First experience at a Rolex AD
Went to a Rolex AD for the first time today. Basically thought I'd meet a rep, may or may not have a good conversation. Will probably get told they dont have inventory and will be put on an imaginary waitlist.
It was quite the opposite. First thing when I walk in, I get asked if I want a drink (not just water, they offered me cocktails and beer). The owner's son came over, he took me to their Rolex section (they have multiple brands there). Straight off the bat, shows me 5 models that are for sale and then all the display-only stuff. No subterfuge, no "let me check" crap. This is probably 60 seconds after we entered the store.
I tried multiple wateches. Granted, I was not looking for a sub or gmt, I just wanted either a datejust or explorer I. I walked out with a mint green, fluted bezel 36mm datejust. I needed the 41, so I did end up getting on a list. But we gotthe 36mm coz my wife fell in love with it. Its hers now. And, he tells me to wait, came back and tells me off the record that he is expecting the watch of my choice in 30 days and will hook me up.
They were awesome throughout the whole thing. The dude was very knowledgeable, telling me about his Watches and Wonders experience as he was in Geneva for it a few weeks ago. In the end, even offered us great tickets to the baseball game in town for free (we didnt take 'em, didnt have time, but he said they get them all the time and we can always ask for some).
I am sure there are good ADs out there, but this one was great! Maybe I am naive and this is standard marketing, but it felt really special. I paid retail, got a watch both my wife and I love. Overall, awesome experience.
Ps: sorry about the long rant!
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Excellent!
My experience was pretty much the same as yours. Friendly staff and very helpful. I bought a GMT on a jubilee and only waited a short while. So much hate gets tossed at Rolex ADs. Maybe it was different a few years back but I have only positive feelings.
Sounds like my experience. Nothing but positive and I've kept going back. Congrats, hopefully yours arrives soon.
That's good. 😊 I've never entered a Rolex AD, but I read so much bad vibes.
Nice 🥰
I don't have bad experience at Rolex ADs either, but the standard no available watches for sale is the norm for all of the ones i've visited
I do believe the tide is starting to turn quickly on the Covid era Rolex AD hate. Supply is clearly coming back, and I think will continue to increase. I'm happy to see dealers offering a friendly client centric experience again. There was a while there where it wasn't fun!
That's fantastic to hear! I'm sure they'd appreciate if you shared their name along with the positive experience, as would any members that live near there.
Congratulations to your wife on a beautiful watch! I am glad the experience went well
Congrats on your buy!
I've got both good/bad experiences regarding Rolex ADs but that's for another day 🙂
Wow, this is amazing! I rarely hear about really good service like this, so it's good to hear that there are still quality ADs out there. Incredible watch as well; definitely my favorite out of the modern DJ lineup.
Congrats! Absolutely brilliant watch
That's fantastic to hear! I'm sure they'd appreciate if you shared their name along with the positive experience, as would any members that live near there.
Its Simon's in the St Louis, MO metro area.
The AD might actually be on WC! XD
Glad to hear of a good experience!
Oh and you can’t beat a family owned AD. I’m lucky to have one
That’s what we love to hear! Congrats on a great purchase.
Great to hear! It's definitely getting easier.
Congratulations!
Still waiting for our sub, about a year by now. Reminded them we are still interested. Answer : “I know” 🤷🏻♀️Congrats though!
How does it look on your wrist ? Can you do a pic ?
Very nice! On my bucket list!
How does it look on your wrist ? Can you do a pic ?
Man, they removed 5 links to size it for my wife. I cant wear it unless its sized up again. My wrist is kinda betwden 7.25 to 7.5.
Shoukd have taken a picture when it was still sized up!
Which part of the world?
Dude that’s awesome to hear! I’m really glad to hear that!
Pretty sure this is the opposite of a rant! Congrats!!
Beautiful model you tried on!
I have dealt with ADs, shopped gray market, did internet sales, traded with friends. I know I'm in the minority - but I'll take a trusted AD 10 times out of 10.
I don't base my buying on price - I base my buying on quality and service.
I know I'm in the minority, but price is like 11th on my list of considerations. If I'm zeroing in on a certain model, I want information, service after the sale, and a legit warranty. Looks like your experience exceeded your expectations.
Which part of the world?
Midwest, USA.
Congratulations. That’s a beautiful watch. I’m sure your wife is happy with it.
I’ve always had great visits to my AD even during the years when they had no Rolex inventory. They are a multi brand, family owned AD so there has always been something to look at, discuss or purchase.
These lean Rolex years were my entry to Omega, Cartier and Longines which I formerly only looked at. Plus, they did get us a bubble gum pink OP36 for my wife earlier this year. I can’t be mad about the time we waited for it.
Its Simon's in the St Louis, MO metro area.
The AD might actually be on WC! XD
I've also had really good experiences with Simon's. Low pressure, very friendly, even in the height of the supply crunch were happy to shoot the shit about Rolex (and quite honest about not having any at that time). I've spent a fair bit of time there checking out Tudors, and the only reason I didn't buy from them is I went Omega instead. I asked them about Rolex out of curiosity more recently, and they said more basic models aren't too hard to get nowadays (i.e. Datejust) but they won't take names for things like the Daytona as they're still unobtanium.
I’ve to learn of a good experience and availability.
Congrats to your wife, a jubilee fluted DJ is never a bad choice!
Good to hear. Can you share what AD you dealt with?