How To Buy A Rolex Watch?

[FinanceProf]

Please don't take the following as a complaint...I'm genuinely looking for some guidance from someone who has "cracked the code" before me, or someone who can offer suggestions that I'm not smart enough to have thought about.


My story:

I've wanted to own a Rolex watch "when I grow up" since I was a kid (for very personal reasons I won't go into here).

Fast forward 40 years and I'm the CEO of a company in Europe (living in NW Germany as a US expatriate).

I started visiting the AD in Oldenburg (Juweliere Mahlberg-Meyer) on the weekends. I was interested in an Air King or a Datejust. After a number of visits, I managed to get the salesperson to say the quiet part out loud. "No, there really is no list, and no, you are not getting a watch from us". That was discouraging and crushed a lifelong dream, but I was thankful that at least he was honest. I wondered if it was because I am an American and therefore won't be a lifelong Germany resident and customer for them.

After retiring from my CEO job, I came home to Michigan. I had substantial net worth (CEO golden parachute) and wanted to begin collecting Rolex watches. I would have been willing to spend $100k to buy 5-6 watches so that I could have a rotation to wear during the week.

I started visiting two ADs, Tappers Jewelry and Rottermond Jewelers (suburbs of Detroit). I was still looking to break the ice with that first Datejust or Air King. A year or two later, no watch.

Now I live in NW Florida (retired here). My closest AD is Jewelers Trade Shop. I'm "on the list" for a bluesy 16613LB which is a little more expensive and so I have heard that it's easier to get? More than a year later, still no watch.


I'm ready to buy the bluesy from the grey market, and then just give up on Rolex entirely after that. My problem is, I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell a real Rolex from a "super fake" and I don't want to be taken advantage of.


My questions for you all:

1) How do I crack the code with an AD? FYI - I'm not going to buy a bunch of jewelry I don't want to hope to be "allowed" to buy a Rolex, but if someone will sell me a Rolex watch collection, I am a $100,000 customer over the next couple years.

2) If grey market is my only option, how do you GUARANTEE yourself that you didn't buy a very well executed fake?

3) If I give up on Rolex entirely, what brand would all of you Rolex fans say is the best investment watch and similar in quality (a watch worth putting in my will for my sons)?


Thanks in advance!

[MRBolton]

I've been to that AD as someone who's within easy driving distance. They were friendly and acted like they'd get me a watch, but when I checked in a couple months later, it wasn't a warm reception like the first time. I've read where some people have had some great luck there. just depends.
Also, the 16613LB has been long discontinued.
To answer your questions...
1.) Your statement is contradictory to me, but I would suggest you go ahead and tell your AD of choice that you're going to be a loyal and very lucrative customer. It's also important to make regular visits and/or check-ins. Maybe make a small purchase (bracelet, earrings, etc...).
2.) Buy from a trusted seller with a solid reputation. If you get something like the two tone watch, the weight is going to be a very easy tell.
3.) Any number of brands. And what does value matter if you're buying to pass down? You're trying to pass down their dad's watch that he liked. Get what you want. Patek, Audermars, Vacheron, Omega--any number of things.

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I've been to that AD as someone who's within easy driving distance. They were friendly and acted like they'd get me a watch, but when I checked in a couple months later, it wasn't a warm reception like the first time. I've read where some people have had some great luck there. just depends.
Also, the 16613LB has been long discontinued.
To answer your questions...
1.) Your statement is contradictory to me, but I would suggest you go ahead and tell your AD of choice that you're going to be a loyal and very lucrative customer. It's also important to make regular visits and/or check-ins. Maybe make a small purchase (bracelet, earrings, etc...).
2.) Buy from a trusted seller with a solid reputation. If you get something like the two tone watch, the weight is going to be a very easy tell.
3.) Any number of brands. And what does value matter if you're buying to pass down? You're trying to pass down their dad's watch that he liked. Get what you want. Patek, Audermars, Vacheron, Omega--any number of things.

