When buying from a Rolex AD: Getting the display model or have them order one in?

[clau2076]

Hi Forum,

I'm planning to get my first Rolex Submariner 16610 new from an authorised Rolex dealer in Sydney, AUS. And wanted to get the opinion of the forum

Is it better to buy the model that was on display OR insist they order one in for you?

As my concern with the display model is potentially hundreds of people have tried it on. And call me neurotic, but if your handing over $8000 AUD (which is what a new Sub 16610 costs here in Australia) then I want the AD to order one in for you straight from Rolex headoffice and straight out of its box. Not the display model

Please advise of your thoughts and own experiences on this matter

Thanks guys

Chris

[Bisquitlips]

Display models are not an issue. It's a Rolex and can most certainly withstand 1000's of people fiddling with it. Although I doubt it is in the 1000's.

My YM was an "in case" model. Fingerprints are easily wiped off.

Not an issue!

[GerardoG]

Well....it's up to you. If you buy display, double check it for scratches. Some people are ok with display watches. Others (guilty here) order every single Rolex, even if they have it in display. Yes, I am nuts.

[Idle Swede]

Looks like you answered your own question........

[BLACK DIAMOND]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Display models are not an issue. It's a Rolex and can most certainly withstand 1000's of people fiddling with it. Although I doubt it is in the 1000's.

My YM was an "in case" model. Fingerprints are easily wiped off.

Not an issue!

Yes, display models are generally okay, because they almost always still have the protective stickers on them to protect them from most scratches, etc. In fact, if the protective stickers have been removed, I'd wonder why, and would not purchase that watch out of concern that it was pre-owned....unless I was looking for a real bargain, I may make a lowball offer on a Rolex that has the stickers removed, with the justification that it is not "BNIB" and thus should be offered at a used price.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by clau2076

I want the AD to order one in for you straight from Rolex headoffice and straight out of its box.

Actually Chris, Rolex does not ship watches in the boxes. The watches are sent to the ADs in styrofoam containers with cutouts to hold them, and the boxes are shipped separately. The AD puts the package together once everything has arrived.

[rkb]

for case wear. If it has the little stickers you'll be fine. I know how you feel about wanting a "virgin" watch, but those little stickers do their job well. Plus, it's not like the other customers were playing hockey with it.


Russell

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by clau2076

Hi Forum,

I'm planning to get my first Rolex Submariner 16610 new from an authorised Rolex dealer in Sydney, AUS. And wanted to get the opinion of the forum

Is it better to buy the model that was on display OR insist they order one in for you?

As my concern with the display model is potentially hundreds of people have tried it on. And call me neurotic, but if your handing over $8000 AUD (which is what a new Sub 16610 costs here in Australia) then I want the AD to order one in for you straight from Rolex headoffice and straight out of its box. Not the display model

Please advise of your thoughts and own experiences on this matter

Thanks guys

Chris

I would rather go with the one in the display which I can check and examine with a 10x loupe before plonking down a single cent.

JJ

[GinGinD]

Mine was a discontinued model being sold at a discount so of course I had to take the display watch. It didn't have a scratch on it. That didn't last long after it hit MY wrist.

Jeannie

[BLACK DIAMOND]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I would rather go with the one in the display which I can check and examine with a 10x loupe before plonking down a single cent.

JJ

Pop Quiz everyone:

How can you spot a true Rolex enthusiast in a large crowd of watchmen?

He's the one with the gold rimmed eye glasses and his very own 10x loupe in hand.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by BLACK DIAMOND

Pop Quiz everyone:

How can you spot a true Rolex enthusiast in a large crowd of watchmen?

He's the one with his very own 10x loupe in hand.

Give JJ enough clevage and he will forget about his loupe.

[tommypit]

I wouldnt want the display model, unless it was a great price. When your spending that kind of money it should be brand spanking new.

