I was thinking of applying for a sales position at Rolex. All I have to do is look arrogant, and say “it’s for display only” and “we have the Datejust and Yacht-Master II available” easy job.
When people ask me why I bought such an expensive watch I tell them to each his own. Some people buy expensive motorcycles, cars, or other jewelry. I have always wanted a Rolex and bought my one and only sub mariner 25 years ago. Last year it quit working and I sent it in for its first ever service. Works as good as new now and the AD that was responsible for sending it in for service told me it’s now worth fives times what I paid for it. Not a bad investment in my eyes. Nothing else I own has appreciated like my Rolex. Won’t sell it ever but will pass it on to one of my children. I’m on the “list” supposedly for a new one but I don’t hold out hope that I will ever be called. Rolex is creating a false scarcity (lack of supply) issue with the watches to keep prices high. They wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t working for them. Same principle with diamonds. There is no true scarcity of diamonds. Just a highly controlled market by the diamond cartels. It’s all part of the “mystique” which we all buy into.
I wanted to buy a rolex for a long time. Travelled to 8 stores in 8 countries couldnt even get on a list. I had the money, got tired of the games and didnt want to pay a reseller. What a shame. I only wanted one watch to own and wear every day until I died. I got over trying and I will never buy one. Now I have a second hand omega. Its great. Probably wear it forever. It should have been a rokex but i stopped caring about it three yeats ago. Now I dont even look at the stores.
It’s so frustrating to be a fan of Rolex. I went into my AD three years ago for a submariner date and/or Daytona and after the three years was up, I still didn’t have one. The sales lady I initially met with never helped me and then retired. Now I’m told I have to start the whole process over again. I’ve never wanted to spend $15k+ more in my life. For the first time I’m considering moving away from the brand.
Literally got a Wimbledon 41 jubilee from my AD 5 months after meeting them. After I bought that I waited 7 months went there to look at jewelry. Told the sales person I had the money in a special account for the blue two tone sub. 7 minutes after I left they called me back to sell me the watch.
It’s frustrating I know. It’s why so many are moving away from Rolex. I ended up buying my Pepsi from a grey market reseller and paid a hefty premium. I justified it because I got a huge bonus at work, but really it left a sour taste in my mouth. But it’s a treasured watch of mine and I’ll never part with it. I bought it around the birth of my son and one day it will be his. But 🤫 don’t tell him 😂 I also have two Tudors and I feel I’ll probably buy more Tudor and not Rolex in the future. They have a similar feel albeit inferior in quality, and but enjoy wearing them.
In done with Rolex, here’s my bs experience with the AD, after I bought 2 Tudors y asked for a explorer 2, I got the polar a month after i requested , 6 months later a I asked for a datejust rolesor and they said we have one right now so I got it , then the bs started , I went to buy a gift for my wife a set of jewelry and they said if you buy that we’ll sell you a Starbucks, I got it, after a few months I got a call , they were offering me a Daytona , either a panda or a white gold one , but only if i bought a full gold JLC, said no , later I bought a necklace and got offered as a convo a batgirl. 4 Rolex after the AD still wouldn’t sell me anything unless I bought another bs watch they can’t sell or 10k worth of jewelry, now that’s blackmail so f Rolex , after 4 watches I still could by anything with out that bundle stuff
You made some interesting statements. I have 3 Rolex watches, the first was used in 1991, (S/G Datejust) I bought from my first bonus. The next was new 2008 (Explorer II) and the 3rd (S/G Submariner) was new 2017. At those times it was walk in, know what I wanted, bought it, walked out with it. I did not have to finance because to me, if I have to finance a watch, I can't afford it. All were from different stores in 2 different countries. A 4th Rolex I bought for my wife (S/G Datejust with diamonds) last year, again, a different store. I bought a Speedmaster from them and we talked about getting a Rolex for my wife. It was clear to me they were checking us out and said I could put in an order for the watch. We went back a week later to get the Speedmaster bracelet adjusted, and I brought up about my order for my wife's watch. Lo and behold, they said "just a minute" and got it from out back. I love watches, I've never sold one, I buy them to keep. They are a reflection/reminder of an event in my life.
Very nice! I understand and appreciate your purchases. The Speedster is, to me, by far the best watch you own. Followed by the Explorer ll, ..I much prefer the polar (white) dial. ..especially since yours is the 40mm before they increased the size of the case to 42mm in 2011 and became to big. I own several big watches but I think they messed I came across an older Explorer ll white dial in San Fran from a dealers vintage case with some scratches and aged dial and such. I really liked it! The only Rolex I like and from a time when they were still cool.
Here in london 20 years ago it was mega easy, rolex's that were 5 years old would be stuck on a shelf and the premiums would be gone making the price way cheaper, fast forward to now some AD's even look at your CV to check if you are the real deal, its ridiculous
Astonishing to hear they're paying so little in such an expensive area and doing that kind of volume. I work at an AD in a suburban area and sold just over $900k last year. I've been there 3 years and made just about $60k
@@tosinn364 I know of a store 45min away that supposedly pays a bit more, but I'm currently less than 5min away from work. I like my schedule as well. It's not worth leaving. Also 60k where I live isn't a bad wage. My wife makes about the same and we're by no means loaded but we don't really worry about bills and have a comfortable life. This job just makes me look rich because I've got tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry, but most of that I got for free.
@@VectorSearch The only other jewelry store in the general area that would be worth working at and pay more would be 45min away. I'm currently about 5min away and have a good schedule. It's not worth it. I'm in an area where that's a descent wage. My wife makes about the same, and we're by no means loaded but we don't worry about bills and live comfortably. The tens of thousands of dollars I've accumulated in jewelry make me look rich, but most of it was free.
Yeah…….. I’m a truck driver at the post office and I did not “wanna look rich” lol It’s people out here who just love to wear good and/or great quality watches, who treat themselves after certain successes, who are collectors. Not to take it there but as a black man from an urban area most of us aren’t left with homes, jewelry, furs, designer bags, shoot most of us don’t even have insurance policies. It’s definitely people who do it the right way.
I bought the same watch in 2014 for less than MSRP. The Ad offerred me a Hulk at a discount at the time but I thought "who would want a stupid green watch?" ugh. He even showed me how nicely the dial changed colour in the light. Big mistake, but at least my black sub has held it value nicely.
Now in my '70's, lusted after the Presidential Day Date in the '1960's and loved the brand. I became a true horological fan during the Pandemic and became very interested in other brands, simply because Rolex was so difficult to get. In a way I'm thankful nature took me to other manufacturers with equal or better movements. Even revolutionary movements like GS spring drive! Fascinating Hobby.
The last thing you said will really stick with me. Middle class people are buying and aspiring to this brand. This is also consistent with the comments on your first video. The only thing affluent consumers really care about is differentiating themselves from the middle class. Even if that means not caring at all. Rolex is a middle class brand.
@@g43654 Real rich people buy books, stocks, and rental properties and drive 10 year old cars. Nothing you would ever notice. People trying to look rich buy watches or jewelry.
@@hawaiihardy7285 Cool. Any idea how often they'd get pieces like the Explorer 36? Were they more common or not as common? Sorry for all the questions, the whole process is fascinating (and frustrating)
Bought my first new Rolex at Rolex in Wailea. The manager turned me away the day before but a very nice salesperson the next day got permission to sell me a Datejust 41. It was a great experience. She was a pleasure to deal with.
First of all, amazing follow up from your first video, bravo sir. Second, I am not sure if you remember me, I told you the story about the black, sub date that I was waitlisted for last year and they never got back to me. Well great news, after a few short days the rep is getting me my watch this week. I actually made a good connection with the rep as we are from the same city/state, our parents live in the same city (once they move from our home state), we were both in the service, and we are both nerds for GoT, LoTR, Etc. He was so genuine and up front with me and even offered me the new Bruce Wayne GMT and I hadn't even picked up my sub yet! He said the sub he was showing me is actually mine, he just has to get the final approval from his manager to release it to me. Thanks again for all your help!
