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Old 12 September 2011, 11:26 AM   #1
baybombers
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The value of trying one on

For you veteran rolex wearers, this will probably be a case of me stating the obvious but for a newbie like me it was striking.

Several weeks ago I stopped by an AD over my lunch hour to try on a DJ. I "knew" at the time that I was going to get a black stick dial DJ and just wanted to try it on before I contacted a trusted TRF seller to purchase the watch. When the sales woman took it out of the display case and handed it to me, I just didn't get that WOW feeling I was expecting. I tried it on and it looked fine but it wasn't as striking as I imagined. The sales woman offered to show me a DJ II and I declined because I already had a 42mm watch and didn't feel the need for another 40+mm watch. A few days later, I decided to stop into another AD by my house, this time with my wife. Again I tried on the DJ and again I thought it was a beautiful watch but not the one for me. This time I tried on the DJ II (same configuration as the 36 mm DJ) and was immediately stuck by it. To make a long story short, I expect to be purchasing one in the near future from a trusted TRF member.

While I know not everyone would agree with my ultimate selection, I think my experience underscores the importance of trying on various models before actually deciding what you want. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:33 AM   #2
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Trying on a watch is the only way to know of sure if a watch is for you.

Looking at pictures is all well and good, but wearing a piece is really what it's all about, unless you're looking for a safe queen.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:33 AM   #3
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Absolutely true. I always loved the 16613 and ordered one here. When I got it, it just didn't look right sitting on my wrist. I ended up trading it for something else. Same goes the other way, watches that look lackluster in photos can be stunning in person...
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:35 AM   #4
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Definitely on target as far as I am concerned. Never know what works for you until you try it on first.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:40 AM   #5
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I agree. I kep going into my local AD and looking at the 18 KT YG GMTIIC green dial, a watch I would truly not be able to afford. I had told my wife that I dint need another SSwatch causeci have myBreitling SuperOcean steelfish. Well, one day I tried on the SS GMTIIC and wham, I had to have it. I bought it within month or two as I needed to convince the Mrs. well, it is my favorite watch.

Best of luck to you!
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:42 AM   #6
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I don't have the convenience of having an AD anywhere near to try on, all my watches were acquired without trying them on. So far I made all the right choices, touchwood but I agree its always best to try on before buying if you can.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:44 AM   #7
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I like the look of the Milgauss. A few weeks ago I tried one on, and while it looks beautiful in the case, just didn't look or feel right on my wrist.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:47 AM   #8
chicagofan
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Great advice. A person's perception may be very different than reality.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:49 AM   #9
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I agree completely. I saw the pics of this one on Rolex's website and didn't care for it much.



Then I went to an AD and as I was easing down the case I saw it, stopped, pointed and said "That one!". Put it on my wrist and wouldn't take it back off.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:57 AM   #10
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I agree. I didn't try on a DSSD before I paid for it because I paid for it about 6+ months before the AD got the watch. Every other watch I have purchased I have tried on several times and thought long and hard about it. On another note did you atleast talk to the AD's about price. The trusted sellers on here are great but there are GREAT deals out there at the AD's too. I personally like having a brick and mortar store and the whole AD experience. You might be surprised that AD's will have the same price as a "grey dealer" I have the ability to ship to my house out of state so I save the tax regardless.
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Old 12 September 2011, 11:57 AM   #11
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Stay away from AD store. They are hazardous to your pockets.
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Old 12 September 2011, 12:25 PM   #12
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Trying any model on before making the purchase is worth more than most give credit for.
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Old 12 September 2011, 02:09 PM   #13
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I was trying on watches the other day in vegas and it really does give you more to think about when you're considering your next purchase.

Unfortunatly, I had TWO that really jumped out at me, and I'm still debating which one while amassing the funds for one or the other before the other. I'm debating with the YGsubC and the WGdaytona. Hmmm.... decisions, decisions!

