With the artificial Rolex market unbalanced , I stopped looking for any Stainless steel sport model. I moved to other brands. They probably loose value but at least you can buy and wear them.
DG B I wanted a Rolex but after the treatment I’ve received at an AD I just bought. Breitling instead. Like you said, it will lose value but atleast they treated my well and acted like they actually wanted my money.
That’s actually very true. And that area is really high for the moped crime. That being said, it’s insured and I love camera shopping. I would be annoyed about losing the footage. Thanks for the heads up. 👍🏻
Barry G that is the scary thing I live in Canada in city of Toronto and it’s totally safe to walk with my Pamerai or any other of my luxury watches at any time even at night time in downtown Toronto and you guys are afraid to walk on the streets that is a scary thing
great video and very true, rolex is playing a game with their customers and they are doing it very well. I for one will choose not to play that game. As nice as those watches are I don't like getting screwed with and therefore no rolex for me. No, I don't feel left out because that's the way Rolex wants you to feel!
The way you are so passionate about watches is just amazing. Even though I'm far from luxury watches culture, your videos are very inspiring and always have a good vibe. Keep it up!
This is how you play the game. 1st buy what you like and not what everybody else likes. 2nd don’t pay the over inflated prices on the grey market. 3rd when the recession hits...and it will buy your watch then. This is a small moment in time. Have patience.
Rolex and Patek know China is the lifeline of the luxury market. By resisting increasing production they hedge for a possible China crash. Having said that, Rolex doesn’t need to produce so many datejusts either. Every single middle class woman already wears a steel sport model in Hong Kong. It’s become so common I know even buying a new Sea-dweller wouldn’t be that special so Rolex is right not to flood the market.
I bought a submariner on the Grey market from a reputable dealer.... Yes I paid more than retail..... But life is too short to be on waiting lists...... If you want to get what you want... stop winging about paying a bit more.... Once it is on your wrist you will love it. Some things are worth going the extra mile and a Rolex is one of them And the angels... They did sing
It's the same thing with high end supercars like Ferrari. You have to buy a lot of them to be a valued customer and be able to get the latest cars before others.
Treating customers bad is the worst thing to do!! Sooner or later things are going to change. Be profesional and never ever misstreat customers!!! ROLEX will pay this bill or the AD at the end of the day!!!
I had no idea about this little game rolex were playing im new to the watch market, walked into watches of switzerland and asked for a Black Sub rolex. had the money ready to buy on the spot... the AD said they have 8 in stock but cant sell them to me. i asked why he said that they are only for special VIP clients who have £40K spending history in store... and had the cheek to tell me to come back with friends and meet that cap so i can qualify for a black sub... no joke i laughed out loud right in his face and said "Are you joking ? we are talking about a STEEL no frills entry level Rolex which i wanted because i want something nice on my wrist when im walking my dog, thats all its good for" He said ill put you on the list but you may get a call next year possibly... i just laughed and said it's not even worth 15 mins of my time to search elsewhere... this is not a Patek or Lange... dog shit steel watches are being supply choked to create prestige and they think they can wheel me into their stupid carrot on the stick game. Went next door to IWC and picked up a Mark 18 pilot. it was available in store no hassle or games... great watch. Rolex can sit on their Steel dogshit subs forever for all i care.
Livaren I own a two tone rolex Daytona panda and a two tone Rolex Submariner blue dial and bezel. The prestige, business opportunities and conversation that comes from wearing those watches is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. You do not get the same feeling with an IWC. Speaking from personal experience that’s all.
