Is the Rolex AD drama really worth it?

...is it really worth playing the AD game for a Rolex?

Short answer: IMO, No

Nuanced answer: It depends

As much as we want to think we no longer live in a class society where certain "rules" were understood but never written and to be wearing the wrong clothing for a particular activity or putting a fork a certain way on a plate meant something, we absolutely DO still live in a society where those things exist; just not as much as before.

If you are not running around in those circles where wearing white after Labor Day & before Memorial Day is seen as a faux pas, then other brands may serve you better because they are better specs for less money.

If you are running around in those circles, then yes, having the "right" watch means something; to those circles.

That said, if you really want a Rolex; then by all means, get a Rolex.

Tales of Rolexes being more available than some Omega models have been told here on this forum in the past 3-4 months.

So I guess the ultimate answer is dependent on how badly one wants the Rolex and if playing the game is worth it to them.

Cheers and Welcome to the Crunch!

There’s also the experience to consider. For a person who really wants a Rolex, the wait, the call, etc. it’s memorable. It prolongs the excitement and anticipation. We live in a world of instant gratification. If you can get joy from the process, that’s awesome. If the wait frustrates you, dampens the experience then no, it’s not worth it.

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You absolutely hit home with this one. Honestly, I live a very simple life style surrounded by people of all walks of life, and social/ economical stations, but mostly around practical thinking everyday Joe's. For example, I would not by a Patek because very few people in my circle can appreciate the value and cost of that watch. However the name Rolex is synonymous with good taste and wealth. That brand recognition is powerful. Far be it for me to criticize the process. They own 20% of the luxury watch industry, that speaks to their marketing success. I just don't have the patience or the time, to buy a watch I don't really want, In oder to be on a list for a potential grail watch that I do want. Thanks for the reply!

Go Grand Seiko and never look back :)

Absolutely!

Obviously this is a personal choice, but for me the answer is no. And that’s a shame. There are Rolexes I’d like to have that I won’t buy because I don’t want to play the game. People used to feel special for owning a Rolex, now they feel special for being allowed to be on a waitlist. I understand why it’s this way, but I think it sucks. My only hope here is that “investors” dump enough of the watches they’re allegedly hoarding to drive used prices back down.

My opinion comes from owning Rolex pieces and having owned a few I sold or gifted away. This information is important IMO because I already own watches people in this conversation have either 1) have yet to own 2) want to own but gave up 3) think the process goes against their principles so that won't partake or 4) are not attracted to the brand and don't get it. Point being: it's easy to say the game is worth it with a Rolex on wrist. My take is this: Make a connection with an AD and let them know what you want. Check in via text, call, stop by whenever. You stay on the radar this way. Then stay out of the results. If it happens it does. If not, so be it. Keep looking at other pieces you want for your collection. Even when you own a Rolex you will be collecting other brands... we are collecting after all. Stay out of the results, keep in contact with the AD , and don't give Rolex too much free rent in your head. Keeps the game out of the process

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It's worth for those who can't live without an AD purchased Rolex on their wrist.

For me absolutely not.

Old money FP Journe , ALS Patek , Vacheron, Breguet , FG , and in precious metals. You only sail or play polo in a Rolex , that’s your beater . All the rest of us aspire to the bottom rung watches of the truly wealthy, the High end gem encrusted Rolex, yeah they count , but the steel watches are for the rest of us . ( Opinion )

I totally agree. The only thing I would reconsider would be that "circle". IMO when that circle began, Rolex achieved it's place in the circle by the quality they offered, but since lot have had changed in watch industry, maybe it's time to make a reconsidering for those in that circle 😀

The answer for me was no, Rolex simply wasn’t worth the trouble.

Yes because I want to pay an AD price not reseller’s price.

FWIW there are far more interesting watches out there for far less money that are just as well-made and easily purchased without playing a game. There are also interesting models of Rolex that aren’t in high demand that hover around MSRP and aren’t hard to get like the Air-King.

