How does one 'order' a Rolex at an AD?

[amh]

I've seen people mention that they have 'ordered' a watch. It shows up a couple months later. Posts on this forum, multiple Youtube videos - and those videos show people trying on scores of different models.

Is this even possible? I'm starting to get disillusioned after 5 years of "stopping by" ADs. The sales reps will mumble "might take 6 months to get that in, we'll let you know...." By now I know that must be standard training which really means "Don't bother showing up without a briefcase full of cash...."

Anyway, those of you who have placed an order, is there a deposit taken or is it payment in full? Thanks.

[Tim Plains]

Have you bought anything from them during those five years?

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Have you bought anything from them during those five years?

Assuming that he has as the signature states SD43, of course it could be an old watch.

[Tikandtokalot]

That's a question for Mystic Meg or whatever she's called now.

[Booth9999]

Interested in the same question, I would not mind waiting if I knew it was coming eventually.

[samson66]

I placed and honest to goodness order on a TT DJ41 last summer. I had to put 50% down. Watch came in roughly 5 weeks later.

At that time they would accept orders on certain models only, mainly TT and PM models. By the time I picked it up they were no longer taking orders on anything. All models allocated.

Hope this helps

Sent from my Galaxy S20 using Tapatalk

[metzgergt1]

In the general sense, not all pieces can be ordered. Certain, less popular models, can be (even with no history). For example, I was able to order a DJ31 Gold/MOP/Diamond...however I cannot order an olive dial RG DD.

The DJ31 will be my first AD purchase, but I am hoping in addition to being a great gift starts off my AD relationship on the best foot to get on the "list" for some more sought after models.

[NebHusker23]

My journey with Rolex started in March 2021. When I first walked into Mayors Jewelers, I asked how to get a Daytona watch. Of course, they looked at me like an asshole but I knew the game so I "ordered" a date just 41mm and a date just 36mm. Then 2 weeks later bought a VC fifty six. No lie 2 weeks later my Daytona had arrived. Now I get a call every 2 months for a new watch.

[tekops]

Originally Posted by NebHusker23

My journey with Rolex started in March 2021. When I first walked into Mayors Jewelers, I asked how to get a Daytona watch. Of course, they looked at me like an asshole but I knew the game so I "ordered" a date just 41mm and a date just 36mm. Then 2 weeks later bought a VC fifty six. No lie 2 weeks later my Daytona had arrived. Now I get a call every 2 months for a new watch.

This is the same with me. I put an order for an Air King and about 3-4 months later I got the call from the AD, I then requested a Wimbledon 41 Jubilee Rose Gold and was quoted a 6-12 month wait. Most AD's don' take deposits

[Johnnymath]

I decided to purchase a Rolex in spring 2021. Like others described, I visited an AD in Cincinnati to start the process. I knew that inventory was very tight and they almost certainly would not have anything on offer that day - particularly since this would be my first purchase with them. At the time, I was considering a Speedmaster, but really had my heart set on an OP. My SA, who was very considerate and knowledgable by the way, let me know that an OP would be an "uncertain proposition" requiring a lengthy wait of unknown duration.

He then mentioned that he could, however, place an order for the DJ models. I hadn't given too much consideration to the DJ, but I thought on it for a few days, and ultimately placed an order for a DJ36 domed, oyster bracelet with the new, blue fluted dial. I had never seen anything like that dial and it caught my attention immediately.

When I called the SA associate, he told me that they required a 10% deposit to place the order (which I provided), and he then emailed me some fairly official looking "order receipts" for my specific model. I placed the order in late-May 2021, and my watch arrived in Oct. 2021. I checked in a few times along the way, and my SA associate wasn't able to offer much in the way of timelines, but overall, the wait was not too bad at all - a fairly straightforward process.

[Divingdeep87]

Same as the others. Put an order on the Batman on oyster when they showed it at “Basel” and got at june. When i picked that up, i did order an Rolex daytona G/S for my wife and my AD said 4 months, and she got it after 4 months, at the same time i did make an order on a deepsea d-blue, he said before Christmas, but called early december and said february.

But every time i ask for a steel daytona he says no lol

But don’t know how it works actually.

[Johnnymath]

I ordered a rolex in May 2021. Was between a speedmaster and an OP 36 and having trouble deciding. I visited my AD and he showed me some beautiful speedmasters but mentioned that obtaining an OP 36 would be challenging - that it would be an uncertain and likely long wait. He did mention that I could special order a DJ36, and we reviewed the options on that front.

I absolutely fell in love with the DJ 36, Oyster bracelet, Domed bezel, and blue fluted dial. My SA asked for 10% of the purchase price to secure the order. That afternoon, I received an email confirming my order (with a fairly official "order receipt" that looked like it was from Rolex). My watch arrived in October and I couldn't be more happy.

Altogether a pretty smooth experience considering the inventory challenges of the moment.

[Cigars&Watches]

I’m not sure you can place an “order” anymore for any model. When people describe that they ordered one at the AD I believe it’s just the next one that arrives and fits their requirements. That’s how it happened when a friend of mine “ordered” a DJ a few weeks ago. Others experience may vary.