Great Video! I watched your Part 1 video and decided to take your advice! Our 30th wedding anniversary was coming up and we decided to visit our local AD. It worked! I was offered a DateJust to purchase! I think the keys are to be a nice guy, be sincere with your intentions and treat your sales associate with respect. Thanks again for the fine video.
I must be an exception to the rule. I walked in to my local AD and had no purchase history. I talked to the salesperson and they asked why I was in the store. I told them that I had been saving up for years to buy my first Rolex. Walked out with my first luxury watch. Probably won’t be getting another one anytime soon, but I had no idea that it was THIS bad.
Had a recent trip to a Rolex AD and flat out the sales agent told me they didn't have any OPs and that they hadn't gotten any deliveries for months and wouldn't get any for several more months because Rolex was not shipping them any. Lying to my face. It's hard to "get on the list" when you live several hours away from the AD. I wouldn't characterize all Rolex customers as clueless about how the watch works. There are those of us out there that know how to set a watch, how to read a manual, and what Rolex movements are in what Rolex models.
Love the ending. Something I which I knew all along. Most people who buy these watches are the ones who can barely afford them. No different than departmental store employees saving up to buy a Louis Vuitton bag with their annual savings at the end of the year
I waited over two years to get a Sprite GMT, I stopped in usually every month and tagged the AD a few times over the years. Don’t give a list of watches you want, find the watch you really really want and laser focus on that. I wear the Sprite every day, they are great quality watches and I use it every day.
I bought a 2023 Rolex and very happy about it. They don’t hesitate to give me one. Surely checked me. I’m a professional. ♥️♥️♥️ I truely was a genuine buyer; they were very happy with us. I’m wearing right now at home and proud of it. Lucky me ❤❤❤
Watched this and pt 1. It's great to hear from someone on "the inside". I'm echoing the frustration felt by many that want to buy a watch. As much as I'd like to buy a brand new model (the models I have are discontinued and were bought 2nd hand), I give up on trying.
Here are my questions: do you get any discount working as a Rolex representative, especially as an assistant manager? Any perks? Can you buy a watch you have been allocated to sell? Who decides which watches you have to sell (from a shipment, does the store manager hands out watches in random)? How do you decide which client to call? Do you have to ask for approval on every sale, even though you have been allocated that watch to sell?
Yes there is an employee discount, however you have to be employed with Rolex for 1 year . I only worked 8 months so I didn’t qualify. Once you passed your 1 year you can put in an order for your favorite Rolex, but then still have to a wait a few more months to get it . Inventory cokes from Rolex , we don’t have major influence of what comes in . However we can order a few special request watches for vip clients . Takes a wile to get them . Approvals get pre screened by the Manager and Then presented to the District manager for final approval. We have so many potential clients that we always sell what little inventory comes in . Good luck
Thanks for the video. I deal with many wealthy people in real estate and I would say almost most wear Rolexes with the occasional AP or Patek. Everyone buys Rolex…middle class, upper middle class and rich. They are timeless and appeal to everyone.
Exactly. People thinking every class does this or that. There’s poor who wear them to the Uber wealthy… I mean some sell for $90k. That’s not an average joes watch. That’s a top baller who just wanted to to add to his collection I wish people who stop trying to categorize people. I’m rich and I buy rich ass things 😂. I know other rich people who buy target and ones who have 40 million yachts…. There is no one size fits all………….
I don't want to look rich. I just think Rolex watches are so easy to wear, have a rich history, fun, sparkly, durable and precisely made, which tickle my OCD brain all the right ways. JLC is my other favourite brand.
7:54 Doesn’t surprise me one bit. I used to work in the self storage industry and it was in that business that I learned what a homeless person really looks like. The people you see outside living on the sidewalks of LA and Hollywood are there because they want to be. They have access to all kinds of welfare services. Food, medical, Rx drugs, housing etc. They are there because they want to be. Those people were actually some of my best paying customers. Always paid on time and sometimes months in advance. They all paid in cash and many paid in one dollar bills. They followed all the rules. Many told me they just liked living that way and people always wanted to give them money because of the way the looked. They weren’t going to turn down someone one handing them free money. The people who came in with Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi’s, etc. Always acting like a big shot were usually the people who were behind on rent got there stuff auctioned off and were the ones I would catch living inside storage units because they had lost it all. The cars repossessed, the house was lost. They had nowhere to go. They lost everything. The majority of it went down hill for them when they lost their job due to a lay off but where so much in debt that they had no way of climbing out of the hole. They were in to deep. Many had to much pride in asking for help and that’s what lead them down that path. I would pass them info about local public services available to them but again many had to much pride to ask for help even though they had been paying into the systems when they were working. 😔
Will you do a part 3? If yes, I have some questions. Is the demand down in the last year and a half? Is inventory stockpilling ever a thing at Rolex ADs?
lol Rolex isn't a brand to look rich. the super rich wear hand crafted pieces from the holy trinity/independent or just don't care. Rolex is mostly tied to an achievement in my opinion. Oh I finally got a job promotion I always wanted. 10 years sober, my kid was born, I finally run my own company so it makes sense it's middleclass/upper class. Its a do it all watch that's a reward for success. I believe that's how Rolex always marketed. That's not to say there aren't people who strictly do that to appear "successful" and don't know movements or models etc. People do be crazy and you would def know better so i'll take your word lol.
@@Ross-fo2vw The super rich don't wear watches. If they do, it's a $30 casio, $300 garmin running watch, or $500 Apple watch that monitors their blood pressure. They have 2 or 3 personal assistants to tell them what time it is.
@@Ross-fo2vw This. I was a bit surprised when he said that. Of course regularish people wear them, it's Rolex, not Patek. Wait "list" BS aside, the price points for the Steel models are still attainable for individuals/households who make a couple hundred thousand per year. That's objectively quite good money, but it's not yacht level passive income wealthy.
I called ahead nearly 3 months in advance a couple years ago, and Alberto at the Whaler's Village store hooked me up while he still there! It made my vacation. Who did you sell stainless Daytonas to?
I was treated with borderline disrespect by an AD in Vancouver (guessing wrong nationality). While in Toronto I met with a lovely Rolex sales lady in an AD and 8 months later got a call from her for a gorgeous Skydweller. Flew in the next day and was treated like royalty in the store. As great as the SD is, I have a super new friend. Will never forget the wonderful experience in the Toronto.😀
Howzit! I left Oahu in 2022 after 15 years, had to go. 🥴 got 2 Datejusts from the AD on Kalakaua (Tourneau). Was always staring at watches... Still do. 😊
Total honesty from inside the Crown! Much appreciated. Out of curiosity, what does the Account Manager that works for Rolex earn annually? Since the watches literally sell themselves, what is the Account Manager's responsibilities working for Rolex?
Average salary for account managers was 150-175k annually. They would visit frequently, inspect the stores and share training time , new release Information and promotions.
Exhibition are sold as brand new pieces as well and sometimes converted to walk in purchase pieces. Along with sometimes being allocated to fullfill request.
I've been waiting 3 years for a BLNR with a spend history of $25k. Went in last week and the saleswoman told me I'd have to wait 4 years because i was only added to 'the list' 1 month ago. I went in again a few days later and spoke to a different salesperson and they said that they refresh the lists from time to time but that doesnt mean I fall to the bottom of the list. I added the OP 36mm Tiffany to my list which i was told could take 6 months to a year. Hopefully get a call soon
Did you ever get allocation to purchase one for yourself or a friend/family member? If you were allocated an opportunity to buy, could you buy any model? Was there ever a discount offered to employees?
Yes there is an employee discount available, but only after 1 year of employment, I did not stay that long, Employees were not able to order Daytonas or Skydweller.
Value seems to be different from one person to another. You mentioned you had to quit for personal reasons. I pray that whatever that was has closure, peace and healing. Wow thanks for those amazing insights on your journey through the company.
