I went to my local Rolex AD in San Antonio, Texas, and was astonished by how poorly my brother and I were treated. We went there and weren't being given the time of day. That is until my brother said (extra loudly). "Is this the same Rolex you have?" Instantly, one of the reps is on us acting like an absolute crack head. She was fidgeting and just hyper aggressive. I'm assuming she was just excited to get a sale. We looked at some pieces and decided that we were gonna purchase some pieces another location had, so we'd have to wait a day or two for them to arrive. Which was no problem. As we were wrapping up, I asked about procuring a Sky Dweller used or new. She says, "That'll be a conversation for another time." I thought we'll maybe we'll discuss it when I come back, or maybe she's busy and just needs more time to get her information in order. She then says, "Maybe when you got some more gray hairs and have bought more watches from me, I'll consider having that conversation." I felt I had just been insulted. I told her just to forget the arrangements and that they weren't gonna have my business now or in the future. I don't even want to own a Rolex at this point.
I had a similar experience when I was 18 at a Ford dealership. I was looking at a new Mustang GT Premium and no salesperson ever approached me. When I asked a salesperson to show me the car they told me they were only helping “real customers”. I didn’t even know what to say, so I drove to the Chevy dealership and got shown all around a new Camaro 2SS by a very enthusiastic salesman. About a week later when my lease expired I bought that Camaro 2SS. Always ripped it hard past that Ford dealership whenever passing, as if they cared they “lost a customer” anyways. All that said, I never blamed Ford itself for doing that to me, that was a shitty salesperson at a poorly managed dealership, but it was not even remotely Ford’s fault that I was treated that way. This is what people are doing to Rolex because their ADs are just making a quick buck by offloading product to the gray market or their favorite customers first, leaving the regular customer absolutely unable to buy a new Rolex without a ludicrous wait time or succumbing to gray market inflated prices.
I went into Watches of Switzerland in Cardiff to look at a no date submariner, the salesman was extremely patronising and even said that he “wouldn’t sell me a submariner as my first Rolex” I would need to buy a lesser Rolex first and become a valued customer. I won’t use WoS to purchase anything since then, absolutely disgusting that they can treat customers that way.
WoS are awful. I wanted a Tag Carerra for my wife for her 50th "Oh you shouldn't spend that sort of money on quartz! You need a Tudor." "I don't want a Tudor." "No come and look at Tudor." Nothing wrong with Tudor, and nothing wrong wih quartz. Let's look at Tags please" "Tudor...." "Okay just to try and break you out of your fever dream about the overstock of Tudor dress watches you have let's look at Oris." "Ha ! Oris don't do ladies watches !" "Err, yes they do. These here for example. Plus there's no such thing as a gender specific watches. It either suits you or it doesn.t. Anyway bye then."
@@roba7331 Good move on only going for what you want and not being swayed by an AD, although I have always got on fine with WoS, but I guess it really depends on the person serving you. I like your point about no such thing about gender specific watches, very true!
I had the exact same experience at WOS in Sydney. They were very condescending towards me. Needless to say I went and spent my hard earned at Breitling and was treated like royalty nonetheless.
I just had an awesome experience at a WOS store in NJ. Took a brand new Submariner there to get the bracelet sized... they complimented my Kelly Slater as soon as I walked in, proceeded to size the Submariner bracelet free of charge, and let me try on a variety of watches that I had no intention of buying before leaving. The salesperson did ask me how I got the brand new Submariner, and I told him via trade. I actually did trade a JLC Ultra Thin plus cash for one, but I paid over retail in the end.
Hahaha, so many horrendous people wearing Rolex. The downside of being a status symbol. Lange is undoubtedly the better watch and it has certainly more style than Rolex. Rolex almost becomes overpriced bling for pretentious underclass.
After being laughed at in Tourneau Las Vegas 4 years ago I said it just wasn’t worth the humiliation. But last February my friend sent me a picture of his new SS Pepsi and said “I got the call after 2 years!” The Pepsi is somewhat nostalgic to me as my father gifted me one. I didn’t know what it was at that time, neglected it and it was stolen from me when I was in college. So I figured I would pop in my local AD and give it one more try and maybe in 2 years I would also get the call, after all you need to start somewhere. I walked in and this time it was a complete 180 from my last experience, the staff were friendly, offered refreshments and I was asked for the 3 models of my choice. I said Pepsi but I’d take a polar as a second and then a Sub no date or Explorer I. We proceeded to talk about all kinds of watches that he coveted and it quickly become a mini get together of enthusiasts for about 30 minutes then we left. You may not believe me but another 30 minutes later I got a call asking if I was still in the area and that he has a Pepsi waiting for me, jokingly said if I still wanted it. I said yes but I’m at a show now can you hold it for a couple hours (hindsight that was probably pretty ungrateful😂) and he agreed. So yeah, believe it or not I got my Pepsi on the same day, and a few months later another call for the Sub.
Tourneau isnt Rolex and if you went to Tourneau at Ceasars, yeah, its a joke. They dont sell any Rolex at MSRP and are pretty rude. My experiences at actual Rolex boutiques is good.
@@photoholic11 Indeed, I go to my dedicated Rolex only boutique now since I now have some purchase history and on good terms with the staff there. But initially I feel going to a Rolex only boutique was a better choice, they simply don't have anything else to sell me to "build a journey" with them or play bundling games. If any multibrand AD needs a purchase history or bundles then I would strongly advise to politely leave and go to an actual Rolex boutique. At least anything they can sell you will be a Rolex watch!
Brilliant. And the glowing Hodinkee review writes itself, down to the (Leica-shot) photos of one of their editors in $500 work-boots and $300 jeans wearing it while herding to show what a practical tool watch it is for shepherds.
Ok. I recently purchased a Rolex White gold perpetual date. Black dial with stick markers. I bought it a local USA jewelry chain. I had asked to be put on their list for the less expensive plain bezel version about 6 months prior. This one came in and I got “the call”. I had a specific salesperson that I felt with. No Prior Purchases! Did have a prior bad experience here 3 years prior when the refused to size a Tag ( they are a dealer) for my wife. I had sent the salesperson an email “ Just checking to see if the Rolex dump truck had a recent delivery!” Two days later “Viola!”
Well said. My grandfather got the call for another Submariner from an AD here in North Texas and he said he laughed about it, forgot that he’d ever even put his name down and told them to keep it.
@@thetruebatman4632 So he asked to buy something then laughed because he was able to do the thing he asked to? Weird he told his grandson that he found it funny. At what timescale would he have simply said yes please/no thanks rather than developing into ridiculing the shop/brand?
We have bought two Rolex in the last year. I got the call from my AD in San Antonio last September just a few days after going in. Great experience and the staff was great. My wife was on the list for a rare configuration 31mm DateJust with another AD in Idaho. That took about a year, but they finally got one in December. Again, the staff was wonderful.
I went to a Rolex store in early April for a Datejust 36 and was told to expect a phone call in about 2 years. The whole thing felt like a job interview and they also asked me where i work and actually wrote that information down like it was relevant in any way. My appointment was with a manager, who jokingly said if i call the store asking for updates i might be pushed to the bottom of the list.. I fake laughed in reaction to hearing that comment.
I consider it an unacceptable intrusion on one's privacy to ask where one works as part of buying a watch. I would not give Rolex their information; it is none of their business.
Ridiculous! None of the ADs or Rolex’s business where you work. You’re trying to pay them a few grand for a non essential item not attending a job interview. I’d have told them not to bother after that, plenty of brands out there dying to take your money and not your personal history.
I wanted an explorer 1 so I went to go try one on and get my name on the list. I went to a couple of big ADs in my city. One told me that IF I EVER got the call I would have to drop everything and be there within the same day, no exceptions. Not sure how I could be expected to clear my schedule and wait by the phone for the next 5 years in case I got "the call". The other dealer I went to did not seem to be happy dealing with me at all. I am a local in my country and speak English (the most common national language here) and they did not even have a Rolex catalogue in English. They only offered the catalogue in another language from a country where alot of crazy rich people come from to buy stuff here. I don't want to come across hostile to this group of people it's just the way the market is here. It's not a matter of prejudice, it's just that the elite class of people in my city are from another part of the world. They did not want to serve an English speaker in an English speaking country. Anyway they told me that they have no room left on the waiting list and that they can't take my info to put me on the list. After that experience I realized that my omega dealer is the nicest most friendly person and that she would do anything to get me the omega that I wanted. So I asked for a speedmaster 57' in the red dial and she pulled a few strings and had it on my wrist by the end of the week. Thank you Anousch for coming through again. She will continue to be my preferred dealer going forward. In conclusion, Rolex doesn't want me as a customer. They want international high rollers and hype beasts. They belong on the wrist of the international student who drives a Lambo that they got as a birthday gift last year. P.S. whenever I see a Rolex in the wild I think "it's either fake or that customer was taken advantage of by an AD". It's kinda sad🤷🏻
@@moleahy6880 oh yes the classic real estate strategy. It's easy, all you have to do is buy your first house for cash 25 years ago. Not sure what the issue is for all the young people. It's cheap.
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
@@moleahy6880 yeah... U got me there. Reading my comment over again is kinda cringe😬. It's just that it's the same thing that I hear a lot from older generations. "I did it 20 years ago. It was easy." Not the sort of advice that younger generations like to hear.
Bought a few Rolex pre-pandemic when less popular models were in the display case. Now I’ve stopped visiting my AD because I just can’t get anything I want. Rolex is doing me a favor by making me look at more interesting brands 😎!
Absolutely true and I feel the same. I've wanted a regular OP for quite a few yrs and never ended up finding one at the boutique or AD. Ended up buying a Zenith Defy which I got in 2 weeks brand new from Switzerland. I feel a better and more unique watch at the end of the day.
My most recent Rolex purchase was interesting. I went into a jewellers that I’d spent tens of thousands of pounds at and they told me it would be a couple of years before I get a yacht-master. I then enquired at a different jewellers where I had no history, they told me to come in for an appointment in 2 days and when I arrived they had my yacht-master ready for me.
When the Silver BB58 was introduced a couple years ago, I was at my local Rolex AD, chit chatting about the new Rolex and Tudor releases. I had previously bought a vintage Omega from this AD, but I had not been afforded the opportunity of buying a Rolex. I was singing the praises of the silver BB58, and how I thought that would surely have to be the next watch I would buy. I was completely taken aback when the AD quietly said to me, I have a Rolex Sub in the back that you could buy today, if you want. I was shocked! I really wasn’t trying to convince him to sell me a Rolex that day. In fact, the watch I WANTED was the turquoise OP36. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to pull the trigger on a new Sub that day. To this day, that has been the only “chance” I’ve had to buy a new Rolex at an AD.
I went to my local AD in the Northwest of the U.K. about two years ago. I explained it was a significant event that I’d like it for, and waited about 8 months for a candy pink dialled perpetual. They were absolutely brilliant to deal with , kept me well informed . Bought a Tudor from them after that, same brilliant friendly service, and asked about a sub. That took about 6 months. I know everyone’s experience is different, but they’ve been faultless for me , in fact an absolute pleasure to deal with
Which AD?? Last one I tried, I was wearing a brand new sub and was enquiring about a milgauss and was basically told "we're busy, go away and come back some other time"
@@davidhope5875 I wouldn’t want to name them specifically, but it’s within the Manchester catchment area . Very friendly, totally professional. I was totally upfront and honest about my intentions , the watches were/are for significant family /life events and anniversaries and we will always treasure them and keep them, and pass them on . I hope you have a better response if you try again
Offers from an AD for a Rolex are turned down more frequently now, as profits from flipping decrease. But Rolex is doing all they can to keep up the perception of short supplies.
I was on a waitlist for the new Explorer 40mm… for 3 weeks. My AD in Belgium kindly put me on the waiting list and only 2 weeks later I got their call informing me that the watch would arrive the week after 👍 They are very helpful, kind and polite even though this is only the second watch I’ve purchased from them. I am very satisfied!
Is that the Rolex shop in Brussels you're talking about? I had good experiences with them as well, but no watch. Had to source that one from a friend with purchasing history in germany
@@lukdetroyer205very kindle people there in Knokke, but I’m also on the list for the new explorer in Bruxelles 😁thé AD told me maximum 3 months and he believe that would be even faster than that. No purchases history, I just walk in and ask about the watch that they have it on the window, can not wait to get the watch now 😁
I went to my local AD, Weston Jewelers, a few years ago to see if they had a black Submariner Date. They laughed and said there was a 10 year waiting list and that the list was closed to new customers. They then proceeded to tell me IF I were to buy the 39mm Explorer I that was on their display, then not only would the Submariner waiting list be open for me, but somehow my name would magically be higher up the list. I laughed, they laughed, and I went somewhere else to purchase an Omega Seamaster. I don't play those games. Then 8 months ago, I was around that area picking up lunch and decided to walk in that joke of an AD. They had all types of hard-to-get Rolex models on display. When I asked about it, they said all the Rolex watches are for display only, not for sale. This includes normal Date Just models. I think it safe to assume that Rolex ADs don't sell watches.
