Advice for 1st Rolex

[Rto]

Dear All members,

I'm new to this forum as well as to Rolex...I would like to congratulate all members for the high tech level, enthusiasm and funny threads.
I became a watch enthusiast some years ago and start collecting some Tags and Omegas.

Right now, I decide to go into Rolex world and try get my first one. (I hope I will be able to get another ones in the near future)

I would appreciate if you guys could give me some advices about:

-> shopping, main ADs (if it makes any difference, discounts you Should expect to get);
-> a must have as a collector as per your oppinion and as a 1st one;
-> Relation between serial numbers X value (if any difference)..I saw already "D", "F"..what it exactly means related to value;
-> Where I can find an entire list of all model numbers, finish and bracellets options as well as price list (Rolex's official web site does not have too much info on that)

Ps.I'm more into buying a GMT II Blue/Red ("pepsi") or Black/Black (considering also a Sub)


Many thanks and sorry for the long thread.
Feel free to give me any advice

[C.J.]

Welcome, Rto. Glad to see you found our little nut house. Omega's and Tag's are nice, I've got one of each myself, but be warned, once you buy a Rolex you're not going to be able to stop Heres some links posted in the past by Padi and JJ, two of our leading aficionados. They're both great sources of information on Rolex.(the links that is)
General info
http://www.watchgeek.com/rolexservice.htm

Serial numbers
http://home20.inet.tele.dk/rolex/gb_serial_numbers.htm

The Sub and GMT II list at $4525.00. You can probably work a decent discount on the GMT, but the Sub may be a little more difficult because of it's high demand. If you're going to buy new, I would buy from an AD, thats just my opinion. Best of Luck and keep us posted

[Rto]

Thanks for all info C.J. ...I will be checking it out.

[Gedanken]

I'd second what Craig says. If you're new to Rolex, an AD is the safest option - just tune out when the AD craps on about limited supply, production ending soon and all that jazz that jacks up the price.

I bought a Sea Dweller first, and though I have no regrets about it I think I should have considered the Black/Black GMT-II as well. Ah well, that's next on my list!

Oh, and welcome to the nuthouse!

[Rockrolex]

First of all, welcome to our friendly little madhouse, Rto. Glad you found your way over here. I will agree with both Craig and James. As a first timer, go with an AD. You will be absolutely safe that way, knowing you will get the real thing. But shop around and let the ADs know you are serious but you're not going to go with their opening offer. You should be able to get anywhere from 5%-10% off list, depending on how hungry the AD is and how much he thinks he can get you as a repeat customer.

As between the choices you mention, everyone has their own opinion. If you read enough threads here you'll know that my favorite is the all black GMT-II. I can get quite passionate about it. Others feel the same way about the Sub, the No Date Sub, the EXP, etc., etc. In other words, there is no consensus on what is the best Rolex. You really have to try them on. One of them will smile at you more than the others. That's the one to get for the first one.

But let me warn you. Once you get the first one, you will be hooked. Within a few weeks or months you will start looking at other Rolexes to add to your collection. You are starting down a slippery slope and there is no way out of the hole you will be digging for yourself.

But that's why we're all here. We are all hooked on Rolexes and other watches. So go ahead, take the plunge and enjoy.

[Uncle-AJ]

Hello Rto and welcome to TRF. Good luck with the shopping!

[dman]

RTO, a big hello and glad to have you here at TRF. The others seem to have covered it pretty well although I will also stress an AD if at all possible. Have fun, enjoy your stay and good luck in the hunt.

[Rto]

Thank you all for the advices and for the warm welcome!
I'm just getting back home from a first (fast) visit to 2 ADs here in the are (Mayors and Promenade)...I had the opportunity to check the GMT Master II on Blue/Red and on Black/Black both very nice (the sub SS w/ date Black/Black one they don't have available and the estimated time to get is 4-8 weeks if ordered)...Both dealers gave me the price of $4,525 (GMTs or Sub w/date) and told me after that there will be No discount at all. Discounts only and maybe on the Two tones or gold ones.
Their justification (both) was that they sell it easier and no need to apply any kind of discount.
One AD offers 2 yrs warranty thru Rolex and 3 extra years provided by them.
Does anyone know any AD (name/city) that would be for sure offering a discount?
Thanks again

[JJ Irani]

Hi Rto,

A big welcome to TRF. I feel sad that you guys not only have to wait so long for some of the sports models, but that after such a long wait, still get absolutely no discount whatsoever.

I think I'm lucky in that respect to have such a good AD like Mansor's. The GMT-II and Sub-date are both excellent timepieces. Good luck in your final choice and acquisition.

Cheers - JJ

[padi56]

Welcome to TRF Rto cannot add much to whats already been said.But try a few watches on and the one that smiles back thats the one to get.Don't be afraid to bargain with your AD,its up to you to get the best deal.

[Rto]

Tks JJ! I will do a research on ADs in the area and choose the best one.

[Rto]

Originally Posted by padi56

Welcome to TRF Rto cannot add much to whats already been said.But try a few watches on and the one that smiles back thats the one to get.Don't be afraid to bargain with your AD,its up to you to get the best deal.

