Recent UK AD Visits & Interactions

[One Team]

Hi All

I haven't posted much at all on the forum but I do read it most days so thank you for all the contributors, it really is a great read.

I've had the opportunity to visit two UK ADs recently and thought I would share my observations and interactions which may be of interest, especially to my fellow UK forum members.

One AD is my usual dealer with whom I have a long history and some spend, although not that significant. It's here I am on the list for a Sub Date and now nearly at 2 years in waiting. They were once again very welcoming and friendly and for the first time post COVID I noticed there were both Rolex watches in the showroom and in the window, albeit display models. Models included Datejusts, Daydates and a Yacht Master. In talking Rolexes with them their view was the situation in terms of demand and supply hasn't changed, and if anything is even more demanding than ever. Wait times quoted were still 2 - 3 years for SS sports models and 5+ for Daytonas.

In the other dealer who I'd not visited before I also noted display models in the window (again, Daydates and Datejusts) and in the store more Daydates and Datejusts. They also had two GMTs, a Batman (Batgirl?) and a Root Beer. This was especially impressive as I'd not seen either of these 'in the flesh' before. The SA was very welcoming and friendly and I was offered to try any of them on. It was a similar story here from them in terms of wait times as well and a similar view of demand and supply. They did think it could ease off in 5 years or so but the market currently was showing no sign of easing off in terms of levelling out demand and supply.

The positive news from both was that they were excellent representatives of the brand.

I did also visit an independent re-seller this week as well. They had a Sub Date with no box for £10.5k and two Daytonas, one at £22.5k with no box or papers! Talking to them was interesting; they were of the view that some ADs (not the ones I visited I should add) were indeed supplying the grey market. They also thought that if you are on a waiting list and you've not bought a Rolex before it will be much more difficult to get what you want (I guess we all know this).

Anyway, my patience it seems will have continue some time longer on my quest, but for now I thought you may find the above of some interest.

[temporarychicken]

Pop back again in five years then lol!

[Tim Plains]

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

[Mr Ben]

I do wonder if it’s harder in the UK just now than other markets. It’s definitely harder if you weren’t a previous big spender. For what it’s worth, I tried 3 AD’s in the U.K. in the last year and have followed up with all three since. For reference, this was requesting one of either a sub or Exp II as an upgrade as a daily watch.

AD 1: I have some spend history with - about £5k on two previous watches. Not a huge amount and it was a number of years ago. On my first visit, they said no chance - spend history too old. On trying again recently to see if there was any improvement, they said they could take my name for a datejust but not for a sports model.

AD2: said not a hope for anything without buying lots of trinkets and silverware and things that aren’t watches. They were so clear, I’m not even bothering trying again.

AD3: took my name for a sub with no promises - interestingly, wouldn’t take my name on the Exp II. On following up they’ve said it may will likely be a long way out with no suggested timescales but they continue to have me on the list. (Probably just being polite…)

All AD’s very professional but my chances look to be near zero without breaking out the credit card and buying things I don’t want. If that’s “the right way” to do it, I’m happy enough going grey for a small premium - prices seem to be stuck just now though pieces I’m looking at are not selling at those prices and just sit or keep getting relisted. Just can’t make a final choice between the two watches!

[RogerOP]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

If you’re not in the UK then why even comment?

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

Didn't you buy a load of non Rolex watches / jewellery before you got your Submariner?

Anyway, I can vouch for the OP, it's very difficult to buy a Rolex from the AD in the UK. I'd keep following up with the AD you have spend history with.

[Harry-57]

If you're on a real list, your patience will pay off. The grey market is easing but well stocked ADs are a long way off. I doubt it will take 5 years though.

[rockysw]

I am in UK and in the market for a watch. But needless to say no chance with an AD without lot of patience. But good news is that on some watches the premium have come down significantly (with recent price increases). There are couple of very good examples of sea dwellers 43 with around 10% premium which I think is not bad at all. Explorers 2 have around 25% premium which still feels reasonable (especially if you go for the discontinued model).

I would agree with the ADs that situation is unlikely to change in near terms but the premiums on some of the sports rolexes are becoming more reasonable.

