Opinions Wanted

[ChocBoyWonder]

I'm on the waiting list at with w AD's patiently waiting for 'the call'. I have the option of getting a brand new AK for 3K above retail. As this will be my first Rolex, is it worth going with the later if my patience wears thin? I really want to build a relationship with an AD so my plan is to wait but one never knows. What do ya'll think?

[Hemdog]

I hope you get the answers you are looking for

[huncho]

maybe it's just me but i would never pay above retail for an air king, not even for a sub

[SLS]

Buy what YOU want, not what they have. You will end up not being happy with yourself for settling on the AK.

[Benzsiam]

AirKing is obtainable at the boutiques/ADs with some wait time. I think it's better to start a good relationship with this model and save some money on the premium at secondary market dealer.

[sj24k]

if you really want the watch, then go buy it now. if you're not in a rush, then wait. BUT i've never really been a "build relationship with an AD" kinda guy. over the years, i've had ADs go out of business, SAs leave for new jobs, and others try to convince me to buy things i have no interest in buying. it's a personal thing, but if an AD can't deliver something to me in my timeframe, and it's something I really "gotta have," then i just buy it from a trusted reseller.

i know many out there have built great relationships with ADs, enjoy that experience, will only buy at MSRP or below, etc. etc. but you just gotta do what feels right to you and works with your priorities.

good luck.

[ChocBoyWonder]

Originally Posted by huncho

maybe it's just me but i would never pay above retail for an air king, not even for a sub

This is kinda my thought too. I feel like its the devil playing games with me.

Originally Posted by SLS

Buy what YOU want, not what they have. You will end up not being happy with yourself for settling on the AK.

I actually do want an AK for a few reasons. I work in the Air industry and I want to pass it to my son eventually. If I would be able to land a Daytona in 5 years I'd be happy but I feel like that's a fat chance as my first. part of the reason I want to build a relationship with an AD. Not to buy what I don't want but I know I want a couple and will return.

[robinmgb]

My advice is never even bother with ADs and their games
Forget retail price and only look at the market price of watches that are available to buy right now

[messikens]

Whoever is offering an AirKing at this point for 3k has a serious set of cojones.

OP - buy what you'd like but I imagine you can do better than pay such a premium for an AK. Seems like highway robbery to me

[ChocBoyWonder]

Originally Posted by sj24k

i know many out there have built great relationships with ADs, enjoy that experience, .

good luck.

This is part of what I want to. My phone to ring and caller ID that says ROLEX. The thoughts of 3K over for an AK doesn't sit well and just wondering if it would be that bad of an option.

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

AirKing is obtainable at the boutiques/ADs with some wait time.

This is I thinking too. Thanks for your opinion

[watchvert]

I would wait. Not because of money, but rather principle. AirKing is not so difficult to get, even as a first watch. Once you buy it at least you’ll start a relationship with them. I don’t know about you, but I know that even once you get a Daytona or whatever else is difficult to get, after a while the excitement wears off and you start exploring other options, swapping watches, getting rid of some then wanting them back and so on. At some stage you’ll probably consider this AirKing as an entry level watch, which you no longer fancy that much. Or maybe not, but by that time you’ll probably be offered something else from that AD and can part exchange that AirKing or add another piece to the collection.

[DJ2020]

Never above MSRP, especially for a Ak. Don't do it. Stick with a AD and get what you want.

[jb335]

Wait it out. You can get an AK. Gets you in the door with the AD and will open up other watches.


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[ChocBoyWonder]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

My advice is never even bother with ADs and their games

I been reading and I would never. Am I using the terminology wrong? I'm waiting on two Rolex stores. Are they considered AD's?

Originally Posted by messikens

Whoever is offering an AirKing at this point for 3k has a serious set of cojones.

The way I've usually been with high priced purchases is, is if I can afford it and I feel good paying the price then I go for it. 11K cad for an AK doesn't seem too bad though, esp looking at Grey market. Unless I've been looking the the wrong places.