I may have the number code wrong in my message above.

What I've asked for is the two-tone submariner (steel and gold) with the blue dial (the one referred to as the bluesy).

My understanding is that two-tone watches have lower demand due to the higer price and so this one is supposed to be a little easier to get. Mayb that too is incorrect information (source: internet/youtube/etc.)

What I do know is that I am a buyer (not a flipper), I have the money, I'm a "watch guy" that will keep it and pass it on to my sons one day, I would spend a lot more building a collection if the opportunity were there.

But here I am 4 years and 4 ADs later, and still no watch. What's the secret? Is it truly that you have to buy diamond rings and necklaces first? If so, I'm out.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I've been to that AD as someone who's within easy driving distance. They were friendly and acted like they'd get me a watch, but when I checked in a couple months later, it wasn't a warm reception like the first time. I've read where some people have had some great luck there. just depends.
Also, the 16613LB has been long discontinued.
To answer your questions...
1.) Your statement is contradictory to me, but I would suggest you go ahead and tell your AD of choice that you're going to be a loyal and very lucrative customer. It's also important to make regular visits and/or check-ins. Maybe make a small purchase (bracelet, earrings, etc...).

Problem is that buying a bunch of Rolex does not make him a “lucrative customer”, buying high-margin jewelry and watches the AD has trouble selling does. But as OP has made clear to us and presumably the AD he is not interested in that, hence the impasse.


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[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Problem is that buying a bunch of Rolex does not make him a “lucrative customer”, buying high-margin jewelry and watches the AD has trouble selling does. But as OP has made clear to us and presumably the AD he is not interested in that, hence the impasse.


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You're right. I read it wrong. Yeah, OP, why would an AD sell you an $100k watch collection when they could get a customer to spend $100k on other items to buy just one watch?
You're going to need to just go grey at this point.

[joli160]

1. You don’t want to play and buy silly stuff than forget the AD route or keep
waiting for an indefinite period of time.

2. Buy exclusively from one of the boutique sellers in the for sale section for a
100% worry free transaction. Tons of positive feedback.
A bit more expensive than regular grey pricing but no head ache is worth it.

3. Forget about AP, Patek, Vacheron or even Lange. These all have hot models for
which you have to sacrifice your self esteem, just as with Rolex.

Grand Seiko comes to mind, very high quality with an immaculate finishing which can compete with the top Suisse brands and easily obtainable.
JLC or Blancpain are no slough either and easy to get.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

You're right. I read it wrong. Yeah, OP, why would an AD sell you an $100k watch collection when they could get a customer to spend $100k on other items to buy just one watch?
You're going to need to just go grey at this point.

I don’t believe anyone would spend $100k on jewelry just to get a sports watch, that’s just internet fantasy.

[RollingInTheDeep]

Originally Posted by Jack T

I don’t believe anyone would spend $100k on jewelry just to get a sports watch, that’s just internet fantasy.

I have been told by an AD that this isn't fantasy when it comes to the most desired pieces and you are in a HCL area. Not to mention, AD's "reward" their customers with the most desired pieces, i.e., those that spend money on high margin merchandise such as jewelry which can easily approach 60-80% margins.

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I've been to that AD as someone who's within easy driving distance. They were friendly and acted like they'd get me a watch, but when I checked in a couple months later, it wasn't a warm reception like the first time. I've read where some people have had some great luck there. just depends.
Also, the 16613LB has been long discontinued.
To answer your questions...
1.) Your statement is contradictory to me, but I would suggest you go ahead and tell your AD of choice that you're going to be a loyal and very lucrative customer. It's also important to make regular visits and/or check-ins. Maybe make a small purchase (bracelet, earrings, etc...).
2.) Buy from a trusted seller with a solid reputation. If you get something like the two tone watch, the weight is going to be a very easy tell.
3.) Any number of brands. And what does value matter if you're buying to pass down? You're trying to pass down their dad's watch that he liked. Get what you want. Patek, Audermars, Vacheron, Omega--any number of things.

