard to love the brand these days.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Just my .02 but are you sure you want to go down this rabbit hole?

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

If I were you, I'd buy a 10 or 15 year old Sub Date (just make sure it's a solid end link) from a private individual / first owner, who can give you the box and paperwork with it. That watch is money in the bank. It's already today worth 3x or 4x what it sold for originally.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I really don't. The rep sort of insisted so I was like sure, but I prefer a Sub. Strangely I have a feeling it will be Tourneau that comes through first. The one here is one of the biggest Rolex dealers in the chain FWIW

I am sorry but I sincerely doubt that is the case at Pentagon City, that store is tiny compared to their other stores. I have heard them say many things there which is why I will never go to their store again.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

If I were you, I'd buy a 10 or 15 year old Sub Date (just make sure it's a solid end link) from a private individual / first owner, who can give you the box and paperwork with it. That watch is money in the bank. It's already today worth 3x or 4x what it sold for originally.

I have considered this path in the past but I've decided if I'm getting one I want it to be new. I'm willing to wait up to a year and see. If that doesn't work it will probably be time to find a different brand.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I am sorry but I sincerely doubt that is the case at Pentagon City, that store is tiny compared to their other stores. I have heard them say many things there which is why I will never go to their store again.

That's a bummer. Not surprising based on that company's reputation. Sigh.

Edit: beshannon did you purchase any pieces around here?

[CJ703]

Have a buddy that was able to get a BLRO from the Tourneau Pentagon City back in Dec 2020. He established a relationship with their manager and didn’t necessarily have purchase history himself, but did refer quite a few people (around 6 or so) who purchased other non-Rolex brands. Said he waited about 4months. Of course, I find out about his relationship with Tourneau only after I got impatient with searching the local ADs and picked up a yachtmaster from one of the sellers I found here on TRF that’s local (great experience btw, and couldn’t be happier). Hope tourneau is able to come through for you!

[johnorpheus]

TJB was my AD for my one and only Rolex. Not sure how they are now, but it was a good spot back then.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

Just the fact that you would have to go to these lengths to have the (dubious) "privilege" of paying your hard earned money for a RETAIL purchase where the dealer gets 34% and Rolex gets 66% of the top-market RETAIL price, is just enough to make me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

What happened to the days when this marketplace was normal? Before the tool watches were the size of King Kong and had bling-bling on every inch of their surface?

You have to think back to the days when JJ was still around here, so that must be 10+ years ago. When collecting these watches felt normal...

I bought my first Rolex in 2005, and remember those days well… but back then your Sub LV could be had for $5K, maybe less used… now it is $17K, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

[samson66]

All you can really do is travel to all the AD's in the Balto/Wash/NoVA region one by one and ask. You may get lucky. None will have anything in the case

Sent from my Galaxy S20 using Tapatalk

[Seddyspaghetti]

I think your best bet is to build rapport with the tourneau store director for a sub. May be possible as your first piece depending on your rapport building skills.

[JSCP]

Good luck…. this is just talk. Liljenquist is the best in honesty. But fact is that all AD’s have not a of supply (.) but when they do it’s up to mgr who gets it.

The new boutique at TJ will have diamond watches for ladies…. wait and see.

The PP boutique at TJ is nice but not the models everyone wants.

Go grey and don’t get a watch you don’t want.

[Gab27]

There's really no way to predict it, but they are generally pretty difficult for new buyers to get. If you definitely want the Sub, the question is how much time and effort you wish to invest in getting it from an AD versus getting it elsewhere. I chose the elsewhere option.

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

If I were you, I'd buy a 10 or 15 year old Sub Date (just make sure it's a solid end link) from a private individual / first owner, who can give you the box and paperwork with it. That watch is money in the bank. It's already today worth 3x or 4x what it sold for originally.

THAT is wise advice !

[ks58]

It may be a slow-go, but it's cool to see they gave you a timeframe. Many don't get any type of timeframe whatsoever.

[JeanGenie]

I appreciate all the feedback and replies here. I recognize it's basically a total gamble at this point whether they're feeding me what they feed anyone asking for a Sub or if they'll genuinely try and help me. I'm a pretty personable guy and definitely hit it off with them so we will see. I'll wait through the end of the year and see what's up in the springtime.

[PepsiBezel]

Good luck, OP! I am also new to the NoVA area. I have been thinking of getting a Datejust 41, but am unsure if I want fluted or a smooth bezel — so I am still in the thinking about it stage. I’ve been to Tourneau a few times and wasn’t impressed. I was at the TBJ and they seemed the most straight forward (it may have helped that I was wearing my 126710BLRO).

Good luck — I am interested to hear how it goes!

[zewill]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

I bought my first Rolex in 2005, and remember those days well… but back then your Sub LV could be had for $5K, maybe less used… now it is $17K, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

A apart from the fact that your collection has tripled in value, where is the good? Remember those days well.. 10% discounts on new ad purchase were to be had. All models available in store… Too bad I was young and that period led to the next (which was still a far cry from today’s).

Makes it hard to swallow the pill nowadays when ads laugh at you when you ask what’s new… hopefully it comes around and customers regain respect from ads…