I visited 2 Rolex AD’s on the same day (Summer 2023). After those visits, I can honestly say, I won’t be buying a Rolex. They want “control” more than money. I can buy watches anywhere. My collection is more than 10 and all taken care of because I don’t flip! I might & have gifted watches…I don’t flip. I buy what I like and I wear it as often as the collection allows. My oldest is an Omega Seamaster I purchased in 2000. Still wears and runs great. I don’t really dive, so its only required 2 services in all this time. My newest was a Longines, and I’m hoping it last until I stop breathing. I wish Rolex AD’s were about moving watches. But…apparently not.
I wanted to buy a Rolex so much a couple of years ago but the models I wanted were very hard to find that time. I saved more money and ended up buying a Vacheron Over seas blue dial. Couldn’t be happier. Will next go for a JLC reverso after a couple of years. Rolex case reminds me of a situation when u r absolutely crazy about someone at one time but when u get over that person then u r like wdf why was I sooo into that person 😆
I walked into an AD and they were trying to push all the other watch brands that they have. Finally they told me that they give priority to people who buy other stuff from them. So i need to buy stuff that i do not want to be considered for something i want. But they were overall very polite and friendly and gave me lot of their time which i appreciate.
That’s a con that. Why should you have to spend money on other shit to buy something you want. You wouldn’t go to a butcher to buy a steak and then have to buy 100kilo of Kale to get your steak over the line
Good luck getting a Hermes bag then. It's just a bag to put stuff in, but you have to do the same thing as getting a Rolex, but nobody complains about Hermes. Isn't it just weird?
I think getting in line is fine when supply is less than demand for what you want. However it seems like for Rolexes it’s not really a line but a list and they pick from that list who is worthy. That’s absurd but fascinating at the same time.
I went to a Rolex AD for the first time. I put myself down for the following watches and said if they come on I would like one. Bluesy, new two tone gmt, blue or green Skydweller, Pepsi, and black Daytona. They looked at me like I was kinda crazy but 3 weeks later they called me that the bluesy came in for me
A couple of weeks ago I got a 36mm Datejust with a Wimbledon dial and a fluted bezel after 59 days from an AD. I had no previous purchase history. The watch is for my daughters 21st.
Got 30 no dates.. in a single shipment? Horse-sh*t! They’ve been hoarding them and the greys quit paying over retail.. so a frantic call to the dopes on the list.. and STILL have the gall to say you’ll need to buy some earrings to “qualify”. These people are criminal.
Honestly the way Rolex have treated genuine customers who will buy a watch to wear as an everyday has been awful. They will be very lucky to get genuine watch lovers back. The flipping nature of the market has really tainted the Rolex name. The AD’s must have sold loads of watches to flippers - why didn’t they realise genuine people will only buy one or maybe two Rolex’s in their lifetime. The whole AD and flipper relationship has driven away the genuine watch buyer.
I love the symmetry of the no date Sub and the ease of not setting it every time it stops. If they ever made a 126043 bluesy (TT no date), it would be my new dream watch.
When I was in the market many years ago, it was available with the chronometer certification. I ended up buying the Sea Dweller instead, which aesthetically the case looks the same, but it has a date function.
I like gold and I like blue, but I never find they go well together except with that Sub two tone. Something about that blue or the right amount of gold or some perfect balance of both. I don't know what it is exactly but I just absolutely always love the look of that watch!
That Submariner "Bluesy" is one of the most beautiful watches there is. I'm a little biased as I have a 1987 that I bought new and is now "vintage" (as am I) and I can't tell you the joy I've had wearing it all these years. For anyone on the fence as to what they should get near retail, for me the choice is obvious. Great video!
I was just given one of these this morning as payment for an art piece! It’s not my usual style and I wouldn’t have picked it just from pictures, but damnit if I don’t absolutely love it in person!