I was lucky to buy a watch on my first visit. A datejust 41mm. I guess the AD took a generous liking to me or it was just my time. Mainly bought it to be passed on to my son. What will be my odds of buying an upgrade to what I have in that store?
@ Two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to buy that model with only a two-day wait. However, I had to travel overseas on that day, and the salesperson didn’t allow me to place a deposit to secure it. I am so disappointed.
Top 1% don’t give a crap about Rolex. They buy Patek etc. look at the price point, almost anyone that makes decent money can save up for a Rolex if that’s what they wanted. Personally I never even looked into the brand until a friend dragged me into a store. Tried on a few of the sports models and began looking into the history of the brand and got interested. Ended up buying a Sub and GMT. I’m also interested in the explorer 2 one day. I’m far from wealthy and just like the watches. I’m also not someone who tries to look wealthy as I drive a modest car and live in a modest home.
Wow have times changed. In 2004 I walked into a Jared’s in Brandon, Florida who use to be an AD. I was wearing a ratty sweatshirt and sweatpants because I had been cleaning all day. I ran out of time and rushed to the store to buy a watch for my husband. 30 minutes later I walked out with a brand new Submariner and it was $5,100.00. It’s mind blowing listening to this.
In 2000 my wife and I went to upsize her engagement ring. While waiting I went to the Rolex display. The sales person talked me into trying a few on. The case was full of watches, subs, Daytonas, and many more. Long story short, my wife got the ring she wanted and I got talked into a Submariner. I wore that watch daily until 2017 when I had it serviced for the first time. It’s now in the safe and will be gifted to my son at some point. Best purchase I have ever made.
Hawaii ADs may be different, but ADs in my area "encourage" you to buy gold/silver to move up the list. The commission on jewelry is much higher, usually like 6% Also, agree with you on middle class folks buying Rolex's. The richest people I know, folks that own their own businesses or run public companies all wear Apple watches oddly enough
I have 5 Rolex..2 gifts from my parents: wedding and medical degree, other 3 got myself from same AD for life accomplishments. Before Covid hype, it was somewhat easy, the first Rolex 2009 parents got $700 discount,,, 😅.. still have the receipt. Strangely, now it seems more rewarding, more genuine, the waiting, the journey, the Internet scrolling of the time piece you want, then getting that call from AD… memory 💯.. for me, nothing else but the Crown for sentimental value. the high quality craftsmanship and timeless design is just unmatched. Continue to keep in touch with your AD, and be realistic with your request, be patient, you’ll get the call. Cheers! Great video.
I would disagree about the characterization of who buys/owns Rolex - however it’s perhaps more subtle. To someone fairly wealthy - a $10k submariner is not a big deal - but they may still like the watch because it is rugged, and attractive. And it will last a very long time and can be passed down from one generation to the next. To someone making $200k a year, that same submariner will be a huge status symbol. The rich person can afford a Nautilus or a Royal Oak - which are generally much more refined than Rolex - but less recognizable to most people. But if I’m just going to a bar with my mates or taking kids to playground, I’d probably rather wear the sub or a g-shock, regardless how much money I have. Not trying to impress anyone. Not everything is about displaying your wealth. Believe it or not, some people prefer to NOT display their wealth.
Amazing inside info. Thank you. Though I wanted a Rolex sometime back, I am no longer interested. A watch is a watch. What's point in waiting and going through all this pain to get a Rolex. There are other amazing brands out there.
I was born and raised on Oahu our family were family friends with a local AD and my Father was heavy into Rolex this was in the early 80's into the 90's back then blank papers were the norm and a stainless Daytona was under 3,500 in 88 simpler times. Back then the Japanese tourists wanted every Rolex they could get.
Eye opening. I went to my first dealer yesterday then saw this. The process you described is exactly what I went through. Bummer. I’m not a flipper. At least what I want is available online…
My 1st Rolex was a Ladies 26mm Datejust that I found at the outlet mall parking lot on S. Las Vegas Blvd back in 1996. I took it to a jewelry store to make sure it was authentic which it was, waited for a while then packaged it up and sent to my friends wife as a gift for being nice to me by opening their home while I had no other place to go.
Very interesting videos! I live in Canada and there are 3 Rolex ADs near me. They all sell other brands and jewelry. One of the ADs took my info down a couple of years ago on an iPad but never contacted me. At another AD I managed to buy a stainless steel Datejust with no purchase history 3 years ago. I then bought a pen and a women’s necklace. When I went back last year they offered me a Yachtmaster 40 blue dial which I bought. Both of these ADs told me it helps when you buy other brands and items. I think it also helps if you walk in wearing a nice watch as it can start a conversation with the sales rep and show you are a collector.
@@davyraoa few years ago that wasn’t the case but now yes. When I bought my 1st Rolex you could walk in and buy a Datejust 41 or 36 and maybe a less desired two tone sports model
Thanks for telling the Hawaiian market situation of Rolex. Where I live in HK and Asia is even more crazy where Rolex is like a normal watch such as seiko. It is impossible to buy from dealership because i think they sell it to 2nd hand market to flip more money from it. I had to buy a Rolex from after market shop at a crazy premium.
I remember a long long time ago we could just walk in to an AD and walk out with a brand new watch at a discount as steep as 12% off the RRP. It was fun shopping around to see which AD offered the highest discount. Today i just read an article on how to suck up to the sales people at the AD in order to get bumped up the waiting list and i was totally outraged! Whatever happened to the customer is king? Now i hv to kowtow to the people making a commission from my purchase? No way!
Thank you for sharing. My District manager told me that back in those days sales were less because there was so much inventory available and there was no urgency to buy . Discounts nowadays?? Never .
@@hawaiihardy7285 I should be clear, he and his wife walked in. Both were gone within 10 minutes. Only other watches I’ve ever been offered were the Las Vegas AD and both were $40k models. I have a pretty good relationship with my local guy and he’s after that BLRN for me but I suspect you’re correct that he has to wait his turn. They have 6 display model GMT masters in this store and 3 more at the other location. Crazy how hard it is to buy one.
The majority of people who are purchasing luxury items are middle class, not all want the attention of looking rich. Mostly like myself are saving hard earned money to purchase a Rolex as treat to oneself, an inspiration that iam at the right pathway to success. Rich people doesn't care because their energy are more focused on becoming more rich, and for some of them, they forgot the joy of saving a hard earned money and purchased something valuable and expensive bec for them in a snap they can have this Rolex
A salesperson at Thomas Markle Jewelers, a Rolex AD in Texas, told me the same thing. The salesperson told me they tell prospective customers they have to buy the watch with a wire transfer or cash as a way to filter out flippers as most of them use credit cards. They do take credit cards however.
@@tex24 If you are a new customer, they may tell you they do not take credit cards and they require cash payment (wire). I was informed they do this to filter out flippers who are often using credit cards and do not necessarily have the cash to buy watches.
Great insight! I’ve been on my AD list for a Submariner for over 2 years with monthly checkins with the salesman and keep getting the “hopefully later this year” regarding the status. Am I low on his priority list? I’ve purchased about $15K in watches from other brands in the past two years so they know I’m a serious buyer. Thanks again!
The thing that always had me wondering is why a person who had worked so hard to get the cash together who must have been pretty aggresive in order to earn that money would suddenly turn into a whimpering sniveller begging a guy who makes $25 an hour to sell him a watch.. It makes zero sense to me. And the guy making $25 is not looked down on by me because when i was starting out i did that too and was glad to get it. I am an old guy now and i have accumilated a couple of million . Never in all of my years would i ever have bowed down to anyone who tried to lower my self esteem by trying to make me beg for anything. Not a chance! Some peo0le inherited the money but i dont relate to them anyway. If a guy was showing me his Rolex i would ask him where he got it. If he said gray market i might respect that, but if he said it was an AD and that he had to go on a waiting list to beg for one then absolutely zero respect. Thats just wormy to me.
Question from one Hawaii local to another - how much of your business was local and how much was tourist traffic? And since spend history is a factor, how would a tourist be able to scoop up a Rolex, aside from being at the right place at the right time as mentioned in your video? Is there some kind of spend history database of customers shared by ADs?
