I'm trying to chase down a DJ41 SS/RG Choc or Sundust dial with diamonds on either Oyster or Jubilee for a special occasion this month, with search and expression of interest at an AD from Oct and indication of approx. 6 weeks wait.
Any pointers, advise or AD recommendations in the London area would be great as I'm getting limited responses from the said AD now.
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I've been to said AD twice, first time it looked like my details were left somewhere not to be found, the second time round it seemed to be more promising and actionable but has all gone quiet recently.
Just wondering if there are any positive experiences in similar situations and if there is any issue in doing the same thing in other WoS group ADs?
Do I sit quietly and wait, or chase, or go to multiple ADs expressing interest in the same watch?
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I was round Regent street a couple of weeks back and found it an embarrassing experience to walk into ADs. I asked to try on an exhibition SD and was told that it was by appointment only and walk ins were reserved for VIPs. Rest of them just said no before I had the chance to ask…
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Thanks guys, luckily both of my visits without appointment were attended to, but as suggested, first was certainly not registered anywhere...
I'd much prefer an honest answer, if it doesn't look like this side of Christmas or not at all, I'd rather know to be clear on the next move, but the whole game of suspense and silence is just putting a huge downer on this already difficult experience.
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Have you thought about going with a different brand perhaps? It all sounds like such a negative experience trying to get hold of a Rolex from an AD.
I was trying to get the new Explorer 1 (RRP £5150) from an AD near me since release day, but a couple of months ago I saw the exact model in a nearby pre-owned dealer, brand new unworn etc and priced at £8195. Went in to try it on and it was dated just a few days prior and was a UK watch. Mentioned it to the AD later that week and it became pretty obvious that they’d sold one a few days ago and it was now sitting in the dealer’s window round the corner. That dealer offered it to me for £8000 but it’s just seems a rip-off at that price.
Yes, this would be the sensible thing to do, but at the moment it's very specific to that model and I can't see anything similar from other brands.
It doesn't feel particularly unrealistic as I'm not chasing down a Sub or GMT, but is very much looking like the luck of the draw at the moment...
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A friend six weeks ago put his name down at a local AD for a TT Sub, he picked it up friday! He had a little non watch buying history but not much, his son has bought a Tudor GMT.
The AD seemed particularly invested in getting him the watch he wanted.
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If the AD is anywhere in SE, would you be able to point me in their direction.
My last visit was based on the same 6 weeks potential, but things have gone quiet now that we're about to approach this period. Maybe it's the norm and I just need to patiently wait, but don't particularly feel like having all eggs in one basket is right.
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You might struggle if you want it pre Christmas. Afaik most AD's have had their December delivery now. Its not a 'top 10' desirable though, so if you have a ring round you may find somewhere with one in stock and a DJ isn't a watch you'll need a purchase history for, so if you do the leg work you could get lucky.
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Thanks. Do they all get delivery once a month then?
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Maybe I'm wrong, but surely gold diamond encrusted date just models aren't the hottest sellers? If they don't get it to you by Christmas, I'd personally feel immense satisfaction in telling them to shove it if they turn up with one in 2022. So in a way, you get a gift out of it either way
Goldsmith’s in Nottingham have an almost full compliment or Rolex sports models - steel Daytona black face, Sub, SeaDweller, DSSD, and one of each colour combo of GMT
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Just to add, all are marked as “exhibition only”.
I find that so peculiar that you cannot get on the waiting list for most, yet they are displaying them in the window.
Merry (taking the) Pissmas.
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Last edited by notenoughwrists; 17th December 2021 at 14:12.
Some pics. There were more.
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Yeah I thought it would be exhibition models only.
It makes sense instead of seeing bare displays, however the whole privileged list is for sure unfair. It would be fair if it was on first come first serve basis, with the buyer making a decision if they want to go on a 5-10 years waiting list but having to commit a deposit of some sort...
That's their Christmas stock waiting to be collected.
I heard a head office Rolex executive was made aware of this thread and said - I’ll show that lot of moaning muppets what’s in the window - and the display only watches was born!
