Are discounts on professional models even possible these days?

[Arthur Daley]

Season's greetings all!

It's been a while since I've posted. Last time was probably around the time I bought my first Rolex, a new SD, some 5 years ago when my son was born. Terrific watch that still gets regular wrist time.

Am now thinking of adding a new SS GMT IIc to the modest collection. They're available at virtually all ADs locally, but was somewhat surprised to see no dealers willing to discount anything at all. I could of course have the watch shipped out of state everywhere, but discounts were not forthcoming. This surprised me somewhat - as the watch has been in production a while, and isn't exactly a fast mover - at least I don't think it is.

One salesman did suggest that Rolex cut its US-based AD dealer network in half this year or last, partly to avoid discounting. Not sure if that's true or just a sales tactic, but the fact that 5 local ADs all refused to budge on price may suggest otherwise. Or perhaps the season and low current inventory has something to do with it? Perhaps I should wait until after Christmas?

Anyway, curious as to what others are generally seeing out there, in terms of discounts, for the professional models such as the GMT II. I recall 5-10% used to be fairly common, and heard of one or two folks getting 20% in the past. Am asking about recent 2011 experience, though....

Thanks in advance.

[perpetualman88]

you can still get 10% discounts at certain places

[Oldwilsonian]

5-10%, depending on your relationship with the AD - this has been my experience. Although current inventory with it being Xmas may have a strong bearing. Good luck,

[Actsulb]

That's been my experience too with 10% discount on TT models and 7% discount on SS models at my AD.

[Speed]

Discounts on Steel sports models at ADs = 0
Discounts on Steel sports models at ADs at XMAS time....< 0.

As an old TRFer, have you considered buying here - where you can actually get substantial discounts???

[77T]

Originally Posted by Arthur Daley

but the fact that 5 local ADs all refused to budge on price may suggest otherwise. Or perhaps the season and low current inventory has something to do with it? Perhaps I should wait until after Christmas?

It is always possible that the managers at your local jewelers know each other well enough to cooperate on holding the line during the Holiday buying season - a little version of price control. Those with larger inventory or a slower inventory turnover may be more inclined after Christmas.

If you prefer to do a purchase at a local AD, perhaps choose to focus on the stores that may have a restocking fee for returns. Although I abhor restocking fees, you can use them to your advantage when negotiating for a watch that has been returned. That's because the retailer has already earned a small margin on the piece (perhaps 10-15%) and they may be more flexible.

Just a thought...

[Deep Sea]

I have a very good relationship with my AD, to the point where we hang out socially. I have purchased six watches from them in the past five years.

All that being said, my buddy (who's the manager) had to beat the owner to death for me to get 10% on a GMT-C. I think the days of good discounts from AD's are over.

As was already noted, consider some of th folks here on TRF.

[Richmond1958]

I was able to obtain a 7% discount on a LN Ceramic Sub that is due to be delivered any day but that's because I was able to take advantage of a one day black friday promotion that applied to everything in the AD's store. The ADs in my area (and there aren't many of those left) dont even seem to have any black subs in stock right now.

If you are like me and are used to, 10-15 years ago, buying everything at a discount and Omega at like 40-45% off, its very different out there now. That can be hard to get your head around. I think of it kinda like a current model Apple computer (rarely discounted more than $100 or so). I guess that ultimately protects resale value as well.

[ffighter556]

Originally Posted by Speed

Discounts on Steel sports models at ADs = 0
Discounts on Steel sports models at ADs at XMAS time....< 0.

As an old TRFer, have you considered buying here - where you can actually get substantial discounts???

There still there, just have to be a serious buyer. 10% as always here in Tennessee.....

[Bdevenney]

I was given 10% off my Sub-c. This was late last march. 1st time customer at the AD too.

[tomallen]

With all the grey dealers around selling NIB SS Subs and GMTs at or below retail there has to be a substantial discount for a quantity purchase. A percentage off an individual purchase seems more difficult if not impossible recently.

[travisb]

Many ADs are not willing to discount the SS sport line (especially during the holidays) but if you keep looking you will find a good deal.
Or just check with one of the trusted sellers here (give DavidSW a call).
Good choice on the GMT-C BTW

[snowbird]

If you look at the non-AD dealer sites as a barometer, the discounts on steel models are nowhere near what they were a couple of years ago. E.g. one has a 116610 for $320 off right now i.e. 4% . . . think I'd rather buy at an AD in that case.