So you’re upset about standard operating procedures at every Rolex AD and Rolex store? You walked in without a relationship with the store, asked for one of the most sought after models and “didn’t want to play the game” everyone goes through? Of course they’re not going to put you on the wait list for that watch, they don’t know you. And yes, buying a less popular Rolex is the best way to get on any waitlist for the highly sought after Rolex’s. Also, no AD or Rolex store sells their displays until said model is discontinued. Why would they? They are there to get potential buyers a chance to see and try on. Why would they want to lose a future sale because they sold someone they don’t know, or do know, their display? Welcome to the world of luxury watches. AD’s do sell Rolex’s, just not to people they don’t have a relationship with that walked through the doors for the first time. They do this as a directive from Rolex to protect the brand from resellers as much as possible. I got my new Rolex this year from my local AD and was on a waitlist. It helped I bought a used Rolex from them and knew my sales person from high school. I had a relationship with the store.
@@richmatthews7685 It's just a watch. I'm not going to bend over backwards and act like I owe them a favor. I have enough money to purchase 20 subs and I'm 30 years old. I'll go elsewhere if they don't want my business... which I did. It's people like you who support Rolex ADs is why they are allowed to continue the way they are. Customers are always last in their eyes.
I walked into the AD for the first time in Jan 23 and got a call 3 weeks later for my submariner. I asked her why I got the call , she said she likes to expand her book of business to different people. To not believe everything they say on the internet and that a surprising number of people are pretty rude when asking about getting a Rolex. She also said they have a idea when they will be getting watches from Rolex but they don't know what or how many watches are coming. She said there was only 1 sub in the delivery and it was her turn to offer a Sub and that is when I got the call.
Hey Andrew and Tom, I'm putting Tom in this message, I don't want him to feel left out. A year and a half ago, I went to a Rolex dealer in London. Hell, just say it, Canary wharf. When I asked to purchase a Rolex, I was promptly told NO. I asked why, I was told that I had no purchase history. I then asked how am I supposed to build a purchase history if you're not prepared to sell me the watch of my choice. Then I heard the dreaded words,WAITING LIST, and I'm still waiting. All I wanted was an Airking.
It is a joke. I asked the Rolex AD at Heathrow last year and was told "oh no sir, we do not have e any watches to sell here, all are display only" What a croc of crap.
I’m on waiting list at a store in Canary Wharf..for an Explorer 40. Registered my interest a few weeks back. I’m not getting my hopes up tbh. Pleasant experience talking watches for 20 mins though.
On the list for Explorer 36mm... I'll get the call, but there is no rush... also considering getting an F91 casio. Hopefully casio will call me in the next few years
I went into my local Rolex boutique and they were very friendly. I expressed my interest in an op41 blue and I got the call in 3 weeks! They always validate my parking when I stop by that shopping center and said to let them know when I'm ready to pick up a mint green datejust.... I'm pretty happy with everything.
I am one of those that has been on a waitlist for almost 7 years, and I’m at the end of my rope. I am not at the point in my life where I can afford the marked up secondary market price, but I work hard for what I have, and I want what I want. This is absurd.
I own three Rolex, Datejust 41, Sea Dweller and Batman GMT. The Datejust I got was with the Rhodium grey dial whereas I fell in love with the blue one. Each of them I bought between 2020 and 2022. I 'subscribed' and forgot about it but then got calls from the dealers (less than 12 months waiting) and could pick them up. Not that I was desperately waiting or needed the watches but the perspective of having sth nice that keeps value is attractive. Now I wear only the Datejust if at all. I got an Omega Aqua Terra for my birthday and hardly wear any other model anymore. I'm so in love with that deep blue dial and that bracelet. Long story short, all three Rolex are nice but I'm not in love. Too often, a Rolex purchase ends up as a compromise as you don't get exactly what you want. I think that this might fire back one day.
I went on the list for a 36mm Explorer ref 124270 in mid January of this year at local AD, a regional east coast (US) jewelry chain, just to see what if anything would come of it. Fully expected nothing and but decided to give it 12 months. If nothing by December figured I’d get a Grand Seiko instead. To my surprise I got the call less than four months later, on a Thursday afternoon. Wasn’t able to make it to the AD that day so asked if they would hold it for me till Saturday, which they were happy to do. Picked it up as soon as they opened Saturday. Was a pleasant enough experience but no more so than when I purchased a Citizen years ago in a department store years ago. It’s been on my wrist everyday since. Timing is everything, and I don’t doubt if I went back today and got on the list for say the new 40mm Explorer I might wait a year or more for it.
The AD holding back Rolex is absolutely true. Friend went in with no purchase history, wanted a GMT Master II Root Beer. Said they didn’t have the watch and there would be a wait. Magically produced one a few days, told them via email. Purchased
Holding back is 100% happening. My uncle is a vvip, he referred my dad to a specific AD. With no purchase history he walked in and was offered 4 watches. He bought a daytona. The AD even offered to sell it for him on the grey market because apparently many vvip's don't even take the watches home.
I have nothing but the highest praise for Watches Of Switzerland. 0ver the past 2 years have purchased, Explorer, DJ 41 blue, and recently no date Sub. No issues just a normal guy aged 65.
I bought my rose gold oyster perpetual on holiday in Fuerterventura,the experience was amazing,champagne served,and total respect from the shop owners,my brother-in-law has also bought one from the same shop,this was 2 years ago,now unfortunately the shop is not selling Rolex anymore.
I walked into my local AD with nil purchase history to look at Cartier. Had no intention of even asking about Rolex as I know how they operate, but walked out with a DateJust with silver dial, fluted bezel on an oyster bracelet. Just gotta get lucky that’s all….
It depends on which AD you go to. In Sydney, Australia I got a call from an AD in less than a week after I asked for an Explorer 1. Then there are ADs that asked me to keep in touch every 6 months for the exact same model, or treated me like a nuisance.
It’s not just their order waits times that are infuriating. My daughter cracked the face of my 2015 Milgauss. I sent it to Rolex head office in Australia and it’s been almost 2.5 months and it’s still not repaired. In fact, they haven’t even called me with their diagnosis and cost of repair which means they haven’t even looked at it. Waiting to buy is one thing, waiting to have them repair it is insulting
I have had nothing but excellent service from my Rolex AD. Since July 2020 I have bought several watches from them after relatively short wait periods. Clearly this is not an experience shared by all. I have no complaints and have always been treated with politeness, kindness and courtesy.
I rang my AD last year after seeing the lefty GMT. “Are you left handed?” he asked. “Indeed I am, and will happily prove it” came my reply. “Fine. I’ll put you on the list”. Two months later he called to say my Lefty was in. What a nice chap too. Frothy coffee, posh chocs and a fitting later, off I scuttled with a very nice watch on my right wrist. My Tudor LHD Pelagos was a bit pissed about it though.
Just letting you know, 2 years for an OP means you need a new AD. I bought the batgirl in March of 2021 after waiting 4 months and it was my first watch purchase and I only spent $300 before that
My technique when walking into a Rolex AD is to fling the door open with such force that it nearly comes off its hinges, and then loudly exclaim, "Which one of you c***s wants to sell me a watch?"
I got on a waitlist for a Rolex GMT-Master II and an AP Royal Oak to celebrate my 50th birthday. I'm currently not yet 40. Just planning for the future.
I had an entirely different experience with my AD. I had previously bought a Tudor BB58 from them last year and I went in to enquire about a Datejust 36 and Explorer 36. I told them I was looking to buy in the next 2 weeks. In 2 weeks they had an Explorer 36 for me. No waitlist or hoops to jump through.
Thank you so much for this very funny and entertaining video. Without Rolex wait lists such funny programs would not exist….😂 In 2007 I walked into an AD and asked him for the white gold Daytona in the window. He offered it to me with a discount before I even asked for it. I agreed and asked him if he could put a steel Daytona on top. Two weeks later the steel Daytona was mine too. Today seems to be a very different time…
The people at my local Rolex AD in Walnut Creek, CA, have always treated me well, and I visit them maybe once every 2 years. I have only purchased 1 pair of earrings from them 5 years ago. The last time I went, I gushed over some Breitling pieces, and then we wandered over to the Rolex section. The salesperson said "Let me check what we have in the back," and my heart dropped. He came back with a 36mm Rolex watch (I was so overwhelmed I don't remember what it was, but it had a gray dial, roman numerals, a little bit of bling) and I could have walked out with it, but I just couldn't. And this will probably never happen to me again!
@@richardcollins586 I tried the red on a bracelet - damn fine watch, but the bracelet felt cheap and almost 'tinny'. Good choice if you go for the strap.
My first experience with an AD was a breeze. Picked a 36mm Oyster Perpetual with a black dial, and got the call a couple months later that it had arrived. Then a couple years later, I ordered a Milgauss with the funky blue dial etc. I was waitlisted from the same AD who turned around the other watch so quickly. Well the Milgauss is now a thing of the past, and I seriously doubt they will honor past orders. I love my OP, it's reliable, accurate, and a classic design. I don't wear it to impress anyone, and, of late, I've been wearing it far more frequently and in more rigorous ways. I used to baby it thinking I would trade it in for the Milgauss when it finally arrived. But that ship has sailed, so I've learned to treat my OP as an every day watch, scratches on the case be damned! All said, Rolex suffers from being too popular. And that makes everyone: manufacturers, dealers, grey marketers, and buyers act crazy. It's just a watch. No need wading into the deep end of the crazy pool.
I have two experiences with Rolex ADs - both diametrically opposed in terms of their outcome and their effect on my view of the brand, and luckily (for Rolex) they happened in the correct order. My "local" AD (Goldsmiths at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol) could not have been more helpful. The deputy manager I spoke to was super-friendly, very helpful and an all round nice person. I'm a small-time watch nerd and only have an Omega AquaTerra to my name, but we were chatting about various parts of the industry (flippers, NATO straps vs bracelets, etc) and in the end I went onto the wait-list for an AirKing (I know - the fact that it's an ugly duckling is endearing to me!), a no-date Sub (because I hate the Cyclops window) and a Pepsi GMT (because that's my ultimate). I've been offered the AirKing twice in 12 months, but have declined both times due to financial constraints. Fast-forward a few weeks after my wait-list appointment at Goldsmiths, and I decided to drop into EP Mallory in Bath to see what their situation is like. I'm not exactly a trackies-and-Reeboks kind of guy, but generally dress casually - trainers, jeans and a t-shirt. Even as I stepped inside the door, I got the sense that the staff didn't want me there. I got a stone-wall "our wait-lists are closed" response, and the guy I was talking to even nodded and exchanged glances with the doorman as if to say "this guy will be leaving soon", when I wasn't even done talking to him. First experience was fantastic and actually allayed a lot of doubts I originally had about the brand, but the second not only reinforced those doubts but to an extent overrode the previously positive experience - just goes to show that it's entirely subjective and down to the individual AD.
@@dave_clarke Agreed, ego is the enemy of good customer service - at Cribbs the sales process actually turned into an wide-ranging chat once we established common ground of both being watch-nerds, and for me this is where true sales technique shines. FWIW, Sam is the deputy manager I spoke to at Goldsmiths - she (and most ADs) probably has to deal with walk-ups from idiots who want a Rolex "because they want a Rolex and have money" and not because they appreciate the watch behind the name, so for me it's all about creating that initial "I'm not a flipper, honest" feeling.
@@dl14say67 Fair point, I guess there's not an awful lot going on with the Sub's dial and the cyclops is pretty obvious, but the GMT has the bezel to take the focus.
I found the same, the guys in Cribbs gave me time drinks and got all the watches out for me to try and didn’t rush me, Mallory in bath I didn’t feel welcome what so ever and would never go back.
There’s a great video of Luke Combs (huge country star) telling how he went into a Rolex store in NY to inquire about a watch similar to the one his Dad had. They said they had none and he replied that it was a shame as he would have worn it that night on stage at Madison Square Garden! A door opened……..😂
I bought my first Rolex last year. Over two month span I was hesitant going back and forth to buy or not. Funny over those two months I went in three times and every time the AD had the exact same rolex to show me.. so they def had it in the safe only for certain people.
On the one hand I don't want to support Tudor because they ARE Rolex. On the other hand, I believe the issue with Rolex is mostly the ADs, and Tudor has different dealers, so...
@@JayMorgan yeah my experience trying to purchase a Rolex has not been pleasant, when spending that kind of money you want to feel looked after and have a great experience but you end up feeling like your being pushed to the side and undervalued whilst almost “begging” to be considered for a watch which feels very odd and not a premium experience and it’s been going on for years now
I've been a watch fan since mid 2000s. I have never seen things be this crazy with Rolex, PP, etc. So ridiculous compared to how things used to be not long ago.
I wanted to get a strap for my Omega Seamaster so that my partner could use it too. I contacted an Omega boutique who I've never dealt with and they said send in the watch we'll get you sorted. A very satisfying customer experience. I can't even imagine what would happen if I were to try the same with my GMT Master II.