Completely agree. And - and this is a bit of a hot take on my part - I think it’s the most Rolex, Rolex, in 2023. Rolex has undeniably become more jewelry than tool oriented, yet retains that sporty durability and capability, and no model better encapsulates this ethos than the Bluesy….. IMO
Your 1987 bluesy is definitely one for the most beautiful watches out there! The new bluesy though, I'm not sold on. I don't like the blue bezel (it looks too plastic) and the gold numerals on the bezel clash badly IMO. The dark blue aluminium bezel on your one though is amazing!
I just refuse to play the Rolex dog and pony show game. Either sell me a watch or don't. Either you want my business or you don't -- I'm not buying something else I don't want just for the potential privilege of perhaps one day being ALLOWED to buy something I do. So Ill just walk into a Zenith dealer and they'll be glad to sell me anything I want and it will likely be cheaper and better than what Rolex was going to sell me anyway. Rolex has completely lost its brand cred the the last 5-10 years and has become little more than a Gucci handbag for wrist flexers. This once-proud brand is nothing like it used to be...an attainable luxury watch for the working man. Tudor is what Rolex used to be.
Once you get your first Rolex you become proud of having something that is so hard to get. But, believe me when I say that before I got my Rolex Sub 126610LN, I went through the EXACT SAME EMOTIONS you express in your post. Recommendation: find an AD you don’t mind dealing with, get on “the list” and check in every month or so to see whether you’ve moved up or not. Texting your AD is a nice way to check in for multiple reasons I won’t go in to here. Stay calm, stay nice, be a person your AD likes to hear from and, eventually, you will get your watch. It took me 9 months to get my first Rolex but now that I have it I realise I have something special. 🙂 The time is going to go by anyway - it might as well go by while you’re on “the list.” Oh, and be serious and focused. Decide which watch you want and stick with it. And, when they call you to come get your watch, BUY IT. Yes, laying down $10K or more is tough but if you pass on it, just go back to buying less expensive watches you can afford because they won’t be calling again. If you don’t but it you’re just wasting everybody’s time. Happy hunting! 🙂
I got the call for a Bluesy just over a month after putting my name down on a no date sub! It may be a relative of the watch that I asked for but I couldn’t be happier!
This is one of the few visible arenas where you have to all but grovel to be humbled and blessed to be chosen to purchase a model. Most haters even have to admit that they are desirable and are in a marketing league of their own. Even so, thanks for the vid.
Any gold combo is rather easy to get because they’re not sought as much. Rolex “beginners” always go for steel 🤷🏻♀️ I got my TT black sub in just over 4 weeks. They had a blue in stock but I found it too flashy on my wrist. It is gorgeous though. My last Datejust I had made the configuration on the website. I wanted it exactly in that particular set up. Production time was estimated at circa 6 months, it arrived in 3. So if you decide to order one, have the money ready, it could arrive much faster than expected. I love that thing and it is the one getting most wear, so do only get the one you want and don’t settle. Settling at that price point is ridiculous.
I would love to get a 41mm, black dial OP. That and the 40mm Explorer are the models I'm the most interested in right now. Either is the perfect everyday watch. That steel and gold GMT Master is stunning though.
@@borassictime918I very much agree with your perspective. It is ridiculous. But on the other hand- if you were a dealer and got X number of a highly desirable model in per year, but had 20X that number of people requesting to buy that model, how else would you make your allocation decisions? Porsche does the same thing with their 911 GT models.
I got my Explorer 40 only 17 days after visiting a local AD for the first time. I believe I followed Jenni's advice of how to approach the dealers without having actually seen that video. sincerity, enthusiasm, prior Rolex experiences and trying to relate to the salesperson always helps
I picked up that Submariner No Date at my local AD nestled in quiet fancy suburb in NJ. Took only 2 months to get call that they had one and I didn't buy anything else. I owned preowned Rolex in past but wanted this watch new and clean from AD.
You are talking about AD's expecting you to buy a "small thing for your wife" before being eligible to buy a Rolex as if that would be an okay and acceptable thing to do.
I have been in 3 AD locations in the last several months. It was only the last one that actually had two watches for sale but they were the gold watches and over 50k each.