I agree, the hardest to get seems to be the SS Ceramic Daytona. AD's ate just not interested unless you have a long standing relationship. The ironic thing is, if you are a VIP customer, they usually get the watch fairly quickly. It's certainly tougher than it has been in the past and I believe this is because Rolex is trying to limit the number of 'normal people buying them to distance their brand from the average person that has money. The problem is, Rolex had started to become common - more people were buying Sub's since more people seem to have 6k to spare. I think they wanted to reseat themselves as a premium luxury watchmaker and prevent anyone just walking in and buying. Put it this way, if you're a VP or CEO you're not going to be happy seeing lots of other people in the street wearing the same Daytona, so Rolex limiting supply and being more careful who they sell to means they can keep the high-end image - exactly what those customers want as they purchase those watches to show status and wealth. Since a Daytona is hard to get, that customer either paid over retail for it or has a good standing with Rolex AD. To be fair, the people it really kicks down - are watch collectors whom just buy watches for the love of the watch, which is of course a real shame and I wouldn't be surprised if it does bite them in the backside several years from now. If you notice, Rolex is pushing Tudor heavily at the moment. I suspect what Rolex is doing here is trying to make the Tudor an attractive alternative to a Sub for the average person with some cash, restricting the Sub to clientele that suits Rolex brand more closely, so make Rolex appear in a higher-class. In any case, there's lots of other great watches around and if you are interested in watches you can meanwhile collect some other pieces in the meantime. I've just purchased a Breitling SuperOcean Heritage II 42 and I'm super happy with it.
Best bets are in airports. Non having waiting list and you’ll see every ss watch come through apart from the Daytona. I bought my black gmt from Switzerland and my blnr from Istanbul.
I'm relatively new to your channel but I've got to say, It's FN phenomenal. I forecast a giant following and massive good opportunities your way if you keep it up. Congratulations on a fresh perspective and outstanding taste on your shots. Cheers! -Bernardo
Wow. Bernardo thanks so much for your kind words! You’ve made my week and it’s only 7:00am on Monday! I’m really glad you like it. Have a great week. Cheers, Adrian
I went into my Rolex AD in Houston and got on the wait list for the black no date sub and received a call within one month about one available. Turned out I didn’t but it. A month later I did purchase my first Rolex (black dial Milguass) and I love it. I am now for on the list for the black no date sub. I have received great CS from my local AD and now I have spending history with them. I guess I got lucky and yes I realize that you have to play the game to get what you really want. Great points in the vid and they are so true. Keep the great walk and rant vids coming. Great format!
I totally agree this is Rolex who causes this. Local dealers caught in the middle. They have to move the less desired pieces to the grey market and in turn have to give some hard to get pieces to them . I am on the hunt to get a batman but sadly dont think i will ever get one. Have tried over 15 AD's already as i travel a lot for work. Bought a Explorer 2 from a AD just to satify the itch.
I bought my Submariner in Milan, Italy at an authorized dealer(Pisa Orologeria). Walked in, tried the watch(and a GMT Master), paid for it and it's done. But, looked for Submariner in Zurich, Switzerland and there were none.
I was fortunate enough to purchase my steel Rolex 5 yrs ago before the “shortage”. At the time I thought I was Mad to spend so much on a single watch. A No Date for that matter. Now when I walk into an IWC for a Big Pilot, or Audemars Piguet for Royal Oak offshore - Rolex is Bloody Great Value for the money. Almost economical especially when considering how it retains its value than almost any other manufacturer in or even OUTSIDE the watch industry. My advice... be patient Lad. You won’t regret waiting for it when you finally have it on your wrist.
i am one of those chaps.. who have a large spend history at my local AD, so I am fortunate enough to be able to walk and get any rolex i want with a short wait list time... waited less than 1 month for my green hulk, 3 months for my Deep Blue, and literally 2 weeks for my Rolex Daytona. having said that i spend like 150-200k a year at my AD
You can (relatively) easily get a new SS Rolex if you try hard enough. I had one on my wrist within 3 months of first enquiring and was offered another one a further 3 months later which I turned down. I had no previous history of buying luxury watches.You have to be either (1) rich and/or famous, (2) long term customer or (3) persistent. I was (3) - obviously. You have work out what the rules are and then play by them. It took me a lot of effort and legwork. Some people give up too easily and buy an Omega.
From what I’ve experienced, women working in the AD have been nothing but pleasant, I’ve only had issues with the men working, sometimes at the same place, it’s to the point I won’t go in if “he“ is working.
For me I’ve not had any separate in gender. I’ve received a great service from men and women. And bad service from both. I have received bad service from mainly the guys, but that could just be because there are more guys than girls in the London ADs.