I put my name down for several rolexes over 2 years ago. With in 2 weeks I got a call and was offered a yatchmaster 2 white gold on an oysterflex bracelet for £23,100. I bought it immediately in the hope it would increase my standing with the AD. Over 2 years later, nearly 3 in fact, my wait list watches have been decreased to just 3 and I have not been offered another watch since.
10 years ago I bought 2 Rolex in the space of a week. An Explorer II in Selfridges and a Daytona back in the country that I live in. I even got a 5% discount on the Daytona. Fast forward 10 years and the dealer I bought the Daytona from, who have recently serviced both my Rolexes wouldn't even put me on a waiting list, saying that their lists were full. So, going to another dealer, they were quite open saying that they were only working with "existing" customers. So even after buying a JLC Reverso Classic from them, not a peep.
Last year, I walked into a Rolex AD, in New Jersey looking to buy the Airking 116900, I was oblivious of the current situation with the waiting list for all the models, even for the one you would think nobody would ever want, when l arrived no one even bothered to come and ask me if I needed any assistance, after I wondered for 2mins thru empty showcases, I stept out disappointed and kind of sad, That a brand that I veneered and admired had agents acting like that, I then went to an Omega store that was right across it, where everybody was really attentive and willing to help me, responded to all my questions, even went into the extra mile of explaining the history of any particular watch that it was shwon, they walked me thru the specs, and had a really great conversation with the store manager, that same day, I ended up ordering the Speedmaster Apollo 8 50th Anniversary, during the conversation it came out, my interest for the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy and how awesome the details in the back case was, and a couple of months later I got a call from the manager to let me know they had one for me if I was still interested. Sorry Rolex, you're good brand with a great history, but your AD mistreatment is really dissapointing and it is making that a lot of watch enthusiasts like me, to go to places where we really feel respected and where those AD agents really values our time and interest.
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
Situation: 7 months waiting for a particular watch (not Daytona)...I pop in every 5 or 6 weeks to say hello, remind them of my interest...my latest visit 2 weeks ago, I go in say hello, and they welcome me to the 'exhibit' box , where they now have my watch ON EXHIBT. So they finally got the watch, and decided to put it on exhibit instead of sell it to me. But I cant voice my displeasure - oh no - cant risk their displeasure. So disappointing...
On the customer service front, I sent in my Tudor for maintenance since the date function broke, and it took 10 weeks to get back and they sent it back still broken. The jeweler was aghast and apologized and after another 4 weeks it was actually fixed and sent back again.
I went to my dealer in northern NJ and have actually been treated great.. im in my mid 20s with a good career so im at the point where i could buy one, but dont really look like it.. the rep was really nice and attentive and showed me multiple different watches to try on (even though i said i was more looking now for the future rather than trying to buy now).. he ultimately put my name down for an explorer. On the other hand i was treated like shit when I walked into omega next door and said i just wanted to take a look at a speedmaster🧐
I was told the wait list or as the AD told me 'wish list' for a Sea Dweller Anniversary 126600 was around 6 years. My sister mentioned this when she was purchasing a custom day date and the sales assistant told her to get me to send a message. She asked if I was ready to go with the purchase, which I was and mentioned 6 years was ridiculous, 3 weeks later I received the call. Now I did have a relationship with the AD through buying Rolex's previously, but it shows it does happen. This was in 2019.
I've had my Explorer sold to me at a Boutique that I went for the first time in ... years(?) when I went to get my dad's old OP serviced. I had a chat with the sales rep about the OP and that I wanted an Explorer for a while but given up while I waited for the service counter. As I was about to leave the shop, the sales rep came over and whispered that they have one in the back. They took me to the backroom, unveiled it from the tray, and I bought it. Quite a surprise. This was in Japan, and there are no waitlists here. They sell it to people who they think wont flip them. I had to sign a paper saying that I acknowledge that I can not buy the same model in 5 years and that they will not sell me another steel sports watch for a year, and jotted my ID info. This was in 2021 Japan.
I was in Las Vegas recently and walked into a very nice dealer. No Rolex but I could have walked with any number of Omegas etc. I am on the waitlist for a Sub but no hope of ever getting a call. Utterly ridiculous. I have no intention of begging to give someone money. My Aqua Terra was purchased with a nice discount when I walked in. Only wait was sizing the bracelet.
I purchased my rolex GMT Pepsi in 2003, a stainless black face Daytona 2005 and a 2008 Kermit sub all from AD and walked out. Just last week I went on wait list for stainless blue face skydweller and the Sprite Sub and told 2-3 yrs. Its crazy now.
Well I can tell you story of NOT getting very plain and normal Rolex. So this is year 2020, my 30th birthday and I decided... last minute... in my normal fashion to treat myself for something nice. Had watches in the past, odd Seiko, Tag, Tissot, Samsung Smart Watch... generally like wearing them, but not like massive collector or enthusiast. But for proper anniversary I thought I treat myself... I had few watches in mind, but I think Speedmaster and Submariner were two main contenders. Submariner was certainly the first in the list. I kind of knew there are waiting lists, but not particularly bothered about them as for me watch is obviously not necessity and when buying something for such price... say £10,000, I expect to be treated very well, I understand that they may put people who haggle on the waiting lists etc. but I consider myself a customer and I consider that they need me not the other way around. So I pop into the store, I tell them I am looking for watch for anniversary and that is what interests me... they do come around tell me little bit about each model, prices, basics... so they are polite, but not overly enthusiastic. Which is understandable, because clearly not every person coming into the shop even planning to buy watch for thousands. At this point I am basically deciding between different dial colours of Submariner. ME - "could I see it... i.e. wear it, look at it etc. because I am basically buying it". So this is full confidence mode at this point, basically "can I have 1 of those Sumbariners please", just in polite and not pretentious way. If memory serves price was ~£8,000. So I am clearly letting them know that I am not just wasting their time. AD - "~Nope you can't, those are display models and we don't have any in stock that could be tried, only sealed new ones", basically they won't let me touch them... ME - "Well, okey then, when do you think I could get one?" AD - "for that one we will need to call you back, for the other one we not taking orders at the moment" i.e. they would put me on the list for plain black submariner, but they won't even allow me on the waiting list for green bezel, black dial... ME - "okey. So what do you think I could actually get?" AD - walks over to the other stand.. "you can try this one, we can call you back later, perhaps you can have them later in the year" - shows me Oyster Perpetual and Explorer, again we talking about plain, black dial small watches... like 38-40mm. ME - this is early June... "Later in a year?".. AD - "yes November/December time we get some stock for Christmas so we MAY be able to allocate one to you". ME - "Is there anything that I could get today? Maybe later this week?" AD - "no... we don't have stock at the moment, only display models or watches that have already been sold/waiting pick-up". At this point I am still thinking, I know that I can flip "hulk" over retail (because clearly I am not getting it for anniversary, so at least for profit), but if they won't put me on the list for even green/black (forgotten what is called), then "hulk" is non-starter... so I leave my details for simple black submariner, not really knowing what I will do about it... Then I walk into Omega shop next door, because I need watch basically in a week... they literally have all watches in stock, I barely started talking, sort of saying I would like classic looking watch, maybe Speedmaster, I would like Seamaster, but I don't like "broad arrows", looking at classic colours, don't want any gold non-sense, nor rose, no flashy, want automatic, want sapphire, wand open case back if possible... just black Speedmaster and maybe blue Seamaster... and they are already piling the watches in front of me. Basically I am talking with one assistant and other is just binging all the models that broadly fits my description. There is like glass in between-us (covid times), but at one point there were like 8 watches on the desk and I looked into few dozens in total... and I kind of taking and wearing them two at the time to sort of compare the looks, taking pictures (I did as if that is ok). Then I said - when can I get it?.. and some of them they had new, some of them they had only display ones (so basically minor scratches etc). But they brought boxes to show they have everything all tags all that... anyway the one I chosen in the end was the "Moonphase" they didn't have new one in store, only display and they said if I am paying whole price outright i.e. no payment plan etc. then "we may be able to make a deal". I understand they would have let me have Moonphase for £5600-5800 in 2020. I ended-up ordering new one, go delivered for free next day and I paid sticker on it (~£6780 or something like that). Back to the Rolex.. they did call me around December to say I could get Explorer if I want, but I am still "waiting" to hear about Submariner to this day... I was told by some they expected me to buy Explorer, to then qualify for Submariner and as I didn't get that one I was basically taken off the list. I was still considered "graduating" to Submariner for my 35th, but I changed my mind now... I want to be treated like a valued customer, I definitely don't need them more than they need me, even if they have million suckers on waiting lists. So on my 35th I will be getting Seamaster, maybe Planet Ocean and I don't need no damn graduation to what is realistically inferior watch (or perhaps same quality, just for double the price and nonsense waitlist and shit customer service). Moral of the story - Submariner was my number 1, now it is my number nothing... I don't care about the brand which could not treat me with respect. I am happy to use Omega and consider their watches as good (and for price superior). There is no comparison between Explorer and Moonphase (even thought Moonphase now is like £10,000). Sure Submariner is cool but is it really that much better than Seamaster to be on stupid waitlist for 2 years and pay £3000 more + having to buy Explorer for £5000 just to "graduate" for opportunity to have one. No I doubt it. But here is people psychology for you... Omega treats their customers well, has rich history, has good product, had product that is available to buy and they losing market share. Rolex treats customers like trash, but they suck it up and come back for more... and now Rolex is market leader in swiss luxury watches market... by quite a big margin as well. Sorry - I don't want to be part of that game.
@@PhilbyFavourites Yes absolutely... and it was not like Omega treated me in some special way. They simply treated me the way I expect people should be treated when they spend such amounts of money. It is not purchase of necessity, nobody going to die without 200g of stainless steel or other metal on their wrist. It is completely optional thing to have in the life. Omega attitude was simple and efficient - "you have money, we have watches, you are our customer and we will try to make you happy and help you as much as we can to find the watch you like, that suits you and your budget within reason". It was clear they are open for the business, they kept themselves proud about their watches and company history, expected buyer to know basics of what they want and be prepared to pay high but decent price. They made me appreciate the effort that goes into making each piece... which is nice as then the thing you have on your hand feels much more than just some metal parts screwed together. And overall it was exciting experience, but I felt comfortable at all times, the watches I was holding and putting on my hand are expensive and exclusive pieces, but they are for sale and I am choosing. Not they telling me what I can and can't have, but they telling me how much this will cost me and then it is my decision... should I go for plain classic Moonwatch with hesalite for ~£4,000 or I want to go for Rose Gold Moonpahse which was like £32,000. That is all my decision and they will make it happen, if they don't have it in store, they will call another dealer or they order one directly from Omega... no problems. I pay money, they get watches - simple and as it should be. As well no upselling or pressure to buy whatsoever.
I couldn’t agree more, the same situation happened to me, at the time I loved Rolex, but thanks to that AD I discovered that I love more myself, and if you will be in a relationship with an AD the least that they could have shown me at the time was little bit of respect, at least for the time I took to go in to their store and show them my interest. I love my Omegas, and I'll stick with them, More quality for half the price.
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
@@taiminsen8069 would be fine, but I was not looking to mid-engined Ferrari, it was just poverty line California. There was nothing special about black on black Submariner, or for that matter any colour of steel submariners. It is kind of ridiculous to think that green one is extra £1000 retail just because of the colour. Again if Rolex would be the only ones making that type of watches it would make sense, but when one can go into Omega and just buy as good watch same day it just makes no sense Although I agree about human psychology - people are just stupid. And I do have ego, but my ego is that I don't give a shit about Rolex, if they not treating me well I will find better brands.
Tried getting a Rolex through a well known watch shop in Manchester via "the list". They basically try and flog you everything else, with heavy hints that if you arent spending £1000's on other stuff, they will keep you at the back of the list. Even offered to buy some smaller bits of silver jewellery to show willing and they declined those sales with a laugh. Greedy dealers . Rolex is underpinning most of these shops. When Rolex move to a direct sales model - these shops are taking a hit.
I have purchased a Day-Date, DateJust, GMT, and Sky-Dweller from Rolex and the longest I have had to wait was four months for the DateJust. I get there’s a wait list but it has not been my experience.
November 2022 I visited my local AD to talk about the Sky-Dweller black dial. We had a good talk and he agreed to put me on the waiting list at the same time explaining it could easily take 1 to 3 years. To my great and pleasant surprise I got an email three months later saying that I could pick up the watch. I know this contradicts many of the experiences mentioned here, nevertheless this in fact happened. Just wanted to add to the nuances.
I went into the Rolex store in Honolulu, HI and basically got scoffed at for not having an appointment. I was on vacation and they didn’t even have time to let me try one of their store demos. Mind you, i was the only customer in the store. I am done with Rolex. Moving on to JLC
The store on Kalakaua adjacent to the Tesla dealer? Been there a couple of times myself and although the story was always the same - nothing sellable - they were at least polite. Sorry to hear your experience was like that. I did buy a couple of pieces from their affiliate store across the street. They were always friendly and hooked me up with deals on a Black Bay GMT and a Longines Zulu GMT.
