Not close to an AD- Any suggestions or out of luck?

[cvz]

Hi All,

The closest AD to my home is about 3 hours drive (one way). I am interested in buying a Rolex from an AD, but everything I've researched on-line here and other places seems to point to establishing an in-person relationship with an AD with semi-regular visits. Given the distance, this is wildly impractical.

Has anyone had luck curating a relationship with an AD over time though phone or email after an initial in person visit? I'm not against making the trip once every couple of months, but it seems like successful purchases come to those who really establish a good rapport in person.

I know it's not the best situation, but just wondering how those who live a days drive away a getting allocations... if at all.

Thanks!

[dpt.calvin]

My AD gets dozens of emails a day (according to her). I’m sure most get looked over…

[SocialMediaUser]

Either invest the time (AD route),or invest the money(Go Grey)

The first you just need patience and luck.
And perhaps more $$$ as prices might increase while you wait

The latter you have what you want tomorrow

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by cvz

Hi All,

The closest AD to my home is about 3 hours drive (one way). I am interested in buying a Rolex from an AD, but everything I've researched on-line here and other places seems to point to establishing an in-person relationship with an AD with semi-regular visits. Given the distance, this is wildly impractical.

Has anyone had luck curating a relationship with an AD over time though phone or email after an initial in person visit? I'm not against making the trip once every couple of months, but it seems like successful purchases come to those who really establish a good rapport in person.

I know it's not the best situation, but just wondering how those who live a days drive away a getting allocations... if at all.

Thanks!

In a similar spot
Nearest AD is a 4 hour flight away from me

They have ZERO interest in discussing anything with me via email or over the phone

The relationship angle is taken because they hope you will be a returning customer and make multiple purchases over the course of your relationship
Unless you're willing to demonstrate you're prepared to drive 3 hours AND spend some money, you'll get no where

Let be honest, once you get the Rolex model (or models) you're after, you're not going to continue to drive the 3 hours to this particular AD in order to purchase something for your partner or pick up a non Rolex watch when you have an option closer to you
Thats why most ADs prefer to sell to locals

[sj24k]

I’d say call the closest one, speak with the manager and explain your situation. I wouldn’t expect to get much traction, but at least you’ll know some more and maybe stand out from the tons of email inquiries. Of course it helps if you have a way to stand out and be remembered. Or maybe a referral from someone.

I’m from the “time is money” school, and I think you’d be looking at investing a lot of time with low likelihood of success. So I’d say find the watch you want, call some trusted resellers, make a deal you can live with for market value, and have the watch the next day.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Good luck.


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[malba2366]

Originally Posted by cvz

Hi All,

The closest AD to my home is about 3 hours drive (one way). I am interested in buying a Rolex from an AD, but everything I've researched on-line here and other places seems to point to establishing an in-person relationship with an AD with semi-regular visits. Given the distance, this is wildly impractical.

Has anyone had luck curating a relationship with an AD over time though phone or email after an initial in person visit? I'm not against making the trip once every couple of months, but it seems like successful purchases come to those who really establish a good rapport in person.

I know it's not the best situation, but just wondering how those who live a days drive away a getting allocations... if at all.

Thanks!

Which watch are you trying to get? It may be wise to try to start your relationship with an AD over the phone and asking for a datejust. If you call and start asking for professional watches the likely assumption will be that you are just another flipper calling around to try to get a watch for resale.

[Bxtek]

I'm sorry to say that I think you're a bit out of luck. I have a few AD's near me and I stop into each anytime I'm in the area or have some time to make the drive. I've gotten to know more than one SA's in a couple locations, and they instantly recognize me when I visit. Even with regular visits, I am not able to get a watch that I want. I will say that I don't have any buying history and I know that is a biggie on the priority list. I'm not wealthy though and I can't afford to buy a bunch of jewelry or other watches that I don't really want.

I am thinking that you're in the same boat and have no buying history with any AD. A visit once every couple of months ain't gonna cut it unfortunately. Even if you showed up with donuts and coffee each visit, I suspect it will be a no go. Your only option is really to buy a bunch of unwanted items to help your status at the AD, or go grey. It's pay one way or another? Pay with several drives to the AD each month, pay with buying lots of additional unwanted items, or pay the markup price at a grey?

Either that, do you have a close friend or relative that lives near an AD? Would they be willing to visit the AD on a regular basis, chat them up, bring them donuts, and try to buy the watch that you want? Keep in mind, you will be in debt to that person too and will have to "pay" later too.

[chris242]

I’m in a similar situation. Nearest AD is a 30 minute car ride, then a 30 minute flight to another island away.
The price you pay for living in paradise, I suppose!