I was surprised to find a Submariner in stock at the AD in the Hong Kong airport. Bought it on the spot after thinking about it for a half a second. Still on the waitlist in New York looking at 2 years.
I travel to and via HK about 6 times a year, going on 8 years now. I always had time to kill, and I was just lucky this time. I always take time to visit the boutique as well as other shops. Empty box posted to home. and the watch was on my wrist. Completely tax free.
Hong kong does not have sales tax, depends where you're heading. HK is the largest watch 'port' of Asia, most are grey market, looking at around 5-20% mark up for a new sub.
I was 3rd on the list for Fraser Hart Arum groups AD, they turned round and told me they will prioritise their customers of 20 years and I would have to wait 5-7 years. So it is not true, the AD have their specific clients, the serial flippers
I don’t know what you are talking about! maybe that’s how it works outside of switzerland. I walked into an AD in Zürich, asked about a 2tone sub and they had 1 in stock, without any costumer history they reserved the watch for me for 3 days. On day 3 I walked in again paid cash and got a bottle of champagne! super nice and friendly service! That is how you make costumers for life! guess where I’ll buy my next watch?!
Agree with everything you said. My personal experience of buying earlier this year was exactly as you describe. Lot's of unanswered purchase enquiry emails and a few flat out knock backs in person. I found success by targeting the large high street retailers with links to branches throughout the UK. Living in Scotland, I was prepared to travel as far as Newcastle to buy. An enquiry email and a single call to Goldsmiths in Newcastle and they sourced my Rolex within a few days at one of their London branches. They even delivered it to one of their Watches of Switzerland branches in Glasgow for me to cut down on travel. So that's my advice. Target the big UK wide AD's with the largest network. Cast the net as wide as possible with just one enquiry.
My AD required payment in full to even be put on the list. So, I had to plunk down $7600.00 US for my inclusion on the Submariner list. Good thing, because I got the watch the very next week! Unfortunately, I don't think this will happen with a GMTII Batman/Pepsi.
How I miss London !!! Used to love around Grosvenor St. RE: the Rolex situation: some authorised dealers here have got me watches within weeks. Even on the BLNR and the a sub. I have a good relationship with AD but I do think the UK is a completely different kettle of fish.
Wow. That’s a lovely area. I absolutely love old London. Are you able to get watches quickly because of where you live, or because you might be on the other end of the scale, you have a strong spend history with the ADs?
Availability of Rolex steel sports watches is variable, it depends which AD you use. I was after a steel Yacht-Master 40. No luck with AD's in Oxford and Reading. Walked into the AD in Milton Keynes, in Stock, RRP and first class service.
If u r getting bad customer service, then turn around and walk away. They dont deserve ur money. I do that all the time and I banned them forever! There r many great watches out there other than Rolex though Rolex is the few that hold value well. But if u pay a premium for it then u will hv to wait a loong time to break even. So if u really want a Rolex then go for preowned ones, not in production but not vintages. U shld make profit in 5 years time.
Jesus fucking Christ, you write like a tween. Would it really kill you to complete three and four letter words? Rolex isn't providing bad customer service; their product is merely popular and as such there is competition to purchase the model you want. It's like saying that the musical Hamilton is providing bad customer service because I can't buy front row seats at the show for $100. For many years, a man who treats himself to a new Rolex, may very well keep and wear that watch for years and years. Perhaps a lifetime. Just because in this market at this time, you might have to wait a few months, is that really going to kill you? Are you going to ding Rolls Royce because when you commission your car, they take their time to hand build it for you? Sometimes with quality items you have to wait a bit. Sometimes popular quality items need a bit of patience. Finally, you didn't ban Rolex forever, you can't afford one, so you just sneer about them on the Internet.
Love the rant and the distractions... still irked that Rolex play this game but not enough to stop me crossing my fingers that I’ll get a call from an AD telling me my GMT has arrived...