@@davidrosenblum2178 thats the store. I was staying at the royal. There were other stores including TAG, Hermes, and of course the tudors. I elected to try the Tonneau store in Maui. They were friendly but had nothing to sell. I came ready to buy and left HI empty.
I was at the Charles de Gaulle airport and the girl at the Rolex shop just happened to have received that very same morning the black dial Daytona (the previous one , it was 2015, I think), it wasn’t even on display yet. I bought it to give company to my white dial Daytona I had owned for a few years already. And that was the last watch I bought. They have become unreasonably expensive.
I've always gotten any Rolex I've wanted on the spot at record low prices from any dealers I've walked into. That's the advantage of commiting a robbery.
Depending on the boutique, you might actually have success. I was offered a DJ41 in Manhattan while on vacation last month. It was, unfortunately, a color combo I had no interest in, so I passed. But I was shocked they actually straight up offered me the opportunity. It was obviously no Daytona or Sub but still, it was a small shock
I actually walked into a dealer in Eastbourne UK and was able to buy a datejust because I asked if there was anything available. So yes it’s possible and I paid for the watch without a wait list.
IIRC, some Rolex were sort of hard to get back in the 90s. The Daytona is also the first watch I remember that people were "struggling" to simply walk into the AD and buy. But Submariners and such were relatively easy to get. And a lot cheaper than today (compared to average income, etc). I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not having bought one or two back then when it would've been under 1.5 times my annual Christmas bonus. That said: They *were* expensive watches back then and seemed outlandishly expensive to me personally - but I don't think any of us could imagine to what heights Rolex prices would soar in the future. Or else I would've put every spare penny I had back then into one Rolex after the other.. :)
I bought a Panerai in 2005. I recall the AD had a case full of Rolex; including Daytonas. I think I really wanted an Explorer II but at the time it was just a bit more than my Panerai which I already thought was a lot of money. Also Panerai was hot then and I really liked that it was kind of an IYKYK brand. Figured I get the Rolex later. Went back to AD last year and while their service was great, I pretty much got the "no way you will get one"... I was hoping to buy one for my 50th but just can't stomach the grey market prices or dealing with the ADs. I may go for another brand like Omega though....
@@Unc0mmonSense I hear you.. :) Problem is (for me) that it's the Sub I want... not a Seamaster or a SeaQ or a GS diver or anything like that. YT is full of "the 10 best Submariner alternatives"-videos, but the way I see it, only a Rolex will scratch that Rolex itch. I tried the Omega-route a couple of years back and while I was highly impressed with the watches the AD showed me and her proclamation that I could buy any of the ones they had there on that very day (and her offering me a 20% discount without me even asking) ... they just didn't do it for me. Looked at various Seamster 300s, 300Ms and Aqua Terras, all of which were incredible pieces, but, alas ... :)
This is definitely a Rolex strategy that is purposeful. Adidas did a similar strategy with the Yeezy shoes and now a few days ago they were clearing out the warehouses for Yeezy day because of the Kanye split and most people were able to easily get the same shoes that were impossible to get in prior years...
No problem, walked in picked out a DJ tuxedo dial. 20 years later walked in 6 month wait for a SS Daytona, put a two tone on layaway, a month later upgraded it to a 18K yellow gold with black MOP dial. Only took about a week for it to be transferred to my store. That was 2003.
I’m not fond of what Rolex has become today, but I do like their designs. I wanted to have 1 Rolex in my collection, and wasn’t gonna play the AD games. I just decided to go with a semi-vintage Datejust from the late 80’s! No games, low prices - that’s the way to do it 🙏🏻
Just stopped in 5 AD's on a trip through Spain / Southern France. 3 dealers had nothing in stock but in talking to them they were all very nice and professional, it does sounds like they get much more product than my local Denver AD. 2 dealers did offer pieces immediately, although ones I wasn't interested in. Two tone Yachtmaster, and a two tone date just with champaign dial.
In the last two years, I’ve bought a DJ41 and recently a Submariner with the average wait around 6 months each. I built the relationship with them and now should be next in line for a Pepsi. On a side note, I did recently see some models for sale on the shelf at an AD, albeit not in the UK.
My local Rolex AD retired in 2015, closed up the shop and my relationship with him obviously retired too. With the birth of my first grandchild in late 2019, I decided I would go for a GMT to mark the occasion with the intention of leaving him the watch as inheritance. A Goldsmiths was my local AD now so built up a spend history with them on a couple of other watches and the odd bit of jewellery too. I’d get the call before long they told me. Beginning of this year popped in and was told the goal posts had changed somewhat. My spend history was one thing but it now had to include another Rolex to get a sniff of something like a GMT. I’ve put my name down now on a 37mm Yatchmaster with the wife has always liked which I would be allowed to purchase once I get the call. Following that I may have a chance for the GMT. I’m not holding my breath! Can’t help feeling I’ve been played for a mug here. I’ve for filled my end but the Watches of Switzerland Group have just taken my money and run so to speak. Oh well!
Last year I met a great sales guy at the Rolex AD. He is no nonsense and told me what he could get me. He got a silver OP41 after one week and a Sub Date two months later for me. I was very fortunate. Now I feel like 2 watches is enough rolex and I want to buy other brands to compare.
I was able to get a submariner date last year as my first Rolex. I was very pleased. It took about 6-7months wait and I did buy jewelry for my wife as well.
I visited a boutique called Swiss Watch in Johor Bahru, Malaysia that had around 8 brands or so, and there was a separate section for Rolex which took up about 1/4 of the store. But the thing that stood out to me was the sign placed at the entrance that read: "Thank you for your interest in visiting the Rolex Mid Valley Southkey boutique. As we strive to deliver an in-store shopping experience tailored to you, please note that visits to the boutique are managed by appointment basis only, where appointments can be made physically at our boutique. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you in our boutique soon." The section had a different design on the walls and carpet too
When I went to with my local Rolex AD in Mexico I simply asked for a Sub no date, the rep told me they had two of them and sold one to me without a problem. Afterwards I learnt about all this waiting list stuff and think I was just very, very lucky
I can only speak from personal experience. I have been a client of Goldsmiths in Oxford for the last nine years. During that period I have purchased four Rolex watches, plus a Breitling and a Longines. The only time I have had to join a wait list was January 2022 when I ordered the fourth Rolex, a 124270 36mm Explorer. The manager of the branch is one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I’m sure I am not the only client he treats with the utmost respect. I realised the new 36mm Explorer was going to be difficult to obtain as demand was very high when it was released. The manager told me he would do his best to get me the watch as soon as possible and would keep me updated on any progress. Nine months later, early September, I received a call, earlier than I expected. The Explorer was waiting for me to collect. It would appear buying a Rolex very much depends upon who you are dealing with. I have been fortunate to to find an AD willing to go that extra mile and do his best for the customer. My only hope is that he will still be in charge when I looking for my next Rolex.
So I've been critical of the Rolex AD experience in the past, but recently had a very different experience in Milwaukee. I went in to purchase a Cartier Santos, and after the purchase asked about availability of the new 36mm Explorer. They asked if I'd like to be added to the list, and I said of course. 4 months later I got the call! I'm on the list for a Pepsi now. I think it really does vary by AD.
I dropped in to an AD (in Vzla) and asked what they had. A Yatch-Master and a DD in two tone. I said looking for a steel model; a day after a DD wimblendon dial with a oyster bracelet for near 12k and could reserve it for 30% and in three months the watch should arrive and pay for it whole. Not the watch i wanted, but told them i would consider...
Tom should try for a Rootbeer, he might actually be able to get one. Also, it's entirely YMMV and dealer dependent, as well as how large the market is where your ADs are. Large markets like NY/London everyone and their mom wants one, but small-medium sized markets it can be a bit easier to get.
I spent approx £30k over 3 years at a main Rolex dealer in London - one of those purchases was a Pepsi GMT but I hasten to add that I was only offered that watch as I am friends with an "ultra spender" and he put in a good word for me. After that purchase I asked if I could be put on the list for a Daytona and they said no the list was full. Then I asked about the white dial Explorer GMT and again was told the list was full. Plus just the way that they spoke to me..... So having met their responsibilities to my big spending friend I was clearly now seen as a pain in the proverbial. It's an awful experience to be honest - you are made to feel as though you should be incredibly grateful. Obviously my £30k over three years is small fry and I'm sure significant spenders are given an entirely different experience. I'm looking forward to when the tables are turned and after they have alienated the masses. Remember when M&S made you use thier credit card they were that powerful? Everything goes in circles eventually.....
I have an AD local to me but I'm not sure just walking lin and asking for a watch is the done thing. Is that what you do...just walk in and ask or are the staff just going to show you the door?
Why is the availability there on the Grey market, of course at a huge mark up? Are they, “Rolex” choosing to meet large quantity demand only to the grey market???
Walked in an AD and saw 2 Tone Explorer and 2 Tone Yachtmaster for sale in Jan. I was surprised to see watches for sale (used to onlu seein Exhibition Models). I recall seeing about 10-12 watches available in total at the time.
I registered my interest with a Watches of Switzerland store for a Submariner over the phone. 2 weeks later I was scheduled for a face-to-face interview. It was more like an interrogation. Like I had to justify why I should qualify for a rolex without buying something else first. Never mind the fact that I can actually afford it. I notified them of my intent to just go to Breitling and take one home instantly. They then tried to sell me a breitling to increase my spend , which will then allow me to qualify for a different rolex that I didn't even want. Needless to say, I politely told the assistant what I thought, and went directly to Breitling and purchased a Navitimer. I was treated like royalty at Breitling and they have just gained a customer for life. I don't care about resale values because I'm not one to flip the watch. Rather keep them as a family heirloom. I won't ever bother with Rolex again.
I went to my local Rolex AD in San Antonio, Texas, and was astonished by how poorly my brother and I were treated. We went there and weren't being given the time of day. That is until my brother said (extra loudly). "Is this the same Rolex you have?" Instantly, one of the reps is on us acting like an absolute crack head. She was fidgeting and just hyper aggressive. I'm assuming she was just excited to get a sale. We looked at some pieces and decided that we were gonna purchase some pieces another location had, so we'd have to wait a day or two for them to arrive. Which was no problem. As we were wrapping up, I asked about procuring a Sky Dweller used or new. She says, "That'll be a conversation for another time." I thought we'll maybe we'll discuss it when I come back, or maybe she's busy and just needs more time to get her information in order. She then says, "Maybe when you got some more gray hairs and have bought more watches from me, I'll consider having that conversation." I felt I had just been insulted. I told her just to forget the arrangements and that they weren't gonna have my business now or in the future. I don't even want to own a Rolex at this point.
I had a similar experience when I was 18 at a Ford dealership. I was looking at a new Mustang GT Premium and no salesperson ever approached me. When I asked a salesperson to show me the car they told me they were only helping “real customers”. I didn’t even know what to say, so I drove to the Chevy dealership and got shown all around a new Camaro 2SS by a very enthusiastic salesman. About a week later when my lease expired I bought that Camaro 2SS. Always ripped it hard past that Ford dealership whenever passing, as if they cared they “lost a customer” anyways. All that said, I never blamed Ford itself for doing that to me, that was a shitty salesperson at a poorly managed dealership, but it was not even remotely Ford’s fault that I was treated that way. This is what people are doing to Rolex because their ADs are just making a quick buck by offloading product to the gray market or their favorite customers first, leaving the regular customer absolutely unable to buy a new Rolex without a ludicrous wait time or succumbing to gray market inflated prices.
Wow, never do business with that AD.
and rolex nor that AD don't care sadly
@@stevenreddy6842 Exactly the way I feel. I buy several watches each year, but not Rolex. Many other brands out there that want our business.
Pretty sure I already read this bs story on reddit some time ago...
I went into Watches of Switzerland in Cardiff to look at a no date submariner, the salesman was extremely patronising and even said that he “wouldn’t sell me a submariner as my first Rolex” I would need to buy a lesser Rolex first and become a valued customer. I won’t use WoS to purchase anything since then, absolutely disgusting that they can treat customers that way.
WOS sucks!
WoS are awful. I wanted a Tag Carerra for my wife for her 50th "Oh you shouldn't spend that sort of money on quartz! You need a Tudor."
"I don't want a Tudor."
"No come and look at Tudor."
Nothing wrong with Tudor, and nothing wrong wih quartz. Let's look at Tags please"
"Tudor...."
"Okay just to try and break you out of your fever dream about the overstock of Tudor dress watches you have let's look at Oris."
"Ha ! Oris don't do ladies watches !"
"Err, yes they do. These here for example. Plus there's no such thing as a gender specific watches. It either suits you or it doesn.t. Anyway bye then."
@@roba7331 Good move on only going for what you want and not being swayed by an AD, although I have always got on fine with WoS, but I guess it really depends on the person serving you. I like your point about no such thing about gender specific watches, very true!
