Looking to get my first Rolex, GMT or Datejust, have you any experience to share?
Went to my local Rolex AD and tried on a few watches to register an interest, so am on a waiting list for a GMT batman and a Datejust blue dial steel watch, anyone share any experience on getting their Rolex?
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Richard C
Watch lover and geek. Trying to build out my watch collection.
Rickmansworth, UK
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
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On numerous wait lists, still haven't got one. But you know what, i''m not bothered by that. There are so many other brands I enjoy so it's not the end of the world.
Good luck to you on that wait list.
On numerous wait lists, still haven't got one. But you know what, i''m not bothered by that. There are so many other brands I enjoy so it's not the end of the world.
Thanks for sharing, hoping the DJ is easier to obtain and I told the AD I am happy with various dials like grey, green, blue or champagne. Hope it won't be take more than 6+ months, I just can't get myself to paid for a 2nd hand which costs more than retail.
No direct experience but an opinion. The date just is just a watch. There are way better options for the money. The GMT seems to just about fit your wrist, so I’d gthat way or explorer ii. A Rolex GMT with a Cartier Santos or JLC Reverso would be superb.
No direct experience but an opinion. The date just is just a watch. There are way better options for the money. The GMT seems to just about fit your wrist, so I’d gthat way or explorer ii. A Rolex GMT with a Cartier Santos or JLC Reverso would be superb.
I like the Cartier Santos as well and did think abou the explorer ii but prefer the GMT looks, it's really pretty.
You should get a DJ relatively quickly. 2-3 months max. The Pepsi may take a (lot) longer.
I got my DJ within 3 weeks and still waiting for a GMT and Sub.
I like the DJ, but would probably prefer an OP or Air King more. Too much choice 🤯
From what I hear, the wait for the GMT is much longer. I’ve been on the list fir 15 months and crickets. I’ve actually been to ADs that have a DJ available, though not common.
It depends not only on the style and use you want for the watch, but also on the time you’re willing to wait.
The excruciatingly long wait time (on prized steel models), the regular checking-in/song-n-dance with your Sales Associate, the preceding watch purchases to establish history …. were all real for me. However, 2 bright spots: the calls became more regular after the first Rolex purchase and wait times are getting shorter on certain models (from what I’ve read/heard). Good luck 🍀 🤙
The excruciatingly long wait time (on prized steel models), the regular checking-in/song-n-dance with your Sales Associate, the preceding watch purchases to establish history …. were all real for me. However, 2 bright spots: the calls became more regular after the first Rolex purchase and wait times are getting shorter on certain models (from what I’ve read/heard). Good luck 🍀 🤙
Thanks I also heard if you regularly checkin it, buying other watches for the AD also help!
From what I hear, the wait for the GMT is much longer. I’ve been on the list fir 15 months and crickets. I’ve actually been to ADs that have a DJ available, though not common.
It depends not only on the style and use you want for the watch, but also on the time you’re willing to wait.
I was expecting 12+ months for the GMT or steel popular models. I am willing to wait as I find it difficult to justify 2nd hand higher prices.
Thanks I also heard if you regularly checkin it, buying other watches for the AD also help!
Helps but absolutely not a remote guarantee, so do proceed with caution. Goes without saying but buy only watches you want and last, be sure to shop around for a reputable, trustworthy AD. If the SA takes the time to assist you, answer your questions and temper your expectations…all the while the store is busy, brimming with clients - then go with that individual (imo)🍀🤙
Datejust shouldn't be that hard to get. Own the black dial fluted jubilee. Took about 8 months.
I’m on 4 waitlists for a SS Blue dial DJ 36. Ranging from 1.5yrs to 8 months. I’ve been offered many other dials and metals but I didn’t want to compromise. Apparently the blue is still the most requested DJ in the PA/NJ/NYC markets. Good luck!
Careful with the Wimbledon - I'd say, generally, people think they're a bit weird. (That lume plot at 9 and no other lume on the dial..) Its the type of model ADs struggle to sell. It could lose considerable value if you buy it new.
If you have the choice, get the gmt
Get ready to WAIT! That is about all I can say.
If you are in a hurry, better go secondary market and pay double. 😉
I get the high demand (even though I must say that that is also artificial, in my mind) but there‘s no „limited supply“ given the number of people who can actually afford them or are willing to pay that much for a status symbol, which Rolex now ultimately is.
Being in „demand“ by the YouTube crowd doesn’t mean that that demand actually needs to be met.
The flippers are just the natural next step if a product is willingly held back by the producer (Rolex) or if some higher forces were limiting the output (as happened, for example, with the PS5 some time ago). The fact of „holding it back to further increase demand“ by Rolex is what really put me off of them as a brand. I don’t question their quality or product but I can tell you that I’m more than happy parting my money for Omega, Tudor, Grand Seiko or any other brand that is willing to provide me with a high quality product without me merely hoping to get a call someday… in the latter case (GS), of which I proudly own two models, I’m also more than confident to pass them on and I can be sure of owning a product of tremendous quality (that I can actually see through the caseback – my other personal nitpick with Rolex and their Daniel Wellington-esque casebacks 😅).
I must take issue with one statement. Rolex is far more than just a simple status symbol. In fact to many of us, it isn't a status symbol at all.