Of course that was the whole point of firing ADs recently, to give Rolex more control over supply and pricing . . .

[Finewatch]

Spend your money in Canada.
Just bought GMT II SS C with 20% off at AD
They are offering 25% off gold models
For once something is cheaper in Canada and I was shocked

[Speed]

I think the taxes in Canada make it all a wash, no?

[COBill]

Please PM me with the names of some of these ADs willing to give 10% discounts.

The best I've come across locally is one that was willing to give me 8% on a TT but only if I "bought today" and bought one of the ones they had sitting in the case - no discounts "tomorrow" or if I wanted them to get one in from another location - and "we give our best discounts before Christmas - there's no incentive to the rest of the year."

No discount on a SS GMT IIc as they're "somewhat" hard to get (seriously, they kind of are; I've seen one in visits to six ADs.)

[rad87gn]

10% at my local AD.

[Speed]

< groan >

[mtrunner]

Unless you are a valued customer I think discounts are harder to come by. Like someone else mentioned I think Rolex cut down on the number of ADs to have more control of pricing etc. Why go to an AD when we have the best guys right here on TRF that can fill your watch purchasing needs.

[COBill]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

Unless you are a valued customer I think discounts are harder to come by. Like someone else mentioned I think Rolex cut down on the number of ADs to have more control of pricing etc. Why go to an AD when we have the best guys right here on TRF that can fill your watch purchasing needs.

Isn't the warranty an issue if you purchase from other than an AD?

What does Rolex say when you send in the warranty card without an AD name attached?

How do non-ADs get their hands on watches?

With most other brands, watches not purchased through an AD have no factory warranty, so I've no idea how Rolex handles things.

Sorry if these are answered in a FAQ somewhere.

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by COBill

Isn't the warranty an issue if you purchase from other than an AD?

What does Rolex say when you send in the warranty card without an AD name attached?

How do non-ADs get their hands on watches?

With most other brands, watches not purchased through an AD have no factory warranty, so I've no idea how Rolex handles things.

Sorry if these are answered in a FAQ somewhere.

In the US, the Rolex warranty is only good for the original purchaser from the AD. From what I understand, the rules may differ in other countries.

Some on here have been able to get their watches serviced under warranty despite that, but it's not something to count on.

[wrxsti]

buy here and get big discounts when ever u want! many trusted sellers such as mosco here.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by COBill

Isn't the warranty an issue if you purchase from other than an AD?

What does Rolex say when you send in the warranty card without an AD name attached?

How do non-ADs get their hands on watches?

With most other brands, watches not purchased through an AD have no factory warranty, so I've no idea how Rolex handles things.

Sorry if these are answered in a FAQ somewhere.

Many of the TRF sellers can get you a BNIB (Brand New In Box) Watch with the warranty card filled out in your name. So the warranty on those watches is definitely valid.

[StefanoA]

I was lucky enough to have a friend that worked at a branch of Ernest Jones, and I got an unbelievable 30% off my sub. My advice? Go make good friends with your local AD or at least someone that works there with a staff discount!

[EchoBlueUK]

My AD looks after me...I usually get 22 to 26% on anything.

[Finewatch]

Originally Posted by Speed

I think the taxes in Canada make it all a wash, no?

Taxes add 13% in Ontario. Not sure what each state charges.
Do resellers here not add taxes depending on where they are shipped?

[MortgageGuy]

Sure there are discounts but it does depend on the relationship, the AD and the inventory and of course Christmas around the corner does not help... Keep looking and you will find a suitable deal or just check out some of the great sellers here on TRF

[AAP8]

I live in an area where we have 4 AD's within 40 square miles ... 2 discount, 2 dont, the ones who do are the ones who sell more watches, they have figured out that discounts = more sales ... but also they have learned to package deals.

On my dad's last purchase, they could not get the discount to a level he was happy with, so they threw in another piece of jewelery ... its not ideal always, but an option as my mom was in the market for some jewelery anyway.

[mcneguy]

My AD gives me 20% off of everything except SS Daytonas. He also just took 20% off of the Mikimoto earrings I bought my wife for Christmas. All this plus he sent me 2 Rolex golf shirts, a Rolex golf hat, a Rolex golf ball mark tool with magnetic ball marker..etc. I also sent his daughter a very nice gift when she had triplets so it is all about the relationship.

[520Matt]

The sales person was correct when he mentioned that some AD's have had the Rolex brand pulled from their line and my guess would be that some AD's are being even more careful when considering discounts. Good luck and enjoy the search!