It was 60% tourists and 40% locals . We always tried hard to take care of our kamaaina at our Maui store . Go say Hi , talk story . The market has changed for the better , your chances are good to get one . Good luck
Thanks for posting this follow-up - while you provide a lot of great information I think the best tip I heard was when you described the typical Rolex buyer - someone who really isn’t that rich but wants to impress his friends and look rich. This is what makes Rolex so popular - sure it’s a good watch but is it really so much better than other brands? Safe to say it isn’t, but that doesn’t matter to the typical Rolex buyer who doesn’t know anything about movements or to how operate or take care of his watch. He just cares about his rich he looks with it.
It's a silly game to play to get high-end watches. I don't play it as I'd rather spend time more effectively. However, thanks to the little market you can usually make money when you want to sell a unit later. That's definitely a plus!
how can you be sure that you purchased a real authentic Rolex - I purchased one today - I ended up paying 1800 MORE than retail for a Sub made 10/2024 - I am afraid to really check...
Thank you so much for this informative video, keep it up with part 3! I have couple of questions, is black stainless steel Daytona a bit easier to get than the Panda, or is it pretty much the same? Also, would you recommend Rolex Datejust blue ref 126334 on an oyster bracelet over the jubilee?
Are the rules the same for overseas Rolex stores? Rolex Cebu City told me they get only get deliveries from January thru June, and inventory gets sold quickly
Thanks for the insights & mahalo! As an enthusiast, I’ve been lucky enough to have been offered a few Rolex watches over the years, and they are incredible pieces, but the Rolex AD games are so frustrating. There’s so many other great brands out there like Omega, Grand Seiko, & JLC that can be purchased without the hassle. The past few years have me on the verge of moving on from Rolex for good. IMO, many of the AD’s out there have permanently damaged the brand’s reputation. Thanks again for the video!
could you elaborate a bit more around the content of the shipments please? did they contain a mix of various kinds of watches? for example, how many hot pieces did you receive a month roughly? thanks
Yes every week we get a mix of different models. Mostly Datejust and Submariner. Once a Month we got the hot models like Daytona, GMT, like Sprite and Batman, and some Day Date. Good luck
wow amazing insights, i really appreciate it to hear it as it is. i dont think you damage the brand at all, it is actually refreshing to get answers to questions that one always wonders. rolex still remains rolex, but its great to hear it from inside, many thanks
this is why i never bother with rolex ADs, it's humiliating. buying from flippers and paying 50-100% over retails is fine, what matters i'm treated like a human being for my cash. i'm dropping 50k, i won't beg for a product. i expect respect and service. and i don't need a poorly paid service sales person to be my friend. nothing personal.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights into Rolex ADs. There are lots of us wanna be customers with the cash waiting to buy a dream Rolex watch but we are getting increasingly frustrated with how they play games with us.
I used to feel lucky to get a Rolex at retail. I now buy much cheaper watches that I enjoy even more because they’re less stressful to obtain and afford.
Is it posssible to buy the OP for a first time buyer? (Non-tiffany)? I know djs are more readily available though and perhaps the OP is just luck at that point unless you are a repeat customer?
Thanks for the video it was very informative. I did go to an AD and talked with a rep and currently stay in touch with her. I have always seen and heard of the brand and now at 70 I'm able to afford the watch I want and I have the means, and so I am waiting for a Day Date that I want. I just purchased a Classic 1926 Tudor and love it and I may go back and get the 2024 Black Bay or GMT..from the rep I'm dealing with .
Cool video series. I bought my Sub in 2018, Etihad Towers location in Abu Dhabi. I was celebrating a professional achievement. I waited about 4 months to get it. I like the Sub because it looks like million other watches to the general public. Now and then someone with a good eye will comment “nice watch”. But it’s a generally understated piece. No regrets.
I was thinking of applying for a sales position at Rolex. All I have to do is look arrogant, and say “it’s for display only” and “we have the Datejust and Yacht-Master II available” easy job.
😂👌🏽
"You want fries with that?"
Ha yes must be the easiest sales person job there is. You know, where you actually don't sell anything.
We have a two tone 31mm ladies date just.
@@solidstream13 with a ton of diamonds of course
When people ask me why I bought such an expensive watch I tell them to each his own. Some people buy expensive motorcycles, cars, or other jewelry. I have always wanted a Rolex and bought my one and only sub mariner 25 years ago. Last year it quit working and I sent it in for its first ever service. Works as good as new now and the AD that was responsible for sending it in for service told me it’s now worth fives times what I paid for it. Not a bad investment in my eyes. Nothing else I own has appreciated like my Rolex. Won’t sell it ever but will pass it on to one of my children. I’m on the “list” supposedly for a new one but I don’t hold out hope that I will ever be called. Rolex is creating a false scarcity (lack of supply) issue with the watches to keep prices high. They wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t working for them. Same principle with diamonds. There is no true scarcity of diamonds. Just a highly controlled market by the diamond cartels. It’s all part of the “mystique” which we all buy into.
I wanted to buy a rolex for a long time. Travelled to 8 stores in 8 countries couldnt even get on a list. I had the money, got tired of the games and didnt want to pay a reseller. What a shame. I only wanted one watch to own and wear every day until I died. I got over trying and I will never buy one. Now I have a second hand omega. Its great. Probably wear it forever. It should have been a rokex but i stopped caring about it three yeats ago. Now I dont even look at the stores.
Respect.
What’s the most and least likely model to get first visit. I would love an Explorer. Not to look rich, but to look like an old school mountaineer 😂
Why would you not buy a secondhand Rolex, but you would buy a secondhand Omega? The OMEGA reseller is good and a Rolex reseller is bad ?
So sad to hear you died. How did it happen?
Feel the same way about Rolex. Bought a Seamaster about 6 months ago. Very happy with my purchase. Best to You & Yours.
Hi, I’m enjoying this series of videos offering a view into the world of authorized dealers. Please keep the stories coming. 👍
Thank you very much. Will do 🤙🏽
It’s so frustrating to be a fan of Rolex. I went into my AD three years ago for a submariner date and/or Daytona and after the three years was up, I still didn’t have one. The sales lady I initially met with never helped me and then retired. Now I’m told I have to start the whole process over again. I’ve never wanted to spend $15k+ more in my life. For the first time I’m considering moving away from the brand.
Wow, three years is a long time.
Literally got a Wimbledon 41 jubilee from my AD 5 months after meeting them. After I bought that I waited 7 months went there to look at jewelry. Told the sales person I had the money in a special account for the blue two tone sub. 7 minutes after I left they called me back to sell me the watch.
Try going to a different ad , I had a terrible experience with one in Tampa Florida. Then moved to Colorado they hook it up out here!
Spent 2 years on the wait list for my GMT Master 2 in Tulsa OK before I hit the call last November.
It’s frustrating I know. It’s why so many are moving away from Rolex. I ended up buying my Pepsi from a grey market reseller and paid a hefty premium. I justified it because I got a huge bonus at work, but really it left a sour taste in my mouth. But it’s a treasured watch of mine and I’ll never part with it. I bought it around the birth of my son and one day it will be his. But 🤫 don’t tell him 😂
I also have two Tudors and I feel I’ll probably buy more Tudor and not Rolex in the future. They have a similar feel albeit inferior in quality, and but enjoy wearing them.
In done with Rolex, here’s my bs experience with the AD, after I bought 2 Tudors y asked for a explorer 2, I got the polar a month after i requested , 6 months later a I asked for a datejust rolesor and they said we have one right now so I got it , then the bs started , I went to buy a gift for my wife a set of jewelry and they said if you buy that we’ll sell you a Starbucks, I got it, after a few months I got a call , they were offering me a Daytona , either a panda or a white gold one , but only if i bought a full gold JLC, said no , later I bought a necklace and got offered as a convo a batgirl. 4 Rolex after the AD still wouldn’t sell me anything unless I bought another bs watch they can’t sell or 10k worth of jewelry, now that’s blackmail so f Rolex , after 4 watches I still could by anything with out that bundle stuff
Wow s Sorry ! Thank you for sharing!
