GMT owners - allocation question

[Drew.rob]

GMT Master-II owner’s,

I’ve been eying the GMT Master-II VTNR and BLNR for about 2 years. I recently purchased a santos which I love, and also referred a friend to my AD who bought a watch. Just curious on whether I generally would be considered for a GMT sale eventually? I understand location matters, among other factors. I also am relatively new to this AD location because I move around for work, but used the same retailer as my previous. Been on the list since June.

Thanks. I know this is a loaded question, I’m just looking to hear personal experiences.

[G23]

If this location sells jewelry, buy some.

[Drew.rob]

Originally Posted by G23

If this location sells jewelry, buy some.

Only watches.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StocksnBlondes]

I think that should have helped you get to the top of their list for one soon.

[Polarexplorerii]

I walked into my Ad in 2020 no purchase history and asked for a 116610LN and waited 3 months. When I got the call for it I asked to be put down for a BLNR, I waited 3 yrs and got the call October 2023 with only 1 gold bracelet purchase for my wife ($500). Every one on here will have vastly different stories, it's like winning the lottery.

[brandrea]

This thread has some interesting information which may give you some hope

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Batman

[Sergio_UKR]

Depends on your AD really, but 2 years is a long wait for a non Pepsi GMT.

[Hulkhunter]

It’s very hard to say as there is so many factors.

However, as your first Rolex you are very unlikely to get offered a steel GMT.
I’d aim more towards a two tone one as that is more achievable as a first Rolex purchase and at least you would be getting the model you want.

[Carguy87]

Good luck Drew! For me I got my BLNR on jubilee as my first allocation from my AD, BUT I did buy my wife a tennis bracelet, a new wedding ring, and myself a Tudor black bay GMT before I finally got the call for it. All things I wanted, but the spend is relevant.

[rolexnerd]

The only person that can answer this question is your Sales Assistant at the AD. Each shop is different and there are many variables that come into play.

[ltmgeller]

Keep checking in with your SA. The BLNR should not be difficult to get.

[Drew.rob]

Originally Posted by Hulkhunter

It’s very hard to say as there is so many factors.

However, as your first Rolex you are very unlikely to get offered a steel GMT.
I’d aim more towards a two tone one as that is more achievable as a first Rolex purchase and at least you would be getting the model you want.

This isn’t exactly true advice. I’ve been allocated 2 Rolex’s from ADs, this isn’t my first Rolex. It’s just my first Rolex with this particular AD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SLWoodster]

I have been allocated VTNRs and BLNRs in the post-2020 period from various ADs.

The experience is pretty all over the place. Your best bet is to keep buying to continue the relationship.

The key I have found at multiple dealers is to continue to purchase something regularly. Could be 3 months, 6 months. It could be jewelry, Seiko, day dates. Can’t just be buying stuff that has market price over retail. They know. lol.Their phones are getting pushed ads on browser and social media that contain secondary market prices too.

You sound like you’re looking for some kind of assurance on what number of watches it will come in. There really isn’t. The last VTNR(2024) and BLNR(2023) I received each came with apologies that they did not have the watch that they said they would. I’m sure I received these over other people who asked. I’m also sure someone else received the daytona I asked for over me.

Just keep following up and buy if you can. You’re just really racing against demand and whatever standards your AD wants to put in place. If you work a job that has high hourly, it is almost a no brainer to go grey. If you end up getting the watch you asked for, sell one of them.

[TheVision]

Try to "bond" up with your rep..I know this sounds so low ..lol. But if u can strike a common ground with the rep to a point they start offering u other models, getting the BLNR will be much smoother.

I got my sub date in 7 weeks with no purchase history but found a nice rep who's a patient in the hospital I work in. I bought my sub last year and went back 4 months later and told her I was interested in the BLNR for my 50th next year. Last month, she texted me and offered me the rootbeer gmt that someone didnt pick up. I politely declined.

I went back to her last Friday and she was with a customer but winked at me to take a seat. I spend about 30 mins with her handling the batman, pepsi and the new grey/black gmt. She shared some stories on her doctor (whom I personally know).

Then took down my birth date for next year and said "dont worry, you'll have a nice watch to celebrate your 50th with". She even went to the length of showing me how the 3 time zones work on the gmt.

I haven't bought anything else here but planning to buy my wife a Cartier once I get allocated the gmt.

But yeah, it seems if u have a nice rep, the wait times should be LESS than a year. If more, I'd try your luck with another AD. When I was on the sub waitlist, I actually heard another rep tell a customer that they were NOT taking names for the allocation as waitlist was full and not enough stock. In the end, u could get lucky with a rep and get a gmt2 in under 6 months OR u could get ghosted for years.