1) Sorry, it's a 126613LB (fat finger)

2) I'm new to this forum. I see comments about "trusted sellers". As a "noob", how do I know who is trusted? Is there a list in the forums somewhere?

3) Value matters because I've taught my sons to make wise investments. Vintage Rolex watches (even a common watch that isn't anything special) in good working order and well cared for go up in value over time. I don't know that all brands do that. I'm pretty sure my Seiko Kinetic and my Swiss Army won't.

[Nico81]

Dont waste precious time
Call Takuya and get it on your wrist at very small premium the next day


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[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Dont waste precious time
Call Takuya and get it on your wrist at very small premium the next day


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I'm new to the forums (in fact, the above was my first post) so I'm afraid I don't know who Takuya is. I would be willing to go grey market at this point.

However, this is my fear: In the later years of my career, I made somewhat frequent trips to places like Turkey and China. One of the things I discovered is that there are a zillion cheap fakes out there, but I also learned that if you would spend $500-$800 there are some outstandingly good fakes.

I have avoided the grey market, not because of the additional $1,000 in the price, but because I'm afraid I'll get a $16,000 fake.

How do people ensure they know what they're getting? If people like Lil Baby, Neymar and John Mayer who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in places like New York's diamond district with supposed reputable dealers get fakes, how is an average person to know?

If I could have 100% certainty, I'd just go pay the premium and buy the watches that I want.

[denmanproject]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Dont waste precious time
Call Takuya and get it on your wrist at very small premium the next day


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This

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

This

Who is Takuya?

How do I find this person?

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by FinanceProf

Who is Takuya?

How do I find this person?

Go to the sub-forum "Rolex watches for Sale" and click on the boutiques. Takuya is one of the boutiques. He also has a website where it may be easier to see his current inventory without browsing through all the threads.

[SkyJuice]

If you wish not to wait, get from the trusted and reputable sellers here in the forum.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by FinanceProf

Who is Takuya?

How do I find this person?

One of the trusted sellers here.

https://www.takuyawatches.com/

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Dont waste precious time
Call Takuya and get it on your wrist at very small premium the next day


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This! I have also bought from him.

Kat


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[Garry1]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Dont waste precious time
Call Takuya and get it on your wrist at very small premium the next day


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Check if this works for you it will save you some time.

[Gotgolf52]

Be sincere and professional and express that you want a datejust for daily user, I am sure they can get you DJ.

[andrewjb88]

I cant believe your having an issue getting a Datejust, can understand the sports watches but Datejusts.

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by andrewjb88

I cant believe your having an issue getting a Datejust, can understand the sports watches but Datejusts.

The Datejust I wanted originally was the 41mm, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet (in steel), and there are several dial colors that I would have been happy with, but if I could choose whatever I wanted, it would have been the bright blue set with diamonds.

My understanding is that the diamond faces are actually less desirable, but I like them.

[McLovin]

Don’t buy watches from jewelry stores. They are about selling jewelry and Rolexes are prizes for jewelry customers. Greys like Jomashop and Alan Furman are safe for new watches. And we have reliable trusted sellers here. Just pay market and feel good not having to step into a lame jewelry store, IMO.

[996marty]

Simple just go grey

[slide13]

The AD thing seems to vary a lot by market, but if you can visit some smaller markets and just be patient it does happen. I am not a big spender by any stretch, any Rolex is a huge purchase for me, and since 2018 I’ve gotten or been offered an Exp I, OP39, OP41, DJ41, Exp II, and finally my current watch (which did take a couple years) a Sub Date.

My advice, pick one watch per AD. I don’t think asking for multiple references is helpful.

Or yeah, just go grey. Lots of solid grey sellers and as someone already said, Takuya is tops and you can be confident buying from him.

[puma1552]

Not meant to be rude, but are you a likable person?