Dude. Rolex isn't playing a game. China has an exploding middle class, and Rolex is stocking them up with plenty of product while the going is good. There is no evidence that they have slowed production (which would involve laying off highly experience trained qualified staff) or stockpiling inventory (literally no point in that). When China is mopping up all the product, it is slim pickings in Europe. All that said, I found a new (new to me) dealer near my home just a month ago and they had an SD43 sitting right on the shelf. Within the last year I was at an AD in the same area with a Hulk sitting on the shelf. I even tried it on, and walked out of the store to see it in natural daylight. Product is out there, you just have to look for it. That said Britain is a tiny island, that is about to get a lot smaller after Brexit. You think the Swiss are going to bend over backwards to get product to the UK when they can have a far easier time in China or other European countries? Good luck on the GMT, I've had mine two years, wear it every day. This week I'm using it on a time zone I've never been to before; Alaska!
I bought my first Rolex over 30yrs ago, just walked in to the dealer and ordered it. But back in those days people thought I'd paid a lot of money for a 'Timex'.
Interestingly, in Dubai, you can just rock up to their boutique at the Mall of the Emirates, and try on things like the Hulk and the Batman straight away. They're accommodating even if you're just "having a look".
5 years ago I decided I wanted a GMT master, started saving (as I live in the real world) and very soon found it was unobtainable unless u seriously kissed AD ass. I'm currently wearing my Tudor GMT and suddenly any wish to play the ridiculous Rolex game has gone. Yes I understand my money has gone to the same place, but it's less than 1/2 the amount.
A fellow kindred spirit... Watches, coffee and cars. It's nice to know that I am not the only one who gets distracted by cars walking through a city :-)
Haha. It seems like there are a few of use who love watches and cars. I need to learn more about cars. Actually, I need to learn more about watches first, then I’ll move onto cars. Haha. Cheers, Adrian.
More than a few, I'm in that club of cars, coffee and watches. Got a white Daytona with only a 2 month wait. Been waiting a year for a green sub, go figure. AD's and supply are hard to figure.
If there is people are afraid to be wearing their watches after they purchase them they shouldn’t be buying them to begin with I understand there are better places in this world to be living in
Should you walk in a Rolex AD flashing your Amex and being ready to buy a Cellini , a YachtMaster and a steel Pepsi GMT master 2 on the spot, would the guy immediatly forget all his faithful clients on the waiting list and extract all three watches from the store safe ?
I got great service from my AD. I had purchased from them before (wife's brietling), they knew I was serious and not just window shopping. I called them, they didn't have a batman but put me on the list, four months later they called and asked if I was still interested. Picked it up that afternoon. Being a repete customer is something both the ad and I get value from. I will go to the same ad next time I want to make a purchase. It's good business practice. If you were the dealer, you would do the same for your repete customers. I do admit that being a first time or one time customer makes it hard.
People forget... Not that long ago there wasn't a wait list! You could walk into most AD and just wave the magic plastic card and walk out with the watch you wanted. Be patient. I'm sure at some point they're wont be a wait list but will you still want one then?
I've enquired and indeed restricted supply, my AD can't give me a time frame for a dateless Rolex Sub. I've only managed to get on the list as I'm a previous customer of theirs. Goldsmiths (not my AD) indicated today that current wait times for what I'd like is 2 years. TBH that's fine with me.
My two experiences with Rolex ADs has been wonderful. They were friendly, gracious and accommodating. One even had a 216570 in the back. Of course I bought it.
Just had a shocking experience at a AD, went to pick up my Rolex Submariner (Hulk) after being on the waiting list for a while, understand they have been told to take off the stickers and keep the warranty for a year but it felt like I was paying a debt that I need to pay instead of buying a luxury item...
The crazy thing is, Rolex makes no more money out of it. It doesn’t matter whether the AD sells a watch at full retail or a heavy discount, Rolex get their full margin. By choking the supply and creating the demand for the watch, watches end up being sold on the used market for over retail (I have heard Pepsi GMT going for double in the U.S) If that really IS the case, then the guy selling it is making more margin than Rolex themselves!,
The car was an AC cobra. very nice. Your rant about Rolex controlling the game is spot on. I was in a London AD last Saturday with my pointless desire to see either a Hulk or Batman in person and put my name on the list. The genuinely nice Rolex manager confirmed they had none to sell and the list was typically large. But he then (on the quite) pulled out both for me to try on. so they do have them hidden away. My name is down for the ever elusive Hulk. My faith in this particular dealer is currently sitting high but i still expect at least half year wait or likely more.