Maybe I should go try 'em on again next week when I'm back in vegas!
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Old 12 September 2011, 03:07 PM   #14
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LightOnAHill if it was me I would definitely grab the YG subC!!!
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Old 12 September 2011, 04:28 PM   #15
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couldnt agree more.
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Old 12 September 2011, 04:48 PM   #16
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That is a service the TRF sellers can't provide... allowing you to try on different models.

A good dealer is quite valuable in letting you see the models in person. Although, I'm too cheap to buy at dealer prices I try to support my AD any chance I can usually by using their watchmaker.
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Old 13 September 2011, 05:06 AM   #17
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as a newbie on rolex, one of the best advises i found here was to try it on first. pics can be all good, but the feel of trying on different choices makes it much easier on the decision.

cheers.
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Old 13 September 2011, 05:27 AM   #18
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Trying a Rolex on means a lot to me. Because it is the only Rolex action I will have, until I actually buy one. Which is probably a while from now. Hah!
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Old 13 September 2011, 05:30 AM   #19
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def. try before buy for me
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Old 13 September 2011, 05:57 AM   #20
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well you try on shoes , or a jacket , you wouldnt buy a car without a test drive ,,, i wont mention wives at this point ,,,
but yep , try before you buy is a good policy.
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Old 13 September 2011, 07:54 AM   #21
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Agreed.
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Old 13 September 2011, 08:45 AM   #22
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I'd definitely try before buying It's a waste if it ends up not being the watch for you
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Old 13 September 2011, 09:20 AM   #23
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Am I the only one that thinks it's a lousy move to use your local jewelers to try on their watches, garner technical information, get their advice, waste the time of a commissioned sales person and then go on line to purchase from a cheaper source. Not cool OP. Not cool.
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Old 13 September 2011, 09:25 AM   #24
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I agree! I fell in love with the Pam Submersible photos. Tried on 2 and said WTF!!

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Old 13 September 2011, 09:57 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nbb View Post
am i the only one that thinks it's a lousy move to use your local jewelers to try on their watches, garner technical information, get their advice, waste the time of a commissioned sales person and then go on line to purchase from a cheaper source. Not cool op. Not cool.
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Old 13 September 2011, 10:01 AM   #26
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I walked into a AD recently and never thought I would buy this....once I tried it on. Saw that green bezel and Maxi dial combo in person... I bought it so quick that as I said before I think they thought I was up to something shady!!!

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Old 13 September 2011, 11:50 AM   #27
baybombers
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NBB View Post
Am I the only one that thinks it's a lousy move to use your local jewelers to try on their watches, garner technical information, get their advice, waste the time of a commissioned sales person and then go on line to purchase from a cheaper source. Not cool OP. Not cool.
A couple of points, yes I did try on their watches but I did all my technical homework on-line on my own. Secondly, I have bought other jewelry for my wife at this AD (the two ADs I visited are under the same ownership). In fact, I tried to buy my first mechanical watch at this store but they did not have the model in stock and were closing out of the line so ordering it wasn't an option.

Is it safe to assume that when you purchase a car you automatically buy from the first place that lets you test drive the model you end up wanting?
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Old 13 September 2011, 11:56 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NBB View Post
Am I the only one that thinks it's a lousy move to use your local jewelers to try on their watches, garner technical information, get their advice, waste the time of a commissioned sales person and then go on line to purchase from a cheaper source. Not cool OP. Not cool.
Its just business, I would buy at the AD if they matched the grey's price, & only one time has it happened... Otherwise I don't see a problem...
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Old 13 September 2011, 12:10 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NBB View Post
Am I the only one that thinks it's a lousy move to use your local jewelers to try on their watches, garner technical information, get their advice, waste the time of a commissioned sales person and then go on line to purchase from a cheaper source.
I would say you are one of the few. That is part of the reason they are there, and they know that.

Relax.
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Old 13 September 2011, 02:34 PM   #30
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I would never buy before seeing one on my wrist..and for me it has to be on two separate occasions.
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