OOC, do more people buy from ADs or from other people?

[USCpaneristi]

So I've been collecting watches for about 6 years now, and I've found that over time for whatever reason I find myself buying more from other collectors than I do from ADs. Part of it is price for sure. But, a bigger part of the reason for me is also that I like to think that when you buy from/sell to other collectors that you're supporting the hobby as opposed to supporting the dealer's profit margin (granted, when you buy a Rolex part of the money goes to charity, but still...). There are obvious exceptions of course (always buy the seller not the watch, sometimes something is only available from through an AD, sometimes the AD is actually cheaper).

But still, for the most part, do you find yourselves buying from other collectors, or do you primarily go to the AD? There's no wrong answer here... just curious.

[Troy]

AD or local purchase from TRF members got my sub and polar exp.II from members here in Calgary

[deserted]

Well i bought from my AD out of chicago, my next purchase will be from off TRF I have seen some nice deals here can't wait to purchase.

[Defiancekofb]

If I knew of TRF or Timezone before hand I definitely would have purchased from a grey dealer. Just thinking about the money I would have saved instead of buying from and AD then flipping, just gives me a headache.

[kcmo]

I've bought via both methods.....prefer to save more $$$ by buying from a private individual whom I trust.

[Speed]

I bought my Omega Speedmaster Pro from an AD who gave me 30% off MSRP. However, I can't imagine paying brand new AD prices for a Rolex. Subby came from a great well-known independent seller and next Rolex will likely come from an indy guy as well!!!

[harlansmart]

Lets see, based on our experience:

AD:

High Price
Lesser Endowed w/ Knowledge
Less Friendly
Long Turn-a-Round for Regulation/Repair
Won't give you a beer/wine


Private Collector/Seller:

Lesser Price
More Knowledge Endowed
More Friendly
Immediate Fast Regulation/Repair Turn-a-Round
Will likely give you a drink

[R1@160@alltimes]

from reputable private sellers

[train-time]

Originally Posted by harlansmart

Lets see, based on our experience:

AD:

High Price
Lesser Endowed w/ Knowledge
Less Friendly
Long Turn-a-Round for Regulation/Repair
Won't give you a beer/wine


Private Collector/Seller:

Lesser Price
More Knowledge Endowed
More Friendly
Immediate Fast Regulation/Repair Turn-a-Round
Will likely give you a drink

x2

[JJ Irani]

I used to make it a habit of always buying from my local AD until I came across this great seller on TRF and his amazing prices.

The TT GMT-IIC which I have now is the first time I brought from an outside seller. No regrets at all.

JJ

[Dr.Brian]

I tend to buy watches to mark an occasion, so for most I buy new from an AD. I have a few others which are <$1000 which I bought used from a forum.
I'm trying to get out of the watch game now actually. I have a few great watches that I love, look good and fit my lifestyle and needs. The next planned purchase is a platinum watch to celebrate retirement (20 more years). Probably not a Platinum DD, but you never know.

[JBat]

I only have three mechanical watches, two Rolex and one Omega, all purchased from an AD. I have not gotten into the vintage side of things yet, but when I do I'll start buying from private sellers.

JJ, I know you just bought a new watch. Are you saying you bought it from a private indidvidual? I'm not clear on this. If I could buy a new watch from someone here, I would do so, if it would save me money and if the buying experience was good. I just didn't know that option was available.

I always figured if I wanted a new Rolex, I had to go through an authorized dealer, whether that be out of state, local or whatever.

[sakuraba]

I've never established a relationship with an AD. I always buy from independents because I believe in buying the seller. Each transaction is very personal.

Somehow I've never felt comfortable in the very sterile, cold, and impersonal environment I've experienced in ADs.

[jdc]

bought one from an AD secondhand, the other two from watch forum members, one here one not.

[padi56]

Only ever bought one Rolex from a AD and that one was a insurance replacement.As long as you do your homework on seller and can save money I would go that route every time.In reality the Rolex warranty is very seldom needed,and in many cases the grey warranty are as good or sometimes better than from AD.The most important is thing is getting a genuine watch and saving a few pounds etc.

[Gaijin]

I have bought all of my Rolex. 9 so far from an AD. My old AD in the States was good. Discounts, no sales tax, great service before and after the sale and a fully stocked bar where they would always pour me a Scotch or two while trying on Rolex. Great looking and knowledgeable sales staff. I loved the whole experience of buying at an AD!

However, now that I am not near them I will go with a trusted seller here on TRF. Looking forward to it.

[Gerardus]

Disadvantage of AD is usually the arrogance and unkindness, together with the low or no discount price.