My buying experience from a Rolex AD in Singapore in 1983 was nothing like the horror stories described in several of your videos. I just walked in, looked around, tried on one that I liked and purchased a Datejust in stainless steel with a champagne face. As I am quite this, I got the smaller case. No waiting lists, no overly pretentious sales staff. Sad to see that things have changed, and not for the better.
Picked up 126613LB for my first. Love it! Like the price of the SS date, but aesthetically, the Bluesy just does more for me, so I had to go for the one I truly desire. Only thing that sucks about it being TT is the gold is a scratch magnet!
My AD wasn't bad. I have no purchase history, he had me try on several pieces. I told him I wanted the black sub, date or no date, something that goes with everything. I stroll in 3 months later to say hi and he pulls one out from the back. Now I'm waiting on a batgirl
got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on MaMaCoo 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.
It's quite simple, anything which has been dropping down to near or below RRP on the grey market the flippers won't take, so the ADs are having to push them out the front door not the back door. So precious metal and two tone professionals have become a lot easier to get your hands on, anybody with spend has been getting the call. Can't believe that they have had 30 steel subs in one delivery, more likely because of the recent grey price drops in Europe on the steel sub and sub dates due to alot of 2nd hand units hitting the internet and grey price now sitting 1k to 3k above RRP in Europe, this ADs sales director has decided to dump the stock from the safe out to the list before they get stuck with theses watches at the RRP above the grey prices, which is exactly what is happening with the precious and two tone subs. But that AD has some front... the last attempt to get an extra 1k out of you, even if they can get half the list to do it that's an extra 15k, but the other half hopefully won't be a fool. Coming from a sales and marketing background myself they're going about it all wrong, never tell a customer you have 30 stock, phone 1 customer and say you have 1 in stock, then do that 30 times...
I agree the blue kit sub is so beautiful and versatile, looks great with a suit or jeans, and looks even better on a sunny day on the beach wearing t shirt and shorts,it looks rich and casual casual. 😊 kind regards Banico.
Spot on about asking for a particular watch, instead of several. I made the mistake of asking for too many things, too quickly. I’ve gotten lucky, but I would do it differently, if I was doing it again.
The best advice is the part about how to ask your Rolex AD about buying a watch. It's a good primer for first-time buyers so they won't be surprised by the dealer's snarky response if they dare to ask them about purchasing a watch. My salesperson was very polite and tactful about it, but he let me know pretty quickly that the watches only go to their best customers.
I visited AD early this year and tried one 41mm black submariner with date. I’m not in a rush to buy, so I got on the list. This will give me time to save more money. This will be my first Rolex watch, I will pass it along to my one and only son when I’m gone. It’s alway been in my bucket list since I turn 30. I’ll just be patience and wait for that call. Like I said I’m not in rush.
Going to a retail store where the staff lie to you, put your name on a list that you know doesn't exist and ask you to buy stuff you don't want is madness
I have two Rolex watches and I bought both new. The fist was a 1995 Daytona. The second was a 2001 Explorer II. I haven’t worn the Daytona since about 2005 with the one exception of a buddy in my local Porsche club that passed away a couple years ago (Daytona’s are still the watch of preference within sports car clubs) For my low key lifestyle the Explorer II is infinitely more conducive to my preferences and lifestyle.
Honestly just buy what you want... if you want something put your name down for it or buy it on the grey market if it's going to end up being cheaper. I suspect the "30 delivered today" was actually 30 stuck in a safe whilst the prices went up that the dealer was looking to make a premium on but now can't as the market drops off... might just be me being cynical though.
3 weeks ago I visited 4 Rolex ADs in UK. I had also visited or passed by Rolex Malaga, Gibralter, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur and HK. All of the staff to a degree were arrogant, snobby and disrespectful. In London it was Harrods and that "one" on Oxford street. Oxford street has a S/S Sub no date in window. I asked to purchase the watch. They said it wasn't for sale. Unless I purchased a white gold model Rolex as well. Im sure its a well rehearsed sales pitch. I0 minute walk away I visited a well established non ADs market dealer in Mayfair. Within 10 minutes paid for a fully boxed S/S Sub no date. And just 1500 above retail. Simple, straightforward without any drama acting by the owner. Rolex know that they have had a good run by restricting production on this classic Rolex. Alienated a lot of customers. Encouraged a grey market full of sharks. But none worst than the actual authorised dealers. And their commission hungry sales staff. Ive owned 2 previous Subs in the last 20 years. But never had to endure such ridiculous time wasting as this.