[Harry-57]

If you have the 3K extra and are prepared to spend it, having a watch is preferable (to me) to building this notional "relationship" thing. It's tricky because the watch might turn up at the AD days after you go grey. But then again, it could be months/years/never. Only your gut can tell you in this instance.

[Polyesterpig]

I would never pay above msrp, for cars, watches etc. Period. I did hit up every AD I stumbled upon in 2022 and put in my wish list. Got my call 8 weeks later. This was this year.

[mountainjogger]

I am guessing the 3k premium is for an "unworn watch." You might look for a better price on an excellent condition, but worn pre-owned.

This is you money and your call. If you want the AD experience. Try the AD route first.

There are good AD's out there but many play silly games. I no longer go that route and buy grey.

[ChocBoyWonder]

So the consensus is to go with my gut feeling and wait it out. Just the sings of an excited Noob with no patience. Trust when I say I know better.


You guys are Awesome! So much useful feedback and so quick with it!

Thanks for all the feedback. I will become a pledge member.

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

My advice is never even bother with ADs and their games
Forget retail price and only look at the market price of watches that are available to buy right now

This

[excelerater]

there is no list,you either are in the buddy system or not
and if your are buying diamond in the shop along side your
rolex now you are on top of the imaginary list

.02

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

Never above MSRP.

+1


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[mgsooner]

No way would I pay that much for an AK. Join the Moda dealer groups on Facebook.

[bds79]

The problem with these “lists” is that you have no idea if you’ll actually get called if something becomes available or if they AD is just blowing smoke and reserving all pieces for clients that have a sizable spending history.
As someone who played the AD game for over a year and also refuses to buy watches I don’t want to establish a relationship with an AD my advice is this: Give an AD a shot. Maybe it’ll work out. But when the time comes that you’re fed up with the waiting and uncertainty, move on and get the watch from the grey market. I understand not wanting to pay above retail. But ultimately these are luxury goods that nobody needs. If you want it and can afford it, get it and enjoy it…even above retail.

[KdPg]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

My advice is never even bother with ADs and their games
Forget retail price and only look at the market price of watches that are available to buy right now

100% this

[IsItFridayYet]

I was in the same boat. Been visiting multiple AD since 2021. Was placed on a “list”. Always wrote down my info on a card or inputted into their phone. But every time I revisited I was basically a new visitor again, even if I spoke with the same SA. Every time it’ was subtly hinted I need to buy jewelry. One SA was even upfront and said between you and a client with history, the one with history is who I’d choose to give a Rolex.

So as much as I’m against paying over retail, I finally bit the bullet and went grey from one of the sellers in these classified section. Inquired on a Friday, reached back to me on Monday with my watch basically brand new, never worn, full papers with crown guard, green and white tags still attached. Don’t regret it one bit.

BTW 3k seems a bit excessive. I’ve seen worn but excellent condition 126900 Air Kings going for 8800-9k in the classified section. Also seen new unworn for 9600-9800. Just contact one of the many trusted sellers in the classified section. They’ll be able to allocate one for under 10k for sure.

Best of luck with your decison.

[Ny325]

I would wait. I personally wouldn’t pay over MSRP for anything.
I waited approximately 4 months for my 2022 AK. Great watch.

[Giovannibravo]

Which ADs are you working with in the GTA? PM if you want some suggestions.

[Gab27]

If it is the specific watch you want, I don't think there is anything wrong with paying a premium to get what you want without the annoyance of dealing with an AD. If your AD can sell that watch to a long-term customer or someone who will buy other things, that's who is likely getting the watch.

That said, I think you can likely get the watch you want for less than a 3k premium, and definitely for a lot less if you bought used.

[Kiddodoc]

AirKings are not hard to acquire compared to other references. IF you want it now then get it. I agree that you will likely not be as enamored with the AK after viewing or trying on Sub. If money is not a big issue then get the AK now and see if you can get a sub from an AD. I have an SA at my AD that has gotten me everything I have asked for but he recently told me his company is now selling a customer one professional watch per year. Kinda floored me. I have spent well over 200K with them and now I will be limited. So no AD relationship will last. Life is short and so keep that in mind.

[huba01]

Wait for sure, Airking are not hard to get