The AD staff must be delighted with all the prospective punters who don't know what "Exhibition Only" means, rushing in to ask; "Can we buy that Rolex in the window?"
David
Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations
41mm at Goldsmiths Cribbs Causeway. Love the sizing personally and gold nicer than expected but not for me.
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Goldsmiths in Newcastle this morning had a SD, DSSD and various DJs in the window....all marked for display purposes only.
When recently purchasing a watch. I took it home and noticed 1-2 very minor marks under closer inspection. Only visible when you catch the correct light. The only way I could explain it to myself is due to it perhaps being an exhibition watch in the window and being tried on by various people. Slightly annoying !
I assume they retain stickers in the window? Which means it makes less sense, but cannot think of any other way it could happen.
p.s. I am over critical - they would probably not be visible at all to 99% of people, but they are there !
Was called today by a friendly AD. I'd expressed interest in the Red dial OP 3 days ago. Did I want it still and if so I would need to complete today so it hits their 2021 target.
Too damn right! Wow that WAS fast! Headed straight to the AD but sadly wires had gotten crossed as the 41mm Coral Red OP was actually a 31mm ladies version and of course I passed on it. Damn.
No idea if these are hard to get or not but there's a BB58 Gold in the window of Chisholm Hunter Kingston
This is available. I think a 36mm OP? Not exactly glamorous I know but it is steel!
Does the price mean it's available? Not for me but my friend is on the list for that colour in 31 I think which the other one might bethis in Kingston, Ryan?
Hi
Yes I presume this was available as it didn't have the display only sign which the sports models in the display windows to the left and right had. But if your mate took his five grand, walked 20 metres to Chisholm Hunter opposite and perused the Grand Seikos there he would IMHO be able to purchase a timepiece of inestimably higher quality than what is surely one of the most humdrum Rolexi to ever make it out of the factory :).Alternatively there are 2 Tudor boutiques and 2 Omega Boutiques in a 50 metre radius, plus Zenith, Breitling, Panerai etc :)
I could not disagree more...
I think the OP range are the nicest models (subjective) in the Rolex catalogue at the moment, its true understated class.
Most of the GS's on the other hand are generally oversized and too thick. I also really don't get all the raving about Zaratsu polishing as it doesn't look much different to my eye than most other mid range polishing on watches, its just a scratch magnet that will cost a fortune to have re-polished in Japan!
As others have mentioned, the models above are probably for display only now as this appears to be the current business model in place at many ADs. There is a very well known AD here in Perth whose display is empty bar three models, for display only. The owners are totally fed up with the current situation and the flack they get daily from customers, so much so that they are allegedly terminating their AD. They have a wonderful GS range now which is a bonus, especially for sleepy old Perth. The Tudor display is the same and it has two BB58, display only and nothing else to view. I was only in there for a bracelet repair but I was very surprised at how bad it is now and I have never seen it look so bleak but alas, I'm not the target audience anymore and so that's ok. Each to their own.
But that's the point, they're not selling Rolex as they have no stock and barely three watches at any one time on display and allegedly, don't know what stock they are getting. I mean, there is nothing in the displays, it's surreal considering maybe not 2-3 years ago, there was plenty (excluding the professional series of course). I'm no expert but I do sympathise unless of course it's just all BS, but I don't get that impression.
They are also a very fine jewelers and cater for very affluent customers and suburbs of which they do very well but, if you can't actually show potential customers what Rolex is available or when, that surely must be frustrating after a while along with all the other costs they incur for displays etc. This isn't a chain but a small "family" business.
Last edited by stix; 13th January 2022 at 14:39.
We have been led to believe that ADs had no stock to sell as they had sold it all. I.e. They were still getting the same amount of stock in from Rolex but were just selling it before it hit the windows.
Is this AD saying that they are really getting less stock in from Rolex than previously? If so, it seems possible that they are being shut out by Rolex.
Hasn't that always been the case with Rolex? I.e. They send what they want you to have.
I guess the proof will be in the pudding. If they really do terminate their Rolex dealership then you'll know they were telling the truth about restricted supply. If they are still a Rolex AD in, say, six months then it was just marketing.