[vh_bu98]

I would say order one if it doesn't take too long. I got lucky that the two Rolexes I had bought were in the safe and never made it to the display case. My wife's was in the case, but it was a discontinued model so we didn't have a choice.

[Lion]

I do not think it matters as long as there are no scratches, divots or the like. It appears that it matters to you so have the AD order you a new one. The two I bought came out of the display case!!!

[Marrk]

How will you know? After you leave the store, they could take the display model and put it aside for you. Or they could get a display model from another store (if your AD is part of a chain).

I like this thread because I am a neurotic like the OP but most of the people here have posted good sense messages. I'm going to try to over come my compulsive behavior.

[aelvin]

dont really matter if its display as long as there is not a single scratch on it....

[vegaseddie]

I have always purchased a display model and have had no problems. How long does it take to receive an ordered a Rolex anyway?

[ninetres]

2-3 weeks if it is in stock in New York. Rolex takes their time processing the order (QC checks) and they only ship USPS

If it comes from Switzerland figure 6-12 weeks.

[benjaminchia]

when i got my dssd i got a display model M because the V they brought out from the back has flaws. Use a loop to look closely and determine which is at the best status.

[Cato]

I love the virginal state of an ordered Rolex. I don't even like strangers looking at her!

[TempoKing]

Personally I have an issue if it is a new watch buy
...I want untouched
Stickers in place, tags and factory protective plastics in place.
No display model, no demonstrator, no mule, no setting example etc.

[m2steven]

I agree. Take a good magnifying glass, or if the jeweler will lend you theirs - check for scratches on the crystal and main "oyster" component. The only place i've seen which won't give you a bit extra off to sell the display model is Radio Shack. They will lie and steal to keep you from getting a new item - unless it's a turkey. Then it's 'manager's discretion'.

[Sperry]

Ask them about Rolex Over-Sea Delivery.

You can do it with a Volvo and BMW, why not with your Rolex?

[Z-Sub]

Well, my view on this is, if you're going to wear it and it will have scratches, then it does not matter.
Of course a display model needs to be free of scratches or a big discount.

[BLACK DIAMOND]

Originally Posted by Cato

I love the virginal state of an ordered Rolex. I don't even like strangers looking at her!

Yeah, alot of people feel this way...but, it's certainly understandable. When you're spending thousands of dollars on a fine timepiece, and sometimes, tens of thousands, it's not unreasonable to expect that the watch will be brand spanking new with all tags and stickers in tact, and never even breathed on before (at least not by another customer).

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by tommypit

I wouldnt want the display model, unless it was a great price. When your spending that kind of money it should be brand spanking new.

The display model is not actually a display model.

It is a brand new model out on display and open for sale, that's all.

At closing time, the AD gets his staff to don white gloves and take each watch carefully out of the display window and then tuck them away in a very large, floor-standing vault.

The next morning, this routine is repeated in reverse and the "display" brand new watches are put out in the window, back on display.

I would prefer to buy a watch which is already there in the AD's custody.......rather than having to wait for another similar one.....not knowing how damn long that would take.

JJ

[clau2076]

there is alot of diverse opinions on this topic. This great, I'm keen to hear more of your views

Thanks Guys

Chris

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by clau2076

there is alot of diverse opinions on this topic. This great, I'm keen to hear more of your views

Thanks Guys

Chris

I think you've already heard enough, buddy!!

Just go with MY advice. Walk into the AD, grab an eye-full of the cleavage around you, ask them to show you the watch you like, grab the watchmaker's loupe, check out the watch, paying special attention to the dial and hands alignment - try 6 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock for perfect alignment.......and BINGO.......you're in business, and so are they!!

Good luck - JJ

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

.......grab the watchmaker's loupe, check out the watch, paying special attention to the dial and hands alignment.......

Something like this?

[topcat30093]

For many years, I use to buy my watches, straight out of the window.
But now I much prefer to have the pleasure and knowledge of knowing that NOBODY has touched the watch since it left the manufacturer.