I had the exact same experience at WOS in Sydney. They were very condescending towards me. Needless to say I went and spent my hard earned at Breitling and was treated like royalty nonetheless.
I just had an awesome experience at a WOS store in NJ. Took a brand new Submariner there to get the bracelet sized... they complimented my Kelly Slater as soon as I walked in, proceeded to size the Submariner bracelet free of charge, and let me try on a variety of watches that I had no intention of buying before leaving. The salesperson did ask me how I got the brand new Submariner, and I told him via trade. I actually did trade a JLC Ultra Thin plus cash for one, but I paid over retail in the end.
I walked into a Rolex dealer with my Lange on, he asked if I was looking to upgrade into a “proper” watch.
😂😂😂😂
Hopefully you didn’t get arrested when you put him right 😂
LOL
Hahaha, so many horrendous people wearing Rolex. The downside of being a status symbol. Lange is undoubtedly the better watch and it has certainly more style than Rolex. Rolex almost becomes overpriced bling for pretentious underclass.
Should've told them "Nah, I was looking to downgrade to a Rolex, actually" then walked out. What a twat that salesman was.
I walked into an AD and bought a Submariner right out of the display case. That was in 1978. Fyi, it's on my wrist right now.
After being laughed at in Tourneau Las Vegas 4 years ago I said it just wasn’t worth the humiliation. But last February my friend sent me a picture of his new SS Pepsi and said “I got the call after 2 years!” The Pepsi is somewhat nostalgic to me as my father gifted me one. I didn’t know what it was at that time, neglected it and it was stolen from me when I was in college. So I figured I would pop in my local AD and give it one more try and maybe in 2 years I would also get the call, after all you need to start somewhere. I walked in and this time it was a complete 180 from my last experience, the staff were friendly, offered refreshments and I was asked for the 3 models of my choice. I said Pepsi but I’d take a polar as a second and then a Sub no date or Explorer I. We proceeded to talk about all kinds of watches that he coveted and it quickly become a mini get together of enthusiasts for about 30 minutes then we left. You may not believe me but another 30 minutes later I got a call asking if I was still in the area and that he has a Pepsi waiting for me, jokingly said if I still wanted it. I said yes but I’m at a show now can you hold it for a couple hours (hindsight that was probably pretty ungrateful😂) and he agreed. So yeah, believe it or not I got my Pepsi on the same day, and a few months later another call for the Sub.
Tourneau isnt Rolex and if you went to Tourneau at Ceasars, yeah, its a joke. They dont sell any Rolex at MSRP and are pretty rude. My experiences at actual Rolex boutiques is good.
@@photoholic11 Indeed, I go to my dedicated Rolex only boutique now since I now have some purchase history and on good terms with the staff there. But initially I feel going to a Rolex only boutique was a better choice, they simply don't have anything else to sell me to "build a journey" with them or play bundling games. If any multibrand AD needs a purchase history or bundles then I would strongly advise to politely leave and go to an actual Rolex boutique. At least anything they can sell you will be a Rolex watch!
Rolex should come out with a model called "Sheepmaster" and offer it to all the people on waitlists.
😂😂😂 brilliant!
OK, enough internet for me today, I found the winner.
Genuinely funny…
Made my day! 🎉
Brilliant. And the glowing Hodinkee review writes itself, down to the (Leica-shot) photos of one of their editors in $500 work-boots and $300 jeans wearing it while herding to show what a practical tool watch it is for shepherds.
“Forget” Rolex…..go with Omega….thats what I did and am 100% happy !
❤ yep. I went with fp journe because canot have the rolex in time, and do no regret it.
The best way for Omega to promote Omega is not with another MoonSwatch debacle but to encourage Rolex to continue in their current practices.
Unfortunately, an Omega vs Rolex lacks character, like a Nissan 350Z lacks character compared to a Porsche 911.
@@_Sam62except for the Speedy, but they're milking that cow a bit hard.
If rolex were to give you "the call", you would drop everything and go buy it. 😂
Guy walk into Rolex dealer: "Hi, im interested in a watch"
Rolex dealer: "Bend over and spread em!"
I have a waitlist of watchmakers willing to sell me a watch. Rolex is at the end. 😂
Well said, sir.
Ok. I recently purchased a Rolex White gold perpetual date. Black dial with stick markers. I bought it a local USA jewelry chain. I had asked to be put on their list for the less expensive plain bezel version about 6 months prior. This one came in and I got “the call”. I had a specific salesperson that I felt with. No Prior Purchases! Did have a prior bad experience here 3 years prior when the refused to size a Tag ( they are a dealer) for my wife. I had sent the salesperson an email “ Just checking to see if the Rolex dump truck had a recent delivery!” Two days later “Viola!”
Well said. My grandfather got the call for another Submariner from an AD here in North Texas and he said he laughed about it, forgot that he’d ever even put his name down and told them to keep it.
@Pawel What ones are you buying first then? 😂
Guess you are buying nothing right?
@@thetruebatman4632 So he asked to buy something then laughed because he was able to do the thing he asked to?
Weird he told his grandson that he found it funny.
At what timescale would he have simply said yes please/no thanks rather than developing into ridiculing the shop/brand?
We have bought two Rolex in the last year. I got the call from my AD in San Antonio last September just a few days after going in. Great experience and the staff was great. My wife was on the list for a rare configuration 31mm DateJust with another AD in Idaho. That took about a year, but they finally got one in December. Again, the staff was wonderful.
I went to a Rolex store in early April for a Datejust 36 and was told to expect a phone call in about 2 years. The whole thing felt like a job interview and they also asked me where i work and actually wrote that information down like it was relevant in any way. My appointment was with a manager, who jokingly said if i call the store asking for updates i might be pushed to the bottom of the list.. I fake laughed in reaction to hearing that comment.
I consider it an unacceptable intrusion on one's privacy to ask where one works as part of buying a watch. I would not give Rolex their information; it is none of their business.
@@kaunas888 I agree, an I didn’t want to give this information but I also didn’t want to be ostracised in any way
All 36mm Datejusts can be ordered at the AD now, so this seems ridiculous. Same with all diamond dial 41 Datejusts.
Ridiculous! None of the ADs or Rolex’s business where you work. You’re trying to pay them a few grand for a non essential item not attending a job interview. I’d have told them not to bother after that, plenty of brands out there dying to take your money and not your personal history.
@@craigfisher1937 I still wanted a watch otherwise I would have told them to suck it
I wanted an explorer 1 so I went to go try one on and get my name on the list. I went to a couple of big ADs in my city. One told me that IF I EVER got the call I would have to drop everything and be there within the same day, no exceptions. Not sure how I could be expected to clear my schedule and wait by the phone for the next 5 years in case I got "the call".
The other dealer I went to did not seem to be happy dealing with me at all. I am a local in my country and speak English (the most common national language here) and they did not even have a Rolex catalogue in English. They only offered the catalogue in another language from a country where alot of crazy rich people come from to buy stuff here. I don't want to come across hostile to this group of people it's just the way the market is here. It's not a matter of prejudice, it's just that the elite class of people in my city are from another part of the world. They did not want to serve an English speaker in an English speaking country. Anyway they told me that they have no room left on the waiting list and that they can't take my info to put me on the list.
After that experience I realized that my omega dealer is the nicest most friendly person and that she would do anything to get me the omega that I wanted. So I asked for a speedmaster 57' in the red dial and she pulled a few strings and had it on my wrist by the end of the week. Thank you Anousch for coming through again. She will continue to be my preferred dealer going forward.
In conclusion, Rolex doesn't want me as a customer. They want international high rollers and hype beasts. They belong on the wrist of the international student who drives a Lambo that they got as a birthday gift last year.
P.S. whenever I see a Rolex in the wild I think "it's either fake or that customer was taken advantage of by an AD". It's kinda sad🤷🏻
Or they did what I did. Bought it twenty years ago.
@@moleahy6880 oh yes the classic real estate strategy. It's easy, all you have to do is buy your first house for cash 25 years ago. Not sure what the issue is for all the young people. It's cheap.
@@user-deleted Sour grapes much?
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona
Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
@@moleahy6880 yeah... U got me there. Reading my comment over again is kinda cringe😬. It's just that it's the same thing that I hear a lot from older generations. "I did it 20 years ago. It was easy." Not the sort of advice that younger generations like to hear.
Bought a few Rolex pre-pandemic when less popular models were in the display case. Now I’ve stopped visiting my AD because I just can’t get anything I want.
Rolex is doing me a favor by making me look at more interesting brands 😎!
Absolutely true and I feel the same. I've wanted a regular OP for quite a few yrs and never ended up finding one at the boutique or AD. Ended up buying a Zenith Defy which I got in 2 weeks brand new from Switzerland. I feel a better and more unique watch at the end of the day.
A far nicer & more distinctive piece, good choice..
I bought a steel YM from an AD (Awesome Dude) in Bangkok for $20, great deal! No attitude and the price was right,
My most recent Rolex purchase was interesting. I went into a jewellers that I’d spent tens of thousands of pounds at and they told me it would be a couple of years before I get a yacht-master. I then enquired at a different jewellers where I had no history, they told me to come in for an appointment in 2 days and when I arrived they had my yacht-master ready for me.
I want a YM and will NOT allow them to put me on a wait list, F them! I'll simply offer to but it and I walk out with it.
When the Silver BB58 was introduced a couple years ago, I was at my local Rolex AD, chit chatting about the new Rolex and Tudor releases. I had previously bought a vintage Omega from this AD, but I had not been afforded the opportunity of buying a Rolex. I was singing the praises of the silver BB58, and how I thought that would surely have to be the next watch I would buy. I was completely taken aback when the AD quietly said to me, I have a Rolex Sub in the back that you could buy today, if you want. I was shocked! I really wasn’t trying to convince him to sell me a Rolex that day. In fact, the watch I WANTED was the turquoise OP36. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to pull the trigger on a new Sub that day. To this day, that has been the only “chance” I’ve had to buy a new Rolex at an AD.
I went to my local AD in the Northwest of the U.K. about two years ago. I explained it was a significant event that I’d like it for, and waited about 8 months for a candy pink dialled perpetual. They were absolutely brilliant to deal with , kept me well informed . Bought a Tudor from them after that, same brilliant friendly service, and asked about a sub. That took about 6 months. I know everyone’s experience is different, but they’ve been faultless for me , in fact an absolute pleasure to deal with
Which AD?? Last one I tried, I was wearing a brand new sub and was enquiring about a milgauss and was basically told "we're busy, go away and come back some other time"
@@davidhope5875 I wouldn’t want to name them specifically, but it’s within the Manchester catchment area . Very friendly, totally professional. I was totally upfront and honest about my intentions , the watches were/are for significant family /life events and anniversaries and we will always treasure them and keep them, and pass them on . I hope you have a better response if you try again
Offers from an AD for a Rolex are turned down more frequently now, as profits from flipping decrease. But Rolex is doing all they can to keep up the perception of short supplies.
I was on a waitlist for the new Explorer 40mm… for 3 weeks. My AD in Belgium kindly put me on the waiting list and only 2 weeks later I got their call informing me that the watch would arrive the week after 👍 They are very helpful, kind and polite even though this is only the second watch I’ve purchased from them. I am very satisfied!
As a Belgian, I’m dying to know which AD gave you that experience. I’m waiting for an OP myself.
Is that the Rolex shop in Brussels you're talking about? I had good experiences with them as well, but no watch. Had to source that one from a friend with purchasing history in germany
@@dirkcostermans8233 it is Woertys in Knokke
@@lukdetroyer205very kindle people there in Knokke, but I’m also on the list for the new explorer in Bruxelles 😁thé AD told me maximum 3 months and he believe that would be even faster than that. No purchases history, I just walk in and ask about the watch that they have it on the window, can not wait to get the watch now 😁
I went to my local AD, Weston Jewelers, a few years ago to see if they had a black Submariner Date. They laughed and said there was a 10 year waiting list and that the list was closed to new customers. They then proceeded to tell me IF I were to buy the 39mm Explorer I that was on their display, then not only would the Submariner waiting list be open for me, but somehow my name would magically be higher up the list. I laughed, they laughed, and I went somewhere else to purchase an Omega Seamaster. I don't play those games. Then 8 months ago, I was around that area picking up lunch and decided to walk in that joke of an AD. They had all types of hard-to-get Rolex models on display. When I asked about it, they said all the Rolex watches are for display only, not for sale. This includes normal Date Just models. I think it safe to assume that Rolex ADs don't sell watches.
So you’re upset about standard operating procedures at every Rolex AD and Rolex store? You walked in without a relationship with the store, asked for one of the most sought after models and “didn’t want to play the game” everyone goes through? Of course they’re not going to put you on the wait list for that watch, they don’t know you. And yes, buying a less popular Rolex is the best way to get on any waitlist for the highly sought after Rolex’s. Also, no AD or Rolex store sells their displays until said model is discontinued. Why would they? They are there to get potential buyers a chance to see and try on. Why would they want to lose a future sale because they sold someone they don’t know, or do know, their display? Welcome to the world of luxury watches. AD’s do sell Rolex’s, just not to people they don’t have a relationship with that walked through the doors for the first time. They do this as a directive from Rolex to protect the brand from resellers as much as possible. I got my new Rolex this year from my local AD and was on a waitlist. It helped I bought a used Rolex from them and knew my sales person from high school. I had a relationship with the store.