2:03 I picked mine up a couple of weeks ago, it was for sale in the window for just an hour before I was passing by here in UK. And 7:39 I got the call from my AD about a year ago! But I also visited another AD (not in UK) that had over 110 pieces ready for sale including various platinum Day-Date models, full yellow gold GMT on jubilee and the now-discontinued full yellow gold Yacht Master II. And pretty much every Datejust and Day-Date configuration you can imagine. Stock is back!
I was lucky enough when Ben Bridge still one of the authorized dealers and purchased bunch of it ie: Pepsi Cola GMT, two tone Submariner, Rose Gold Turn O Graph, SS Daytona and date just WG diamond blue dial. Now my sister and brother in law has been waiting for the last two years to get one of their choice.
I told the local Rolex AD I am in the market for a couple of seriously expensive watches, probably a couple of GS Spring drive models, also a Breitling and maybe a Rolex Day-date yellow gold. I told him I know his waiting list is but a lie, so I would buy the GS and the Breitling right now and I would put him, the Rolex AD, on my waiting list. It could take a couple of years before he would see the color of my money, if ever. Anyone can play that game.
They even play the Rolex game on you with newly released and desirable Tudor watches. Like the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT. Was told it was an exhibition model, but still managed to get it eventually after some small talk. They said I was a true collector and wanted to make sure the watch was sold to the right person.
I have tried to buy a Rolex for a while now. When I finally had the guts (and the money) all the watches at ADs were for exhibition only. A couple of weeks ago I visited an AD once more and a member of staff told me that they had one Oyster Perpetual Datejust available. I took it. Finally.
After years of looking for a Rolex Sub with date at AD's in a couple of states, I went ahead and bought a pre-owned 116610 ref number from a reseller local to me.
I also recommend trying to work with a new/young sa because they’re still building up their client list that’s how I was able to get a sub in 1 month without purchase history
I just have to shake my head when hearing about the games people are willing to play in the hopes of being chosen to be a customer who will pay $20,000 for a stainless steel watch.
I tried to get into the AD in San Fran and was turned away because I didn't have an appointment! Is this a new step? An appointment to even look at a Rolex and discuss being put on a list?
@underachievingwatchcollect1878 Luckly I was over on vacation and wanted to see what Bucherer is like and get a flavour of the future of how buying a Rolex goes. Not liking what I saw
Went to a third AD and 2 months later got offered a 2 tone DJ 41mm w black dial. I passed on it and 2 weeks later they offered another DJ 41mm in 2 tone but I had just purchased a pepsi tudor
I have most of these models. Lol my best advice is to go buy an Omega that you like and stop playing the Rolex game. My Seamaster Chronograph is my favorite watch.
I have spent almost $15,000 and nothing. Always the same story. They know I’m not a flipper. I make small talk about the dozens of watches I already own.
Was at a dealer in Sweden like 2 years ago with a friend that is totally comitted to Rolex. We walked inte the store and he just yelled "this guy wanna buy a Rolex!". The dealer asked me wich one I want, I told him "submariner". They didn't had it in stock, but he suggested me to buy some other modell like yacht master or datejust. Now I have changed my mind and want a GMT-master II, thank god their stock sucks.
Or…or…go buy watches from other brilliant brands. You are buying a luxury product which has significant mark ups/profits for all parties involved and you shouldn’t have to grovel to someone to have the chance to buy a 10k-30k watch. Other brands and their AD treat their customers like luxury buyers and it’s a very good and memorable experience especially if you are buying a special watch. If you really still have that Rolex itch, VSF and CF make reps at 500-600 dollars that even an AD won’t be able to identify without opening the case. Don’t give your hard earned money to snobs who don’t want your business.