Absolutely, if you want a Rolex. Though I can’t relate to these so called games these people post. Yes some of the stories are ridiculous but I think they are the exception rather than the rule, as the AD’s in my area are pretty straightforward about getting a Rolex. I’d bought a few pieces of jewelry before hand but I’m not a big spender at their jewelry store by any means, I asked to get on a waitlist and he said there’s no list. We looked through the catalog and I ordered the 41 mm DJ. He had the 41mm DJ fluted bezel in 2 months time. I actually didn’t get the watch because I had some unexpected expenses at the time he called me. I’ve been there a couple times since to service a watch, and the guy I ordered the watch with has stopped me every time and asked if I wanted to place another order. I’ve declined but maybe in a few months, I will place an order for the same watch.

Is the Rolex waiting game and “wait list” as bad as people post, not at all in my experience, but maybe my AD is the exception. Though I’ve seen as of late people posting about getting a Rolex when just going to the dealer.

As I started, if you want a Rolex, then yeah it’s worth it to go thru the AD.

I got mine without drama or overly long waits, so I guess I can't speak from experience; however, I guess it just depends on how bad you want one.

I just made my own explorer 36mm for 75 bucks. Much easier.

Attainable luxury. Isn’t that an oxymoron?

Depends on what your financial situation is.

Depends on what your financial situation is.

I don't disagree. But the complaints about Rolex are a bit strange to me. It's like a club. You want to get in. It's exclusive and if you got in, you'd feel accomplished. But if everyone got in, you'd feel like the experience was neutered in some way. I feel like those who complain about Rolex want to walk up to an AD and buy whatever model they've had their eye on at MSRP and then hope the person right behind them gets turned away. Otherwise, the experience is no longer special and luxurious. If everyone could have them, they'd no longer be desirable, right?

Not sure I agree totally. They are very special watches and Rolex has made attaining them a very special process. However, some of us just want to purchase a great watch and are not really interested in being considered in any club. I get the exclusivity, and it’s well deserved. For decades a Rolex has been synonymous with success and wealth, but with so many other comparable brands, the exclusivity is lost in me.

Rolex obviously makes revenue (reportedly, over $13 billion in 2021)

Rolex is actually a conglomerate of several companies that are headed by Rolex S.A. If that wasn’t complicated enough, these companies also own small portions of one another.

While it’s a minor oversimplification, they all fit under the canopy of Rolex S.A. which is owned entirely by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. It is the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation that is recognized by the Swiss government as a charitable trust. According to Swiss law, this means they pay no taxes.

This standing in the Swiss government as a charitable trust is why some like to call Rolex a non-profit company, but you must remember that it’s a Swiss company and cannot be defined by US laws and designations. So while Rolex itself is technically a for-profit company, it’s owned by a non-profit organization.

There are server articles on this topic, this was highlights from "The Watch Club Jan 5th 2023

Counterpoint: the Rolex wait game can actually help with the addiction some (all) of us suffer from.

I always get fixated on the "next" watch. Usually that fixation lasts a week or two whilst the angel and devil on my shoulders argue, eventually the devil wins and then I order it and get it. I bought one Rolex in this manner via the grey market but paying (slightly) overs and the doubt around authenticity/warranty tainted that experience a bit (still love it though) and then I had a few other itches that I scratched from other brands (love them too).

Now my fixation has landed on an Explorer. Not going to go grey again so I've got my name on the list at 3 big AD's.

Well, that's my chosen "next" watch. It's not going to be two weeks. It won't probably be two months more like 6 months to a year, but it's still my "next" watch. The GS White Birch Spring Drive or the other watches I am now lusting after are the watch after "next".

Rolex is actually offering a public service: a "Watch Addict Anonymous 12 step program" if you will. I think their service to the watch community is underrated.

I think this question is really about whether Rolex as a watch is worth it to you. What are your personal reasons for wanting one?

If you find a good, honest and friendly AD…. Once I found a good AD, it was easy to build a relationship by just talking watches and attending Redbar events they hosted. Over the past 12 months I’ve been able to pickup 4 new watches ( Air King, Sea-Dweller, Yacht Master, OP 41) from my AD by just stopping by occasionally and chatting watches, expressing interest in specific models, not asking to be added to any list. Just be ready to drop the coin when they tell you they have the watch you discussed.

Thanks💯