Is Ben Bridge considered a good AD?

[njlam]

I am encouraged the Batman is again being offered by Rolex with the original Oyster bracelet (not a fan of the Jubilee).

As a consequence I have put myself on the waiting list at the local Ben Bridge and hope for the best.

As they are a large chain and owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, I assume their buying power may have influence on how many exotic Rolexes they are allocated.

Is this just wishful thinking?

[EagleBear]

I have used Ben Bridge for my BLRO no problems getting it. And also am waiting on another piece from them. Have you started a relationship with them yet?

[njlam]

I have two Rolex's which were gifts, so I have never bought one.

Both of them are serviced at the Ben Bridge where I put my name for the Batman on.

[superpop]

I have had mixed results with them. Bellevue Square seems to never have anything yet I walked into the one in Washington Square down in Portland, OR and told them I wanted a Blue Sky D Jubilee and they called me the next day and told me I could go pick it up. Very friendly down in OR but I get the vibe that they want you to bundle with schlocky mall jewelry at the Bell Square location to get anything Rolex. So two completely different experiences at two of the same chain, locations. Have had better luck at Alvin Goldfarb although not recently.

[Slimpee]

I’ve merely stopped into a few locations. I didn’t have a great experience at two locations in southern CA (UTC and Fashion Valley in San Diego). The staff wasn’t terribly friendly and didn’t seem to be terribly interested in watches.

Just a few days ago, I stopped by a location at a mall in Seattle I think called University Place. All they had was a few Tags but just next door they’re building a watch specific store. The SA seemed excited about it but didn’t know what they’d carry. Maybe they want to make a bigger push into watches.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

I’ve merely stopped into a few locations. I didn’t have a great experience at two locations in southern CA (UTC and Fashion Valley in San Diego). The staff wasn’t terribly friendly and didn’t seem to be terribly interested in watches.

Just a few days ago, I stopped by a location at a mall in Seattle I think called University Place. All they had was a few Tags but just next door they’re building a watch specific store. The SA seemed excited about it but didn’t know what they’d carry. Maybe they want to make a bigger push into watches.

The UTC Rolex AD is Ben Bridge. Fashion Valley Boutique is Fourtane.

I love Fourtane (as their first customer), yet they can’t work miracles. If they don’t have the watch you want, you won’t be able to get it, but they should be cordial (as has ALWAYS been my experience.

As for Ben Bridge, they have always been chilly, not even offering the Rolex book or magazines.


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[VegasBaby]

My AD has been my local Ben Bridge.........they have been fantastic!!! I've received every Rolex I've requested, over the years, and even some huge surprises along the way!!

[Ensign]

I bought a Datejust from them years ago. Back then, you could just “special order” whatever you wanted. Special order just meant if they had it somewhere in their network, they’d get it for you. I ordered a rare dial and smooth bezel, jubilee combo.

[dauster]

Bought Cartier skeleton in steel and a two tone sub from them in Hawaii in the last 6 months SA is very nice and you safe about 5% tax vs CA

I like them


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[DTap]

Had to send Ben bridge a receipt to prove I was a previous customer. Then they just blew me off anyway…. Not recommend here.

[Bxtek]

Ben Bridge Jewelers up here in Northern CA had lost their AD status many years ago.

[GBD]

BB seems very hit or miss - I've had good and bad experiences. Even at the same store, some associates are great, and others will blow you off.

[hutch300]

For fun last time I went in the Bellevue Square store I asked to be put on the list for a green OP and was told NO. The lady said I'd be lucky to own any Rolex and I can't specify and due to that won't be put on a list. Little does she know Alvin Goldfarb is a wonderful AD and where I always choose to give my business. I hear all these horrible AD experiences and thought I'd give them a whirl while killing time waiting for my wife.

They suck.

[Korda]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

The UTC Rolex AD is Ben Bridge. Fashion Valley Boutique is Fourtane.

I love Fourtane (as their first customer), yet they can’t work miracles. If they don’t have the watch you want, you won’t be able to get it, but they should be cordial (as has ALWAYS been my experience.

As for Ben Bridge, they have always been chilly, not even offering the Rolex book or magazines.


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My wife and I walked in to Fourtane to look at watches and they had just gotten a few in. My wife bought one on the spot and I got on the list for an Explorer II, I had also looked at a Seadweller. They called me about 3 weeks later and had a seadweller. I turned it down to wait for the Explorer and a few more weeks later they called me and said they had one for me. When I picked it up they said they only get 3 or 4 a year. Needless to say I was happy.

I’ve also bought a couple Tissot and a Tudor from the Ben Bridge at UTC. Definitely much more “cold” there.

[GGGMT]

All ADs are good if they have your watch


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

All ADs are good if they have your watch


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Exactly that and in the real world all just retail shops that sells watches nothing more.

[Influx87]

I've had great experience at the UTC La Jolla Ben Bridge. I won't call her out by name, but she's excellent. Got a call for an explorer within a few months and a free book!

[amh]

Congratulations! You're now customer # 3186 on the BLNR waiting list

[ArtNouveau]

None of the Ben Bridges in Houston where I’m from carry Rolex anymore but all were courteous to me when they did. I’ve enjoyed chatting with the folks at the Domain location in Austin too.
As mentioned above, you’re pretty likely to suggest an AD favorably if you bought something there versus being turned away. It’s been a weird era for buying Rolex.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by EagleBear

Have you started a relationship with them yet?

By relationship do you mean “ have you bought some over priced not exactly what you wanted jewellery “

[996marty]

Originally Posted by Halifax Daytona UK

By relationship do you mean “ have you bought some over priced not exactly what you wanted jewellery “

I always struggle to get my head around this

[Influx87]

Originally Posted by amh

Congratulations! You're now customer # 3186 on the BLNR waiting list

So you're telling me there's a chance.

[Calatrava r]

Did they say they would definitely get you the watch within the next few months. They get them in, it's just a matter of getting them to allocate one to you.

[doublevanose82]

They usually have good people working there, always willing to help by showing you any watch even if you're not in the market for one at the time. Some of them are watch nerds too and you can feel the enthusiasm from them unlike some stuck up ADs.

[amh]

Ben Bridge is now dead to me.

BB AD1: Closed
BB AD2: Bought some stuff from them but they no longer even speak to me after I moved. "Inquire at your local BB, please" (Would stop in about once/year but no more)
BB AD3: Actually bought a Rolex for my wife here but then my SA moved. The entire faux 'relationship' down the drain...

[Influx87]

Originally Posted by doublevanose82

They usually have good people working there, always willing to help by showing you any watch even if you're not in the market for one at the time. Some of them are watch nerds too and you can feel the enthusiasm from them unlike some stuck up ADs.

I second this.

[DaytonaAlan]

The worst.

[BNA/LION]

Haven't been for me.

[GGGMT]

Great AD. My go to watchmaker there.


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[4reRlxGuy]

They say there is no requirement to buy any jewelry and they don't bundle but they will admit the biggest spenders get the most desirable pieces.

Based on my experience just go grey and avoid the frustration and grief. Also pretty discouraging when greys know Ben Bridge store managers by name.