I had an experience like this although less frustrating when I called my closed A.D and asked for a call when a Submariner date was in stock. They promised to call me. A month later I called and they told me they just sold one over the weekend when I asked when can you get another they simply said “whenever Rolex send me another.” I got so pissed off that I contacted every A.D in the Midwest until I found one that had one in stock and I drove that weekend to purchase it. I received great service and payed lower sales tax. Chicago at least offered to order me one giving me a best case scenario on when I could get one. At least the tried to give good customer service. A couple of days ago my local A.D called to tell me they had one in stock which is when I told them I had already purchased on and also that they had lost any potential purchase from me because of the way I had been treated.
Talked to one AD literally kick Rolex out of his store after he refused to bend to their ridiculous demands. They wanted almost no competition, half the store and $500,000 for the privilege to sell their watches. He had guts. Doing fine now selling many, many times that amount of other brands. Happier too.
The trouble with this strategy Is maybe the guy you won't sell a watch too is the next VIP customer willing to buy £100,000 on Rolex watches a year but cant even buy the first one . Rolex sells a million watches a year hardly exclusive if I ever have the budget to be Rolex vip think I'd rather have something really special instead like a Lange.
Never had or heard of this apparent issue. Ive walked into rolex, Audemars, patek, Vacheron, and i managed to walk out with some type of watch. Sure its not going to be the watch everyone wants well of course they don’t have those in stock but im still able to get something.
I have a really good relationship with my AD and I do know that they have to tell you what you want to hear as Rolex have mystery customers who email, phone and go into the store to make sure they are following the script. You have to be clever with them and understand they are on commission. I have got two watches I wanted one at the beginning of this month and one today(The green sub and the deepsea). Try to get all your watches serviced with them also which helps build up a history with one AD. I also pop in on a regular basis to see them and make a point of wearing the last watch i purchased so they know I’m not flipping them I’m wearing and enjoying.
Lycosa Maybe not brave, but certainly foolish. These moped boys don't piss about. If they want your phone or camera they think nothing of busting your head open too get it. I'm surprised it hasn't happened to Adrian already. Moped crime has reached epidemic levels in London.
Damn, yes... Mopeds+scooters driving and crime, thieves... criminal scum. I have heard of bad things happening in London. lahndohn. Makes me happy to live somewhere else than London or other places like that.... but it's ok... every place has its positives and negatives
It sucks that some models are so hard to get. Somewhat interestingly this practise from Rolex forced me into buying a watch I really really wanted, if you have to wait for it, you have a lot of time to think about it. I guess that’s a positive.
I have been going to the wrong store. I always tried to get the watch at watch stores while I should just go to the local department store where I am a longstanding customer. Getting the DJ and GMT BLRO in three weeks for RRP here in London. So happy :D
The top end watch business is no different to the limited edition sports car business. You can't just walk into a Porsche dealership and buy a GT3, or walk into a Ferrari dealership and buy a Pista unless you have demonstrated commitment to the brand through your purchase history.
Sadly, whether you have the money or not, if you don't fit the profile they have for the type of customers they are looking for, they will refuse to sell you a watch, whether it's new or secondhand. I was refused sale of any Rolex watch purely because I wasn't wearing a suit. The assistant looked down upon me like I was dirt and refused a cash sale. Needless to say, I'm now rocking very nice Rolex sub hulk. Managed to do a trade on the forums for a mint one, for some other watches. Plus it matches the colour of my car. :D
I have a good link to get Rolexes from an authorized dealer and they actually can't even get the watches that the need monthly from Rolex. Rolex just sends them whatever the (rolex) feels to send and the dealers just have to sell them. If they get watches that are rare they have the waiting lists and they go to the first person waiting. Many times i get to be at the top but many times i don't even get what i want. Got a new daytona rose gold ceramic and a james cameron sea dweller recently. Made 3k USD on each one once i sent them to the USA.
great video Adrian. Nice music, wonderful cars ... I think the watch brand here mentioned is currently a bit overhyped. Let's see if the cut back in production is hurting or pushing them in the long term. I perfer to get the watch I would like to buy. If I am not important as a customer to the brand ... why should that brand be important to me?
