Need advice!? My local AD had it's AD status pulled by Rolex

[DBCooper07]

Hello all,

I have a problem. For years I've wanted a Sub no-date. (Plus a GMT and an OP) Well, more like the last 30 years, LOL. I generally don't spend a lot on myself but with getting married and hitting some major milestones in my life I deiced I would finally get rid of some toys and get a serious watch. I always been taught with luxury items you buy them when you can pay cash. So it's a true luxury. So over the years I've gone in to my local AD and looked, even back when subs where in stock! They knew me and I always chatted with them. I bought other thing from them for gifts. 2 years ago I got serious and told them I was finally ready for a no-date. I just have horrible timing with the market... little did I realize it was the worse bubble in Rolex history. About 5 months ago I was told it would be in "sooner than later". So I had hope! So I went in over the holidays and spent even more money there on diamonds and more gifts. I still asked about the Rolex and they gave me a glimmer of hope and a wink. Fast forward to today about 4 weeks after a rather decent sized purchase. I decided to call and speak with my contact about the price increases and let them know I was still interested. He stop's me and says as of Jan 1st they are no longer a Rolex AD. I kind of Pi$$ed here. What do I do?! I've contacted the closest other AD's, both 150+ miles away and told them I’ll try to come in as soon as I can make it. I've lost a relationship with and AD and it will take some time to build a new long distance relationship. Does Rolex not care about this market? It really makes me sour on the brand. The last 2-3 years I’ve traveled and stopped in dozens of AD’s and not really seen anything and they tell you to have a purchase history and a relationship. I’ve come to the conclusion Rolex doesn’t care about the hard working Joe who wants 1-4 watches and only wants to sell out back doors and to the super rich. Change my mind! Any AD’s sales guys on here care, message me? Because I’m about ready to give up on the brand I felt stood for self-pride and success. Now it’s just greed. No need to tell me to go grey… Because I’m not supporting back door AD’s or dealing with drama of not knowing 100% what I’m getting or paying for a bubble. I’ll wait, but my AD’s gone and my history with them.

TLDR; Lost my AD, lost my purchase history, got to start all over again, I give up! Won’t buy grey, need advice.

[mailman]

Henry Wilson?

[noshake]

That sucks. Sorry to hear that.

[Stan Cooper]

Buy gently used five digit models from a trusted seller.

[Chuckwagon]

I wonder if they knew more than 4 weeks ago that they were losing their Rolex dealership but didn’t tell you until you brought up the matter?

[dauster]

damn that's brutal. I would reach out to Rolex and write an email but unsure if that helps. AP did care and helped me out though but rolex is obviously a much bigger company - frankly unsure if they care.

I know you don't want to do that but no date subs is trading for 14,500 all day. what's that 5k over retail - seems like a lot of headache for 5k. especially since you dont seem like a guy that's going to buy a ton of watches in the near future.

other than that - I'd ask for PM day date/ sky/ GMT or something at another AD and sell it - maybe make a few thousand bucks. should get you on the list. not the gentleman's way but best option.

[paxjedi]

Welcome to TRF.

[malba2366]

Sorry this happened to you. Your dealer was probably doing things they weren't supposed to - ie. Selling to the Grey Market. The fact that they acted like you were going to get a Rolex a month ago to sell you other things shows the way this place operates. You will be better off making a relationship with a new AD.

[Vigilante24]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. In my honest opinion, reach out to those ADs about the no date sub. That’s the best you can do.

Don’t want to come to a conclusion here but I wouldn’t spend money at a place with intent to be able to buy a Rolex on my wish list. The market is just too crazy and too many unknowns. There are good ADs out there. Last year I was able to purchase a blnr and chnr without any purchase history from 2 different ADs. Persistence and luck these days if there is no purchase history.

Good luck and take care!

[fania123]

That AD played you they 100% knew that they were getting the axe from Rolex and kept stringing you along to milk you for as long as they could with other merchandise. These Ad’s are slimier than used car dealers. I’m so glad that I have zero desire to purchase any new Rolex watches because there is no way I’d stand for this nonsense.

[fania123]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Buy gently used five digit models from a trusted seller.

Even those are ridiculously priced at this point.

[amanbra]

so sorry to hear OP, this would feel like a kick in the guts... after dabbling with a small AD i changed over to the big ones, this was part of the reason.

[digitalR]

ahh this is sad.. sorry OP. i hope you find an AD that doesn't play purchase history games and able to get you one soon

[train-time]

Happens all the time. I lost relationships with 5 local AD's over the past couple of years and that is about half of them in the state that had their contract pulled. We have 2 left to cover the whole state, bordering Washington, DC. Try starting a relationship up with either of them where there are megabucks. I feel your pain.

[Rado63]

If you must have a Rolex and no other brand will do and you are not willing to pay a premium price from a trusted seller, then you will have to play AD games. I am sure the AD knew they were losing there status long ago as there would probably be some negotiating to keep the relationship with Rolex, or the AD committed some act that caused them to lose their relationship, but it seems even that event would go through some legal action. So it must have been known ahead of January. Sorry

[Bxtek]

Wow, that really sucks! Sorry to hear that. As mentioned by others, I find it a bit hard to believe that the AD didn't know about this awhile back. Unless they did something wrong. I hope they didn't keep that info from you, just so that you would make all of those jewelry purchases. I hope you were planning to buy the jewelry anyway.