Two tone gmt might be the best looking gmt. I personally like the OP over a datejust. I have an explorer Ii and I honestly think it is the best Rolex. It cost less than a sub and has the same movment as the gmt master
The whole concept of having to consider what you ask for is beyond broken. You want what you want. I gave up on AD's and went grey market shopping, I found what I wanted and was actually able to try it on, negotiate a discount and wear it that day. I won't buy from Uk AD's again they've lost my business. I have bought 6 Rolex from them in the past 20 years but apparently my custom isn't welcomed.
I got to know my AD personally and I then bought a Tudor Black Bay 58 and then a bit later a beautiful Omega dress watch, when I then enquired about a Rolex I didn’t speak to him specifically about a particular model I told him why I wanted it and what I planned to do with it, I also expressed some concern about the image and potentiality of being attacked wearing it. The AD totally understood and he recommended the Explorer 2 and he showed me both the white and black versions, he said that the white was the more popular but I was taken with the black and I asked for that one, 3 months later it has arrived and it’s perfect in every way. My AD knows that I’m not planning on buying anymore but he has stayed in touch and told me to pop in for a coffee any time I wish. The whole experience was wonderful. Ellie thanks for a super video and your right about getting to know your AD it does pay off so to speak.
I used to want a Rolex but got tired of their games. Walked into an Omega dealership, walked out with a Seamaster. It's been my favourite watch for several years now
On the list for a mint skydweller. Do you think buying or getting on a list for a James Cameron deep sea will improve or hurt my chances at get either of the pieces? Cheers!
Wow that is crazy, I had a much different experience when I bought my submariner date in 2004. The wife an I were on vacation in the Bahamas and we just walked into an AD (I think it was John Bull) off the street in our beach beach attire, I really did not know anything about Rolex watches back then other then they were a good watch. The sales person couldn't put enough different Rolex(s) on my wrist fast enough, he seemed almost desperate to make a sale. We ended up buying the Submariner date for somewhere around 5k US I think, it was a no haggle no pressure transaction and I walked out of the store wearing my watch, the process took about an hour. I definitely would not go through all of the things I am reading about getting one of these watches today.
I love you and your channel. I will tell you I think a lot of this is bs. I just decided what I want I have a relationship with a gray Market dealer I paid them a small premium and I get what I want right away and I don't have to get jerked around by multiple Rolex authorized dealers. We all know they're selling those watches out the back door to these grey dealers anyway. If I'm going to have to spend an extra Grande or a couple Grand to get the watch I want I'd much rather give it to the gray dealers then to the Rolex authorized dealers. But hey that's just me. Love your channel. Keep it up.
Guess it is also depending on countries, in Hong Kong or Singapore, there is no way to get a SS Sports models unless you support the ADs by buying their house brands first. But the situation may change if the Rolex demands is affected by the economy. Finger crossed. ☺
Agree 100% - so much wealth where you are - that it’s doubtful. Jenni’s info is GER specific - currently in recession and possibly for quite a while given their ridiculous energy policies.
First time buyer in Singapore. I just got my Explorer 36mm after 10 months wait. I just casually walked in and drop my name on the wait list, didn't revisit them during these 10 months for check-up or "relationship".
My most important tip would be to think of an occasion that you’d like to commemorate with a new Rolex and to let the AD know about it. If possible, (verbally) empathize with them about how difficult it must be for them to allocate Rolexes to the right people and tell them that there is no pressure from your end, although you would appreciate it immensely. Most importantly - be polite and have a genuine smile. A good impression goes a long way. Good luck!
Glad to see you back! I was quite lucky to be offered the Rolex Sky-Dweller Bial Dial Jubilee as my first Rolex from my AD (Berlin) 😍 I watched your videos multiple times before and after picking it up.
@@herbtube7824estimates are around 1M per yr - and most of the labor is by machines, only final assy by humans. So technically he’s. Correct. He obviously doesn’t give any credit for the quality and the fact that a well taken care of piece will last 100 yrs.
Don’t worry about resale value Buy the watch you want If you can afford one you should eventually be able to afford another I just got a Pepsi 3 year wait.
