My Follow Up Visit to the Rolex AD (Lessons learned)
Hey Crunchers! I'm back with a wild update on my Rolex AD adventures. People have been asking me to do the follow up visit video, so here you go :-)!
Here's what went down and some pro tips I picked up:
Remember what your AD looks like (bald or not)! I had a funny back-and-forth with a guy named Lawrence about whether Steve, my Rolex AD, was bald. Spoiler: he is.
Don't get distracted by other watch shops (looking at you, Tudor)! I wasted time at the Tudor shop before finally heading to the Rolex boutique, where I met the saleswoman from my last visit. She was all smiles this time, but I was determined to talk to Steve (who I still thought had hair).
Sometimes, even the nice salespeople can't be trusted. I went to another AD called Hyde Park Jewelers, where I was ignored by a snobby saleswoman. But then I met Vito, a cool guy who I chatted with about watches. Later, I emailed him about getting a Rolex, hoping he'd put me on the list. Unfortunately, he said he could only work with "existing clients on the salon side" who had purchased something from him before. Bummer, right?
So, that's the gist of my latest Rolex AD visits. Don't worry, though, I've got a secret plan to beat the Rolex waitlist coming up!
Son of a watchmaker. Artsy farsy dude.
You really like the pain.
You really like the pain.
Well, I try to keep in mind that they are just people trying to make a living. I don't take it personally, haha.
I stopped entering Rolex boutiques last summer since they became absolutely empty. To be honest, I decided my time is more valuable than the margin I’m gonna pay on the gray market.
Wow I’m kind of Astonished that the rep at the AD actually said that. I’m sorry for a lack of better terms sucks! These horror stories are are pretty bad at the boutiques. I have luckily only delt with stand up guys, that to be honest have always delivered before I expected (I’m talking 3-6 month on Rolex) and pretty immediate with any new releases. For anyone wondering this is from a large Boutique owned by WOS in Miami in a SUPER affluent part of Miami. Lol and I don’t look the part everyone says. I am young not clean cut, they have never seen me in a shirt with a collar, and I’m covered pretty much from tip to tale in tattoos. Mind you the private independent boutique closest to my house treats me like a little kid shaking his piggy bank. My recommendations is to never shy away from the bigger guys, they seem to get higher inventory counts and you might find the right Rep that wants to see that crown on your wrist!
Sorry to hear that. I shop at Hyde Park and got all my new pieces from them. Over the past 4 years shopping with them, acquired Sub, Batgirl, Pepsi, and Panda. I’m expecting the Leftie Sprite and new titanium YM this year. If you are interested in Omega, GS, Breitling, Cartier, JLC, Zenith, then that’ll get you started. Overall, I’d say I made out better than if I went all grey market for all my pieces. Of course this only works if you are genuinely interested in other pieces and not just Rolex. Good luck on your collecting journey.
I stopped entering Rolex boutiques last summer since they became absolutely empty. To be honest, I decided my time is more valuable than the margin I’m gonna pay on the gray market.
I will likely have to go this route for at least one of my watches. I was considering the explorer since the ref 114270 can now be had for less than retail. I'm going to wait a bit since I believe prices will drop further later this year. But it's a good option.
Sorry to hear that. I shop at Hyde Park and got all my new pieces from them. Over the past 4 years shopping with them, acquired Sub, Batgirl, Pepsi, and Panda. I’m expecting the Leftie Sprite and new titanium YM this year. If you are interested in Omega, GS, Breitling, Cartier, JLC, Zenith, then that’ll get you started. Overall, I’d say I made out better than if I went all grey market for all my pieces. Of course this only works if you are genuinely interested in other pieces and not just Rolex. Good luck on your collecting journey.
Yeah, I was surprised at the snooty attitude of the AD girl there. At least Steve at the Rolex boutique was more subtle and really a nice guy. I recently bought an Omega CK859, but at Watches of Switzerland. That's a hard to get likely discontinued model, so they had the only copy locally.
Good to hear you got your watches! Those are some hard to get models. With that history, you shouldn't have any issues getting the rest. That titanium YM does look very yummy!
I'm going to keep working on Steve. My last convo went much better; I think he is serious about getting me an OP. I also requested a DJ blue dial fluted bezel on oyster bracelet. Wish me luck haha!
Wow I’m kind of Astonished that the rep at the AD actually said that. I’m sorry for a lack of better terms sucks! These horror stories are are pretty bad at the boutiques. I have luckily only delt with stand up guys, that to be honest have always delivered before I expected (I’m talking 3-6 month on Rolex) and pretty immediate with any new releases. For anyone wondering this is from a large Boutique owned by WOS in Miami in a SUPER affluent part of Miami. Lol and I don’t look the part everyone says. I am young not clean cut, they have never seen me in a shirt with a collar, and I’m covered pretty much from tip to tale in tattoos. Mind you the private independent boutique closest to my house treats me like a little kid shaking his piggy bank. My recommendations is to never shy away from the bigger guys, they seem to get higher inventory counts and you might find the right Rep that wants to see that crown on your wrist!
Wow .. 3-6 months seems like a dream right now. I've been waiting since Oct for a simple silver dial OP. I gave up on an explorer and decided I need to go grey. Prob later this year. I'm going to try my luck with some ADs in LA now, when I get a chance to drive up there. But so tired of the arrogant attitude! The AD in Laguna Beach actually laughed when I said "maybe 3 months?"
man that's bunk. I'm sorry they weren't more welcoming! I'm thankful for my experience, the AD in my area is wonderful and I was able to get my Sub in 4 months. I hope you get the result you want!