[Parapraxis]

If you're only looking to buy one watch, I don't know why you would go through the whole dance of spending money with them when you could just spend that money at the gray market and get your watch immediately. I understand playing the 80 game if you want to be a collector, but it sounds like you just want one piece. So put yourself out of your own misery and just go gray market

[warren G.]

If you really want the Sub, I'd just eat up your pride and just go grey. Life is too short. My uncle literally had a year left to live, and he still couldn't a GMT he wanted from the AD.

[MellowYellowVette]

Sorry to hear that. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but if you never received a single watch you wanted then you didn't really have a "relationship". It seems more like a lesson that maybe gray market was the better way to go for your situation.

[1665fan]

That sucks……..just goes to show waiting doesn’t always pay off…..30 years????? And bought diamonds……..you played yourself unfortunately

[Harry-57]

It happens. It's business. I understand your frustration. The AD played you and I think it's fair to say that you let them. Do you think they only had 4 weeks notice? Rolex may have done the local buying public a favour.

You're back to square one, but did you ever actually progress beyond square one with the last AD? A pity, but maybe you'll find an AD with more integrity next time. Assuming you're still interested in the brand. I can see how you might not be. Principled or not, any store will sell you tons of expensive bling if you show an inclination to buy it. They are in business to sell as many things as possible for as much profit as possible. This is worth keeping in mind.

I wish you well with it.

[ArtNouveau]

Anecdotal evidence is the RolexUSA contract with its dealers is written heavily in their favor, basically they can revoke without cause at any time. When a dealer gets notice I don’t think there’s much room for negotiation. Either the dealer is no longer deemed necessary in that market, or has committed some hanky panky that violates their agreement. Two dealers in my previous market area were axed in the last three years and rumors of shady practices were rumored in both.
But blaming “Rolex” the maufacturer won’t do anything for you OP. These are unprecedented times with way more demand for their watches than ever before, there simply isn’t enough pieces around for everyone that wants one. Your choices are limited.
1. Try to source one from another AD. I hate the term “games,” different AD “policies” is more accurate. You may find one who will source one for you in a reasonable timeframe but I can tell you from experience that will need to start with an inperson visit, not a phone call or email.
2. Find another watch you love that’s easier to get. The world is full of other cool brands with great history, style, and innovation that can be easily bought.
3. If you absolutely must have a Sub or nothing, grey reseller is the fastest route.

[DBCooper07]

Originally Posted by Parapraxis

If you're only looking to buy one watch, I don't know why you would go through the whole dance of spending money with them when you could just spend that money at the gray market and get your watch immediately. I understand playing the 80 game if you want to be a collector, but it sounds like you just want one piece. So put yourself out of your own misery and just go gray market

In the sort term I want a sub. In the long term 5-10 years, I'm planning OP for my wife, OP 41 for me (for our 5 or 10 year anniversary), a pepsi, Hulk/Cermit, Daytona, full gold sub at age 55 or 60. I just wanted a long term relationship and I'm willing to wait for those highly sought after pieces.

[Danny83]

If you are patient and stay on your AD about it, they might pass up someone else and sell it to you really just depends who you are. After they google your phone number email and home address …. Unfortunately this is how it is. My advice is work with a boutique

[S7gpt]

go grey, in the long run IMHO its worth it just not to play the game. odds on and 'if' the bubble doesn't burst for some time you will be better off in the long run....

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by DBCooper07

In the sort term I want a sub. In the long term 5-10 years, I'm planning OP for my wife, OP 41 for me (for our 5 or 10 year anniversary), a pepsi, Hulk/Cermit, Daytona, full gold sub at age 55 or 60. I just wanted a long term relationship and I'm willing to wait for those highly sought after pieces.

As hard as this is to hear, you're one of millions hoping for the same thing.
Truth is, it's sucked the air out of the enjoyment for many, me included, however it has not ended the shortage, and it will be a possible 'never' before things return to actual watches in a store.
Short term, buy on the grey market if you just have to have, or look at other brands.... Nothing fair about it.

[DBCooper07]

Originally Posted by mailman

Henry Wilson?

Yes, IDK if it was they got in trouble or if Rolex just axed them. Their territory was massive, and an AD for 60 years. From Albany to Buffalo (300miles) they were the only AD. I'd highly doubt Rolex would shut them down. But who will ever really know.

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by fania123

Even those are ridiculously priced at this point.

In these times every Rolex being sold is way overpriced. It's freaking nut..

[DBCooper07]

Originally Posted by sleddog

As hard as this is to hear, you're one of millions hoping for the same thing.
Truth is, it's sucked the air out of the enjoyment for many, me included, however it has not ended the shortage, and it will be a possible 'never' before things return to actual watches in a store.
Short term, buy on the grey market if you just have to have, or look at other brands.... Nothing fair about it.

Yes, I understand I'm competing with everyone else. But I'm loyal and dedicated. I'll look for a new AD. and invest the $$ while I wait

[samuel019]

Well there are instances of getting a Sub with zero buying history but if the other A D’s that are 150 miles away you may be waiting an even longer time then you already have

So here is what I’d do being you may have to buy something you don’t want or other jewelry you don’t want is take that money you’d be wasting

And put it with MSRP from Rolex and walah you have your watch

There’s no shame in going Grey. How much have you already spent at the former A D that burned you??

Add all that up. You might just find that you’ve already spent enough to have your Sub/GMT at Grey prices and without all the B S