[Desperado]

Most of important to me is the watch and its authenticity, therefore I prefer to get it from collectors/ independent sellers as long as i am comfortable and saving some $ as well

[walds11]

I buy pre-owned from other people. Let someone else take the initial hit.

[IT-guy]

Both.

[rsg]

I bought my first two Rolex from an AD and my last four from a private seller.

Here's how it works for me, I go to an AD and look at the model I'm interested in, try it on and have a nice conversation about watches. I then go home and shoot an email to my favorite private seller from TRF and let him know what I want. Within a week I get a BNIB piece from a US AD with my name on all the papers at a HUUUGE discount without even breaking a sweat.
BTW I've used this particular seller for brands other than Rolex too and had the same results.

I don't think I will ever buy from an AD again.

[BeeMee]

Bought my watches mostly from ADs. However, I never paid full retail price at the ADs. I always got at least 15% off on Rolex and bigger discounts on other brands.

From AD: Day-Date, Daytona, GMT IIC, Breitling and AP. Also wife's Bvulgari as well as a TAG, Movado, Porsche IWC, Seiko chrono and Cartier that I have given to my sons. Also a few others that I no longer have.

From gray dealer: Breguet and the Patek (recently sold) as well as wife's Ebel and her diamond dress watch.

[esm]

ADs for now. Its gotta do with my comfort level.
But who know in the future......

[ASH]

I have a real good friend that works in the major AD here in El Paso. I have bought enough from them that I am treated very well. I know that I have paid far more that I would have from a private collector. I have gotten from them some very nice perks ie: an in house no interest account, the Rolex pen, I am usually in the first three individuals to be called when something new or significant come in, I have been in after hours (and been given drinks of my choice), and I have received some pretty good discounts. I went in to buy a TT GMT IIC yesterday at a pretty good discount, and when I changed my mind to the new blue ceremic sub, he gave the same deal off a new model that was only in the case for less than a week. I am not opposed from buying from reputable collectors.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Gerardus

Disadvantage of AD is usually the arrogance and unkindness, together with the low or no discount price.

Those are pretty big disadvantages.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by rsg

I bought my first two Rolex from an AD and my last four from a private seller.

Here's how it works for me, I go to an AD and look at the model I'm interested in, try it on and have a nice conversation about watches. I then go home and shoot an email to my favorite private seller from TRF and let him know what I want. Within a week I get a BNIB piece from a US AD with my name on all the papers at a HUUUGE discount without even breaking a sweat.
BTW I've used this particular seller for brands other than Rolex too and had the same results.

I don't think I will ever buy from an AD again.

Is this a gray market purchase when you do it this way? If it is, I'm assuming the Rolex warranty is void. Just curious.

[SDDS]

mainly AD

[Gerardus]

Jbat,
but it is my personal experience and opinion and i think i am not alone in that thought.
By the way of course there are certainly good AD's.
New ones have 2 years warranty, so i do not see the problem.
When problems with the watch then to the AD

[rsg]

Originally Posted by JBat

Is this a gray market purchase when you do it this way? If it is, I'm assuming the Rolex warranty is void. Just curious.

I'm not clear on the definition of a gray dealer myself.

As far as the warranty is concerned, I have a warranty card in my name from a US AD, who's to say I didn't buy it while travelling for business? Who's to say my brother didn't buy it for me while on vacation?
When I bought my wife a Rolex from a local AD they knew it was a gift and put her name on the warranty card even though she had never been to the store.
If they hassle me about the warranty, the economics still work in my favor. Let's say I buy five watches worth $5-$10k each at a 20-30% discount and one of those watches needs service that costs me $1-2k. I'm still very much in the green.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by rsg

I'm not clear on the definition of a gray dealer myself.

As far as the warranty is concerned, I have a warranty card in my name from a US AD, who's to say I didn't buy it while travelling for business? Who's to say my brother didn't buy it for me while on vacation?
When I bought my wife a Rolex from a local AD they knew it was a gift and put her name on the warranty card even though she had never been to the store.
If they hassle me about the warranty, the economics still work in my favor. Let's say I buy five watches worth $5-$10k each at a 20-30% discount and one of those watches needs service that costs me $1-2k. I'm still very much in the green.

A "grey dealer" is a commercial seller who is not an authorized Rolex dealer. There are a number of reputable ones on the net. Do a search and you can find some.

Personaly, I have never bought from an AD. All my watches come from individuals or grey dealers. Only had one deal go bad but it didn't cost me anything. And on all my deals, I've paid anywhere from 30 - 65% below appraised value. I'm a happy camper.