Ironically, besides not having to deal with waiting lists, the other benefit of getting something other than a steel sports Rolex is that you won't be like everyone else. Exclusivity? Steel sports Rolexes are literally the only luxury watches in the world that you see all the time.
Simple, build a relationship with an AD, buy high-end jewellry (profit margin on jewellery is siginificantly higher) from it on a regular basis and then, after you spent about 5x the worth of your PP Nautilus on Pomellato for the missus, bam, you're on the list.
Whats this issue with "waiting lists"? I live in Kuwait. The day I wanted to buy a Rolex, I just went to the Rolex dealership and bought the model I wanted..walking into the mall, buying, heading back to my car took about 20 minutes..no waiting list..no bullshit
The first car looks like an original edition of the AC/Ford Cobra made by Carol Shelby. The other was a Porsche 911 gt3 I believe. This just proves why I don’t list after Rolex. I have several other brands I prefer.
The first car is a poor copy of an AC Cobra, wrong wheels, paint, stance. A genuine Cobra will set you back anywhere from 1 to 10 million depending on the provenance. The second car is a 911 (997) GT3.
I do believe that Rolex is purposely creating a shortage. Then, they can increase the price of an individual watch and thereby increase their profit margins.
I got lucky and only waited a few weeks for my 114060. I understand that isn’t the norm. They had a few two tone subs and a Deep Sea throughout this time.
Only thing that bothers me is that many people buy the limited releases just to mark them up. Here in Thailand there was the new Root beer and Pepsi ceramics being sold on the used market....Root beer was marked up to 659,000thb (15,200GBP) and the Pepsi ceramic was 635,000thb (14,600GBP).......now some will say that’s the free market, fine...but there’s something a-bit twattish about getting a very limited (or long wait list) watch that you don’t want just to sell at a massive mark up. Anyway, I have my Milgauss z blue......and the next watch I want is the Explorer 2 which isn’t too hard to find at a lower cost than the ADs sell for.
The watch industry starting with Rolex are following the diamond industry. There are enough diamonds to fill every household but they are controlled and limit supply to keep prices high. Rolex among other watch brands have figured this out. Limiting supply and as we've seen lately the increase of limited edition. When I want a Rolex or any watch, you won't see me on Rodeo Drive, 5th Avenue. Those places cater to the their elite clientele. Secret is to find an authorized dealer(s) in smaller markets and I promise you will find what you are looking for or they can get it quickly.
Buying grey / pre owned is not a poor use of money - if you want something buy it. If its £5,000 over retail second hand then when you sell it, hopefully, it will be £5k over so you dont lose out. Its like a Ferrari or higher end Porsche. Or you can sit on your hands and wait 18 months for a call ... maybe. Daytonas have gone UP over the past year so if you bought it over retail second hand then - tada - well done, you've made money. Not that is happens all the time but BLNR, Daytona C, 5711 etc yes you will.
Don’t like a company playing supply games? Don’t like how ADs treat you? Don’t like paying haute horology prices for machine-made watches? Then vote with your pocketbooks, folks! Buy something else, go preowned, whatever you see fit. If you don’t like a company’s behavior, then don’t let your hard-earned money give them positive reinforcement.
I brought my first Rolex last week 2015 114060 submariner mint condition box papers tags (full set ) unnamed warranty card paid £6300 am I fussed not really , and I earn under 30k a year this will be the only watch I’ll ever need
Best vid yet.If as I commented a couple of days I had the money no way would I allow myself to be cut down by any brand of anything.I am the customer and if I have the cash that is wrong.Rolex have track sponsored F1 this season but you can't buy one.How silly but prooves they are so corporate.I have great timepieces that I have collected because I just bought the bloody things .No waiting lists just good timepieces.Love most of them and enjoy them.Yes ,good rant on your count.