You made some interesting statements. I have 3 Rolex watches, the first was used in 1991, (S/G Datejust) I bought from my first bonus. The next was new 2008 (Explorer II) and the 3rd (S/G Submariner) was new 2017. At those times it was walk in, know what I wanted, bought it, walked out with it. I did not have to finance because to me, if I have to finance a watch, I can't afford it. All were from different stores in 2 different countries. A 4th Rolex I bought for my wife (S/G Datejust with diamonds) last year, again, a different store. I bought a Speedmaster from them and we talked about getting a Rolex for my wife. It was clear to me they were checking us out and said I could put in an order for the watch. We went back a week later to get the Speedmaster bracelet adjusted, and I brought up about my order for my wife's watch. Lo and behold, they said "just a minute" and got it from out back. I love watches, I've never sold one, I buy them to keep. They are a reflection/reminder of an event in my life.
Awesome thank you for sharing
Very nice! I understand and appreciate your purchases. The Speedster is, to me, by far the best watch you own. Followed by the Explorer ll, ..I much prefer the polar (white) dial. ..especially since yours is the 40mm before they increased the size of the case to 42mm in 2011 and became to big. I own several big watches but I think they messed I came across an older Explorer ll white dial in San Fran from a dealers vintage case with some scratches and aged dial and such. I really liked it! The only Rolex I like and from a time when they were still cool.
That would be Speedmaster of course,....damn autocorrect spelling!
Thank you for sharing you experiences working for an AD. Very educational.
Here in london 20 years ago it was mega easy, rolex's that were 5 years old would be stuck on a shelf and the premiums would be gone making the price way cheaper, fast forward to now some AD's even look at your CV to check if you are the real deal, its ridiculous
Astonishing to hear they're paying so little in such an expensive area and doing that kind of volume. I work at an AD in a suburban area and sold just over $900k last year. I've been there 3 years and made just about $60k
Thanks for sharing
No way you guys make 60k. That’s sounds so unbelievable
@@tosinn364 I know of a store 45min away that supposedly pays a bit more, but I'm currently less than 5min away from work. I like my schedule as well. It's not worth leaving. Also 60k where I live isn't a bad wage. My wife makes about the same and we're by no means loaded but we don't really worry about bills and have a comfortable life.
This job just makes me look rich because I've got tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry, but most of that I got for free.
60k seems very low
@@VectorSearch The only other jewelry store in the general area that would be worth working at and pay more would be 45min away. I'm currently about 5min away and have a good schedule. It's not worth it. I'm in an area where that's a descent wage. My wife makes about the same, and we're by no means loaded but we don't worry about bills and live comfortably. The tens of thousands of dollars I've accumulated in jewelry make me look rich, but most of it was free.
I needed this video for the last bit “those wanting to look rich”. That put it in perspective for me - why do I really want this?
It's was a stupid assumption by the op initally and doubly stupid for you.
Yeah…….. I’m a truck driver at the post office and I did not “wanna look rich” lol It’s people out here who just love to wear good and/or great quality watches, who treat themselves after certain successes, who are collectors. Not to take it there but as a black man from an urban area most of us aren’t left with homes, jewelry, furs, designer bags, shoot most of us don’t even have insurance policies. It’s definitely people who do it the right way.
I always enjoy hearing the inside info on how the business model works. I agree. Upper middle class are buying most of these watches.
thank you for your honesty, great insight into the Rolex marketing machine
I bought my Sub Date 116610LN in 2012 at the grey market. Price was 14 % below retail. I think those times will come again sooner or later.
I bought the same watch in 2014 for less than MSRP. The Ad offerred me a Hulk at a discount at the time but I thought "who would want a stupid green watch?" ugh. He even showed me how nicely the dial changed colour in the light. Big mistake, but at least my black sub has held it value nicely.
Love the stories! Please share more! Got my first rolex from my AD last year and its been slightly over a year and waiting for my next piece!
Now in my '70's, lusted after the Presidential Day Date in the '1960's and loved the brand. I became a true horological fan during the Pandemic and became very interested in other brands, simply because Rolex was so difficult to get. In a way I'm thankful nature took me to other manufacturers with equal or better movements. Even revolutionary movements like GS spring drive! Fascinating Hobby.
The last thing you said will really stick with me. Middle class people are buying and aspiring to this brand. This is also consistent with the comments on your first video.
The only thing affluent consumers really care about is differentiating themselves from the middle class. Even if that means not caring at all. Rolex is a middle class brand.
Yup, it's affordable luxury. Rich people start out with Patek, VC, AP or Richard Mille.
Nothing wrong with being middle-class. Middle-class in America can mean that you are very successful.
That's why the rich waste their money on RM.
@@g43654 Real rich people buy books, stocks, and rental properties and drive 10 year old cars. Nothing you would ever notice. People trying to look rich buy watches or jewelry.
@@g43654 Wealthy people also wear Rolex.
Appreciate this follow up video. Any idea how many pieces each AD gets with each shipment per week, in major cities?
Usually around 10 a week
@@hawaiihardy7285 Cool. Any idea how often they'd get pieces like the Explorer 36? Were they more common or not as common? Sorry for all the questions, the whole process is fascinating (and frustrating)
Mind you, there are a lot of butlers around the world who are wearing Rolex watches, just as a little Christmas gift from their bosses.
Bought my first new Rolex at Rolex in Wailea. The manager turned me away the day before but a very nice salesperson the next day got permission to sell me a Datejust 41. It was a great experience. She was a pleasure to deal with.
Congratulations 🎉
"Got permission to sell." I'm glad you got the watch you wanted.
First of all, amazing follow up from your first video, bravo sir.
Second, I am not sure if you remember me, I told you the story about the black, sub date that I was waitlisted for last year and they never got back to me. Well great news, after a few short days the rep is getting me my watch this week. I actually made a good connection with the rep as we are from the same city/state, our parents live in the same city (once they move from our home state), we were both in the service, and we are both nerds for GoT, LoTR, Etc.
He was so genuine and up front with me and even offered me the new Bruce Wayne GMT and I hadn't even picked up my sub yet! He said the sub he was showing me is actually mine, he just has to get the final approval from his manager to release it to me.
Thanks again for all your help!
Awesome! Congratulations
Great Video! I watched your Part 1 video and decided to take your advice! Our 30th wedding anniversary was coming up and we decided to visit our local AD. It worked! I was offered a DateJust to purchase! I think the keys are to be a nice guy, be sincere with your intentions and treat your sales associate with respect. Thanks again for the fine video.
Awesome thank you
thanks for the informative video. i waited for only two days and got a call to score my first Rolex last Saturday in LA
Congratulations 🍾
I must be an exception to the rule. I walked in to my local AD and had no purchase history. I talked to the salesperson and they asked why I was in the store. I told them that I had been saving up for years to buy my first Rolex. Walked out with my first luxury watch.
Probably won’t be getting another one anytime soon, but I had no idea that it was THIS bad.
Congratulations
@@hawaiihardy7285 Thank you very much. I loved listening to your videos.
🎉🎉🎉What du get?
Had a recent trip to a Rolex AD and flat out the sales agent told me they didn't have any OPs and that they hadn't gotten any deliveries for months and wouldn't get any for several more months because Rolex was not shipping them any. Lying to my face. It's hard to "get on the list" when you live several hours away from the AD. I wouldn't characterize all Rolex customers as clueless about how the watch works. There are those of us out there that know how to set a watch, how to read a manual, and what Rolex movements are in what Rolex models.
Love the ending. Something I which I knew all along. Most people who buy these watches are the ones who can barely afford them. No different than departmental store employees saving up to buy a Louis Vuitton bag with their annual savings at the end of the year
It's called confirmation bias.
Great video, I watched both. I really appreciate your story. I will definitely take your advice.
