The Proper Way To Purchase a Rolex

[rolexfan21]

It is probably my age, but when I walk into a high end jewellery shop looking to purchase a Rolex, they are nice to me and help me out, but when I leave them my email they dont bother emailing me... like I am not serious. It is probably because I am 18 and they think I can't afford one. So I was wondering what is the PROPER way to buy a Rolex?

Are there any advantages of buying from an authorized dealer?
Are prices usually higher (less of a discount) when buying from an authorized dealer?
Is is okay to buy from a place where someone you trust has already made a purchase and has given good reviews of it?
Basically I know you're supposed to go to an authorized dealer to buy a rolex... but if you dont go to an authorized dealer, are you getting short changed somehow?

[Gedanken]

What are they supposed to email you about?

[tonelar]

A sale is a sale and if they aren't emailing you, they're probably not tech saavy... please elaborate, were they supposed to email you when they got a specific model in?

[Blue Bull]

Enjoying this one ... Vic,its called "Lessons in life" or "Experience",if you like.....

Lets see how this one progresses .....

Tip 1 : Trump uses no e mail ,at all,Gates runs his whole empire through e mails .... Which one's action will you follow when buying a Rolex ?

[Flyjet601]

Whats the proper way to buy one.....buy one!

They see window shoppers all the time. The fact that you havent bought tells them you are not serious.....and what are they suppose to email you about??


I will only buy from AD's or reputable dealers, piece of mind. A couple of hundred bucks on a watch that is $4000+, to me I cant nickle and dime that.
When I walk out of the store I want to know exactly what I am wearing, no doubts, second guessing, buyers remorse,
You can get a discount from most AD's, but that will vary depending on where you live.

[ginzo]

I say screw what a high end jewellery store might think about you and your age. Be polite and be armed with knowledge about what you are interested in. Shop around and get your best deal. Most guys here prefer ADs and feel its worth alittle more for the service and security.

[mikey]

First off, I was similar in age when looking at a Rolex. I knew before I went into the AD what model I was interested in and they did have the model. It was an exciting feeling, but besides the model I was also shopping price. I went to maybe 4 ADs and 6 pawnshops that were advertised as selling Rolex. Honestly, I wanted a deal and considered getting a feel for what a Rolex felt like by touching them and trying them on. I had tried on a President knowing I did not have the money but the experience was awesome. As time went by, I was able confidently find the price and model and purchase with confidence.

[montecristo]

Sounds more like you are insecure about your own self rather than the shop not being helpful.

If you are going to buy something, just go ahead and buy it. We are talking about buying a watch, not picking up a women here, they owe you nothing until you bought something from them.

I also don't get about the part where you left them your email. What are they suppose to do with that? sign you up for their mailing list? My AD send me christmas cards, catalogs and invites for their events but thats about it, we don't email. I email the RSC when I have questions about service, but thats because I don't like being on hold when I call.

[steve-o]

E-mail ???? Wha???

What are they supposed to send you?

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by steve-o

E-mail ???? Wha???

What are they supposed to send you?

Viagra spam

[mikey]

Also, if I were you at age 18, I would also check out Omega because I was lured away from Rolex to Omega models at the ADs. I guess they could tell I was young too. I had my Dad with me at the time. My Dad told the dealer that I was only interested in Rolex. But, I don't think you mentioned the model you were interested in.

[Dylan1471]

I believe that most of the sentiment on this site is to stick with AD when purchasing, but my experience has been that estate jewelers are also an option. I dealt with a local established estate jeweler when shopping for my future wife's engagement ring. Not only did I purchase the engagement ring but I also purchased the wedding rings, anniversary band, pre-owned S/S Sub with all boxes and tags(which was verified by him by contacting Rolex US with serial number), new Breitling Aerospace and other odds pieces of jewlery from him. He is one of those people who you meet in life that is truly genuine. Granted, he makes his living selling jewelry and is entitled to a fair profit but he doesn't beat you over the head with high mark ups( that usually come with high ticket items) that some unscrupulous people in the jewelry business don't think twice about doing. I count him as one of my friends and have gone to his store on occasion just to talk and hang out. My point is that there are other options out there if you are willing to take the time and look.

[mikey]

Dylan, I never mentioned this, but I did end up purchasing my first DJ from an Estate Jeweler. He let me have my DJ for exactly $1050.00US I paid him cash for it. It was only resealed. He wanted me to bring it back in a week to get refurbished but he was going to charge be like $175. He mentioned 2-3 weeks until it was done and money was low. I was young and giddy, so I never took it back. I was glad to own an original Rolex with USA jubilee band. It had a silver dial,no lume, and brown spots throughout the date wheel and white blotch spots on the dial. I figured probably water damage or just age. But, estate jewelers are a calm and cool resource.

[mrbieler]

Originally Posted by montecristo

Viagra spam

I like spam.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by vic_the_pro

It is probably my age, but when I walk into a high end jewellery shop looking to purchase a Rolex, they are nice to me and help me out, but when I leave them my email they dont bother emailing me... like I am not serious. It is probably because I am 18 and they think I can't afford one. So I was wondering what is the PROPER way to buy a Rolex?

Are there any advantages of buying from an authorized dealer?
Are prices usually higher (less of a discount) when buying from an authorized dealer?
Is is okay to buy from a place where someone you trust has already made a purchase and has given good reviews of it?
Basically I know you're supposed to go to an authorized dealer to buy a rolex... but if you dont go to an authorized dealer, are you getting short changed somehow?

Hi Vic,

I think the ONLY way to buy a Rolex is to show them you're genuine and serious.

First you have to decide on a particular model. Once you're on to it, then ask them to show it to you. After that, try and strike up a deal. Be friendly, be nice and show them your personality. Smile....smile....smile!! It helps.

