AD Question

[AndrewMeadville]

Hello all! I have a quick question. Today I got a call from a local AD about the new TT Explorer. I went straight there to pick it up but as I was checking out they said they would have to hold the warranty card until after the first of the year. They said they would not enter the sell into the system until next year when they give me the card so I would get extra warranty. Their reason is because Rolex is forcing them to keep a minimum of 25 watches on hand or else they can’t receive new shipments. Any truth to this? Seemed really odd and made me rethink the purchase. My fear is if I need any warranty work in the meantime Rolex will not honor it because the Watch technically hasn’t been sold. I believe in conducting business in an honest and ethical manner. Am I wrong for not buying the watch without the complete set of papers?

[ryangambrill]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Hello all! I have a quick question. Today I got a call from a local AD about the new TT Explorer. I went straight there to pick it up but as I was checking out they said they would have to hold the warranty card until after the first of the year. They said they would not enter the sell into the system until next year when they give me the card so I would get extra warranty. Their reason is because Rolex is forcing them to keep a minimum of 25 watches on hand or else they can’t receive new shipments. Any truth to this? Seemed really odd and made me rethink the purchase. My fear is if I need any warranty work in the meantime Rolex will not honor it because the Watch technically hasn’t been sold. I believe in conducting business in an honest and ethical manner. Am I wrong for not buying the watch without the complete set of papers?

I heard of this tactic as AD’s are trying to limit flipping to grey market dealers.

I have no problem if my AD wanted to do this. If I have an issue with the watch, it would be going back to them regardless.


Current:
- 16622 & 18078
- Tudor GMT
Past: Sub Serti Silver 16613 & Sub SS w/Date

[JodyHighroller]

Ha, this sounds like they’re selling their exhibition models when they aren’t supposed to.

Basically they must keep certain models in the case for display purposes only. They aren’t allowed to sell it until they get same model in a future shipment to replace its spot. This is why they’re choosing to wait on activating the warranty so Rolex doesn’t find out as they will get penalized for selling. I’ve heard this from a few trusted ADs.

At the start of the exhibition roll out Rolex sent out real watches, but with dummy movements. Now, most of the exhibition models are real working units that can be sold once a replacement arrives.

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

Ha, this sounds like they’re selling their exhibition models when they aren’t supposed to.

Basically they must keep certain models in the case for display purposes only. They aren’t allowed to sell it until they get same model in a future shipment to replace its spot. This is why they’re choosing to wait on activating the warranty so Rolex doesn’t find out as they will get penalized for selling. I’ve heard this from a few trusted ADs.

At the start of the exhibition roll out Rolex sent out real watches, but with dummy movements. Now, most of the exhibition models are real working units that can be sold once a replacement arrives.

This makes sense… the watch didn’t have any stickers on it which I also found odd as normally when I buy a new Rolex they peal the stickers off in front of me.

[JodyHighroller]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

This makes sense… the watch didn’t have any stickers on it which I also found odd as normally when I buy a new Rolex they peal the stickers off in front of me.

Yes, from this and your previous post I’m confident this is what’s going on. I’d pass tbh. I wouldn’t want a watch that’s been handled countless times and not to mention dealing with an AD pulling a sketch move like that. Just my own opinion.

[Shredder66]

I would be concerned that if the AD went out of business there goes your paperwork. The main reason for buying from an AD is to get the paperwork. Sounds fishy to me.

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

Yes, from this and your previous post I’m confident this is what’s going on. I’d pass tbh. I wouldn’t want a watch that’s been handled countless times and not to mention dealing with an AD pulling a sketch move like that. Just my own opinion.

Thank you for the input! This makes perfect sense now. I was instantly confused about the lack of stickers and then the odd excuse as to why I couldn’t get the warranty card. Had they simply said it’s their policy to prevent flipping the watch that would have been good enough for me but the not being able to input the sell of the watch into the system seemed super sketchy. It just sucks because it’s a piece I have been really wanting but I would much rather not buy a demo model.

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by Shredder66

I would be concerned that if the AD went out of business there goes your paperwork. The main reason for buying from an AD is to get the paperwork. Sounds fishy to me.

My main fear since they are an AD in a smaller location by Rolex standards (120k people)… especially since Rolex has been trimming dealers as of late.

[Zoomerang]

Tell them you'll take the watch, but will pay for it when they are able to mark it as sold in their system and activate the warranty.

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by Zoomerang

Tell them you'll take the watch, but will pay for it when they are able to mark it as sold in their system and activate the warranty.

Haha! Yes!!! Buying a Rolex, something that should be so rewarding is becoming a joke.

[vh2k]

If an AD is intentionally and knowingly going against Rolex’s wishes to keep exhibition models on display…

1. The AD is shady.

2. The AD should be shamed and terminated.

[TomLou]

To all of you who think Rolex is a seriously managed company

AD saying …we are forced by Rolex ?
Keep the warranty until …next year ?
Someone mentioned …they are selling the display models ?
Another said …sounds “fishy” to me…..and another said .… AD pulling a sketch move !

Can you imagine ?
….buying a new Mercedes …and the car dealer telling you this crap ?…never in a million years.