@@richmatthews7685 Yeah, I don't think he was upset. He's just stating what happened.
@@richmatthews7685 It's just a watch. I'm not going to bend over backwards and act like I owe them a favor. I have enough money to purchase 20 subs and I'm 30 years old. I'll go elsewhere if they don't want my business... which I did. It's people like you who support Rolex ADs is why they are allowed to continue the way they are. Customers are always last in their eyes.
@@richmatthews7685 suck off crew confirmed.
@@richmatthews7685simp harder bro
I walked into the AD for the first time in Jan 23 and got a call 3 weeks later for my submariner. I asked her why I got the call , she said she likes to expand her book of business to different people. To not believe everything they say on the internet and that a surprising number of people are pretty rude when asking about getting a Rolex. She also said they have a idea when they will be getting watches from Rolex but they don't know what or how many watches are coming. She said there was only 1 sub in the delivery and it was her turn to offer a Sub and that is when I got the call.
Hey Andrew and Tom, I'm putting Tom in this message, I don't want him to feel left out. A year and a half ago, I went to a Rolex dealer in London. Hell, just say it, Canary wharf. When I asked to purchase a Rolex, I was promptly told NO. I asked why, I was told that I had no purchase history. I then asked how am I supposed to build a purchase history if you're not prepared to sell me the watch of my choice. Then I heard the dreaded words,WAITING LIST, and I'm still waiting. All I wanted was an Airking.
It is a joke. I asked the Rolex AD at Heathrow last year and was told "oh no sir, we do not have e any watches to sell here, all are display only" What a croc of crap.
I’m on waiting list at a store in Canary Wharf..for an Explorer 40. Registered my interest a few weeks back. I’m not getting my hopes up tbh. Pleasant experience talking watches for 20 mins though.
On the list for Explorer 36mm... I'll get the call, but there is no rush... also considering getting an F91 casio. Hopefully casio will call me in the next few years
😂😂😂
I went into my local Rolex boutique and they were very friendly. I expressed my interest in an op41 blue and I got the call in 3 weeks! They always validate my parking when I stop by that shopping center and said to let them know when I'm ready to pick up a mint green datejust.... I'm pretty happy with everything.
I am one of those that has been on a waitlist for almost 7 years, and I’m at the end of my rope. I am not at the point in my life where I can afford the marked up secondary market price, but I work hard for what I have, and I want what I want. This is absurd.
Just curious what model is it you're waiting 7 years for?
Rich, look at other brands that appeal to you and are available. The AD played you -- there is no list!
7 years, did you give them the correct number?
I’m also curious what model you’re looking for. The underlying consensus here is you find a new AD, or better yet a dedicated Rolex boutique.
Sorry I missed all these replies. I've been on "the list" for a panda Daytona. It's my dream watch.
I own three Rolex, Datejust 41, Sea Dweller and Batman GMT. The Datejust I got was with the Rhodium grey dial whereas I fell in love with the blue one. Each of them I bought between 2020 and 2022. I 'subscribed' and forgot about it but then got calls from the dealers (less than 12 months waiting) and could pick them up. Not that I was desperately waiting or needed the watches but the perspective of having sth nice that keeps value is attractive. Now I wear only the Datejust if at all. I got an Omega Aqua Terra for my birthday and hardly wear any other model anymore. I'm so in love with that deep blue dial and that bracelet. Long story short, all three Rolex are nice but I'm not in love. Too often, a Rolex purchase ends up as a compromise as you don't get exactly what you want. I think that this might fire back one day.
I went on the list for a 36mm Explorer ref 124270 in mid January of this year at local AD, a regional east coast (US) jewelry chain, just to see what if anything would come of it. Fully expected nothing and but decided to give it 12 months. If nothing by December figured I’d get a Grand Seiko instead. To my surprise I got the call less than four months later, on a Thursday afternoon. Wasn’t able to make it to the AD that day so asked if they would hold it for me till Saturday, which they were happy to do. Picked it up as soon as they opened Saturday. Was a pleasant enough experience but no more so than when I purchased a Citizen years ago in a department store years ago. It’s been on my wrist everyday since.
Timing is everything, and I don’t doubt if I went back today and got on the list for say the new 40mm Explorer I might wait a year or more for it.
The AD holding back Rolex is absolutely true. Friend went in with no purchase history, wanted a GMT Master II Root Beer. Said they didn’t have the watch and there would be a wait. Magically produced one a few days, told them via email. Purchased
Holding back is 100% happening. My uncle is a vvip, he referred my dad to a specific AD. With no purchase history he walked in and was offered 4 watches. He bought a daytona. The AD even offered to sell it for him on the grey market because apparently many vvip's don't even take the watches home.
I have nothing but the highest praise for Watches Of Switzerland. 0ver the past 2 years have purchased, Explorer, DJ 41 blue, and recently no date Sub. No issues just a normal guy aged 65.
I bought my rose gold oyster perpetual on holiday in Fuerterventura,the experience was amazing,champagne served,and total respect from the shop owners,my brother-in-law has also bought one from the same shop,this was 2 years ago,now unfortunately the shop is not selling Rolex anymore.
I walked into my local AD with nil purchase history to look at Cartier. Had no intention of even asking about Rolex as I know how they operate, but walked out with a DateJust with silver dial, fluted bezel on an oyster bracelet. Just gotta get lucky that’s all….
It depends on which AD you go to. In Sydney, Australia I got a call from an AD in less than a week after I asked for an Explorer 1. Then there are ADs that asked me to keep in touch every 6 months for the exact same model, or treated me like a nuisance.
Which AD did you get the explorer from? @black cat
Which dealer? Would love to find an honest one in Sydney!
It’s not just their order waits times that are infuriating. My daughter cracked the face of my 2015 Milgauss. I sent it to Rolex head office in Australia and it’s been almost 2.5 months and it’s still not repaired. In fact, they haven’t even called me with their diagnosis and cost of repair which means they haven’t even looked at it. Waiting to buy is one thing, waiting to have them repair it is insulting
I have had nothing but excellent service from my Rolex AD. Since July 2020 I have bought several watches from them after relatively short wait periods. Clearly this is not an experience shared by all. I have no complaints and have always been treated with politeness, kindness and courtesy.
I rang my AD last year after seeing the lefty GMT. “Are you left handed?” he asked. “Indeed I am, and will happily prove it” came my reply. “Fine. I’ll put you on the list”.
Two months later he called to say my Lefty was in. What a nice chap too. Frothy coffee, posh chocs and a fitting later, off I scuttled with a very nice watch on my right wrist.
My Tudor LHD Pelagos was a bit pissed about it though.
Just letting you know, 2 years for an OP means you need a new AD. I bought the batgirl in March of 2021 after waiting 4 months and it was my first watch purchase and I only spent $300 before that
My technique when walking into a Rolex AD is to fling the door open with such force that it nearly comes off its hinges, and then loudly exclaim, "Which one of you c***s wants to sell me a watch?"
I got on a waitlist for a Rolex GMT-Master II and an AP Royal Oak to celebrate my 50th birthday. I'm currently not yet 40. Just planning for the future.
I had an entirely different experience with my AD. I had previously bought a Tudor BB58 from them last year and I went in to enquire about a Datejust 36 and Explorer 36. I told them I was looking to buy in the next 2 weeks. In 2 weeks they had an Explorer 36 for me. No waitlist or hoops to jump through.
You are lying
Thank you so much for this very funny and entertaining video. Without Rolex wait lists such funny programs would not exist….😂
In 2007 I walked into an AD and asked him for the white gold Daytona in the window. He offered it to me with a discount before I even asked for it. I agreed and asked him if he could put a steel Daytona on top. Two weeks later the steel Daytona was mine too. Today seems to be a very different time…
The people at my local Rolex AD in Walnut Creek, CA, have always treated me well, and I visit them maybe once every 2 years. I have only purchased 1 pair of earrings from them 5 years ago. The last time I went, I gushed over some Breitling pieces, and then we wandered over to the Rolex section. The salesperson said "Let me check what we have in the back," and my heart dropped. He came back with a 36mm Rolex watch (I was so overwhelmed I don't remember what it was, but it had a gray dial, roman numerals, a little bit of bling) and I could have walked out with it, but I just couldn't. And this will probably never happen to me again!
I am contemplating my first luxury watch purchase and Rolex is not even a consideration. Grand Seiko is at the top of my list.
Great choice. And the money you save can be allocated to a second watch when you find it!
The best dials of any watch are are on Grand Seiko. Good choice!
Tried on a green dial Speedmaster 57 tonight on a leather strap. Now that is some watch!
@@richardcollins586 I tried the red on a bracelet - damn fine watch, but the bracelet felt cheap and almost 'tinny'. Good choice if you go for the strap.
Grand Seikos are stunning watches.
My first experience with an AD was a breeze. Picked a 36mm Oyster Perpetual with a black dial, and got the call a couple months later that it had arrived. Then a couple years later, I ordered a Milgauss with the funky blue dial etc. I was waitlisted from the same AD who turned around the other watch so quickly. Well the Milgauss is now a thing of the past, and I seriously doubt they will honor past orders.
I love my OP, it's reliable, accurate, and a classic design. I don't wear it to impress anyone, and, of late, I've been wearing it far more frequently and in more rigorous ways. I used to baby it thinking I would trade it in for the Milgauss when it finally arrived. But that ship has sailed, so I've learned to treat my OP as an every day watch, scratches on the case be damned!
All said, Rolex suffers from being too popular. And that makes everyone: manufacturers, dealers, grey marketers, and buyers act crazy. It's just a watch. No need wading into the deep end of the crazy pool.
I have two experiences with Rolex ADs - both diametrically opposed in terms of their outcome and their effect on my view of the brand, and luckily (for Rolex) they happened in the correct order.
My "local" AD (Goldsmiths at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol) could not have been more helpful. The deputy manager I spoke to was super-friendly, very helpful and an all round nice person. I'm a small-time watch nerd and only have an Omega AquaTerra to my name, but we were chatting about various parts of the industry (flippers, NATO straps vs bracelets, etc) and in the end I went onto the wait-list for an AirKing (I know - the fact that it's an ugly duckling is endearing to me!), a no-date Sub (because I hate the Cyclops window) and a Pepsi GMT (because that's my ultimate). I've been offered the AirKing twice in 12 months, but have declined both times due to financial constraints.
Fast-forward a few weeks after my wait-list appointment at Goldsmiths, and I decided to drop into EP Mallory in Bath to see what their situation is like. I'm not exactly a trackies-and-Reeboks kind of guy, but generally dress casually - trainers, jeans and a t-shirt. Even as I stepped inside the door, I got the sense that the staff didn't want me there. I got a stone-wall "our wait-lists are closed" response, and the guy I was talking to even nodded and exchanged glances with the doorman as if to say "this guy will be leaving soon", when I wasn't even done talking to him.
First experience was fantastic and actually allayed a lot of doubts I originally had about the brand, but the second not only reinforced those doubts but to an extent overrode the previously positive experience - just goes to show that it's entirely subjective and down to the individual AD.
@@dave_clarke Agreed, ego is the enemy of good customer service - at Cribbs the sales process actually turned into an wide-ranging chat once we established common ground of both being watch-nerds, and for me this is where true sales technique shines.
FWIW, Sam is the deputy manager I spoke to at Goldsmiths - she (and most ADs) probably has to deal with walk-ups from idiots who want a Rolex "because they want a Rolex and have money" and not because they appreciate the watch behind the name, so for me it's all about creating that initial "I'm not a flipper, honest" feeling.
So you “hate the cyclops” and yet the Pepsi GMT is your ultimate……even though it has a cyclops, which you hate🤷🏼
@@dl14say67 Fair point, I guess there's not an awful lot going on with the Sub's dial and the cyclops is pretty obvious, but the GMT has the bezel to take the focus.
I found the same, the guys in Cribbs gave me time drinks and got all the watches out for me to try and didn’t rush me, Mallory in bath I didn’t feel welcome what so ever and would never go back.
There’s a great video of Luke Combs (huge country star) telling how he went into a Rolex store in NY to inquire about a watch similar to the one his Dad had. They said they had none and he replied that it was a shame as he would have worn it that night on stage at Madison Square Garden! A door opened……..😂
I bought my first Rolex last year. Over two month span I was hesitant going back and forth to buy or not. Funny over those two months I went in three times and every time the AD had the exact same rolex to show me.. so they def had it in the safe only for certain people.
I tried for years to buy a Rolex, ended up buying a Tudor, excellent watch, excellent service very happy
And with the money you saved, you can use it toward the purchase of your next watch!
@@dannysimenauer5745 having bought a Tudor I would happily purchase another they are fabulous
@@haydensmith888 Agreed. I have the Tudor Panda Chronograph and love wearing it!
