How I bought my Rolex

Telling people I purchased my Rolex Explorer I has brought some regular questions. ‘How did you buy a Rolex? How did you deal with the waiting list? How many diamonds and other watches did you buy? (This question presupposes that I’m independently wealthy, which I’m not.)” I also hear “I’ll never be able to do that” or “that’s impossible.” It's not impossible.

I should also add that I have Asperger's Syndrome and don't know how to play social games. This is just what I did, not realising what I was doing in a way. I hope that makes sense. If an autistic person can navigate these waters, others can too. Here's how I did it.

Stay positive and work toward the goal. I have found that as long as I stay positive and work in the direction of my goal, I seldom end up where I thought I was going but I do end up somewhere good. I didn't know the path would take me where it did but in the end, I got my Explorer.

Buy the dealer, not the watch. Show an interest in the staff, not just the watches. I’ve worked retail and a little kindness and consideration goes a long way. Talk to the staff about their watches, about their grails and their likes and dislikes. Get to know them and they’ll get to know you.

Go in regularly to talk watches. I’m lucky that my AD’s staff doesn’t work on commission. They have the time to show me watches that have come in and just talk watches.

Buy a watch or two. Yes, this is necessary but doesn’t have to be a diamond encrusted Datejust or a Seamaster with a gold case. Buying a Seiko diver, especially when you really want one and you’ve talked the purchase through with the staff, will help. I did purchase a Tudor BB58 and a Grand Seiko SBGN003 from them over several years.

Or buy something. Getting married? Buy your engagement and wedding rings from the AD. Big anniversary or life event coming up? Get something from the AD to mark the occasion. Buy your kids a watch when they graduate from university. The AD will remember.

Don’t flip the watches ... Even if you decide you seriously dislike a watch, wait a year before you sell it. If it’s a Tudor, wait and let the AD know before you sell it. This will show that you’re a watch person, are considerate and aren’t just out to make a quick buck. AD’s get in serious trouble with Rolex and Tudor if customers flip watches shortly after buying them. They’ve even had their status as ADs pulled.

… until it’s time to flip them. When the manager at my AD told me he could get me an Explorer I, he asked if I’d have the money organised. At that point I told the manager that I was going to flip the watches I’d purchased from them. The Tudor and Grand Seiko were then several years old. The manager told me he understood and said it was okay to proceed. No one got any nasty surprises.

Be a polite piranha. While you’re waiting, visit to talk watches and politely enquire about the Rolex you’d like to buy when you’re at the AD. Don’t be a pest, just ask if they’re going to get any of the watches you’re interested in. Be so polite and friendly that they can't get mad at you.

Be flexible and ready-ish to pull the trigger. Start getting the money ready before you’ll need it. Getting ‘the call’ was really a two part exercise. First came the step when I committed and the AD said ‘okay, you’re next in line’. This lasted for four months. I got the second, official ‘oh my God this is really happening’ call that the watch was in about a month before I was able to pick the watch up. I used this time to start paying off the watch with funds raised from flipping the watches and savings.

Being single and not having any kids also helped with the money part. Just sayin’. 😀