[Labyrinth]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

Key was "I'm not in UK"

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

It’s very very tough Here in the UK. Nearly all my watches have been bought on the secondary market. I’ve spent a 6 figure sum in my AD and waited 3/4 years for a ss skydweller.

[Tim Plains]

He wrote that he has bought stuff from AD #1, has waited two years, and they quoted him another two/three years. I don't been to be a Brit to know they are giving him the runaround.

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

Didn't you buy a load of non Rolex watches / jewellery before you got your Submariner?

No jewelry. In order: DJ31 for my wife (cheapest version), Tudor Royal 38mm, Speedmaster, Submariner Date.

[Nairn1980]

Yup, the UK is an extremely tough market.

[shammad10]

Guess it depends what you're after.
I'm in the UK and with one AD with no previous spend history in the last year I have got a milgauss (2 month wait) and a submariner (3 month wait).
With another AD where I had bought a single (£5000) Rolex in the past 4 years, I got a polar Explorer 2 this month. Though I had to wait about 9 months for this.

I think you have to target your efforts. I made the decision early on to ignore all Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths as it was very clear they were not interested in selling me anything without me buying other stuff I didn't want.

[ndrs63]

If you don’t have spending history it’s a lottery. On the other hand, if you establish a lasting business with one, you will get some desirable pieces over time.

This could, of course change if we get into a deep recession. Take with a grain of salt what the ADs say.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Guess it depends what you're after.
I'm in the UK and with one AD with no previous spend history in the last year I have got a milgauss (2 month wait) and a submariner (3 month wait).
With another AD where I had bought a single (£5000) Rolex in the past 4 years, I got a polar Explorer 2 this month. Though I had to wait about 9 months for this.

I think you have to target your efforts. I made the decision early on to ignore all Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths as it was very clear they were not interested in selling me anything without me buying other stuff I didn't want.

wow - mind sharing the ADs name? I might try my luck.

[Mr Ben]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Guess it depends what you're after.
I'm in the UK and with one AD with no previous spend history in the last year I have got a milgauss (2 month wait) and a submariner (3 month wait).
With another AD where I had bought a single (£5000) Rolex in the past 4 years, I got a polar Explorer 2 this month. Though I had to wait about 9 months for this.

I think you have to target your efforts. I made the decision early on to ignore all Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths as it was very clear they were not interested in selling me anything without me buying other stuff I didn't want.

It’s nice to hear someone having some success and saying it can be done without a half million pound watch collection listed in the signature under their post!

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Guess it depends what you're after.
I'm in the UK and with one AD with no previous spend history in the last year I have got a milgauss (2 month wait) and a submariner (3 month wait).
With another AD where I had bought a single (£5000) Rolex in the past 4 years, I got a polar Explorer 2 this month. Though I had to wait about 9 months for this.

I think you have to target your efforts. I made the decision early on to ignore all Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths as it was very clear they were not interested in selling me anything without me buying other stuff I didn't want.

Nice one, although my experience was the opposite. The independent AD local to me said I had to buy jewellery or non Rolex watches to be considered for a Rolex OP.

Although it took some time, I was able to buy one recently through a nearby WOSG AD without spend history. I think a large part of it is the salesperson.

I'm guessing you are in the less populous north?

[PIL]

Rolex boutique - DJ for a family member sourced in 2 months since initial expression of interest
Waiting for two other models when/once available (one PM, one DJ), both in precious metals. I do not mind waiting as they will eventually be available.

I am not a fan of the WoS group and have only had bad encounters when I visited those.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Mr Ben

It’s nice to hear someone having some success and saying it can be done without a half million pound watch collection listed in the signature under their post!

It can be done. It depends on the AD, which to some extent will depend on your location. I haven't needed to jump through any hoops, just be patient. On the four occasions they told me there was no chance I went grey for two and continued to ask again at what seemed to be polite intervals until I eventually got listed and got the watches. Sure, we bought more stuff, but nothing we didn't want and nothing as a condition of being listed for something.

If you have to wait for 5 years for a SS Sub, or buy a lot of expensive unwanted junk, it's easy for me to say you need another AD. But in some areas there is no other AD and the next one over will only sell the in-demand stuff to well established customers and locals. I haven't found the UK to be particularly easy or tough, just a bit time consuming at times.