I must take issue with one statement. Rolex is far more than just a simple status symbol. In fact to many of us, it isn't a status symbol at all.
That may be because you know what you have on your wrist. Remove the logo or swap it out for a Pagani or whatever and there you have the sole watch as a "symbol", i. e. a representation of an object or meaning.
Why is it that people chase after a Rolex (or a clone representing one) who are NOT "in the know"? That only happens with "hype-watches" and Rolex is the one brand where nearly every model seems to be "hype". I've never seen a Grand Seiko or Breguet or F. P. Journe, Roger Dubuis, Greubel Forsey or MB & F clone, hommage or fake watch. What I've seen countless times, though, are Rolex, AP, Patek, Richard Mille and Santos clones, fakes, hommages and the like.
I can only explain that with "hype" and, in turn, with these objects being seen as status symbols first and foremost.
Please note, that I'm NOT talking about "enthusiasts". I'd also like to have a Daytona or even an Explorer I, mind you. I just can't bring myself to a) part with the money, b) wait for any amount of time just to buy it and, most importantly, c) drown in a sea of questions like "Is that a real one?".
That may be because you know what you have on your wrist. Remove the logo or swap it out for a Pagani or whatever and there you have the sole watch as a "symbol", i. e. a representation of an object or meaning.
Why is it that people chase after a Rolex (or a clone representing one) who are NOT "in the know"? That only happens with "hype-watches" and Rolex is the one brand where nearly every model seems to be "hype". I've never seen a Grand Seiko or Breguet or F. P. Journe, Roger Dubuis, Greubel Forsey or MB & F clone, hommage or fake watch. What I've seen countless times, though, are Rolex, AP, Patek, Richard Mille and Santos clones, fakes, hommages and the like.
I can only explain that with "hype" and, in turn, with these objects being seen as status symbols first and foremost.
Please note, that I'm NOT talking about "enthusiasts". I'd also like to have a Daytona or even an Explorer I, mind you. I just can't bring myself to a) part with the money, b) wait for any amount of time just to buy it and, most importantly, c) drown in a sea of questions like "Is that a real one?".
Well as long as you buy from an AD, it will be real. If you don’t want to part with the money, understandable. And if you really want one, get on a “list” at an AD. By the time you rise to the top, perhaps your opinion will change.
BTW, as an enthusiast, imho, Rolex makes one of the finest watches, period, full stop. Well worth the price of admission and you can pretty much sell a Rolex for what you paid for it, unless it has been beat up.
I can’t help that others consider it a status symbol but that certainly is not why I have a few. 😀
Careful with the Wimbledon - I'd say, generally, people think they're a bit weird. (That lume plot at 9 and no other lume on the dial..) Its the type of model ADs struggle to sell. It could lose considerable value if you buy it new.
Thanks for that I didn't know that about the Wimbledon dial, it helps alot!
Well as long as you buy from an AD, it will be real. If you don’t want to part with the money, understandable. And if you really want one, get on a “list” at an AD. By the time you rise to the top, perhaps your opinion will change.
BTW, as an enthusiast, imho, Rolex makes one of the finest watches, period, full stop. Well worth the price of admission and you can pretty much sell a Rolex for what you paid for it, unless it has been beat up.
I can’t help that others consider it a status symbol but that certainly is not why I have a few. 😀
Sure, that was my point: YOU have a few and YOU know what they are and that they're real, of course. But the whole "game" around that product is ridiculous.
And sure, I have no doubt that they're fantastic. They actually HAVE to be for the prices they ask. But so are Grand Seikos (of which I have two) and these are available when I want them (given that it's a "new model", nothing vintage or limited but that's just a given...).
What I'm getting at is the point that Rolex watches simply ARE perceived as status symbols by everyone BUT enthusiasts. That's the reason why you might be asked by non-enthusiasts if your Rolex, Patek, AP, Richard Mille or Santos is real. You will never be asked by the non-enthusiast about GS, Breguet, Journe or whatever other luxury brand you could name.
But a Merc will depreciate in value very quickly whereas a watch may not, why not get both 🥳
Only a matter of time and money
I’d go with the GMT, do you want oyster or jubilee? Decisions decisions….I currently have a SD43 and I’m considering a GMT, not sure if I can do without glide lock now though….
I’d go with the GMT, do you want oyster or jubilee? Decisions decisions….I currently have a SD43 and I’m considering a GMT, not sure if I can do without glide lock now though….
I prefer GMT with oyster :)
I prefer GMT with oyster :)
If it’s offered on the jubilee would you pass?
If it’s offered on the jubilee would you pass?
Of course I'll take a BatGirl 👍
Thanks for sharing, hoping the DJ is easier to obtain and I told the AD I am happy with various dials like grey, green, blue or champagne. Hope it won't be take more than 6+ months, I just can't get myself to paid for a 2nd hand which costs more than retail.
If you look around the DateJust, Explorer 1, and Oyster Perpetual are selling at about retail on the grey market. Occasionally you can find one cheaper. The Rolex market is starting to get back to pre COVID times.
My experience in the past 16 months was, that it’s much easier to get a Rolex from your AD than 2-3 years ago. I have the Batman on Jubilee bracelet and a two-tone DJ with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet in my collection. If I had to choose one, it would be the Batman.