[Bruce_Wayne]

Thought and prayers tend to work…


Sent from the Waitlist at 6 different ADs

[RJRJRJ]

Assuming it's not a hot model, an "order" these days pretty much means the AD knows they'll be getting whatever you're talking about in the next X amount of time, and they'll keep you in mind and maybe give you a call when they get it.

[KY..]

Try this, it supposedly worked for others…

[Bruce_Wayne]

On a serious note… times have changed dramatically in the last year and still vary from AD to AD. I put a deposit down for a Milgauss December of 2019. I was told there was one person ahead of me, but they estimated that I would be able to get it in a few months. Once they had my money, I did not pester them until closer to that 3 month mark. I kindly followed up at 3 months and received a call within a week that my watch arrived. They also said that it was their first Z-Blue Milgauss they had received for the year (March 2020). I ended up purchasing through the Rolex Boutique because, at the time, they were the only ones willing to give me a timeframe. Other ADs would not take deposits or wanted me to pay the full price and still would not give a timeframe of when I would receive it.

A week or two after I collected my watch the world went on lockdown and everything changed on purchasing these watches. I think I’m relatively lucky in this regard as I can’t purchase 3 other watches just to get the one I actually want.


Sent from the Waitlist at 6 different ADs

[afmars]

All watches are technically “orderable” to an extent, but not how you might think.

There are some configurations which can be ordered by just about anyone in a straight forward fashion.

Others can be ordered by rolex, but may take months and there is too much demand, so the AD will likely say “no” to your request to order.

Other pieces are technically allocation only, but still can be “ordered” by the AD if there is some reason they need one for a special client.

If you are Joe Schmuck off the street you may only be able to order the first option. If you are established client, then maybe the second option. If you are a VIP the third option is a possibility.

[Innocenti]

The AD doesn’t seem like the people to buy watches from any more . They mainly just supply grey dealers right?

Seems no shortage of watches with grey dealers.

I hope I live long enough to see a time when Rolex and it’s Authorised Dealers have to once again try to sell their watches to people who will wear them .

[joeboy]

The few times I have bought Rolex I take the time to make contact to arrange a suitable time that works for both. Go in, chat, view a few watches. Try them on and enquire if they could keep me in mind for one of these please?

That's it.

[Milibrk@]

No more special order.

[mattidk]

really depends on which models you asked your ADs, these days if u directly ask for one sport models they will either ignore, put some notes in paper and throw away or put something in the system as they had to, but the chance to get is very little. Some models are possible to make deposit - at an AD i know - Ex II just around after releases, YM/YM II might be years long waiting, many gold less popular models and generally any DJ models with different waiting time.

[tongest]

Originally Posted by NebHusker23

My journey with Rolex started in March 2021. When I first walked into Mayors Jewelers, I asked how to get a Daytona watch. Of course, they looked at me like an asshole but I knew the game so I "ordered" a date just 41mm and a date just 36mm. Then 2 weeks later bought a VC fifty six. No lie 2 weeks later my Daytona had arrived. Now I get a call every 2 months for a new watch.

Is this a two tone daytona or stainless steel? Big difference

[vika01]

,

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

The AD doesn’t seem like the people to buy watches from any more . They mainly just supply grey dealers right?

Seems no shortage of watches with grey dealers.

I hope I live long enough to see a time when Rolex and it’s Authorised Dealers have to once again try to sell their watches to people who will wear them .

No evidence for this - just need to build the relationship and you'll get the watches in increasing desirability. DJ first.......

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by afmars

All watches are technically “orderable” to an extent, but not how you might think.

There are some configurations which can be ordered by just about anyone in a straight forward fashion.

Others can be ordered by rolex, but may take months and there is too much demand, so the AD will likely say “no” to your request to order.

Other pieces are technically allocation only, but still can be “ordered” by the AD if there is some reason they need one for a special client.

If you are Joe Schmuck off the street you may only be able to order the first option. If you are established client, then maybe the second option. If you are a VIP the third option is a possibility.

This exactly. My first was a DJ, then a Tudor I really wanted for me, then a JLC for the wife, then a sub then you build from there.....

[norcalctr]

Man my SA won't even quote me a timeframe for any pieces I request. It's always "no promises".

Can't wait to the day when SAs have watches to sell in display and actually have to work to make a sale. Waiting for the moment I can tell them that they need to build a relationship with me while I shop around brands.

[afmars]

Originally Posted by norcalctr

Man my SA won't even quote me a timeframe for any pieces I request. It's always "no promises".

Can't wait to the day when SAs have watches to sell in display and actually have to work to make a sale. Waiting for the moment I can tell them that they need to build a relationship with me while I shop around brands.

You may be waiting a long time for this day

[brandrea]

I ordered my SD43 at the Basil release event on May 2nd 2017. I prepaid in full and I received the watch 2 days later on May 4th.

Otherwise, I’ve simply expressed interest and usually get the reference within a couple of weeks or months depending

[1665fan]

Spend $$$$$$$$$$$$$ on worthless diamonds……..