On the one hand I don't want to support Tudor because they ARE Rolex. On the other hand, I believe the issue with Rolex is mostly the ADs, and Tudor has different dealers, so...
@@JayMorgan yeah my experience trying to purchase a Rolex has not been pleasant, when spending that kind of money you want to feel looked after and have a great experience but you end up feeling like your being pushed to the side and undervalued whilst almost “begging” to be considered for a watch which feels very odd and not a premium experience and it’s been going on for years now
I was very lucky, I got my Rolex sub 10 years ago, and I just went to the shop ,and got £100 off it as well 😊
Cheers mate
I've been a watch fan since mid 2000s. I have never seen things be this crazy with Rolex, PP, etc. So ridiculous compared to how things used to be not long ago.
I wanted to get a strap for my Omega Seamaster so that my partner could use it too. I contacted an Omega boutique who I've never dealt with and they said send in the watch we'll get you sorted. A very satisfying customer experience.
I can't even imagine what would happen if I were to try the same with my GMT Master II.
I put my name down for several rolexes over 2 years ago. With in 2 weeks I got a call and was offered a yatchmaster 2 white gold on an oysterflex bracelet for £23,100. I bought it immediately in the hope it would increase my standing with the AD. Over 2 years later, nearly 3 in fact, my wait list watches have been decreased to just 3 and I have not been offered another watch since.
10 years ago I bought 2 Rolex in the space of a week. An Explorer II in Selfridges and a Daytona back in the country that I live in. I even got a 5% discount on the Daytona. Fast forward 10 years and the dealer I bought the Daytona from, who have recently serviced both my Rolexes wouldn't even put me on a waiting list, saying that their lists were full. So, going to another dealer, they were quite open saying that they were only working with "existing" customers. So even after buying a JLC Reverso Classic from them, not a peep.
Last year, I walked into a Rolex AD, in New Jersey looking to buy the Airking 116900, I was oblivious of the current situation with the waiting list for all the models, even for the one you would think nobody would ever want, when l arrived no one even bothered to come and ask me if I needed any assistance, after I wondered for 2mins thru empty showcases, I stept out disappointed and kind of sad, That a brand that I veneered and admired had agents acting like that, I then went to an Omega store that was right across it, where everybody was really attentive and willing to help me, responded to all my questions, even went into the extra mile of explaining the history of any particular watch that it was shwon, they walked me thru the specs, and had a really great conversation with the store manager, that same day, I ended up ordering the Speedmaster Apollo 8 50th Anniversary, during the conversation it came out, my interest for the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy and how awesome the details in the back case was, and a couple of months later I got a call from the manager to let me know they had one for me if I was still interested. Sorry Rolex, you're good brand with a great history, but your AD mistreatment is really dissapointing and it is making that a lot of watch enthusiasts like me, to go to places where we really feel respected and where those AD agents really values our time and interest.
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona
Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
Situation: 7 months waiting for a particular watch (not Daytona)...I pop in every 5 or 6 weeks to say hello, remind them of my interest...my latest visit 2 weeks ago, I go in say hello, and they welcome me to the 'exhibit' box , where they now have my watch ON EXHIBT. So they finally got the watch, and decided to put it on exhibit instead of sell it to me. But I cant voice my displeasure - oh no - cant risk their displeasure. So disappointing...
Haha, that's next level 'fuck you bitch'...
On the customer service front, I sent in my Tudor for maintenance since the date function broke, and it took 10 weeks to get back and they sent it back still broken. The jeweler was aghast and apologized and after another 4 weeks it was actually fixed and sent back again.
I went to my dealer in northern NJ and have actually been treated great.. im in my mid 20s with a good career so im at the point where i could buy one, but dont really look like it.. the rep was really nice and attentive and showed me multiple different watches to try on (even though i said i was more looking now for the future rather than trying to buy now).. he ultimately put my name down for an explorer. On the other hand i was treated like shit when I walked into omega next door and said i just wanted to take a look at a speedmaster🧐
I was told the wait list or as the AD told me 'wish list' for a Sea Dweller Anniversary 126600 was around 6 years. My sister mentioned this when she was purchasing a custom day date and the sales assistant told her to get me to send a message. She asked if I was ready to go with the purchase, which I was and mentioned 6 years was ridiculous, 3 weeks later I received the call. Now I did have a relationship with the AD through buying Rolex's previously, but it shows it does happen. This was in 2019.
I've had my Explorer sold to me at a Boutique that I went for the first time in ... years(?) when I went to get my dad's old OP serviced. I had a chat with the sales rep about the OP and that I wanted an Explorer for a while but given up while I waited for the service counter. As I was about to leave the shop, the sales rep came over and whispered that they have one in the back. They took me to the backroom, unveiled it from the tray, and I bought it. Quite a surprise. This was in Japan, and there are no waitlists here. They sell it to people who they think wont flip them. I had to sign a paper saying that I acknowledge that I can not buy the same model in 5 years and that they will not sell me another steel sports watch for a year, and jotted my ID info. This was in 2021 Japan.
Are you a Japanese person?
I'd love a Rolly....
BUT my SD1970 is literally +1 second per day. At 77 bucks.
My "waiting list" was the shipping time from China.
I was in Las Vegas recently and walked into a very nice dealer. No Rolex but I could have walked with any number of Omegas etc. I am on the waitlist for a Sub but no hope of ever getting a call. Utterly ridiculous. I have no intention of begging to give someone money. My Aqua Terra was purchased with a nice discount when I walked in. Only wait was sizing the bracelet.
Got "The Call" for my Sub date after only 6 months in 2022. Love it!
Grand Seiko fixed the wait list problem. You can walk in and buy any that you want.
Not really! I've tried to buy the blue LE quartz model (idk the ref) and it was unavailable!
I purchased my rolex GMT Pepsi in 2003, a stainless black face Daytona 2005 and a 2008 Kermit sub all from AD and walked out. Just last week I went on wait list for stainless blue face skydweller and the Sprite Sub and told 2-3 yrs. Its crazy now.
Well I can tell you story of NOT getting very plain and normal Rolex. So this is year 2020, my 30th birthday and I decided... last minute... in my normal fashion to treat myself for something nice. Had watches in the past, odd Seiko, Tag, Tissot, Samsung Smart Watch... generally like wearing them, but not like massive collector or enthusiast. But for proper anniversary I thought I treat myself... I had few watches in mind, but I think Speedmaster and Submariner were two main contenders. Submariner was certainly the first in the list. I kind of knew there are waiting lists, but not particularly bothered about them as for me watch is obviously not necessity and when buying something for such price... say £10,000, I expect to be treated very well, I understand that they may put people who haggle on the waiting lists etc. but I consider myself a customer and I consider that they need me not the other way around.
So I pop into the store, I tell them I am looking for watch for anniversary and that is what interests me... they do come around tell me little bit about each model, prices, basics... so they are polite, but not overly enthusiastic. Which is understandable, because clearly not every person coming into the shop even planning to buy watch for thousands. At this point I am basically deciding between different dial colours of Submariner.
ME - "could I see it... i.e. wear it, look at it etc. because I am basically buying it". So this is full confidence mode at this point, basically "can I have 1 of those Sumbariners please", just in polite and not pretentious way. If memory serves price was ~£8,000. So I am clearly letting them know that I am not just wasting their time.
AD - "~Nope you can't, those are display models and we don't have any in stock that could be tried, only sealed new ones", basically they won't let me touch them...
ME - "Well, okey then, when do you think I could get one?"
AD - "for that one we will need to call you back, for the other one we not taking orders at the moment" i.e. they would put me on the list for plain black submariner, but they won't even allow me on the waiting list for green bezel, black dial...
ME - "okey. So what do you think I could actually get?"
AD - walks over to the other stand.. "you can try this one, we can call you back later, perhaps you can have them later in the year" - shows me Oyster Perpetual and Explorer, again we talking about plain, black dial small watches... like 38-40mm.
ME - this is early June... "Later in a year?"..
AD - "yes November/December time we get some stock for Christmas so we MAY be able to allocate one to you".
ME - "Is there anything that I could get today? Maybe later this week?"
AD - "no... we don't have stock at the moment, only display models or watches that have already been sold/waiting pick-up".
At this point I am still thinking, I know that I can flip "hulk" over retail (because clearly I am not getting it for anniversary, so at least for profit), but if they won't put me on the list for even green/black (forgotten what is called), then "hulk" is non-starter... so I leave my details for simple black submariner, not really knowing what I will do about it...
Then I walk into Omega shop next door, because I need watch basically in a week... they literally have all watches in stock, I barely started talking, sort of saying I would like classic looking watch, maybe Speedmaster, I would like Seamaster, but I don't like "broad arrows", looking at classic colours, don't want any gold non-sense, nor rose, no flashy, want automatic, want sapphire, wand open case back if possible... just black Speedmaster and maybe blue Seamaster... and they are already piling the watches in front of me. Basically I am talking with one assistant and other is just binging all the models that broadly fits my description. There is like glass in between-us (covid times), but at one point there were like 8 watches on the desk and I looked into few dozens in total... and I kind of taking and wearing them two at the time to sort of compare the looks, taking pictures (I did as if that is ok). Then I said - when can I get it?.. and some of them they had new, some of them they had only display ones (so basically minor scratches etc). But they brought boxes to show they have everything all tags all that... anyway the one I chosen in the end was the "Moonphase" they didn't have new one in store, only display and they said if I am paying whole price outright i.e. no payment plan etc. then "we may be able to make a deal". I understand they would have let me have Moonphase for £5600-5800 in 2020. I ended-up ordering new one, go delivered for free next day and I paid sticker on it (~£6780 or something like that).
Back to the Rolex.. they did call me around December to say I could get Explorer if I want, but I am still "waiting" to hear about Submariner to this day... I was told by some they expected me to buy Explorer, to then qualify for Submariner and as I didn't get that one I was basically taken off the list. I was still considered "graduating" to Submariner for my 35th, but I changed my mind now... I want to be treated like a valued customer, I definitely don't need them more than they need me, even if they have million suckers on waiting lists. So on my 35th I will be getting Seamaster, maybe Planet Ocean and I don't need no damn graduation to what is realistically inferior watch (or perhaps same quality, just for double the price and nonsense waitlist and shit customer service).
Moral of the story - Submariner was my number 1, now it is my number nothing... I don't care about the brand which could not treat me with respect. I am happy to use Omega and consider their watches as good (and for price superior). There is no comparison between Explorer and Moonphase (even thought Moonphase now is like £10,000). Sure Submariner is cool but is it really that much better than Seamaster to be on stupid waitlist for 2 years and pay £3000 more + having to buy Explorer for £5000 just to "graduate" for opportunity to have one. No I doubt it.
But here is people psychology for you... Omega treats their customers well, has rich history, has good product, had product that is available to buy and they losing market share. Rolex treats customers like trash, but they suck it up and come back for more... and now Rolex is market leader in swiss luxury watches market... by quite a big margin as well. Sorry - I don't want to be part of that game.
Excellent write up. I agree complete about you being treated and valued as a “customer” 👍🏻👍🏻
@@PhilbyFavourites Yes absolutely... and it was not like Omega treated me in some special way. They simply treated me the way I expect people should be treated when they spend such amounts of money. It is not purchase of necessity, nobody going to die without 200g of stainless steel or other metal on their wrist. It is completely optional thing to have in the life.
Omega attitude was simple and efficient - "you have money, we have watches, you are our customer and we will try to make you happy and help you as much as we can to find the watch you like, that suits you and your budget within reason". It was clear they are open for the business, they kept themselves proud about their watches and company history, expected buyer to know basics of what they want and be prepared to pay high but decent price. They made me appreciate the effort that goes into making each piece... which is nice as then the thing you have on your hand feels much more than just some metal parts screwed together.
And overall it was exciting experience, but I felt comfortable at all times, the watches I was holding and putting on my hand are expensive and exclusive pieces, but they are for sale and I am choosing. Not they telling me what I can and can't have, but they telling me how much this will cost me and then it is my decision... should I go for plain classic Moonwatch with hesalite for ~£4,000 or I want to go for Rose Gold Moonpahse which was like £32,000. That is all my decision and they will make it happen, if they don't have it in store, they will call another dealer or they order one directly from Omega... no problems.
I pay money, they get watches - simple and as it should be. As well no upselling or pressure to buy whatsoever.
I couldn’t agree more, the same situation happened to me, at the time I loved Rolex, but thanks to that AD I discovered that I love more myself, and if you will be in a relationship with an AD the least that they could have shown me at the time was little bit of respect, at least for the time I took to go in to their store and show them my interest. I love my Omegas, and I'll stick with them, More quality for half the price.