It's hard to believe you couldn't land a fairly basic watch across multiple ADs over a few years. Only thing I can think of is you may be offputting to the ADs for some reason. Again, not meant as an insult at all, just something to think about. Whether the AD sales people are right or not, is there a chance that they perceive you as something you aren't, or something you don't realize?

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Not meant to be rude, but are you a likable person?

It's hard to believe you couldn't land a fairly basic watch across multiple ADs over a few years. Only thing I can think of is you may be offputting to the ADs for some reason. Again, not meant as an insult at all, just something to think about. Whether the AD sales people are right or not, is there a chance that they perceive you as something you aren't, or something you don't realize?

I was thinking the same. You may be putting out a bad vibe, not that you mean to. There shouldn't have been an issue getting the watches you want, especially since you have made requests at multiple AD's. If you come across flashy, saying that I have $100k to spend (not saying you did this) the AD will think you are a flipper. And if this is the case, they won't sell to you.

I don't agree with others that you need to spend $100k on jewelry or undesirable watches to get what you want. I have never done that and have been allocated 3 Rolex's, two hard to get Tudor's and a Breitling over the past 3 years. I simply visit my AD and talk with my SA and the store manager about once/month if not more frequently. We talk about all kinds of things besides just watches. We talk about family, sports, etc. etc. I'm not sucking up to the AD as I thoroughly enjoy my visits, and I believe my SA does as well.

That being said, going grey may be your best bet at this point as it's going to take some time to build that relationship to the point that you can get the watches you so desire.

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by Dave O

I was thinking the same. You may be putting out a bad vibe, not that you mean to. There shouldn't have been an issue getting the watches you want, especially since you have made requests at multiple AD's. If you come across flashy, saying that I have $100k to spend (not saying you did this) the AD will think you are a flipper. And if this is the case, they won't sell to you.

I don't agree with others that you need to spend $100k on jewelry or undesirable watches to get what you want. I have never done that and have been allocated 3 Rolex's, two hard to get Tudor's and a Breitling over the past 3 years. I simply visit my AD and talk with my SA and the store manager about once/month if not more frequently. We talk about all kinds of things besides just watches. We talk about family, sports, etc. etc. I'm not sucking up to the AD as I thoroughly enjoy my visits, and I believe my SA does as well.

That being said, going grey may be your best bet at this point as it's going to take some time to build that relationship to the point that you can get the watches you so desire.

Multiple ADs, yes. But at different times. Germany = 1 year. Michigan = 18 months. Florida = 1 year.

It may simply be that I haven't waited long enough. Maybe I was just about to get a call when I moved each time. Who knows. It sounds like the responses here have been saying 18 months and 2 years is not uncommon.

Its 1-1/2 hours' drive to go to and from my closest AD now, so I can't really get there frequently. I do send a text message every 2-3 months and have purcahsed one Tissot watch.

[ldlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Not meant to be rude, but are you a likable person?

It's hard to believe you couldn't land a fairly basic watch across multiple ADs over a few years. Only thing I can think of is you may be offputting to the ADs for some reason. Again, not meant as an insult at all, just something to think about. Whether the AD sales people are right or not, is there a chance that they perceive you as something you aren't, or something you don't realize?

You hit it on the head. Im not with him but it seems he's not selling himself hahaha.

[datdude321]

I live in Central FL and have documented my frustration of this "wait list". Truth be told, after 2.5 years I got the call this week and just got my first new Rolex. I went grey prior using DavidSW in Orlando and they have plenty of options in all brands and styles. Very nice people, but you pay grey prices. I was able to haggle $500 off the cost of my 16710. Good luck!

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by datdude321

I live in Central FL and have documented my frustration of this "wait list". Truth be told, after 2.5 years I got the call this week and just got my first new Rolex. I went grey prior using DavidSW in Orlando and they have plenty of options in all brands and styles. Very nice people, but you pay grey prices. I was able to haggle $500 off the cost of my 16710. Good luck!

I'm not near Orlando, but if I'm ever down that way, I'll check out DavidSW. Thanks to you and the others that suggested this dealer.