[ArtNouveau]

My first two purchases from my current AD were a BLNR in late 2017 and a BLRO a year later. Some would say it was easier then and the first one was a walk in.
I think my independent AD owned Rolex only store is likely a huge advantage over your AD which sounds like a multi brand chain store which seems harder to crack.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by Drew.rob

GMT Master-II owner’s,

I’ve been eying the GMT Master-II VTNR and BLNR for about 2 years. I recently purchased a santos which I love, and also referred a friend to my AD who bought a watch. Just curious on whether I generally would be considered for a GMT sale eventually? I understand location matters, among other factors. I also am relatively new to this AD location because I move around for work, but used the same retailer as my previous. Been on the list since June.

Thanks. I know this is a loaded question, I’m just looking to hear personal experiences.

You need to buy another couple of cartiers at full MSRP to move up that list or just buy grey

[mickyd329]

It really all comes down to your relationship with your AD. I haven't had to wait much for any of my Rolex watches, but I have a 10 year relationship with my AD and have a good spend history with them. That's why I don't believe in waiting lists. I'm sure there are AD's that strictly go off of a list in order, but I think most do not. If a client they like asks for something, they will usually jump whoever is on the list.

Your previous Rolex allocations won't really factor in with your new AD. I would think you would need to establish some decent spend history with your current AD in order to get a steel GMT. Never say never, but that seems to be the norm these days. Hope you break the norm and get yours soon.

[Hulkhunter]

Originally Posted by Drew.rob

This isn’t exactly true advice. I’ve been allocated 2 Rolex’s from ADs, this isn’t my first Rolex. It’s just my first Rolex with this particular AD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It doesn’t matter what you have bought from other ADs though, it’s still your first Rolex from this AD so the point still stands.

You asked for opinions from GMT owners so I gave my opinion based from experience (I have a BLRO, BLNR and VTNR from AD).

As I said, there are many variables. You may get lucky but speaking generally, the odds aren’t in your favour. In this market, the steel GMTs are some of the few carrot pieces ADs have.

Only way to know is have conversation and put your name in the hat and wait.

Hopefully you can be one of the lucky ones!

[RoRoRo]

Here’s my journey
TT Datejust for my wife 2021
YM40 for me 2021
Starbucks for me 2022
VTNR 2024
“Promise” of Daytona 2026

A few weeks after purchase I was specific about what I wanted next. I check in every so often.
A business needs repeat custom and new custom, just ask…

[Henrimontgomery]

Got the new GRNR in a few months. Released in march, asked for it in June, got it in September.

YMMV

[huynhp108]

Been thinking of adding another GMT to the collection after gifting my Tudor GMT to my brother. My AD said that pretty much anything is available, just not the Pepsi. Sob....

[Hkspwrsche]

I got a BLRO from my AD. There was a wait.

[Hollie_Rollie]

VTNR and BLNR are two GMTs that seem to have very little interest on the used market. I don't think you would have to wait too long for either of these at an AD.

There are TONS of BLNRs from used dealers with 2024 production years and endless pages of "bump" in the FS section

[Giangos]

A WG sub got me a VTNR a year later.
You gotta pay to play. Or go grey, the delta is not really that much anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Drew.rob]

Originally Posted by Hulkhunter

It doesn’t matter what you have bought from other ADs though, it’s still your first Rolex from this AD so the point still stands.

You asked for opinions from GMT owners so I gave my opinion based from experience (I have a BLRO, BLNR and VTNR from AD).

As I said, there are many variables. You may get lucky but speaking generally, the odds aren’t in your favour. In this market, the steel GMTs are some of the few carrot pieces ADs have.

Only way to know is have conversation and put your name in the hat and wait.

Hopefully you can be one of the lucky ones!

Thanks for the reply. To provide some context, I was offered a no date sub and a James Cameron deepsea, both from different ADs, both under a 4 month wait. I understand my purchase history does not transfer. I’m just saying it’s not exactly what you cracked it to be. But, GMT is more desirable and each AD plays the game differently, so I hear you and respect your prospective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TickTockChuck]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

Depends on your AD really, but 2 years is a long wait for a non Pepsi GMT.

I'm at 4 years for a Batman (I'm almost at the point where I just don't care anymore...ha!), but we only have one AD who has a monopoly on any watch brand selling over $1k. Unfortunately you have to play the "build a relationship" game (they drop hints, but I won't bite). I've had more luck dealing with watch stores outside of my area. Suggest you shop around and don't pin all your hopes on one dealer. Let's face it, waiting lists are works of fiction. Good luck to the OP in the hunt. Cheers.

[bestkepttime]

A massive variable honestly. I had a wait of 3 years for a pepsi but got two Daytonas before including a SS, but got a batman from another AD after only one other rolex purchase of a YM40 blue dial.

[mmbiker]

I bought diamond rings, rolex(s) and Tudor to get one BLNR....

[Lceltic]

If you are local to that AD you should get it in 3 months to a year. My sales rep who no longer works for Rolex said you will need to visit the store every month. If you are out of sight then you are out of mind to the AD. When you walk through that door your sales rep should know your name and what is on your wish list without having to look it up.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Yes, you generally would be considered for a GMT sale eventually.