A Rolex AD tale you won't believe (maybe)
I was in my local AD yesterday, collecting my new Longines Master Collection (NWA post here) and something almost unbelivable happend.
In their "Rolex room", a room within the store purely for Rolex, a family was sat with the main Rolex salesman, the same guy that registered my interest for an Air King.
The gentleman and his partner, along with one daughter, were sat talking to the salesman, whilst the second daughter was out of the room looking at jewellery. This was behind a glass door so I couldn't hear the conversation.
Daughter one left the rolex room and walked past me as I thumbed the Longines brochure waiting for my watch to be brought from the safe. She marched across the store and as she did so, she shouted to her sister, and I quote
Oh my god, Dad's bought another Rolex!
As you can imagine, I was astounded. Not only has this gentleman managed to wrangle a watch from the AD, he appears to have managed it more than once!
Once my collection had been made, the Longines sized and tucked up nicely in it's box and Longines branded bag, I stood and went to leave the store. I had a quick look into the Rolex room to see what hero was in there prying watches from the Lions mouth.
A short chap wearing filthy addidas trainers, some sweat-pant shorts and a che guevara t shirt with a hole in the sleeve.
Not quite the image of the hero I'd hoped/expected, and clearly evidence that you needn't look the part to buy a Rolex.
Anyway, I finished my visit with a quick chat to the Rolex salesman to remind him that I am desperate for an Air King and I looked forward to popping in again.
A picture of my new Master Collection, because I think it's stunning:
Brit in Germany. I love GMT watches and i'm a big fan of Longines.
You're right...
I don't believe you
Casually dressed short men can't wear Rolex??
Casually dressed short men can't wear Rolex??
Of course anyone can wear Rolex, I think I was just assuming that someone buying their second (at least) piece at retail may have been a bit smarter.
Or maybe, thinking about it, it's only the likes of me trying to get their first one that show up in a shirt and chinos (though I wear that regardless).
He’s not the hero we expected, but the hero we deserve.
Congratulations on the NWA, longines is criminally underrated. My first +$500 watch was a longines dolce Vita, gifted to me by my in laws.
Replying to your p.s
Yeah, Look the part. I was saying that clearly, a Rolex buyer need not conform to what I, and perhaps others, thought a Rolex buyer needed to look like. In my mind, that's at least somebody who dresses well, not wearing dirty and ripped clothing into a high end watch store.
By the way, that is a good looking Longines.
I go to Rolex AD wearing a Hollister shirt with 2 holes on the chest, an Addidas sweatpants with a large hole near the knee, and flipflip shoes.
And yet they still calls me for random watches. (for example, full gold GMT and two tone explorer. I turned both of them down)
Well, since the name of the game is kissing ass, one might think looking rich might help. I guess this guy was looking rich by looking like he didn’t care how he looked. Whatever the case, you’re right: kissing ass is right out.
Of course anyone can wear Rolex, I think I was just assuming that someone buying their second (at least) piece at retail may have been a bit smarter.
Or maybe, thinking about it, it's only the likes of me trying to get their first one that show up in a shirt and chinos (though I wear that regardless).
I've made a few high end purchases at an AD over the years and usually dressed in jeans (not designer-the kind regular people wear) and a worn t-shirt and sneakers. But I'm not very smart.
I believe you. Appearance for the most part has nothing to do with it but I’m sure it helps. I know you can’t judge a book by it cover. Some of the wealthiest people I know wear jeans, t-shirts and work boots, low key. They’re also old money and have nothing to prove and I know others who are fortunate and just don’t care about how they’re perceived. Maybe that guy buys a lot of jewelry for his wife and daughters and the Rolexes are a benefit. Or maybe he waited and is now a preferred customer. Maybe he’s got a good friend in the know.
Money comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. A good business can smell it coming through the door. A great business will make you beg to give it to them. Rolex does Rolex well.
Yeah man, I don't think we have opposing views here. I was the one wearing a shirt, and as you point out, he was the one collecting the Rolex. Maybe he just started with the AD before me, maybe they went to school together, I have no idea, either way, it shows that what you wear doesn't matter. Which, to confirm, I think is a good thing!
By the way, that is a good looking Longines.
I go to Rolex AD wearing a Hollister shirt with 2 holes on the chest, an Addidas sweatpants with a large hole near the knee, and flipflip shoes.
And yet they still calls me for random watches. (for example, full gold GMT and two tone explorer. I turned both of them down)
Not a fan of gold then? 😂
Who would be a famous Rolex owner ...
Not a fan of gold then? 😂
These are my cloth. Just so you see
I also don’t shower everyday. Probably once in two days.
Not a fan of gold. Because I’m not a tie and suit guy. See? I don’t shower
You just buy stuff like jewelry, and they sell you Rolleys.
That Longines wins the prize! Call or no call, you already won!
And tall. Don’t forget you need to be tall and properly dressed.
I'm always amazed at how many Communists love Veblen items. IMO it's a BS scam to take power under the guise of caring about people. I always do a wrist check of Communist & other Disctators to see what luxury watchthey are wearing
You just described every politician in every political system that has ever existed. Tell the people whatever they want to hear to get and keep power.
