My road to a new SS Daytona

[TswaneNguni]

Spending money is just a perception of a relationship .
They have many clients ...doing the same .

I ask ,I get.I don't get,too bad .

Enjoy the Daytona !

[Dave4D]

Originally Posted by Bradk

It started about a year ago. I had just sold my only watch, an A. Lange Shone flyback chronograph 1812. After wearing it for a few years it became apparent to me that it wan't practical as a daily wear watch. At least not for me. Servicing it took at least a month. It was white gold and I beat it up pretty bad. Plus, my wife had hinted at some new jewelry which she has rarely done over our 30 plus years of marriage. So, I sold it on Chrono24 to a businessman in NYC at a slight profit looking for a replacement. A new Rolex was on my radar.

I'm an avid outdoor recreator so a SS Rolex sport watched fit the bill. Not having a clue how all this worked I walked into my local Rolex AD and asked to see a Submariner, Explorer and a Daytona. They smiled, "I'm sorry sir but we don't have those. And, if we do you will never see them because they go to our privileged clients" What the hell? That's BS! No, that's reality.

I started a relationship with the AD. I bought my wife a Datejust, I bought her diamond jewelry. I kept in contact. Sent them pictures of her opening her gifts. Overall, I had built what I would considered a very healthy relationship with them. Of course along the way I would give them my preferred list of Rolex SS watches. And, they were very artful at stringing me along. They kept me hopeful, never discouraged. "Keep it up. Your day would come", they would say.

Personally, I had spent what I would consider a lot of money at the AD. In total $16,650. I was under the impression I would have a shot at least at a new Explorer or Sub at some point. Then reality set in. I was in the store when an entourage of VIP business men came in. $3,000 suits and gold watches. Oh shit! These are the privileged clients? I'm screwed. It was about a month later when I pressed them that they explained I would become a privileged client if I purchased a less popular expensive Rolex in the case. BUT, that still didn't guarantee a new SS Professional watch.

Along the way I did get lucky and walked into an AD on a vacation just as they put a new SS Sub in the case. I love that watch. But I still felt I "had to have" a new SS white dial Daytona. Whenever I mentioned to the Ad about getting one on the gray market they talked about how stupid that would be. OK. So basically you think the "wise" thing would be to purchase $20, $30, $60K at your store on things I don't want to MAYBE, some day, save 10K on the watch I really want? Of course! NO.

I love my new Daytona. I'm 64 years old. Life is short. I work my ass off. You get the picture.

One of the best post I've read in this forum.

[Rohan1806]

Fantastic post OP! Many congratulations on your Daytona! Wear it in good health.

[Lamontsanders]

Totally agree with you. ADs play stupid games and I'd rather spend my money on the thing I want than the things they want to sell just so I have the "privilege" of buying the initial thing I want (and that doesn't even account for the gift giving). Yeah no thanks. Enjoy your Daytona, you earned it.

[VincentM]

You did the right thing for you. But unfortunately you encourage this AD game that Rolex wants them to play.

The only way to stop this game is to stop buying grey.


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[42itus]

Congrats on a great watch. Better to pay up then to buy things to get in good favor for something they may or may not sell you. I don’t blame the AD for trying to capitalize on their opportunity, but it sounds like you had way bigger clients in front of you so I think you made the right call. As you said, life is short.


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[Dancingpriest]

Enjoy! Obviously your Ad can't give you joy, I am glad you found it yourself.
There is pride in that my friend.

[johnjm]

Did you return the jewelry?


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[Maverick_1908]

Now you just need to go back to your AD and show them your new purchase.

[Calatrava r]

This is the problem with Rolex that may ultimately cause their bubble to burst. People need to know they can buy the product and what the general timeframe will be. Right now so many feel "strung along". Not good at all. At least you stayed with the brand but you probably bought a watch some AD flipped to move other inventory to a grey. That is why there aren't any at retail or at least so it seems.

[bankermm]

Congratulations! Great story that many of us are all too familiar with. Enjoy!

[AJMarcus]

Congrats. You deserve it.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by johnjm

Did you return the jewelry?


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Ooh, good call

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by johnjm

Did you return the jewelry?


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When asked why. Tell them another store said they could guarantee me a Rolex if I purchased the same amount of jewelry from them.