I realise you're the customer....but you're a young fella and some sales people might not take you too seriously. Try and throw your intentions across to them and it will work.

Good luck - JJ

[finance21]

Don’t worry about the sales people; most of them are useless anyways (at least here in Boston).
Decide which one you want and walk in and buy it. If you are open to pre-owned you can get LNIB condition for a much better price. Personally, I would only buy pre-owned as I personally just can not justify the price of brand new. But that is just my personal preference. Do what is right for you, but don’t worry about the $16 an hour sales people (yes, I have had many bad experiences).

There are many very good websites online to network and purchase from honest watch buffs at a VERY good price.

[oldbreadstinks]

Originally Posted by vic_the_pro

It is probably my age, but when I walk into a high end jewellery shop looking to purchase a Rolex, they are nice to me and help me out, but when I leave them my email they dont bother emailing me... like I am not serious. It is probably because I am 18 and they think I can't afford one. So I was wondering what is the PROPER way to buy a Rolex?

Are there any advantages of buying from an authorized dealer?
Are prices usually higher (less of a discount) when buying from an authorized dealer?
Is is okay to buy from a place where someone you trust has already made a purchase and has given good reviews of it?
Basically I know you're supposed to go to an authorized dealer to buy a rolex... but if you dont go to an authorized dealer, are you getting short changed somehow?

haven't brought anything from a AD so far but its working out for me since i do trust the guy i'm buying from.
i usually let the salesperson know i'm serious by pinpointing out what range of products i want, i may not buy from him/her but at least i try not to make him/her run up and down with multiple requests or trying on all sorts of stuff.


And as a salesperson , i'm personally do not like to serve the younger crowd, basically like you mentioned i'm not sure if they can afford the things i sell .

[Dan Pierce]

I believe that most of the sentiment on this site is to stick with AD when purchasing, but my experience has been that estate jewelers are also an option. I dealt with a local established estate jeweler when shopping for my future wife's engagement ring. Not only did I purchase the engagement ring but I also purchased the wedding rings, anniversary band, pre-owned S/S Sub with all boxes and tags(which was verified by him by contacting Rolex US with serial number), new Breitling Aerospace and other odds pieces of jewlery from him. He is one of those people who you meet in life that is truly genuine. Granted, he makes his living selling jewelry and is entitled to a fair profit but he doesn't beat you over the head with high mark ups( that usually come with high ticket items) that some unscrupulous people in the jewelry business don't think twice about doing. I count him as one of my friends and have gone to his store on occasion just to talk and hang out. My point is that there are other options out there if you are willing to take the time and look.

Agreed. I'm lucky enough to live close to a very reputable watchmaker. Takes the worry out of authenticity, you can save some $$, and he can make a profit to help insure he's there when it's time for another watch or service.
dP

[mikey]

At one of the pawnshops, there is actually a jeweller that will unscrew the caseback to inspect the movement. Most likely its either a Sub GMT or DJ. They tend to have a diamond encrusted DD that is totatlly gaudy. But, if you are young and inexperienced then you will not know what movement your looking at . Thats why you need to do some homework.

[C.J.]

The bottom line is, you're buying a popular watch from someone who works on commission and probably not a very big one. They aren't going to email you or cater to you too much because, if you don't buy it, someone else will and probably sooner than later.

For every twenty people that come in to their store and put smudge marks on the dials of their watches only one or two actually buys the watch. So, if you're serious about buying, show them you're serious and know what you want. Pick a watch, negotiate a firm price and grab it

I've also walked into shops with no intention whatsoever of making a purchase that particular day, but wanted to feel and wear a watch I was considering for a later purchase. I told the sales guy/girl this up front and more times than not, they're helpful as hell, so long as they know where they stand with you

[Goldsplinter]

Do you have to ask for discounts specifically if you want discounts?

[President]

I'd like to find that out too. Also, does payment type matter?

[tonyp]

I just wish we could go back to these days.

GMT MASTER $186

COSMOGRAPH $241

SUBMARINER $207

SEA-DWELLER $207

EXPLORER $160

MILGAUSS $186

Can anyone guess what year?

[President]

1986

[rolexfan21]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies!

I went into the store leaving my email hoping she'd give me the stores prices for 3 models I was interested in. They had some prices on the watches but were overpriced. They didnt have the watch I was interested in store and actually had very few Rolex's. All of the Rolex's that my family has purchased were overseas except for 1 which was purchased in Canada. So far everything we've been satisfied with all of our purchases.... another thing is if you pay cash some places may be willing to give you a bigger discount, but I wouldnt suggest doing that if the watch is above 10 000$.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goldsplinter

Do you have to ask for discounts specifically if you want discounts?

Well, if you don't ask you'll never get it, pal!! Ask and you shall receive!!

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, if you don't ask you'll never get it, pal!! Ask and you shall receive!!

Here is a step by step guide:

1, Go to AD
2, Find watch you want
3, Pull out massive wad of cash from pocket
4, Start counting in front of the sales person
5, Tell them that they can have a easy sale if they give you the watch for 30% off MSRP.

6, Wait for the sales person's response.
7, Listen to the counter offer, accept if you agree with it or walk away if you don't.
8, Rinse and repeat.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by montecristo

Here is a step by step guide:

1, Go to AD
2, Find watch you want
3, Pull out massive wad of cash from pocket
4, Start counting in front of the sales person
5, Tell them that they can have a easy sale if they give you the watch for 30% off MSRP.

6, Wait for the sales person's response.
7, Listen to the counter offer, accept if you agree with it or walk away if you don't.
8, Rinse and repeat.

Cracker!!

[President]

There's always the method involving a gun though.

[tonyp]

Those prices were 1972. How much cheaper or Rolex prices abroad?