Yes padi! I will first see wich model fits better and then push the AD on that.
Thanks for the welcome!


Ps.When I was reffering before to check wich AD would be better, I meant wich dealer in the US, for example, would be considered the largest one in terms of numbers of pieces sold monthly or on year basis...(maybe this one would have some type of bigger "quota" established by Rolex to be achieved and so be eligible to receive some kind of bonus, rebate from total sales and so more sensitive about giving discounts to a customers

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Rto

Yes padi! I will first see wich model fits better and then push the AD on that.
Thanks for the welcome!


Ps.When I was reffering before to check wich AD would be better, I meant wich dealer in the US, for example, would be considered the largest one in terms of numbers of pieces sold monthly or on year basis...(maybe this one would have some type of bigger "quota" established by Rolex to be achieved and so be eligible to receive some kind of bonus, rebate from total sales and so more sensitive about giving discounts to a customers

Hi Rto,

That last bit in your P.S., may or may not reflect upon the fact as to whether your dealer can give a better discount depending on his sales volume. A big dealer with a bigger "quota" as you say, would also be a dealer with a larger turnover.

In that case, such a dealer may not find it necessary to give a large discount 'cause his watches are already selling at the existing prices. I believe different States in the USA have different taxes. Yesteday, I learnt from our friend, CJ, that there is a 6% TAX over and above the full list price of say, a Sub-date which is $4,525. Add 6% to this price and you've got a new price of almost $4,800 - WOW, that is ridiculous!

Perhaps you would be better off advertising the fact that you're in the market for a new Sub-date or a new GMT-II in "For Sale / Wanting to Buy" section. There are plenty of good guys here who can get you an excellent deal on a brand new one at a much better price than any of your rip-off ADs.

Good luck - JJ

[Rto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi Rto,

That last bit in your P.S., may or may not reflect upon the fact as to whether your dealer can give a better discount depending on his sales volume. A big dealer with a bigger "quota" as you say, would also be a dealer with a larger turnover.

In that case, such a dealer may not find it necessary to give a large discount 'cause his watches are already selling at the existing prices. I believe different States in the USA have different taxes. Yesteday, I learnt from our friend, CJ, that there is a 6% TAX over and above the full list price of say, a Sub-date which is $4,525. Add 6% to this price and you've got a new price of almost $4,800 - WOW, that is ridiculous!

Perhaps you would be better off advertising the fact that you're in the market for a new Sub-date or a new GMT-II in "For Sale / Wanting to Buy" section. There are plenty of good guys here who can get you an excellent deal on a brand new one at a much better price than any of your rip-off ADs.

Good luck - JJ

Thanks again for the tip!
Do you mean that maybe some of the guys here belongs or have a better relationship to any AD and could help me out? (Just asking because I'm definetely thinking about getting thru an AD for all reasons and advices received so far.

Forgot to mention...here in Florida, you pay 6,5% sales tax over the price...so it's pretty much the math you described.
Another idea would be maybe getting thru an AD outside the state and have it shipped (this way you avoid sales tax), but at the same time it would be something strange buying a watch by phone without touching it and giving an opportunity too receive a "Smile", specially a Rolex (I imagine)...

[Launch Mini]

Welcome RTO.
I'm stuck up here in Canada & have been looking at "importing" watches, From what I've found, AD's are relucted to ship cross border or even Cross State.
I forget who it was, but one member on this board lives in Mexico. He was saying that a quick round trip air tix from Florida to Mex & back is one idea. He was saying that the prices in Mex were very good & your savings would cover the air.
Worth looking into.
Good luck on you pick. You MUST put each of your choices on your wrist & see which one makes you smile the most.

[Rto]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

Welcome RTO.
I'm stuck up here in Canada & have been looking at "importing" watches, From what I've found, AD's are relucted to ship cross border or even Cross State.
I forget who it was, but one member on this board lives in Mexico. He was saying that a quick round trip air tix from Florida to Mex & back is one idea. He was saying that the prices in Mex were very good & your savings would cover the air.
Worth looking into.
Good luck on you pick. You MUST put each of your choices on your wrist & see which one makes you smile the most.

Many thanks for the info!
One concern that I would like to share with you and with all here is about something strange (at my point of view) that happened so far with me during this first research thru out some ADs in the area as well as thru some in others states: they all told me for example that the 16610LV (also considering this one) is almost sold out and almost impossible to get, that the estimated time could be much more than an year waiting and even if they have it or could get faster it would be offered only to VIP customers with some kind of purchase history and that they could "reject selling it" or maybe putting as unavailable if they want.
That sounded very bad to me. I just don't know at this point if maybe that's the way Rolex ADs work in general or if I was unlucky and got some jerks on my way to get my first Rolex.
Is there any place at the web listing all ADs infos?

Thanks again!

[JJ Irani]

Rto,

Contact this guy, Bob Puscizna, he's very reliable and his prices are excellent....he would be your best bet for a genuine and reasonably priced Rolex. Send him a PM and somehow try and get in touch with him. You will not find a better or more reliable preson. I highly recommend him.

