So........a man walks into an AD

[DINGER]

Not again I hear you cry

A bit of background, Like nearly everyone (if not everyone!) on the forum, my grail was a stainless steel daytona. White or Black Face I didn't care, loved them both.

I knew there were long waiting lists but thought I might as well put my name down, even if it took 5-7 years eventually I'd get one. Would also give me time to save up the necessary funds!

My girlfriend tried an AD near her work but they weren't interested in puting my name on the list, they just kept trying to sell her whatever they had in the window

That was about a week ago and so on Friday I was passing the AD near my work and thought I'd pop in and make an enquiry as I had 5 minutes spare. I got the usual 5 year waiting list talk but asked if I could go on the list anyway. The sales lady pulled out the list which I noted had about 15 names on it. At the top of the list it said only two names per store

I cheekily asked if the fact that I'd bought my GMT II C from them in February could sway them to put me towards the top of the list rather than at the bottom and was quite stunned when the lady I'd been dealing with said she'd speak to the manager.

A few minutes later she emerged clutching a small box and I must admit my heart started racing.........surely they didn't have one in stock. She opened the box and to my amazement there was sitting a brand new white faced Daytona in all its glory. It was absolutely stunning but I now had the dilema that I had to pull the trigger there and then or walk away from it.

They'd had it in the safe and the chap who's watch it was had called that day to cancel his order, talk about right place at exactly the right time Only problem was, not in my wildest dreams did I expect to even get on a list let alone find one and I really didn't have the funds to buy having only bought my GMT II a few months earlier.

What the hell was I going to do? Well, I knew I may not get the oppertunity again for many years so I thought to hell with it and said I take it

Sorry if I'd waffled on a bit, but thought I'd share my experience. Got to try and find my camera to get some pictures up......

and then work out how I'm going to pay for it

[swatty]

That stories a hum-Dinger

[Sam100]

Well done.

Makes me feel a little sorry for the people who have been waiting though.



Neil

[DINGER]

Originally Posted by swatty

That stories a hum-Dinger

Ha, Ha, good one

[LinD]

Congratulations, you've acquired a magnificent watch. It just shows what you can achieve when you're prepared to blag your way to the top of the queue. The fact the AD handed it straight over to you suggests there may be some fabrication to their '5yr waiting list' stories, or else they'd rather make an instant buck instead of keeping their promise to phone the other people on the list who have been patiently waiting for 4 years and 11 months.

This is not a criticism of you, but rather an example of what is typical of many ADs.

[DINGER]

I honestly think I just got very lucky, if I'd gone in maybe a few hours later or the next day it probably would have been sold.

[esm]

congrats! It must felt great at the time. Do you mind telling me which AD was it.
White SS Daytona is such a nice watch. Well done!

I had a similar experience last weekend. Got lucky with a GV. Not my grail Rolex but had to get it while I was there. (don't even know which is my grail yet).

Enjoy it!

[topcat30093]

Congratulations on being in the right place at the right time, enjoy it.
Perhaps you should also do the lottery???

I have been on the waiting list for well over a year now with my AD.

And although its certainly no criticism of you - because I would try the exact same thing.

But that AD imo has not been playing by the rules. It appears to me that they move the goal posts as and when they like.

[acce1999]

Well done! Congrats.

The Daytona is a wonderful watch, and perhaps the best looking one if you take all aspects into consideration; such as the shape of the case, the solid bracelet, the nice feeling of the crowns and push buttons, the...

You get it ;-)

As I said: Well done!

Best,

A

Edit: Have to agree with what others have said about the way the AD handled the list. You did what I would have done, and actually I'm a fairly good customer with one of the local AD:s, and they have indicated that I can get a Daytona within a couple of months if I decide to purchase one (getting on the top of the list... for the next shipment) One of the other AD:s (where I have purchased only once) was firm in saying the list is several years... but they also said that if I make a major purchase the Daytona will be mine shortly. Do not really like that but understand the mechanism.

[dardeca]

Great story...congrats on the Daytona! A stunning watch!

[Gaijin]

Thats the spirit! Nicely done!

Pics when you have time.

Never believe what an AD tells you about waiting lists. They will put you on a list and then sell them to whoever they want to. I don't trust thier so called lists. I know this from first hand experience with two ADs and lists.

[allanofcalifornia]

Great story! Congratulations on your new Daytona! Enjoy and wear it in good health!


Allan

[DS/B MINI S]

Once again...Timing is Everything

Congrats

[Art 1]

Congrats, you'll love it.

[TheVTCGuy]

Dinger! Many Congrats on your new Daytona! Obviously, I think you made the right decision <---------

[rolexcd]

Great move. You will never regret with a ss Daytona.

[BGRINDEL]

Congrats!!! I agree, that is a tough one to pass up!!!

[rsg]

I was at an AD a couple of weeks ago and they pulled a black dial SS Daytona from the safe and told me there was a waitng list for it but they would sell it to me right then and there. I have only bought one watch from that AD and there is no reason for them to put me at the top of the list. I call BS on the waiting list for that particular AD.

[allanofcalifornia]

Originally Posted by rsg

I was at an AD a couple of weeks ago and they pulled a black dial SS Daytona from the safe and told me there was a waitng list for it but they would sell it to me right then and there. I have only bought one watch from that AD and there is no reason for them to put me at the top of the list. I call BS on the waiting list for that particular AD.

Well, I know that I was calling ADs looking for a Milgauss GV and one store had it in their safe but asked if I bought anything from them in the past since it was reserved for only VP customers.


Allan

[mck22]

congrats

[Time Keeper]

Congrats on your new watch! Wear it in good health!

Most Rolex ADs, at least in the US, have access to a SS Daytona, but are only willing to sell it to their loyal customers. Since you have recently purchased a GMT from them, you probably fall into this category.

However it does depend on your location. In many areas, most people on waiting lists are "no longer interested" or can't afford the SS Daytonas in the current economic state.

[MrCowboy99]

congrats

[JRA21]

Great story! still waiting for mine

[Rolexroz]

People do not seem to understand that Daytonas are not particularly rare. They are simply hard to find at retail price. The AD's get several per year but they either sell them to Grey Dealers at a huge premium, or give them to valued customers at list price.

The fact that you found one at list price only goes to show that there are some honest AD's out there, but they are few and far between. This is a direct result of Rolex knowing exactly what they have and how much they can get for their watches and screwing the AD's into pledging that they WILL NOT discount.

Rolex know this and are currently trying to get rid of approximately 25% of all AD's, in the UK. This will play right into their hands by reducing the supply of Rolex in the UK (sorry to be parochial, but I am sure that all other countries are similar) and thus meaning that they may charge more for their watches as they are harder to find.

But in these troubled times, desperate AD's, who may not stay the course, will probably be more susceptible to offers.
(please e-mail for list of the ones about to die!!!!)


Rolexroz

[GBJIV]

Major congrats. Business is business. I don't a list guarantees anybody anything...

[SLS]

Congrats on the Daytona, but how about some pics!
Scott

[nerd]

Waiting lists for discretionary items like a Rolex or Ferrari have evaporated in the past 18 months. If something you desire is in inventory or in transit to a dealer without a buyer waiting, it can be yours!

[onkyo]

Congrats on your new Daytona!

Can't wait to see some pics ....

[Watchdog]

Good story.

Congratulations on an excellent watch.


KK

[mdtddd2007]

congrats....nice timing...