What are visits to the AD like with the cases empty?

[t60]

TL;DR: What do you do when you visit an AD hoping to get on a list for a sports model, when they have nothing in the cases?

I'm on the hunt for a 36mm Explorer and will wait it out if I have to. Not interested in buying other pieces to make it happen, if I can't get it from an AD at MSRP then I go bust.

There are 3 ADs around me, two that are 40ish miles away and a third 3 miles away. I emailed the closest one my life story on why I want the Explorer and got back a generic response from the owner (understandably so). They told me it's too new, don't have it, can't order it, but still asked me to come into the store to talk.

I suspect this is just to make sure I'm not a flipper, which I'm not. I just have zero clue what to do when I show up. Usually when I buy luxury goods with an appointment, I show up, they show me the item I was interested in, I poke around the store asking questions, then get rung up for the item and leave. But what do I do at the Rolex AD?

I've passed by various ADs, and like everyone knows, they have nothing in the cases.

My typical experience is walking in, say hello, make some small talk about how bad the Rolex supply/demand is, told them what I was hoping to see, and walk out after about 45 seconds of chit chat. No offer to be put on a list or anything like that. The "closest" I've got was when an AD asked me what I was looking for and I suspect they had a sports model in the back, but there was no mutual match after I told them.

Is that just how these visits go? Walk in, make small talk with the SA, try to get on a list or ask for an update about the list, then leave? Do this every few weeks for months on end? Is there some other game plan I should try? I have a Sub C, should I just wear that in every time I visit?

[teck21]

Walk in with a VIP who introduces you to his SA and the rest of the crew as ‘my good friend’.

Have VIP ask SA for a small favor regarding a 36mm Explorer.

If not, you’re no different from one of tens of people and calls they field every day to be, as Fleetlord bluntly puts it, ‘handled’.


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[Harry-57]

A go to my AD for a specific reason. It might be to enquire about a watch or collect one. It could be about something else. The main difference is how the shop enforces its COVID limitation precautions. I'll be going in to collect a repaired watch in the near future and I'll enquire about my BLRO, although they call me when I'm near the top of a list, but it's nice to catch up.

[jpjsavage]

I go to my AD. Say hello, get offered a drink, have a great chat about watches, talk about my future watch plans, sometimes shown a piece that they have just had in or is reserved for someone (i.e. not one that is on display generally), talk about other aspects of family life (kids, holidays, normal chit chat), say goodbye and walk out.

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[Wahlberg]

Make the drive and show your face, I think he's hinting at that. I assume you're likely to get one in the near future.

[Cigars&Watches]

I don’t think if you pop in for 45 secs at a time that will go a long way with the AD. The SA needs to get to know you just as much as you need to get to know them. Are you a flipper, do you live nearby, are you enthusiast or Johnny come lately, is there future purchases for the AD besides the explorer ( that they could sell to dozens of people)… do they like you, etc, etc…

Take some time when you visit, look around, bring your girlfriend or wife or a buddy who is also into watches. Talk about other things you have in common besides watches…. I think if you continue to do that and hang in there you’ll get what you want.

Oh and definitely wear your sub every time you visit. Again, this shows you’re not a flipper and just love Rolex. I think it’s significant that you’re not asking for a Pepsi or Daytona but an easier piece to get especially since you have a sub.

Good luck

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by t60

[B]TL;DR:

Is that just how these visits go? Walk in, make small talk with the SA, try to get on a list or ask for an update about the list, then leave? Do this every few weeks for months on end? Is there some other game plan I should try? I have a Sub C, should I just wear that in every time I visit?

Make "Friends" with the AD and SA.

I live in a small village outside of london.

My AD is in Central London ... 1 hour drive or a train ride away).

But, I have got a good friendly relatuonship going with my AD, SA and manager of the store. (One and the same person).

In my case it was very easy to get the relationship off to a good start- Although I saw the person concerned in my village often I didnt know he was my AD ... He also lives in my village ... Needless to say, I now seem to always manage to be top of the list if i want something. He knows full well I am not flipping watches at all.

There is NO better method other that having a friendly relationship with an AD and in particular a SA at the chosen AD.

[GB-man]

I stopped visiting ADs around 2019. Complete waste of time unless you want to buy stuff you don’t want or you like stroking salespeople.