Thank you
I waited over two years to get a Sprite GMT, I stopped in usually every month and tagged the AD a few times over the years. Don’t give a list of watches you want, find the watch you really really want and laser focus on that. I wear the Sprite every day, they are great quality watches and I use it every day.
Awesome. Congratulations
Thoughts on Tudor vs Rolex? Did your store also have Tudor models? What was the difference in clientele?
Yes we carried Tudor . Amazing brand for a great price . Highly recommend it.
I bought a 2023 Rolex and very happy about it. They don’t hesitate to give me one. Surely checked me. I’m a professional. ♥️♥️♥️ I truely was a genuine buyer; they were very happy with us. I’m wearing right now at home and proud of it. Lucky me ❤❤❤
Watched this and pt 1. It's great to hear from someone on "the inside". I'm echoing the frustration felt by many that want to buy a watch. As much as I'd like to buy a brand new model (the models I have are discontinued and were bought 2nd hand), I give up on trying.
We’re going to Hawaii August, I’ll try to go on the days you’ve said and see if there are available watches to buy. Crossing my fingers
Good luck
" people wanna look rich " facts. Damn, straight facts!!
I was patient and got the call for an explorer, sub, and explorer II. Is it unlikely to now qualify for a gmt pepsi?
Yes, I would think so. Pepsi is very tough to get.
Here are my questions: do you get any discount working as a Rolex representative, especially as an assistant manager? Any perks? Can you buy a watch you have been allocated to sell? Who decides which watches you have to sell (from a shipment, does the store manager hands out watches in random)? How do you decide which client to call? Do you have to ask for approval on every sale, even though you have been allocated that watch to sell?
Yes there is an employee discount, however you have to be employed with Rolex for 1 year . I only worked 8 months so I didn’t qualify. Once you passed your 1 year you can put in an order for your favorite Rolex, but then still have to a wait a few more months to get it . Inventory cokes from Rolex , we don’t have major influence of what comes in . However we can order a few special request watches for vip clients . Takes a wile to get them . Approvals get pre screened by the Manager and Then presented to the District manager for final approval. We have so many potential clients that we always sell what little inventory comes in . Good luck
Thanks for the video. I deal with many wealthy people in real estate and I would say almost most wear Rolexes with the occasional AP or Patek. Everyone buys Rolex…middle class, upper middle class and rich. They are timeless and appeal to everyone.
Ok thanks. I could only share my experience at my location.
Exactly. People thinking every class does this or that.
There’s poor who wear them to the Uber wealthy… I mean some sell for $90k. That’s not an average joes watch. That’s a top baller who just wanted to to add to his collection
I wish people who stop trying to categorize people. I’m rich and I buy rich ass things 😂. I know other rich people who buy target and ones who have 40 million yachts…. There is no one size fits all………….
I don't want to look rich. I just think Rolex watches are so easy to wear, have a rich history, fun, sparkly, durable and precisely made, which tickle my OCD brain all the right ways. JLC is my other favourite brand.
Totally agree. And let's not forget about the excellent quality. Have my watch for over 20 years and never had it serviced 😅
For me it's about the never ending goal of excellence and quality
Go get your watch serviced..
Lubrication and gaskets are a good thing 👍
@@georgehofgren6123 Sure will! Thx!
7:54 Doesn’t surprise me one bit. I used to work in the self storage industry and it was in that business that I learned what a homeless person really looks like. The people you see outside living on the sidewalks of LA and Hollywood are there because they want to be. They have access to all kinds of welfare services. Food, medical, Rx drugs, housing etc. They are there because they want to be. Those people were actually some of my best paying customers. Always paid on time and sometimes months in advance. They all paid in cash and many paid in one dollar bills. They followed all the rules. Many told me they just liked living that way and people always wanted to give them money because of the way the looked. They weren’t going to turn down someone one handing them free money. The people who came in with Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi’s, etc. Always acting like a big shot were usually the people who were behind on rent got there stuff auctioned off and were the ones I would catch living inside storage units because they had lost it all. The cars repossessed, the house was lost. They had nowhere to go. They lost everything. The majority of it went down hill for them when they lost their job due to a lay off but where so much in debt that they had no way of climbing out of the hole. They were in to deep. Many had to much pride in asking for help and that’s what lead them down that path. I would pass them info about local public services available to them but again many had to much pride to ask for help even though they had been paying into the systems when they were working. 😔
Wow awesome story. Thank you for sharing 👍🤙🏽
Hermes does the same, they want to control the customer. You have to go to the store, cant call and check inventory.
Will you do a part 3? If yes, I have some questions. Is the demand down in the last year and a half? Is inventory stockpilling ever a thing at Rolex ADs?
Probably will do another part . Demand is definitely down. But we never overstocked. Thank you
That line at the end the upper middle class want it to look at themselves in the mirror and show their friends, that hit home thank you
lol Rolex isn't a brand to look rich. the super rich wear hand crafted pieces from the holy trinity/independent or just don't care. Rolex is mostly tied to an achievement in my opinion. Oh I finally got a job promotion I always wanted. 10 years sober, my kid was born, I finally run my own company so it makes sense it's middleclass/upper class. Its a do it all watch that's a reward for success. I believe that's how Rolex always marketed. That's not to say there aren't people who strictly do that to appear "successful" and don't know movements or models etc. People do be crazy and you would def know better so i'll take your word lol.
@@Ross-fo2vw The super rich don't wear watches. If they do, it's a $30 casio, $300 garmin running watch, or $500 Apple watch that monitors their blood pressure. They have 2 or 3 personal assistants to tell them what time it is.
@@Ross-fo2vw This. I was a bit surprised when he said that. Of course regularish people wear them, it's Rolex, not Patek. Wait "list" BS aside, the price points for the Steel models are still attainable for individuals/households who make a couple hundred thousand per year. That's objectively quite good money, but it's not yacht level passive income wealthy.
I called ahead nearly 3 months in advance a couple years ago, and Alberto at the Whaler's Village store hooked me up while he still there! It made my vacation.
Who did you sell stainless Daytonas to?
Awesome, Alberto is amazing, he actually got promoted and transferred to California.
I was treated with borderline disrespect by an AD in Vancouver (guessing wrong nationality). While in Toronto I met with a lovely Rolex sales lady in an AD and 8 months later got a call from her for a gorgeous Skydweller. Flew in the next day and was treated like royalty in the store. As great as the SD is, I have a super new friend. Will never forget the wonderful experience in the Toronto.😀
Awesome, Congratulations
Howzit! I left Oahu in 2022 after 15 years, had to go. 🥴 got 2 Datejusts from the AD on Kalakaua (Tourneau). Was always staring at watches... Still do. 😊
Shoots 🤙🏽
Total honesty from inside the Crown! Much appreciated. Out of curiosity, what does the Account Manager that works for Rolex earn annually? Since the watches literally sell themselves, what is the Account Manager's responsibilities working for Rolex?
Average salary for account managers was 150-175k annually. They would visit frequently, inspect the stores and share training time , new release Information and promotions.
Exhibition are sold as brand new pieces as well and sometimes converted to walk in purchase pieces. Along with sometimes being allocated to fullfill request.
I've been waiting 3 years for a BLNR with a spend history of $25k. Went in last week and the saleswoman told me I'd have to wait 4 years because i was only added to 'the list' 1 month ago. I went in again a few days later and spoke to a different salesperson and they said that they refresh the lists from time to time but that doesnt mean I fall to the bottom of the list. I added the OP 36mm Tiffany to my list which i was told could take 6 months to a year. Hopefully get a call soon
Did you ever get allocation to purchase one for yourself or a friend/family member? If you were allocated an opportunity to buy, could you buy any model? Was there ever a discount offered to employees?
Yes there is an employee discount available, but only after 1 year of employment, I did not stay that long, Employees were not able to order Daytonas or Skydweller.
Value seems to be different from one person to another. You mentioned you had to quit for personal reasons. I pray that whatever that was has closure, peace and healing. Wow thanks for those amazing insights on your journey through the company.
Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
Appreciate your honesty man! Interesting stuff.
Thanks for watching!
I was lucky to buy a watch on my first visit. A datejust 41mm.
I guess the AD took a generous liking to me or it was just my time. Mainly bought it to be passed on to my son.
What will be my odds of buying an upgrade to what I have in that store?
Congrats, great odds, give it some time like 9 months to 1 year, for the next Model.
Aloha' what about James cameron rolex? I am interested to buy one, it's not a flashy watch imo, what do you think about this model? Thank you
Great watch , very hard to get. Good luck
@ Two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to buy that model with only a two-day wait. However, I had to travel overseas on that day, and the salesperson didn’t allow me to place a deposit to secure it. I am so disappointed.
@ bummer
Top 1% don’t give a crap about Rolex. They buy Patek etc. look at the price point, almost anyone that makes decent money can save up for a Rolex if that’s what they wanted. Personally I never even looked into the brand until a friend dragged me into a store. Tried on a few of the sports models and began looking into the history of the brand and got interested. Ended up buying a Sub and GMT. I’m also interested in the explorer 2 one day. I’m far from wealthy and just like the watches. I’m also not someone who tries to look wealthy as I drive a modest car and live in a modest home.
Plenty of the Top 1% buy Rolex. They just don't fight for stainless subs and GMTs.
@@JTMarlin8 I think he means, the majority of rolex buyers are not Top 1%ers but that just makes logical sense statistically.
Wow have times changed. In 2004 I walked into a Jared’s in Brandon, Florida who use to be an AD. I was wearing a ratty sweatshirt and sweatpants because I had been cleaning all day. I ran out of time and rushed to the store to buy a watch for my husband. 30 minutes later I walked out with a brand new Submariner and it was $5,100.00. It’s mind blowing listening to this.
In 2000 my wife and I went to upsize her engagement ring. While waiting I went to the Rolex display. The sales person talked me into trying a few on. The case was full of watches, subs, Daytonas, and many more. Long story short, my wife got the ring she wanted and I got talked into a Submariner. I wore that watch daily until 2017 when I had it serviced for the first time. It’s now in the safe and will be gifted to my son at some point. Best purchase I have ever made.
Hawaii ADs may be different, but ADs in my area "encourage" you to buy gold/silver to move up the list. The commission on jewelry is much higher, usually like 6%
Also, agree with you on middle class folks buying Rolex's. The richest people I know, folks that own their own businesses or run public companies all wear Apple watches oddly enough
I have 5 Rolex..2 gifts from my parents: wedding and medical degree, other 3 got myself from same AD for life accomplishments. Before Covid hype, it was somewhat easy, the first Rolex 2009 parents got $700 discount,,, 😅.. still have the receipt. Strangely, now it seems more rewarding, more genuine, the waiting, the journey, the Internet scrolling of the time piece you want, then getting that call from AD… memory 💯.. for me, nothing else but the Crown for sentimental value. the high quality craftsmanship and timeless design is just unmatched. Continue to keep in touch with your AD, and be realistic with your request, be patient, you’ll get the call. Cheers! Great video.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing
I always go gray market.
I would disagree about the characterization of who buys/owns Rolex - however it’s perhaps more subtle.
To someone fairly wealthy - a $10k submariner is not a big deal - but they may still like the watch because it is rugged, and attractive. And it will last a very long time and can be passed down from one generation to the next.
To someone making $200k a year, that same submariner will be a huge status symbol.
The rich person can afford a Nautilus or a Royal Oak - which are generally much more refined than Rolex - but less recognizable to most people.
But if I’m just going to a bar with my mates or taking kids to playground, I’d probably rather wear the sub or a g-shock, regardless how much money I have. Not trying to impress anyone.
Not everything is about displaying your wealth. Believe it or not, some people prefer to NOT display their wealth.
If a person is a legit watch collector (and never flips), how often can one get another Rolex to add to the collection at a high volume store?
Typically once a year , maybe once every 8 months, depending on the Model. Good luck
Great example of 'you want what you can't have'
Rolex does a fabulous job of creating demand through scarcity. Everything is perception. Love it
How does the store pay the bills if they don't get the models that customers want to buy?
with lots of certified pre-owned Rolex sales
Top 1% does not wear Rolex. Definitely true. Same with all conspicuous "luxury" brands.
I'm sure they do, but never in public since most of their watches are 6 figures at least.
Amazing inside info. Thank you. Though I wanted a Rolex sometime back, I am no longer interested. A watch is a watch. What's point in waiting and going through all this pain to get a Rolex. There are other amazing brands out there.
I was born and raised on Oahu our family were family friends with a local AD and my Father was heavy into Rolex this was in the early 80's into the 90's back then blank papers were the norm and a stainless Daytona was under 3,500 in 88 simpler times. Back then the Japanese tourists wanted every Rolex they could get.
Eye opening. I went to my first dealer yesterday then saw this. The process you described is exactly what I went through. Bummer. I’m not a flipper. At least what I want is available online…
My 1st Rolex was a Ladies 26mm Datejust that I found at the outlet mall parking lot on S. Las Vegas Blvd back in 1996. I took it to a jewelry store to make sure it was authentic which it was, waited for a while then packaged it up and sent to my friends wife as a gift for being nice to me by opening their home while I had no other place to go.
Awesome, thanks for sharing
Very interesting videos! I live in Canada and there are 3 Rolex ADs near me. They all sell other brands and jewelry. One of the ADs took my info down a couple of years ago on an iPad but never contacted me. At another AD I managed to buy a stainless steel Datejust with no purchase history 3 years ago. I then bought a pen and a women’s necklace. When I went back last year they offered me a Yachtmaster 40 blue dial which I bought. Both of these ADs told me it helps when you buy other brands and items. I think it also helps if you walk in wearing a nice watch as it can start a conversation with the sales rep and show you are a collector.
Awesome congratulations. Thank you for sharing
they wont sell you rolex until you have spend some money on other things
@@davyraoa few years ago that wasn’t the case but now yes. When I bought my 1st Rolex you could walk in and buy a Datejust 41 or 36 and maybe a less desired two tone sports model
Thanks for telling the Hawaiian market situation of Rolex. Where I live in HK and Asia is even more crazy where Rolex is like a normal watch such as seiko. It is impossible to buy from dealership because i think they sell it to 2nd hand market to flip more money from it. I had to buy a Rolex from after market shop at a crazy premium.
I remember a long long time ago we could just walk in to an AD and walk out with a brand new watch at a discount as steep as 12% off the RRP. It was fun shopping around to see which AD offered the highest discount. Today i just read an article on how to suck up to the sales people at the AD in order to get bumped up the waiting list and i was totally outraged! Whatever happened to the customer is king? Now i hv to kowtow to the people making a commission from my purchase? No way!
Thank you for sharing. My District manager told me that back in those days sales were less because there was so much inventory available and there was no urgency to buy . Discounts nowadays?? Never .
@@hawaiihardy7285 thank you for sharing the behind-the-scenes secrets 🙂
Offered a DJ 41 a few weeks ago in the san antonio area. Some guy walked in 5 minutes later and bought both the blue and pink ones.
WOW, times have changed, we were only allowed to sell 1 new watch per Customer.
@@hawaiihardy7285 I should be clear, he and his wife walked in. Both were gone within 10 minutes. Only other watches I’ve ever been offered were the Las Vegas AD and both were $40k models. I have a pretty good relationship with my local guy and he’s after that BLRN for me but I suspect you’re correct that he has to wait his turn. They have 6 display model GMT masters in this store and 3 more at the other location. Crazy how hard it is to buy one.
The majority of people who are purchasing luxury items are middle class, not all want the attention of looking rich. Mostly like myself are saving hard earned money to purchase a Rolex as treat to oneself, an inspiration that iam at the right pathway to success. Rich people doesn't care because their energy are more focused on becoming more rich, and for some of them, they forgot the joy of saving a hard earned money and purchased something valuable and expensive bec for them in a snap they can have this Rolex
Thoughts on buying a Tudor instead? I like some of the models. They are affordable and attainable.
