Purchase question

[fogby]

New poster here.

I have an Explorer and have decided that I want the date feature. While visiting NYC I planned on getting a Submariner or Datejust and trading in the Explorer. I'm not a collector so no need for two.

I quickly learned of the Rolex supply shortage.

Tourneau told me they could get a Submariner in 4-6 months. I asked a local dealer & they couldn't commit to anything.

Is what Tourneau offered the standard way to buy a Rolex these days? Does anyone have a better way? I travel internationally a couple times a year (this is how I purchased the Explorer). It looks like there's a shortage internationally so that's probably not an option either.

Thanks for any advice.

[fogby]

Just bumping to the top asking for any advice.

As additional information, I drove about an hour to a different AD and essentially the same result. No SS subs in stock & no real interest in getting contact info for later on. They just tried to sell me something in stock - 36mm DJ's of varying level.

[jitdc]

You could always get a Sub from a seller here in the Classifieds and perhaps sell your Explorer there as well. But I'm in the same boat, Explorer (unboxed today) and wanting to add a Sub. Just waiting on my AD to hopefully come though before the price hike next in a few days (2020).

[Zakalwe]

If they can genuinely get you a Sub Date within that timeframe then that’s pretty good going in the current climate. You might spend a lot of time trying to do better and not get anywhere. The other option is to pay a premium and buy a pre-owned watch.

[dtwer]

Get a DJ now, this way you have a nice Rolex to enjoy now. You can always trade it in for a sub when one becomes available to you.

[fogby]

Originally Posted by dtwer

Get a DJ now, this way you have a nice Rolex to enjoy now. You can always trade it in for a sub when one becomes available to you.

But how does one become available? That's my real question. The only way I know of right now is to buy at a premium on-line or give my name (and presumably a deposit) to Tourneau.

Is my understanding correct?

Obviously I don't have a relationship with a AD. I bought the Explorer somewhat on a whim while vacationing in Switzwerland.

[Bizcut1]

There are a few bases to cover to try and get one at MSRP...visit your hometown AD's and let them all know of your interest. Most out of town guys are not going to sell you a watch they have in the safe or have back for a local guy on "the list." OTOH, if you're ready and willing to plunk down ten or fifteen grand on an additional "qualifying" purchase you might sway them. For a Sub C, here on the Buy and Sell Forum, you'll pay a 10 - 15% premium on new with a five year warranty. This is the route I took when I wanted it and my AD couldn't commit to less than a six-month wait. Not ideal, but you'll get your watch the next day and it isn't the 75 - 90&% mark up some are tolerating for the GMT II's and the Daytona's. Which is just south of crazy in my book and immediately puts you well behind the investment to growth / value curve.

Bottom line? Patience and diligence. Make a plan, stick to it, and persevere. The hunt can be as much fun as the kill.

Good luck! You'll get one!

Ben

[Nikrnic]

The easiest way is to trade yours in to a trusted seller if you do not want to invest your time. You can do much better than Tourneau.

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[huncho]

Originally Posted by fogby

But how does one become available? That's my real question. The only way I know of right now is to buy at a premium on-line or give my name (and presumably a deposit) to Tourneau.

Is my understanding correct?

Obviously I don't have a relationship with a AD. I bought the Explorer somewhat on a whim while vacationing in Switzwerland.

ADs get shipments of watches and decide what to do with them, whether its going down a legit waitlist or putting them in the safe so they can offer them as a bundle for when someone comes in and wants to buy a PM watch. there's no way of knowing what they'll do because it seems to be on an AD by AD basis, but subs shouldn't be hard to get so 3-4 months isn't unrealistic

[H25B]

Took me about 4 months with no purchase history at the AD, so this seems reasonable and you should just get in line. And it could come sooner. Worth waiting for it at an AD.

[Wcdhtwn]

First I'd avoid Tourneau, a location here or there may be OK but for the most part they are not honest, snobby, and not knowledgeable about the products they sell. Search in here on Tourneau and you'll see what I mean.

You might try a smaller city AD vs. a NY, L.A., Houston sized city. A medium to small sized town in the midwest or south. I grew up in Indiana and know there are AD's in Indianapolis as well as Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Bloomington, and I believe Lafayette and South Bend. I'm sure almost every state has cities between 250,000 and 1,000,000 people that may present fewer competitors for the pieces they get.

Otherwise go Gray. They'll buy your watch and sell you what you want, very easy and trustworthy.

[JR16]

6 months seems reasonable w no purchase history, but doing a trade w a TS may make the process much easier if you do indeed want to let go of your explorer. You will prob get more for it from a TS than from a Tourneau


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[cerendigit]

Forget about authorized dealers.