[Petersafc]

Go in and look at breitling and omegas instead.

[Oxfordian]

I get on well with the team in my AD, I will drop by if I am in the area shopping and say hello, they are always willing to get us a drink, stop and have a chat.

And if they have something nice in the safe I often get to try it on.

So, free drinks and the chance to see and try on some nice gear, win win for me.

[vh2k]

In person visits are the typically the first step to vet and qualify prospective customers. You may be asked a few questions.

What brings you in?
Do you live close by? Where?
Where do you work? OR What do you do?
Are you celebrating something special?
What watches do you currently have? (Your watch, attire, accessories/jewelry, and demeanor will be noted.)
Where did you purchase them? Where do typically shop?
What kind of watches are next for you? OR How many pieces do you want add?
Tell us about your wife/partner.
Do you have a price range or annual budget in mind?
Can I please take down some of your contact information (phone, address, birthday, anniversary, email, social media, etc.)?

If your story and background check out, your name won’t be immediately thrown in the proverbial trash can. Any discrepancies or red flags, you’re toast.

Good luck.

[Marcjvr]

Lately when I walk in I spend 5 seconds looking at the empty Rolex case and then 30 mins trying on Tudor’s and omegas

[NachoNeal]

I see no point.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I stopped visiting ADs around 2019. Complete waste of time unless you want to buy stuff you don’t want or you like stroking salespeople.

i still go by but only to look at other brands. i agree going to ADs for rolex is largely a waste of time unless you are a big jewelry and diamond buyer.

[JParm]

I was originally against the display pieces that are now popping up ("what do you mean I can't buy it? WHAT - there's no movement in there?! What's the point!!"), especially as you see the dejection on people's faces when they realize they can't buy a piece that they have now seen in the flesh, probably for the first time ever.

HOWEVER...seeing a display piece led to my acquisition of a DJ41 with white dial. Now I know I'm one of the lucky ones that was able to get it, especially in such a short amount of time (couple weeks), but without having seen the white dial/white stick combo in person, I never would have considered it for my collection.

I've said it before, but this is very similar to my experience with the Hulk about 6 years ago. Hated in pics, fell in love in person. So is the AD visit still worth it? I think it is, now that display pieces are there.

It'll annoy a lot more people too though, who cannot get the piece that they want, even when it looks like it's right there.

[telesquire]

Isn't it funny, at one time an Explorer was just a space filler in the AD's window display. No big deal. I know with the two I used to pass by they always had one in....and the Air Kings. Now they go for 2.5k over MSRP....plenty of them about like that though.

[Master_Grogu]

I ask them to show me what’s in the back for the VVIP (Very very important person).
Then they show me each iteration of Daytona, GMT 2 and Submariner. I tend to buy them by the Kg, which is easier to resell.

[Mendota]

I was just at my AD last Friday. I stopped in to pick up a couple of the new Rolex magazines. They actually had quite a lot of watches in stock, just not the pieces that I am personally interested in. They had lots of Datejust and two of the rose gold yachtmasters on Oyster flex, a Yachtmaster II, and some others. My sales assistant wasn't there but I ended up talking watches and life with another sales assistant for over an hour. He was the coolest guy. He even pulled his own sub off his wrist and let me try on his own 116610 and I loved it. I am waiting for the 124060 and he said he would absolutely help make sure that my sales assistant helps me get it before my 50th next year.

We spent most of our time over at their preowned case, which is just filled with incredible vintage pieces right now. He pulled everything out so I could try on everything I wanted. They have a $150,000 complete 1665 double red seadweller set with all of the boxes and papers, tags, etc. It was fun to try that one on. I tried on a $50,000 1958 5508 small crown sub. I tried on three 1675 GMT Masters from the 60s, a 5513, a 5512, a 16750 from the early 80s, and both a 5 digit polar and black dial Explorer II.

Even though none of the new professional lines were in the cases and they didn't have some of the new Oyster Perpetual colors or the palm motif datejust that I want to try on, it was a fun visit. I got to know a new SA and really build a relationship with him, too. So now I have two sales assistants there that are going to bat for me and that I can just call up or stop in to chat with when I am in the area. Really cool guys.

I would say that was a success.

[gerry100]

Short

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by teck21

Walk in with a VIP who introduces you to his SA and the rest of the crew as ‘my good friend’.

