SD43 Availability at AD

[WhiteRhino]

Looking for opinions if I should get my hopes up of getting the SD43 at the AD. I went gray market last time about 5 years ago, but I understand now things "may be" a bit better. Unfortunately I dont live near an AD so I cant just pop in and inquire as easily as I would hope. Just trying to gauge how in demand the SD43 would be at the AD before I make the two hour drive to visit one.

[Barada7]

I don’t know, but logically it’s closer to a niche piece than a Submariner because not everyone can comfortably sport it. It should be one of the easier to acquire sport watches.

[SLWoodster]

If you need it from the retailer, then go put your name down.

This watch at market price is back to 2018 premiums - a slight discount. Good for true fans anyway.

[brandrea]

Not sure about AD’s but they are selling for at or less than MRSP now

[Carguy87]

I would think it’s much better now than a few years ago with a little patience. Good thing is if you’re short on patience DavidSW has a couple of these barely over retail plus tax so you can get it without paying much or any premium for it if the AD route becomes a hassle or takes too long.

Let us know how it turns out!

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Not sure about AD’s but they are selling for at or less than MRSP now

Good example right now for sale. I've purchased from this seller before and highly recommend.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=931675

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Good example right now for sale. I've purchased from this seller before and highly recommend.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=931675

Great find and good to know on the seller

I see he also has a 5164, unfortunately out of what I’d consider spending on one watch, but a decent price.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by WhiteRhino

Looking for opinions if I should get my hopes up of getting the SD43 at the AD. I went gray market last time about 5 years ago, but I understand now things "may be" a bit better. Unfortunately I dont live near an AD so I cant just pop in and inquire as easily as I would hope. Just trying to gauge how in demand the SD43 would be at the AD before I make the two hour drive to visit one.

Well according to many on forum no Rolex watches are available from ADs unless you have a relationship and spent zillions on others things like jewellery and watches you did not really want.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by WhiteRhino

Looking for opinions if I should get my hopes up of getting the SD43 at the AD. I went gray market last time about 5 years ago, but I understand now things "may be" a bit better. Unfortunately I dont live near an AD so I cant just pop in and inquire as easily as I would hope. Just trying to gauge how in demand the SD43 would be at the AD before I make the two hour drive to visit one.

Well according to many on forum no Rolex watches are available from ADs unless you have a relationship and spent zillions on others things like jewellery and watches did did not really want.But it's down to yourself just try all the ADs in your location if you don't ask you will not know.

[HHIslander]

Call them first, they may have in stock. If not, I’d save myself the hassle and go trusted seller. I’ve seen BNIB priced pretty close to retail.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Great find and good to know on the seller

I see he also has a 5164, unfortunately out of what I’d consider spending on one watch, but a decent price.

Come on Brian, it's only money!

YOLO

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Come on Brian, it's only money!

YOLO

Now Mike my friend … how are you coming along with your decision?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=925051

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Now Mike my friend … how are you coming along with your decision?



https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=925051

Still searching for a pre-owned model on bracelet. They are tough to find. The strap version is much more common. I think I want to hold out for the bracelet version and add the strap.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Still searching for a pre-owned model on bracelet. They are tough to find. The strap version is much more common. I think I want to hold out for the bracelet version and add the strap.

I think that’s wise. If you’re going gold, you have to have the bracelet.

Apologies OP, for the thread highjack … Mike and I got carried away

[trout_thumper21]

I went gray and purchased a 2021 almost unworn, and unpolished, for about $1,500 less than MSRP + sales tax in my state. No brainer for me…YMMV

[Wrathchild]

I personally feel ADs will get more stock this year. We are already seeing the beginning of this. I wouldn’t be running to grey anytime soon unless you find one under list like the bloke above did.

[TomInNJ]

I got one from a NYC AD last year with wait of just under 4 months— which was a pleasant surprise. I should add that it has become my favorite watch in my rotation.

