I think they say X years just to say something - and, of course, not all SS models are equal. If the market for Rolex watches remains the same (for the sake of argument) the “competition” for new ones at list from an AD will still be intense in 4 years time and there’ll always be a bigger spender ahead of you.
I asked to be listed for an SD43 at launch in 2017 at an AD where I had some modest history. I pop by every now and again. Not a peep. That’s a model that doesn’t even seem to command the huge premiums of certain others.
Back from Milan yesterday and the TT Explorer and TT Skydweller both available as a walk in around the Duomo area. Nothing SS though.
Just arrived in Bangkok and headed to the usual ADs. Change of policy, no Rolex sold to foreign nationals with no exception! Thais only!
There was bugger all for sale anyway, just display models
Interestingly AP is MUCH easier to buy here although they've moved to a Boutique only system and you need an appointment. No Royal Oak but the Divers appear to be there to buy as well as the Code thing and I think some of the Offshores. They had a cool looking green SS offshore diver as well as a crazy expensive one in white gold. I think the SS divers were around £22k or so.
Posted this to another thread but thought I’d add it here too for anyone interested! I picked this up after being on the list for 2 months with no previous history (I had bought from them before, but too long ago to count).
It’s a 36 mm (I’ve got small wrists!) and has an amazing blue dial. I think it’s a classic multi-purpose watch and fairly understated for a Rolex. I bought it for a big birthday next year. I went on the list early as I expected a longer wait given what I’d seen and heard (which turned out mostly to be sales hype, at least for certain models and my limited experience here). Hopefully this will become my daily wearer. I normally wear a leather strap watch but this should be more comfortable than leather, especially on hotter days.
Out of interest do ADs let you try on the “exhibition” watches or are they strictly eye candy only with some daft strict Rolex rule?
Yes I sent an email recently and had this reply…
“ While this model is not currently readily available, I hope I can assist you further. We are currently experiencing very high demands. As such, I am sure you will understand authorised dealers like ourselves must prioritise local and existing clients when we are finally in a position to supply these sought-after models.
We pride ourselves on our in-store, one to one customer experiences, creating bonds and long-term relationships with our clients. We would love to meet with you and help you with your Rolex journey.
We have an appointment system in place for the safety and comfort of our teams and clients. Should you wish to visit us in-store, I would be happy to book an appointment for you at your convenience.
Our Rolex specialists can discuss these models' features, intricacies, and the incredible history of Rolex in our beautiful showroom. ”
"Book an appointment to speak about purchasing a Rolex"???
I'm sorry but I'm truly puzzled how people can debase themselves like this. I'm not boned up on Rolex prices, but judging by many of the below 10k examples that are now regularly available on sales corner I know where my money would be headed.
Agree it’s ridiculous but I popped into my AD to see if there was any chance of seeing an Omega Ultra Deep and joked are they still getting calls about Rolex. Answer: very much so. Telling clowns who are basically ringing every AD in the country that they need to actually show up does make sense in the madness we’ve endured for the last 3 or 4 years or whatever it is now.
Found this bizarre too. WoS and Goldsmiths , I was told to book an appointment to register for the waiting lists.
I guess it’s stops everyone with no intention just registering .
My appointment with WoS took an hour. I had to have ID and they wanted to know a bit about you , hobbies , what you do for a living etc.
Personally, I don’t see an issue with making an appointment to sit down with your (or new to you) AD for an hour. That way you guarantee the time to spend looking at whatever you can and/or discussing what watch you’re interested in.
Saying that, if you’re walking by another AD and you pop in I get the frustration with potentially being turned away.
I agree, albeit it is easier for some than others, depending on location. My issue is the 'result' can differ, depending on the member of staff conducting the interview. As much as they will be trained, one person's interpretation of a customer will be massively different from another. This suggests to me, what is said during the 'interview' isn't relevant. It just gets you position no. 342 on the list.
If people are happy to jump through the hoops required to get the watch they need, then fair play to them…
As they say a fool and his money are easily parted.
True buying RRP is currently a very prudent financial decision (it may or may not change) if that’s the deal. However I understand you need to buy other items to get on the ‘real’ list and if this is the case it becomes less prudent.
The likely hood of obtaining an ‘in demand piece’ (yuk!) is slight as they go to their preferred customers / mates / trade before the average Joe that will have sat the interview, has the right type of job, the right hobbies etc. (whatever they might be)
Sitting an interview to buy a mass produced watch is a pretty degrading and foolish thing to put yourself through in my opinion, it’s only a watch afterall. Other opinions may vary.
Last edited by Sinnlover; 7th August 2022 at 12:29.
I get the question about jobs if you’re paying on credit but it’s not really their business to know otherwise.
My appointment was just focused on the watch, as expected.
No why would I?
If they are the games you have to play to get one, they are not for me. I have more self respect than that.
I have turned down a couple when you could walk in to a shop and undertake a normal transaction though
They did not seem to be particularly special to me. All rather meh.
As I say other opinions may vary.
Your point being?