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[london_watch_geezer]

Even though it is incredibly difficult to get any Rolex at the moment, I would say it's worth a shot!

My suggestion would be to explain your situation to your closest AD, and maybe ask if you can arrange a video call/ phone call to catch-up. I know virtual appointments are something that have become more common in the UK since Covid, so in my opinion not a completely unreasonable request.

I'd then say try and build that rapport with the AD when on the call - be yourself, tell them why you want the watch and how as your local AD, you want to build a long-term relationship.

Of course it's more likely that you'll build a relationship in person, so I'd finish up by saying you will be sure to visit in person when you're next in town.

Hey, it's probably unlikely to do much, but I think it's worth trying in your situation as you don't lose much by doing so!

Good luck and hope you get your watch.

[BMWMotoRider]

I'm fighting the same situation. My nearest AD is 2 hours away and small one at that. I spend a lot of time, as in many months per year in areas with many AD's (Arizona and California) but they don't consider me local. It is tough that my primary residence has no nearby AD's and living a pretty nomadic lifestyle for half of the year rules out the local customer desire by so many AD's. To the OP, I'd recommend contacting as many AD's as you can and make it clear that you can purchase in person if they get the reference you are after.

[Cigars&Watches]

Have you thought about moving…

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

A phone to introduce yourself and ask to be considered for whatever reference you’re interested in can’t hurt. Then it comes down to follow up, and ideally a personal visit. I think there are ADs who still cater to the enthusiast. With any lucky you’ll land what you’re looking for.

Best of luck

[Singslinger]

You could visit them and buy a bunch of other watches so you have an instant purchase history. That would move you up the waiting list but you'd have to fork out a lot of money on watches you might not like.

Alternatively, go grey.

[WatchesNBlondes]

Buy an Omega or a Tudor first, then go in for the Rolex. It's way more impossible to get a Rolex as a first time customer, at least with the hottest sports models.

[Stan Cooper]

I've bought three Rolexes, all gently used five to fifteen year old pieces from trusted sellers (not ADs), and haven't been the least bit disappointed in any of these transactions.

If I could get a new stainless steel BLRO from an AD at MSRP, I'd do it in a heartbeat; for the foreseeable future though, that ain't gonna happen.

[Santiago32]

Is your goal to buy your grail watch or build a collection? If it’s the latter you will have to go in person and start spending.

[Nico81]

Dont email and dont call


Go visit nearest, hopefully in smalller market

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Save yourself the drive and order from a grey.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Cigars&Watches

Have you thought about moving…

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by cvz

Hi All,

The closest AD to my home is about 3 hours drive (one way). I am interested in buying a Rolex from an AD, but everything I've researched on-line here and other places seems to point to establishing an in-person relationship with an AD with semi-regular visits. Given the distance, this is wildly impractical.

Has anyone had luck curating a relationship with an AD over time though phone or email after an initial in person visit? I'm not against making the trip once every couple of months, but it seems like successful purchases come to those who really establish a good rapport in person.

I know it's not the best situation, but just wondering how those who live a days drive away a getting allocations... if at all.

Thanks!

Given the circumstances, I’d go grey market.
DavidSW or similar and have the watch on your wrist within a few days

[lava flow]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Given the circumstances, I’d go grey market.
DavidSW or similar and have the watch on your wrist within a few days

got to agree i'm afraid

my AD gets multiple visits/cold calls each day and they are told the truth - basically not a chance of any in demand models

but they do not try and con you into buying other items in the hope of getting a Rolex

DayDate and Datejust can be ordered within reason but expect to wait quite a while especially for pm models

and by the way ADs have heard all the pleading stories to try and get a watch eg in honour of my late father/mother - first child etc etc

your first million might open the door, lol

[amh]

Originally Posted by WatchesNBlondes

Buy an Omega or a Tudor first, then go in for the Rolex. It's way more impossible to get a Rolex as a first time customer, at least with the hottest sports models.

This is the way. "Relationship" really means money. Try to get a good deal so when you sell the Omega you won't lose too much. For example while the list price on their Speedmaster Racing is around $8750 they're easy to find in great condition for just $6500. Great watches and much better 'value' than Rolex when comparing the movement and quality! However also also don't retain value as well - it's kind of like buying a car.

[gerry100]

Save for your watch, invest the money where you can keep up with inflation and wait

[Jack T]

‘curating’ a relationship??

Now there’s a newly contrived use for an overused and often misused word.

[georgekart]

If you want to buy a Rolex meaning one and done, just go grey. It isn't worth it to spend all that time and effort.