Good luck - JJ

http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=226

[Rto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Rto,

Contact this guy, Bob Puscizna, he's very reliable and his prices are excellent....he would be your best bet for a genuine and reasonably priced Rolex. Send him a PM and somehow try and get in touch with him. You will not find a better or more reliable preson. I highly recommend him.

Good luck - JJ

http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=226

Thanks again "guru"! I will be contacting him and check.
Did you make any purchase already with him?

[mailman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi Rto,

In that case, such a dealer may not find it necessary to give a large discount 'cause his watches are already selling at the existing prices. I believe different States in the USA have different taxes. Yesteday, I learnt from our friend, CJ, that there is a 6% TAX over and above the full list price of say, a Sub-date which is $4,525. Add 6% to this price and you've got a new price of almost $4,800 - WOW, that is ridiculous!
Good luck - JJ

The sales tax here in the USA varies from state to state JJ. Then the counties have their hands in the pot also. In the county where I live, it's 9.5% on all purchases. This incldes everything. Food, clothes, even if you go out to dinner, they add tax on to your bill. This is the highest rate in the state. The tax on a gallon of gas is somewhere in the neighborhood of .50-.60 cents.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by mailman

The sales tax here in the USA varies from state to state JJ. Then the counties have their hands in the pot also. In the county where I live, it's 9.5% on all purchases. This incldes everything. Food, clothes, even if you go out to dinner, they add tax on to your bill. This is the highest rate in the state. The tax on a gallon of gas is somewhere in the neighborhood of .50-.60 cents.

Paul, you actually county tax on top of state tax

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Rto

Thanks again "guru"! I will be contacting him and check.
Did you make any purchase already with him?

Rto,

I live in NZ and make all my purchases through my regular AD, Mansor's Jewellers. Bob is in the US so he can supply only to buyers there. But if I were living in the US, he's one person I wouldn't hesitate to buy from. Guaranteed authenticity and superb prices!!

[Johnny B]

Originally Posted by mailman

The sales tax here in the USA varies from state to state JJ. Then the counties have their hands in the pot also. In the county where I live, it's 9.5% on all purchases. This incldes everything. Food, clothes, even if you go out to dinner, they add tax on to your bill. This is the highest rate in the state. The tax on a gallon of gas is somewhere in the neighborhood of .50-.60 cents.

I feel your taxation pain!! They tax the hell out of us here in CT and the gas is close to $3/gal (prem)!!!! The Rolex AD's here are also out of their minds. When I bought my first sub, the AD would NOT give me any type of discount whatsoever. He gave me every line from here to Albequerque: sold out, hard to get, waiting list, etc. I finally had to have Ralph call up for me (he's the world's best bullshitter !!) and he got the guy to give me a 5% discount. I had to pretend to be his boyfriend, though; I said I was picking the watch up for him!! I swear to God, they're just like gangsters .
Anyways, I agree with everyone else:try one on and see which one makes you smile. But, might I be as bold as to suggest a black Exp II? The 2nd time zone hand is fun to play with!!! Good luck and welcome aboard !!

[Rto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Rto,

I live in NZ and make all my purchases through my regular AD, Mansor's Jewellers. Bob is in the US so he can supply only to buyers there. But if I were living in the US, he's one person I wouldn't hesitate to buy from. Guaranteed authenticity and superb prices!!

Hi JJ, I exchanged already an email with Bob (thanks for the advice), but unfortunately he told me that he does not have any at the present. (maybe I scared him with my wish) list I will try to exchange some more emails with him and see if we can work something out.
BTW
Does anybody know a realistic estimated time to get as well as retail price for the following:

16610 LV
116520 SS w/ white dial

and also how does it work when entering on a waiting list thru an AD...(first come, first serve?)

Thank you all!

[Rockrolex]

Rto, another member you might try to contact is Val

http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=355

He works for a jeweler (I think they're a Rolex AD) in Dallas or Houston (at least somewhere in Texas). He might be able to help you.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by C.J.

Paul, you actually county tax on top of state tax

Yep. They both are added in together whenever you purchase something.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Johnny B

I had to pretend to be his boyfriend

I hope you told the AD that Ralphie was the catcher.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by mailman

Yep. They both are added in together whenever you purchase something.

That sucks, bad. I guess you have Hillary to thank for that

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by mailman

I hope you told the AD that Ralphie was the catcher.

hey, there Ralphie boy, whoa

[mailman]

Originally Posted by C.J.

That sucks, bad. I guess you have Hillary to thank for that

Nah, it's been around long before her.

[bigG]

Rockrolex is correct, once you are in you will no longer have control of your actions, the lure of additional Rolex's will overtake you. I stated with a nice new S/G Sub, a beautiful watch. Within a year I had a new S/G Daytona. Now I am jonesing for a SS Daytona (which is impossible to get) or a GMT. But it's a nice habit to have

By the way, this never used to bother me much, but now when the uninformed ask me, "It just tells time, why do you need to spend that much when you can get the same thing from a $100 Seiko?", I have to be restrained from going after him. But then I say to myself, you either get it or you don't, and if you don't there is no use in wasting any energy on them. Anyway good luck with your watch