Rolex "Accomadation / Personal Use" watch

[TurboCat]

I own a Rolex "Accommodation /Personal Use" watch. These are quite rare, and I have all of the original paper work to back it up, including the original box, sent Registered Mail directly from Rolex in NYC and addressed to me specifically at the jeweler I worked for. The timepiece is a steel & gold Sub w/ a blue dial & bezel. Being the fussy guy that I am, I have kept everything that came with the watch and I mean everything, in pristine condition, including the watch it self since my acquisition in May of '94.

For those of you who are not familiar with an Accommodation / Personal Use watch, Rolex had a program, now long since discontinued, where if you worked for an authorized dealer long enough, your Rolex rep may offer you a watch directly from Rolex. Of course many employees could not afford or weren't interested in buying the watch, so the number of watches actually sold in this manner were actually vanishingly small. The employee had the ability, if so offered, to purchase a Personal Use watch ONCE in their life time. Daytona's were excluded from the offering.

The watch was priced below the wholesale price that the store was able to buy the watch at. Mine came in at 46% of retail. The store typically paid about 60% of retail, so Rolex's were never even "keystone" priced, meaning priced with a 100% mark up. Back then discounting was common, so the "out the door" margins were even slimmer.

So here is my question for anyone out there that has been around long enough and with enough experience that has bought or sold any Accommodation / Personal Use watches. Does that extra provenance add any value to the the timepiece?

[Solo118]

Just curious if it has anything engraved/marked on the watch? Pretty cool as I never knew this existed

[sportsfan0704]

Sounds cool. I’m sure it adds some value but most of us here I’m sure would like to see some pics!

[Ferrari308]

I have heard of these. Again, I would be interested in seeing the pics too!!



PDG

[TurboCat]

Wow, Guys, thank you for the response and your enthusiasm. There is no engraving on the timepiece and it appears just like any other.

I need to re-size the foedoes before I post them as they are too large.

[inadeje]

Me too, can you share the paperwork (black out personal details) and anything else that makes this a piece unlike any other from the era. Presumably, the watch itself is a standard production model?

[TurboCat]

[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Here you go! With tonight's watch as an added bonus.

[Aussiexplorer]

That's so awesome!

[mquarter]

Originally Posted by TurboCat

[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 1256890[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Here you go! With tonight's watch as an added bonus.

Great photos. So the only thing extra is the indication of "personal use" on the receipt paper?

In that case I'd say it adds little to no extra provenance. The closest comparable are those Rolexes which were commissioned by companies eg Dominos which had their logos on the dial/caseback/bracelet. Ie no wide appeal but some collectors might be into it for being quirky. This has even less to distinguish it from non-personal use so that pool of people would be even smaller.

[HideMyWalletPlease]

I don’t really think it adds anything. If we’re some special program for Pan Am pilots or something, maybe.

With that said, the fact that it’s an awesome watch and I’m amazing condition with all of the documents does make a huge difference. Im would say it’s in the upper range for that particular model.

[DAC2]

I believe that this practice is still going on because just the other day my AD... who is a friend of mine.... told me that he was getting his watch from Rolex in January. He was able to choose any watch he wanted at the discount you speak of.... so he chose a sub with the date. That wouldn't be my choice but.... thats what he wanted.

[Recondope]

I don't know what it would add value wise but it sure as heck is cool! Thank you for sharing and teaching me something new today. I had never heard of this before.

[ks58]

Cool watch to see.

[swiss_seth]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

I don’t really think it adds anything. If we’re some special program for Pan Am pilots or something, maybe.

With that said, the fact that it’s an awesome watch and I’m amazing condition with all of the documents does make a huge difference. Im would say it’s in the upper range for that particular model.

+1 agreed

[SLWoodster]

adds nothing to the already amazing provenance your watch is coming with. you even have the frickin shipping box. lol.

[zewill]

Originally Posted by TurboCat

I own a Rolex "Accommodation /Personal Use" watch. These are quite rare, and I have all of the original paper work to back it up, including the original box, sent Registered Mail directly from Rolex in NYC and addressed to me specifically at the jeweler I worked for. The timepiece is a steel & gold Sub w/ a blue dial & bezel. Being the fussy guy that I am, I have kept everything that came with the watch and I mean everything, in pristine condition, including the watch it self since my acquisition in May of '94.

For those of you who are not familiar with an Accommodation / Personal Use watch, Rolex had a program, now long since discontinued, where if you worked for an authorized dealer long enough, your Rolex rep may offer you a watch directly from Rolex. Of course many employees could not afford or weren't interested in buying the watch, so the number of watches actually sold in this manner were actually vanishingly small. The employee had the ability, if so offered, to purchase a Personal Use watch ONCE in their life time. Daytona's were excluded from the offering.

The watch was priced below the wholesale price that the store was able to buy the watch at. Mine came in at 46% of retail. The store typically paid about 60% of retail, so Rolex's were never even "keystone" priced, meaning priced with a 100% mark up. Back then discounting was common, so the "out the door" margins were even slimmer.

So here is my question for anyone out there that has been around long enough and with enough experience that has bought or sold any Accommodation / Personal Use watches. Does that extra provenance add any value to the the timepiece?

Thanks for the great read!

[MasonDixon]

I love seeing stuff like this. Thanks for sharing!

[yngshr]

Originally Posted by DAC2

I believe that this practice is still going on because just the other day my AD... who is a friend of mine.... told me that he was getting his watch from Rolex in January. He was able to choose any watch he wanted at the discount you speak of.... so he chose a sub with the date. That wouldn't be my choice but.... thats what he wanted.

Have heard the same. I don’t think this practice was phased out.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by TurboCat

[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 1256890[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Here you go! With tonight's watch as an added bonus.

Thanks, that’s amazing provenance and history. I doubt that it would ameliorate the value.

[Moondoggy]

Learn something new everyday, thanks for sharing.

Question in what context does "accommodation" mean, as in accommodating for your personal use?

[joli160]

Nice story, great watch

[HogwldFLTR]

Well, the program as such may be discontinued but I know for a fact watches at a discount are still available to employees at ADs. I've had multiple discussions with one of local sales people about his future purchase of a Yacht Master. I know that there is a restriction as to frequency. I'm not certain how often the opportunity is availed.

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Well, the program as such may be discontinued but I know for a fact watches at a discount are still available to employees at ADs. I've had multiple discussions with one of local sales people about his future purchase of a Yacht Master. I know that there is a restriction as to frequency. I'm not certain how often the opportunity is availed.

My AD friend told me that Rolex gives you ONLY ONE chance to get your watch and THATS IT ! In this program... you can do it only one time.

My friend waited for a long time to choose one... and will get it next year.