Watch Conglomerates Rolex AD vs. Smaller Rolex ADs
I’m slowly building my watch collection and now have my heart set on a new Rolex Explorer. My local Rolex AD in New Jersey was recently purchased by, the watch conglomerate, Watches of Switzerland (WOS). I would say I have a friendly relationship with the staff at this WOS location. They have resized a watch and I stop in to browse pretty frequently. The other day, they added me to the waiting list for the Explorer. I do not having a purchase history with them so I don’t know how long it will take. I know Rolex ADs are a bit kinder to people that have purchased other watches and I’m seeing things I want on the (rival watch conglomerate) Bucherer website that are not on the WOS website.
Am I better off establishing a relationship with Bucherer because I want other watches from them? Or am I better staying on the WOS waitlist because they know me from stopping in their store? Or am I better off working with a smaller Rolex AD instead of the massive watch conglomerates? I'm not in a huge rush but I don't know the best strategy (lol).
I have a mid-tier watch collection and slowly inching towards luxury territory. I like all watches though!
If you're having a positive experience with WoS and they're offering to put you on waitlists, stick with them. Unless Bucherer have a piece exclusive to them that you absolutely must have, just stick with your first AD relationship.
I only say this because In my experience when dealing with Rolex AD's, switching to a new one is at best a bit of a gamble, and at worst like walking on broken glass.
In relation to the Explorer delivery time; my WoS contact has told me a few times that it's a fairly short turnaround for them right now, around 6-9 months. This shouldn't be too dissimilar for yourself.
Both Bucherer and WoS are massive Rolex ADs. As @egg420 said, stick with the one you know, but it will not hurt you to have feelers out, assuming you do not have an existing relationship. I do all my business with a single associate at a single AD.
If you're having a positive experience with WoS and they're offering to put you on waitlists, stick with them. Unless Bucherer have a piece exclusive to them that you absolutely must have, just stick with your first AD relationship.
I only say this because In my experience when dealing with Rolex AD's, switching to a new one is at best a bit of a gamble, and at worst like walking on broken glass.
In relation to the Explorer delivery time; my WoS contact has told me a few times that it's a fairly short turnaround for them right now, around 6-9 months. This shouldn't be too dissimilar for yourself.
Thanks for your advice! That’s all good news and I’m happy to wait the 6-9 months. I was thrilled that WOS established this location so close to my house. We‘ll see how it goes!
Both Bucherer and WoS are massive Rolex ADs. As @egg420 said, stick with the one you know, but it will not hurt you to have feelers out, assuming you do not have an existing relationship. I do all my business with a single associate at a single AD.
Thank you too!