I mean isn't it just like any other desirable model from luxury brand ?? I mean if you want to buy Hermes coveted bag, such as Birkin or Ferrari mid-engine V12 sportcar such as Daytona SP3 then you will have same experience of Rolex Daytona
Especially since there are lot of people are willing to pay crazy money with over-inflated ego so they just use "The Pretty-Women effect" perfectly executed. I mean if those with normal common sense will just move to other brands or at least try buy other models that's no waiting list if you still want to committed to that brand. BUT No, their ego can't handle it so they rather pay much more in grey market but I guess it's their money so it's up to them how they spend it
@@taiminsen8069 would be fine, but I was not looking to mid-engined Ferrari, it was just poverty line California. There was nothing special about black on black Submariner, or for that matter any colour of steel submariners. It is kind of ridiculous to think that green one is extra £1000 retail just because of the colour.
Again if Rolex would be the only ones making that type of watches it would make sense, but when one can go into Omega and just buy as good watch same day it just makes no sense
Although I agree about human psychology - people are just stupid. And I do have ego, but my ego is that I don't give a shit about Rolex, if they not treating me well I will find better brands.
Tried getting a Rolex through a well known watch shop in Manchester via "the list". They basically try and flog you everything else, with heavy hints that if you arent spending £1000's on other stuff, they will keep you at the back of the list. Even offered to buy some smaller bits of silver jewellery to show willing and they declined those sales with a laugh. Greedy dealers . Rolex is underpinning most of these shops. When Rolex move to a direct sales model - these shops are taking a hit.
I have purchased a Day-Date, DateJust, GMT, and Sky-Dweller from Rolex and the longest I have had to wait was four months for the DateJust. I get there’s a wait list but it has not been my experience.
Got my Datejust 36mm with a blue dial on the Jubilee bracelet in 18 months from my local dealer
November 2022 I visited my local AD to talk about the Sky-Dweller black dial. We had a good talk and he agreed to put me on the waiting list at the same time explaining it could easily take 1 to 3 years. To my great and pleasant surprise I got an email three months later saying that I could pick up the watch. I know this contradicts many of the experiences mentioned here, nevertheless this in fact happened. Just wanted to add to the nuances.
I went into the Rolex store in Honolulu, HI and basically got scoffed at for not having an appointment. I was on vacation and they didn’t even have time to let me try one of their store demos. Mind you, i was the only customer in the store. I am done with Rolex. Moving on to JLC
The store on Kalakaua adjacent to the Tesla dealer? Been there a couple of times myself and although the story was always the same - nothing sellable - they were at least polite. Sorry to hear your experience was like that. I did buy a couple of pieces from their affiliate store across the street. They were always friendly and hooked me up with deals on a Black Bay GMT and a Longines Zulu GMT.
@@davidrosenblum2178 thats the store. I was staying at the royal. There were other stores including TAG, Hermes, and of course the tudors. I elected to try the Tonneau store in Maui. They were friendly but had nothing to sell. I came ready to buy and left HI empty.
I was at the Charles de Gaulle airport and the girl at the Rolex shop just happened to have received that very same morning the black dial Daytona (the previous one , it was 2015, I think), it wasn’t even on display yet. I bought it to give company to my white dial Daytona I had owned for a few years already. And that was the last watch I bought. They have become unreasonably expensive.
I've always gotten any Rolex I've wanted on the spot at record low prices from any dealers I've walked into. That's the advantage of commiting a robbery.
Depending on the boutique, you might actually have success. I was offered a DJ41 in Manhattan while on vacation last month. It was, unfortunately, a color combo I had no interest in, so I passed. But I was shocked they actually straight up offered me the opportunity. It was obviously no Daytona or Sub but still, it was a small shock
I actually walked into a dealer in Eastbourne UK and was able to buy a datejust because I asked if there was anything available. So yes it’s possible and I paid for the watch without a wait list.
IIRC, some Rolex were sort of hard to get back in the 90s. The Daytona is also the first watch I remember that people were "struggling" to simply walk into the AD and buy. But Submariners and such were relatively easy to get. And a lot cheaper than today (compared to average income, etc). I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not having bought one or two back then when it would've been under 1.5 times my annual Christmas bonus.
That said: They *were* expensive watches back then and seemed outlandishly expensive to me personally - but I don't think any of us could imagine to what heights Rolex prices would soar in the future. Or else I would've put every spare penny I had back then into one Rolex after the other.. :)
I bought a Panerai in 2005. I recall the AD had a case full of Rolex; including Daytonas. I think I really wanted an Explorer II but at the time it was just a bit more than my Panerai which I already thought was a lot of money. Also Panerai was hot then and I really liked that it was kind of an IYKYK brand. Figured I get the Rolex later. Went back to AD last year and while their service was great, I pretty much got the "no way you will get one"... I was hoping to buy one for my 50th but just can't stomach the grey market prices or dealing with the ADs. I may go for another brand like Omega though....
@@Unc0mmonSense I hear you.. :) Problem is (for me) that it's the Sub I want... not a Seamaster or a SeaQ or a GS diver or anything like that. YT is full of "the 10 best Submariner alternatives"-videos, but the way I see it, only a Rolex will scratch that Rolex itch. I tried the Omega-route a couple of years back and while I was highly impressed with the watches the AD showed me and her proclamation that I could buy any of the ones they had there on that very day (and her offering me a 20% discount without me even asking) ... they just didn't do it for me. Looked at various Seamster 300s, 300Ms and Aqua Terras, all of which were incredible pieces, but, alas ... :)
This is definitely a Rolex strategy that is purposeful. Adidas did a similar strategy with the Yeezy shoes and now a few days ago they were clearing out the warehouses for Yeezy day because of the Kanye split and most people were able to easily get the same shoes that were impossible to get in prior years...
No problem, walked in picked out a DJ tuxedo dial. 20 years later walked in 6 month wait for a SS Daytona, put a two tone on layaway, a month later upgraded it to a 18K yellow gold with black MOP dial. Only took about a week for it to be transferred to my store. That was 2003.
I’m not fond of what Rolex has become today, but I do like their designs. I wanted to have 1 Rolex in my collection, and wasn’t gonna play the AD games. I just decided to go with a semi-vintage Datejust from the late 80’s! No games, low prices - that’s the way to do it 🙏🏻
Just stopped in 5 AD's on a trip through Spain / Southern France. 3 dealers had nothing in stock but in talking to them they were all very nice and professional, it does sounds like they get much more product than my local Denver AD. 2 dealers did offer pieces immediately, although ones I wasn't interested in. Two tone Yachtmaster, and a two tone date just with champaign dial.
In the last two years, I’ve bought a DJ41 and recently a Submariner with the average wait around 6 months each. I built the relationship with them and now should be next in line for a Pepsi. On a side note, I did recently see some models for sale on the shelf at an AD, albeit not in the UK.
Can we ask where you purchased the watches from?
My local Rolex AD retired in 2015, closed up the shop and my relationship with him obviously retired too. With the birth of my first grandchild in late 2019, I decided I would go for a GMT to mark the occasion with the intention of leaving him the watch as inheritance. A Goldsmiths was my local AD now so built up a spend history with them on a couple of other watches and the odd bit of jewellery too. I’d get the call before long they told me. Beginning of this year popped in and was told the goal posts had changed somewhat. My spend history was one thing but it now had to include another Rolex to get a sniff of something like a GMT. I’ve put my name down now on a 37mm Yatchmaster with the wife has always liked which I would be allowed to purchase once I get the call. Following that I may have a chance for the GMT. I’m not holding my breath! Can’t help feeling I’ve been played for a mug here. I’ve for filled my end but the Watches of Switzerland Group have just taken my money and run so to speak. Oh well!
Last year I met a great sales guy at the Rolex AD. He is no nonsense and told me what he could get me. He got a silver OP41 after one week and a Sub Date two months later for me. I was very fortunate. Now I feel like 2 watches is enough rolex and I want to buy other brands to compare.
Send him my way
I was able to get a submariner date last year as my first Rolex. I was very pleased. It took about 6-7months wait and I did buy jewelry for my wife as well.
I visited a boutique called Swiss Watch in Johor Bahru, Malaysia that had around 8 brands or so, and there was a separate section for Rolex which took up about 1/4 of the store. But the thing that stood out to me was the sign placed at the entrance that read:
"Thank you for your interest in visiting the Rolex Mid Valley Southkey boutique.
As we strive to deliver an in-store shopping experience tailored to you, please note that visits to the boutique are managed by appointment basis only, where appointments can be made physically at our boutique.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you in our boutique soon."
The section had a different design on the walls and carpet too
When I went to with my local Rolex AD in Mexico I simply asked for a Sub no date, the rep told me they had two of them and sold one to me without a problem. Afterwards I learnt about all this waiting list stuff and think I was just very, very lucky
I can only speak from personal experience. I have been a client of Goldsmiths in Oxford for the last nine years. During that period I have purchased four Rolex watches, plus a Breitling and a Longines. The only time I have had to join a wait list was January 2022 when I ordered the fourth Rolex, a 124270 36mm Explorer. The manager of the branch is one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I’m sure I am not the only client he treats with the utmost respect. I realised the new 36mm Explorer was going to be difficult to obtain as demand was very high when it was released. The manager told me he would do his best to get me the watch as soon as possible and would keep me updated on any progress. Nine months later, early September, I received a call, earlier than I expected. The Explorer was waiting for me to collect. It would appear buying a Rolex very much depends upon who you are dealing with. I have been fortunate to to find an AD willing to go that extra mile and do his best for the customer. My only hope is that he will still be in charge when I looking for my next Rolex.
So I've been critical of the Rolex AD experience in the past, but recently had a very different experience in Milwaukee. I went in to purchase a Cartier Santos, and after the purchase asked about availability of the new 36mm Explorer. They asked if I'd like to be added to the list, and I said of course. 4 months later I got the call! I'm on the list for a Pepsi now. I think it really does vary by AD.
Green dial Seamaster was in both Omega dealers in Oslo and one of the dealers in Stavanger had them.
I'm on a ten week wait for my Daytona. It's in for a service in the RSC. The wait is tedious.
I dropped in to an AD (in Vzla) and asked what they had. A Yatch-Master and a DD in two tone. I said looking for a steel model; a day after a DD wimblendon dial with a oyster bracelet for near 12k and could reserve it for 30% and in three months the watch should arrive and pay for it whole. Not the watch i wanted, but told them i would consider...
On the wait list at.2 ADs. Fort.Lauxerdale and Orlando. I go in ever so.often to grovel at the dealers.feet. Still waiting after 2 years.
Gave up on Rolex years ago... too many bad AD experiences. Never going back.
Tom should try for a Rootbeer, he might actually be able to get one. Also, it's entirely YMMV and dealer dependent, as well as how large the market is where your ADs are. Large markets like NY/London everyone and their mom wants one, but small-medium sized markets it can be a bit easier to get.
In Vermont walked in, paid deposit and 7.5 months later just received my new datejust with white gold and black dial.
Went to my local ad looking today looking for a op or explorer. The staff was polite however they didn't have anything in stock.
I spent approx £30k over 3 years at a main Rolex dealer in London - one of those purchases was a Pepsi GMT but I hasten to add that I was only offered that watch as I am friends with an "ultra spender" and he put in a good word for me. After that purchase I asked if I could be put on the list for a Daytona and they said no the list was full. Then I asked about the white dial Explorer GMT and again was told the list was full. Plus just the way that they spoke to me..... So having met their responsibilities to my big spending friend I was clearly now seen as a pain in the proverbial. It's an awful experience to be honest - you are made to feel as though you should be incredibly grateful. Obviously my £30k over three years is small fry and I'm sure significant spenders are given an entirely different experience. I'm looking forward to when the tables are turned and after they have alienated the masses. Remember when M&S made you use thier credit card they were that powerful? Everything goes in circles eventually.....
I have an AD local to me but I'm not sure just walking lin and asking for a watch is the done thing. Is that what you do...just walk in and ask or are the staff just going to show you the door?
Why is the availability there on the Grey market, of course at a huge mark up? Are they, “Rolex” choosing to meet large quantity demand only to the grey market???
Walked in an AD and saw 2 Tone Explorer and 2 Tone Yachtmaster for sale in Jan. I was surprised to see watches for sale (used to onlu seein Exhibition Models). I recall seeing about 10-12 watches available in total at the time.
Anyone knows if the experience is the same for the VC overseas? was hoping to get one in the near future. Thanks!
I registered my interest with a Watches of Switzerland store for a Submariner over the phone. 2 weeks later I was scheduled for a face-to-face interview. It was more like an interrogation. Like I had to justify why I should qualify for a rolex without buying something else first. Never mind the fact that I can actually afford it. I notified them of my intent to just go to Breitling and take one home instantly. They then tried to sell me a breitling to increase my spend , which will then allow me to qualify for a different rolex that I didn't even want. Needless to say, I politely told the assistant what I thought, and went directly to Breitling and purchased a Navitimer. I was treated like royalty at Breitling and they have just gained a customer for life. I don't care about resale values because I'm not one to flip the watch. Rather keep them as a family heirloom. I won't ever bother with Rolex again.
I was told it is not a "wait list", it's an "expression of interest". i work in marketing, and even I find the current situation difficult to swallow
I was also told that.