[GMTmatt]

When the cases were full 5-years ago they were all demo models…

[tpool]

Given what I’ve heard from my AD, it sounds like yes they are selling you a model that’s supposed to be kept on hand for a period of time so the cases aren’t empty. However, next year is less than two months away so I’d ask when next year. If you really want the watch I don’t see that much risk in the deal. Put it on your credit card which adds some level of assurance. Even when Rolex terminates an AD, they allow them time to finish up business such as selling remaining inventory & activating warranties. I’ve been thru that before with my previous AD.


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[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by tpool

Given what I’ve heard from my AD, it sounds like yes they are selling you a model that’s supposed to be kept on hand for a period of time so the cases aren’t empty. However, next year is less than two months away so I’d ask when next year. If you really want the watch I don’t see that much risk in the deal. Put it on your credit card which adds some level of assurance. Even when Rolex terminates an AD, they allow them time to finish up business such as selling remaining inventory & activating warranties. I’ve been thru that before with my previous AD.


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This brings up another odd point. They have never had an issue taking my AMEX in the past but for this purchase they would only accept payment with a cashiers check.

[tpool]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

This brings up another odd point. They have never had an issue taking my AMEX in the past but for this purchase they would only accept payment with a cashiers check.

Is this AD in the area where you live?


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[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by tpool

Is this AD in the area where you live?


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It’s not the AD closest to me but they are in Texas. I have done business with them in the past and they aren’t the friendliest but today they just came off as shady.

[ks58]

Yes some ADs are being told they have to keep a certain amount of watches on hand. You’re fine. Relax and enjoy the watch.

[tpool]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

It’s not the AD closest to me but they are in Texas. I have done business with them in the past and they aren’t the friendliest but today they just came off as shady.

I’ll PM you


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[RJRJRJ]

I don't know their motivation for what they're doing, but as long as you get the actual watch, I don't see why they would want to keep your warranty card even if they were going out of business. They'd probably just give it to you if you requested it.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

This brings up another odd point. They have never had an issue taking my AMEX in the past but for this purchase they would only accept payment with a cashiers check.

No respected jewelry/watch store would request a customer pay by cashier’s check. You have a rogue SA at work. Call the store manager.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by vh2k

No respected jewelry/watch store would request a customer pay by cashier’s check. You have a rogue SA at work. Call the store manager.

Unless the owner told them to ask for cashier checks so they don’t have to pay the 2.5-3.5% Amex fee. In which case, i would say that AD is likely going under.


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[TswaneNguni]

Anti Mr Flipper tactics ,may work to a degree .

[AndrewMeadville]

Originally Posted by vh2k

No respected jewelry/watch store would request a customer pay by cashier’s check. You have a rogue SA at work. Call the store manager.

I’m dealing directly with the man who’s name is on the sign.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

I’m dealing directly with the man who’s name is on the sign.

Time has come to share the name unless your “dealer” happens to be Timepiece Gentleman.

[brandrea]

Weird times we live in.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Hello all! I have a quick question. Today I got a call from a local AD about the new TT Explorer. I went straight there to pick it up but as I was checking out they said they would have to hold the warranty card until after the first of the year. They said they would not enter the sell into the system until next year when they give me the card so I would get extra warranty. Their reason is because Rolex is forcing them to keep a minimum of 25 watches on hand or else they can’t receive new shipments. Any truth to this? Seemed really odd and made me rethink the purchase. My fear is if I need any warranty work in the meantime Rolex will not honor it because the Watch technically hasn’t been sold. I believe in conducting business in an honest and ethical manner. Am I wrong for not buying the watch without the complete set of papers?

My first clue that the AD is full of s%^t is that no chance they have 25 Rolex watches in stock. Yeah right, maybe 2 watches in stock.

[telesquire]

This was my suggestion a while back to deter flippers. Would be better if it were administered from Rolex HQ though....but it wouldn't put me off. Warranty? You would be in the minority if you needed that in the first 12 mths....if ever. I'd buy it.

[Edward98]

FWIW, I heard this same thing from dealer in TX. They actually didn't have any exhibition watches.

Also, I've seen exhibition watches in person; and they aren't functional.

[~Haze~]

Originally Posted by AndrewMeadville

Thank you for the input! This makes perfect sense now. I was instantly confused about the lack of stickers and then the odd excuse as to why I couldn’t get the warranty card. Had they simply said it’s their policy to prevent flipping the watch that would have been good enough for me but the not being able to input the sell of the watch into the system seemed super sketchy. It just sucks because it’s a piece I have been really wanting but I would much rather not buy a demo model.

If it’s a watch you really want and it is still in as new condition… take it! Buy it! Especially if you plan to keep it, it should be a non issue. If it is scratched or has signs of use, that’s another story but if it’s only the weird story I’d still take it if it’s a mode I wanted.

They’re going to sell it no problem. They’ll move it easily I’m sure.

I also like the fact that Rolex is making ADs maintain some stock bee I don’t understand the notion of making ADs maintain beautiful, dedicated “Rolex Displays” but have absolutely nothing, like zero stock. But finding a way to manipulate the system already kind of sucks (but I know, it’s what you get with Rolex).

But I don’t know. If it’s a watch you want, I don’t see the problem with buying it. I mean yes, ideally, if there was a “new, stickered, ready to go Explorer” right next to it, I’d chose that one but I see no benefit to walking away from a model you want being offered by an AD. Especially if you trust/know them.


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