Yes go for it ! Tudor is amazing! Great value- great brand
Tudor is what Rolex used to be. Both affordability and now design wise. Go for it!!
Our local AD here in Texas recently told me that you have to pay cash for a new Rolex. They do not take credit cards. Is that true?
Absolutely not true, that sounds crazy. They are up to no good . Stay away .
A salesperson at Thomas Markle Jewelers, a Rolex AD in Texas, told me the same thing.
The salesperson told me they tell prospective customers they have to buy the watch with a wire transfer or cash as a way to filter out flippers as most of them use credit cards.
They do take credit cards however.
@@mr.l3785 So what should I tell my AD if they tell me to wire the money or pay cash?
@@mr.l3785 I'm confused. So they require wire the money or they'll let you use a credit card?
@@tex24 If you are a new customer, they may tell you they do not take credit cards and they require cash payment (wire). I was informed they do this to filter out flippers who are often using credit cards and do not necessarily have the cash to buy watches.
Great insight! I’ve been on my AD list for a Submariner for over 2 years with monthly checkins with the salesman and keep getting the “hopefully later this year” regarding the status. Am I low on his priority list? I’ve purchased about $15K in watches from other brands in the past two years so they know I’m a serious buyer. Thanks again!
That sounds way too long for a Submariner. Especially since you have a purchase history. We would get Submariners weekly . Keep trying , good luck
The thing that always had me wondering is why a person who had worked so hard to get the cash together who must have been pretty aggresive in order to earn that money would suddenly turn into a whimpering sniveller begging a guy who makes $25 an hour to sell him a watch..
It makes zero sense to me.
And the guy making $25 is not looked down on by me because when i was starting out i did that too and was glad to get it.
I am an old guy now and i have accumilated a couple of million . Never in all of my years would i ever have bowed down to anyone who tried to lower my self esteem by trying to make me beg for anything.
Not a chance!
Some peo0le inherited the money but i dont relate to them anyway.
If a guy was showing me his Rolex i would ask him where he got it. If he said gray market i might respect that, but if he said it was an AD and that he had to go on a waiting list to beg for one then absolutely zero respect. Thats just wormy to me.
Question from one Hawaii local to another - how much of your business was local and how much was tourist traffic? And since spend history is a factor, how would a tourist be able to scoop up a Rolex, aside from being at the right place at the right time as mentioned in your video? Is there some kind of spend history database of customers shared by ADs?
It was 60% tourists and 40% locals . We always tried hard to take care of our kamaaina at our Maui store . Go say Hi , talk story . The market has changed for the better , your chances are good to get one . Good luck
Also our clients owned timeshare, so they would come twice a year and build up their purchase history.
Where can I buy a used certified Rolex from a credit watch store?
www.bobswatches.com/
Thanks for posting this follow-up - while you provide a lot of great information I think the best tip I heard was when you described the typical Rolex buyer - someone who really isn’t that rich but wants to impress his friends and look rich. This is what makes Rolex so popular - sure it’s a good watch but is it really so much better than other brands? Safe to say it isn’t, but that doesn’t matter to the typical Rolex buyer who doesn’t know anything about movements or to how operate or take care of his watch. He just cares about his rich he looks with it.
Thank you
It's a silly game to play to get high-end watches. I don't play it as I'd rather spend time more effectively. However, thanks to the little market you can usually make money when you want to sell a unit later. That's definitely a plus!
how can you be sure that you purchased a real authentic Rolex - I purchased one today - I ended up paying 1800 MORE than retail for a Sub made 10/2024 - I am afraid to really check...
Thank you so much for this informative video, keep it up with part 3! I have couple of questions, is black stainless steel Daytona a bit easier to get than the Panda, or is it pretty much the same? Also, would you recommend Rolex Datejust blue ref 126334 on an oyster bracelet over the jubilee?
Thank you for watching. Yes Panda way harder to get . Datejust blue is beautiful, but has a higher resale value on a jubilee bracelet.
Are the rules the same for overseas Rolex stores? Rolex Cebu City told me they get only get deliveries from January thru June, and inventory gets sold quickly
I am not sure about international dealers . But I know Rolex sends inventory all year . I cant believe it’s only January thru June.
What are the models that you can’t skip if they’re for sale and why?
Thanks for the insights & mahalo! As an enthusiast, I’ve been lucky enough to have been offered a few Rolex watches over the years, and they are incredible pieces, but the Rolex AD games are so frustrating. There’s so many other great brands out there like Omega, Grand Seiko, & JLC that can be purchased without the hassle. The past few years have me on the verge of moving on from Rolex for good. IMO, many of the AD’s out there have permanently damaged the brand’s reputation. Thanks again for the video!
Thank you
could you elaborate a bit more around the content of the shipments please? did they contain a mix of various kinds of watches? for example, how many hot pieces did you receive a month roughly? thanks
Yes every week we get a mix of different models. Mostly Datejust and Submariner. Once a Month we got the hot models like Daytona, GMT, like Sprite and Batman, and some Day Date. Good luck
wow amazing insights, i really appreciate it to hear it as it is. i dont think you damage the brand at all, it is actually refreshing to get answers to questions that one always wonders. rolex still remains rolex, but its great to hear it from inside, many thanks
Thank you
I am here at Waikiki Beach and the Rolex store here has nothing for sale. All watches say not for sale.
Sorry to hear that, try Ala Moana, Ben Bridge . Or check back Friday, Saturday in Waikiki, don’t give up.
I just put my name on a yachtmaster 40 slate dial how long would the wait be ?
Maybe 2-3 months. Keep following up - good luck 🍀
Thanks very much for sharing your experiences! Very useful.
My pleasure!
Love these keep them coming !
Thank you
this is why i never bother with rolex ADs, it's humiliating. buying from flippers and paying 50-100% over retails is fine, what matters i'm treated like a human being for my cash. i'm dropping 50k, i won't beg for a product. i expect respect and service. and i don't need a poorly paid service sales person to be my friend. nothing personal.
I’d like to know about how many steel sports did you get on avg each month.
Around 40, mostly Submariners.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights into Rolex ADs. There are lots of us wanna be customers with the cash waiting to buy a dream Rolex watch but we are getting increasingly frustrated with how they play games with us.
What would you suggest they do?
It sucks I can't go buy what I want, but there's excessive demand that wasn't there 3 years ago.
Can't wait for Part 3!
I used to feel lucky to get a Rolex at retail. I now buy much cheaper watches that I enjoy even more because they’re less stressful to obtain and afford.
Hold on!! The Paul Newman Daytona was supplied brand new by Rolex to sell? Rolex still keep inventory of these? Or was it part of CPO?
Certified pre owned
if I come in dressed nice and wearing a nice Seiko, what are the chances to get a hardcover coffee table catalogue? Serious question
Good chance - we used to give them out very frequently . Good luck
They are free. Just ask.
Is it posssible to buy the OP for a first time buyer? (Non-tiffany)? I know djs are more readily available though and perhaps the OP is just luck at that point unless you are a repeat customer?
Yes sure, we used to put OP’s out in the case for sale. Good luck
Thanks for the video it was very informative. I did go to an AD and talked with a rep and currently stay in touch with her. I have always seen and heard of the brand and now at 70 I'm able to afford the watch I want and I have the means, and so I am waiting for a Day Date that I want. I just purchased a Classic 1926 Tudor and love it and I may go back and get the 2024 Black Bay or GMT..from the rep
I'm dealing with .
Awesome thank you for sharing. Tudor is excellent. Good luck
Cool video series. I bought my Sub in 2018, Etihad Towers location in Abu Dhabi. I was celebrating a professional achievement. I waited about 4 months to get it. I like the Sub because it looks like million other watches to the general public. Now and then someone with a good eye will comment “nice watch”. But it’s a generally understated piece. No regrets.
Congratulations, thank you for sharing.