[ads75]

Back in May 2023 my AD in South East Pennsylvania told me it would be about a 6 month wait for a 43mm SD. I haven't heard anything form them since then, so over 6 months, maybe others buying Christmas gifts got higher priority than I would. But I also haven't checked in with them either. I do have a prior purchase history with the AD, but its old. I know it isn't a popular opinion here, but if they were to call me now I doubt I would purchase it, there are other things I have recently purchased (Blancpain FF Bathyscaphe Titanium) and several other watches I would rather have at that relative price point (GO Sea Q Panoramic Date, JLC Reverso). But if your heart is set on a SD43, nothing else will substitute.

[Saoirse32]

Originally Posted by ads75

Back in May 2023 my AD in South East Pennsylvania told me it would be about a 6 month wait for a 43mm SD. I haven't heard anything form them since then, so over 6 months, maybe others buying Christmas gifts got higher priority than I would. But I also haven't checked in with them either. I do have a prior purchase history with the AD, but its old. I know it isn't a popular opinion here, but if they were to call me now I doubt I would purchase it, there are other things I have recently purchased (Blancpain FF Bathyscaphe Titanium) and several other watches I would rather have at that relative price point (GO Sea Q Panoramic Date, JLC Reverso). But if your heart is set on a SD43, nothing else will substitute.

Definitely call first and try to make an appointment if your AD is accommodating, especially since it’s such a far drive.
You’ll likely not walk out of there with one, but by showing your face and requesting in person, you’ll be in a better position to eventually “get the call.”

I went gray with DavidSW and never looked back.
Good
Luck!


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[alphadweller]

The SD43 is not popular compared to smaller sports steel models. So that's in your favour. I would pay them a visit and gauge their interest in selling you one. If non-existent, then buy from a trusted seller, you could even save a few bucks.

[Willyjo]

This is far more obtainable now. Also it is trading BNIB under retail. LNIB well under.

If you have a trusted grey dealer, go there


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[APPRF]

Go to the AD and get it even if it's a little over grey prices. I would wait a couple of months if not available too. It's a model to establish relationship now. Call and explain your situation they will be very happy in these market situations. Only go grey for hard to get models or significantly under retail.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by APPRF

Go to the AD and get it even if it's a little over grey prices. I would wait a couple of months if not available too. It's a model to establish relationship now. Call and explain your situation they will be very happy in these market situations. Only go grey for hard to get models or significantly under retail.

Agreed. I got a TT SD43 at the height of the mania in a month from my AD after telling them I wanted it. Subs and SDs are quite gettable now with modest waits. Give your AD a go and get on their books as a customer in case you want anything else.

[1William]

Look at the online stores for our Trusted Sellers and you will see both new and pre-owned at very fair prices. Find the one you want and get on the phone and have a respectful conversation and ask for an even better price. Pay and have the watch by lunch tomorrow. Why waste your time with an AD and all the games. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[stevestil]

This should be an easier to obtain reference from any AD at the moment. If you intend on building a relationship with your AD then it’s a good starting point and your AD should come through for you. If you want a one and done, go grey and save some money


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[travisb]

Worth a few phone calls. If it doesn't look hopeful just go with a reputable seller and pick one up at or below retail as suggested.

[Emdi]

The secondary price for an 12660 is not so far from the listprice. So i think the availibilty getting better. I wish you good luck to find your dreamwatch!

[SSMOKE]

WhiteRhino five years ago you bought an SD43 from the grey market and you still have that watch correct? Now you want to buy a second SD43 but this time (Second time purchasing the same watch.) you want to buy it from an AD? I am curious about two things; 1. You want the AD experience so badly that you are going to purchase a watch that you already own? (Nothing wrong with that.) 2. What are you going to do with your current SD43?

Here is my opinion that you asked for. SD43 is surprisingly to me, in low demand, so more likely to be more available than other divers, however there are a ton of variables, including your location.

I bought mine, grey, a little over retail, two years ago this month. I want a second because I really like it on the black / red RUBBER B that I purchased but it is too time consuming and risky to switch it back and forth. (I am in the Pacific Ocean weekly.) Fingers crossed for both of us at an AD.

Lastly, I attempted to post wrist shot pictures of my SD43 on RUBBER B and Oyster but man do I have a challenging time posting pictures on this forum and I am on a ton of forums, always as SSMOKE.