Have VIP ask SA for a small favor regarding a 36mm Explorer.

If not, you’re no different from one of tens of people and calls they field every day to be, as Fleetlord bluntly puts it, ‘handled’.


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Very good advice. Even if it’s a buddy that has bought multiple watches there, that’s a good start. I use a buddies AD and they will ship direct to me, they know what’s for me vs what’s for him. I don’t foresee you having a huge issue with a 36mm explorer. The size will keep most people away.


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[garyk]

Originally Posted by Master_Grogu

I ask them to show me what’s in the back for the VVIP (Very very important person).
Then they show me each iteration of Daytona, GMT 2 and Submariner. I tend to buy them by the Kg, which is easier to resell.

Omg, you’re killing me…

[TheDapperYank]

They're fine, just chat with them for a bit letting them know that you understand the current situation but that you're in the market for what you're looking for. That you understand that it might be a while before you get it, they should take down your info and then just check in with them every few months or so to let them know that you're still interested.

It's not that hard and, granted it depends on the AD actually behaving, but it's not the horror story most people on here make it out to be. I honestly believe that a lot of the folks here that are complaining about not getting stuff just don't have decent social skills and aren't some paragon of charisma like they think they are.

[Jack T]

These threads have become tedious

[t60]

Originally Posted by Jack T

These threads have become tedious

Then skip it and move on.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by t60

Then skip it and move on.

Are frank observations not permitted?

Is there anything in this thread that hasn’t been discussed and rehashed a thousand times?

Is your situation so unique, so novel that a lightbulb may blink on, someone will say “wait a minute, here is how you can go straight to the front of the line and collect your new watch” ?

Has anyone offered you new insights in to the world of Rolex retailing? Are you now equipped with a strategy or tactics that you couldn’t have gleaned from countless threads and posts on this website over the past two years?

When someone doesn’t like a candid comment, probably unspoken by many observers here, your’s is the usual reply - move on if you don’t agree with me.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Are frank observations not permitted?

Is there anything in this thread that hasn’t been discussed and rehashed a thousand times?

Is your situation so unique, so novel that a lightbulb may blink on, someone will say “wait a minute, here is how you can go straight to the front of the line and collect your new watch” ?

Has anyone offered you new insights in to the world of Rolex retailing? Are you now equipped with a strategy or tactics that you couldn’t have gleaned from countless threads and posts on this website over the past two years?

When someone doesn’t like a candid comment, probably unspoken by many observers here, your’s is the usual reply - move on if you don’t agree with me.

Nothing wrong with observations about Frank, just wish I knew who he was.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by teck21

Walk in with a VIP who introduces you to his SA and the rest of the crew as ‘my good friend’.

Have VIP ask SA for a small favor regarding a 36mm Explorer.

If not, you’re no different from one of tens of people and calls they field every day to be, as Fleetlord bluntly puts it, ‘handled’.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, unfortunately OP will probably just be handled if he were to mention his one and done intentions.

The only gap here is the 36mm EXP I isn’t the hawtest of the hawt and in time, a VIP might pass on one, leaving a chance.

I would suggest going to the store and speaking to the SA, human to human. exchange some pleasantries….mention exp 1 as the first Rolex you want to acquire because of your affinity for its size and lore…or whatever, but don’t tell them once you get the watch you’re a goner.

Good Luck!

[VacherObsessive]

OP doesn’t have a purchase history with the store. The store has a queue of people out the door who do have a purchase history, waiting for the in-demand models. Why in earth would this store put the OP on their (non-existent) list when they do not even bother to have a purchase history of any kind.

[t60]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Are frank observations not permitted?

Is there anything in this thread that hasn’t been discussed and rehashed a thousand times?

Is your situation so unique, so novel that a lightbulb may blink on, someone will say “wait a minute, here is how you can go straight to the front of the line and collect your new watch” ?

Has anyone offered you new insights in to the world of Rolex retailing? Are you now equipped with a strategy or tactics that you couldn’t have gleaned from countless threads and posts on this website over the past two years?

When someone doesn’t like a candid comment, probably unspoken by many observers here, your’s is the usual reply - move on if you don’t agree with me.

Cranky are we

[jakemiller69]

Originally Posted by t60

Then skip it and move on.

Troll