[londonpilgrim]

If you have a good history and relationship with your AD and are polite (no reason to suspect you aren’t) and your AD is you shouldn’t have to wait more than 6 months for a date sub.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

Apples and oranges.

OP just wants to buy a piece from an AD.

You got a sub by spending twice as much again on other stuff, plus the schmoozing.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

Nice one, although my experience was the opposite. The independent AD local to me said I had to buy jewellery or non Rolex watches to be considered for a Rolex OP.

Although it took some time, I was able to buy one recently through a nearby WOSG AD without spend history. I think a large part of it is the salesperson.

I'm guessing you are in the less populous north?

The ADs are actually in London!
There's only a few that aren't WOS. Agree it's all about the salesperson

[Jonesy2099]

Unfortunately I tried my luck with Goldsmiths, I’ve made numerous purchases with them over the years. Despite this I’ve been on the ‘list’ for over 4 years now for a BLRO. I bought a Santos from a Mappin and Webb (part of the same group) recently, and even the adviser there was surprised I was waiting so long. So I suspect even within the WOS group it’s all dependent on the particular store you’re dealing with.

[blatchcorn]

Originally Posted by shammad10

The ADs are actually in London!
There's only a few that aren't WOS. Agree it's all about the salesperson

You don't need to reply but basically this guy is going to Wempe, Pragnell or Bucherer.

The only Rolex I have is my sub which I got this year by simply walking into Wempe so I would guess Wempe.

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

Because you spent a bunch of money on crap.
There are plenty of people purchasing Subs with no purchase history.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by One Team

Hi All



Talking to them was interesting; they were of the view that some ADs (not the ones I visited I should add) were indeed supplying the grey market.

I wonder how they were of this view. From what you said, it just sounds like gossip or hearsay from them and not real-world experience or knowledge.

[One Team]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

You're doing something wrong. Granted, I'm not in the UK but I got a Submariner Date in under two months a year ago before all of this doom & gloom. You either haven't spent enough to meet their criteria or AD #1 politely telling you to get lost.

As a few posters have said, it appears the market is quite different here in the UK.

[One Team]

Originally Posted by Mr Ben

I do wonder if it’s harder in the UK just now than other markets. It’s definitely harder if you weren’t a previous big spender. For what it’s worth, I tried 3 AD’s in the U.K. in the last year and have followed up with all three since. For reference, this was requesting one of either a sub or Exp II as an upgrade as a daily watch.

AD 1: I have some spend history with - about £5k on two previous watches. Not a huge amount and it was a number of years ago. On my first visit, they said no chance - spend history too old. On trying again recently to see if there was any improvement, they said they could take my name for a datejust but not for a sports model.

AD2: said not a hope for anything without buying lots of trinkets and silverware and things that aren’t watches. They were so clear, I’m not even bothering trying again.

AD3: took my name for a sub with no promises - interestingly, wouldn’t take my name on the Exp II. On following up they’ve said it may will likely be a long way out with no suggested timescales but they continue to have me on the list. (Probably just being polite…)

All AD’s very professional but my chances look to be near zero without breaking out the credit card and buying things I don’t want. If that’s “the right way” to do it, I’m happy enough going grey for a small premium - prices seem to be stuck just now though pieces I’m looking at are not selling at those prices and just sit or keep getting relisted. Just can’t make a final choice between the two watches!

Interesting experiences there for sure. It's been made clear to me at my first AD that buying other things will make me seem even more favourable, to which I've already replied to say I've already got spending history. They were all very nice about it but it does add weight to the points made frequently on here that the more you spend, the higher up the list you are. It might be against Rolex policy and guidance but it clearly happens.

[One Team]

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

Didn't you buy a load of non Rolex watches / jewellery before you got your Submariner?

Anyway, I can vouch for the OP, it's very difficult to buy a Rolex from the AD in the UK. I'd keep following up with the AD you have spend history with.

Thanks for the feedback mate, appreciated. Yes, seems it is very difficult for us here in the UK, even with spending history. I'm doing exactly as you've said, and trying to stay patient!

[One Team]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

If you're on a real list, your patience will pay off. The grey market is easing but well stocked ADs are a long way off. I doubt it will take 5 years though.

They did show me the list, or rather folder of registration of interest forms, so it does exist, although when you get selected seems a different subject!