I’m very happy to hear that how clean my sneakers are or how many holes are in my t-shirt has nothing to do with whether I’m rationed the privilege a 4 figure purchase. On the other hand, It’s such a major turn off that such hidden criteria might occur, that I would rather prefer to lose interest in a product for life, than suffer an indignity of a behind the scenes sales person evaluating and rationing.
Congrats on the Longines… beautiful watch.
Oh so this technique has a name…
Well, this technique works in Canada alright 🤣
Might not work in New York City, or Shanghai.
I walked into a Hermes store in Shanghai some years ago. They thought I was homeless.
China proper has image issues, not to mention other things. Go to Hong Kong, Macau or most places in Asia. You'll hear the most ridiculous stories about 'homeless' or 'extreme poors' looking people buying the most outlandish things.
Homeless and poor chic existed before Kanye. 🤣
China proper has image issues, not to mention other things. Go to Hong Kong, Macau or most places in Asia. You'll hear the most ridiculous stories about 'homeless' or 'extreme poors' looking people buying the most outlandish things.
Homeless and poor chic existed before Kanye. 🤣
My city is world headquarters of super rich asians (well, super rich from mainland China) and holy cow is it flaunted. Clothing, cars, houses .. you name it, no raggedy rich in my hood!
But in fairness , our city is also known for being totally safe to flaunt wealth. no muggings, almost no break in’s, and (unlike China) no government officials can question where all the money came from.
Does your neighborhood lambo dealer also sell lots of Bugattis?
Do you see lots of super cars owned by 16 year old kids: (N stickers on both, for 16 year with old new licenses)
Replying to your p.s
Yeah, Look the part. I was saying that clearly, a Rolex buyer need not conform to what I, and perhaps others, thought a Rolex buyer needed to look like. In my mind, that's at least somebody who dresses well, not wearing dirty and ripped clothing into a high end watch store.
Not to mention honoring a Marxist, who likely would have stolen the Rolex and murdered its new owner, regardless of his appearance otherwise...
Haha I am not that surprised. If you buy enough crap in that store they will close the doors when you come and let you run around naked of you want.
I've seen the staff carry boxes across the road to a dude's G Wagon because he presumably couldn't be bothered to get out of the car while it was raining. I guess somewhere around 100,000$ get you a "Rolex subscription".
My dress code standard, when it comes to visiting ADs, and which I think would make the watch game more enjoyable, is not more than two steps below the salesguy :
salesguy in suit and tie : nicely pressed Chino and shirt is okay
salesguy wearing no jacket and tie but still formal shirt and trousers : pair of Jeans and a polo shirt is okay
salesguy in Jeans, Polo shirt and sneakers : nice pair of shorts and clean T-shirt is okay
salesguy in shorts and Hawaian shirt : baggy shorts, 1990's T-shirt and flip flops is okay
The Adidas guy has significant purchase history, you don't.
That's why he can get the Rolex, you can't.
I have a friend, using his family's account, recently got his Sub after just 1 month. Now he's waiting for a Batman, he was told the waiting time is ~6months. He can wear flip flops and beach shorts and pop in for a glass of champagne when he's thirsty.
Clothes only matter when you're a new customer, and may I add what you have on your wrist matters much more than your clothes.
Enjoy the new Longines and let us know when your AirKing has arrived!
You just described every politician in every political system that has ever existed. Tell the people whatever they want to hear to get and keep power.
LOL yep! Communists talk a game that money & expensive things are bad. They don't fake it well. Capitalism just calls it like they see it = money and nice things are cool
My dress code standard, when it comes to visiting ADs, and which I think would make the watch game more enjoyable, is not more than two steps below the salesguy :
salesguy in suit and tie : nicely pressed Chino and shirt is okay
salesguy wearing no jacket and tie but still formal shirt and trousers : pair of Jeans and a polo shirt is okay
salesguy in Jeans, Polo shirt and sneakers : nice pair of shorts and clean T-shirt is okay
salesguy in shorts and Hawaian shirt : baggy shorts, 1990's T-shirt and flip flops is okay
Love this. For reference, my Rolex guy is always in full suit (with Rolex cuff links, Rolex tie and Rolex tie clip).
I essentially only ever wear chino's and a shirt, so that's what I was in.
The Adidas guy has significant purchase history, you don't.
That's why he can get the Rolex, you can't.
I have a friend, using his family's account, recently got his Sub after just 1 month. Now he's waiting for a Batman, he was told the waiting time is ~6months. He can wear flip flops and beach shorts and pop in for a glass of champagne when he's thirsty.
Clothes only matter when you're a new customer, and may I add what you have on your wrist matters much more than your clothes.
Enjoy the new Longines and let us know when your AirKing has arrived!
Yep, as I said, the guy was collecting "another" Rolex, so there's some history there, at least one previous.
I was collecting my second Longines from that AD, hopefully that will soon be my first Rolex.
That Longines is a beautiful watch! Luckily my AD has been pretty cool with me, and I’ve made friends with some collectors that I’ve bought vintage Rolex from. Hope you get the Air King soon!!🤞🏻🤞🏻
I like dress watches even though I definitely don't look the part....I wear death metal shirts to my local A.D. where I have already bought a Cartier and a Tudor.... they treat me pretty well.... I won't get on a list for anything though.... something degrading about it....