Last year I put my name down at local Rolex AD for GMT batman and £500 deposit. Approx 6 weeks later I got call saying a number of watches had been received and could I come and collect. I duly did and whilst sitting talking to manager I noticed a stash of Rolex boxes under counter which manager explained were Rolex watches that had come in on latest delivery. I noted. they had a black Sub and offered to buy that also. She said,sure no problem. She did try and sell me a Skydweller as well but I declined. Sometimes you just require a little bit of luck and some cash in the bank.
Just dont play their game. 4-5 grand for threehander steel watches with basic movement, 800eur+ service costs, no hope of servicing if the watch is older than 50 years, no hope of third party servicing because rolex doesnt give out parts, being in the same price category as high end watchmakers despite delivering a vastly inferior/ unrefined product - a rolex is a rotten deal by any definition. As someone who is interested in value not marketing Im glad I can brush off the brand without batting an eye.
+pilotstyle123 Inferior product? LoL you are cracking me up! There is a really good way to determine that your little rant is complete and utter BS, and that is resale value and demand. I bet, that I can buy a Rolex Submariner Date (116610LN), wear it for a year, and then sell it for a profit. Not many of the competition would match that. And by the way, a standard Rolex service is not +800€, more like 5-600€. And lastly, since luxury goods is about buying an experience and not just a product, the only thing really inferior here, is your definition of value.
I don’t know where you’re getting your watches serviced, but a standard service from Rolex headquarters in London is about half that. Their service lifetime is around 40 years and whilst there’s a lot of fear that the silicon based components will not be serviceable in the future, it’s pure speculation to say that they won’t. As for basic movements, so what? It’s only v recently that people have become movement snobs, after watches lost all their function value due to phones etc. The most sought after Pateks ever use lemania of valjoux movements. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m no Rolex fanboy and I think their current business practices are really bad for the whole watch industry however calling them “Vastly inferior” is simply wrong. As I said in my previous comment when AP brought out the Royal Oak a submariner was 10% of it’s price. Now it’s close to 50%. Do I think my sub is 10x better than my Royal Oak? Nope. Do I think it’s 2x better, probably not either. And don’t forget people said the *exact* same thing about the Royal Oak when it came out. Now look at it. Bottom line is Rolex are doing some good watches, but let themselves down with really bad business practices.
Regarding the movement my point is at a multi-thousand price point you should expect decorated/refined movements. I am aware that you can only decorate so much on a movement that is designed to be a tank but when you treat your costumers to 3-year waiting lists for incredibly high priced steel watches (if you let them on it at all) then you need to deliver and Rolex doesnt. Im no Role hater either, they are good watches but I assess a watch by the value it offers. 1. Value in comparison to what other companies offer 2. Value compared to the price segment in which the watch is placed. So based on that Rolex is completely unattractive for me.
Rolexes last a lifetime(and more), they are pretty much bullet proof and you can usually sell them for more than you paid for them. Not really a rotten deal? If you don’t want one or can’t afford them then fair enough- I’m kind of in that catagiry, I could afford them but won’t pay that much for a steel 3 hand watch. Doesn’t mean it’s too expensive. Just too expensive for me as I’d rather have other watches instead
That makes sense why some of the rolex ads r not the nicest, however just a bunch of watch stores the people are very rude and talk down to ppl and thats a problem with all brands. Also great vid keep up the good work!
What about picking a reasonable AD and purchasing a few Oyster Perpetuals, Milgauss's, Explorers, and/or Cellinis? As soon as you buy them you sell them at a small loss ... because everyone knows that Rolex keeps its value. Now that you have a rep with the AD, not only do you get on the waiting list, you might be moved up a few notches.
Not exactly convenient is it? You may as well just buy gray or like new used. Even if you have to pay a premium, it will still be quicker and easier than your suggested buying and selling watches in the hopes of moving up a wait list for the actual watch you want.
I like the walk and rant. You are pretty accurate though no need to go and get mad at A.D. for not having the brand new just released at Bazel watch or one of the Professional series watches. They control the flow of when watches come and where they go. I mean it also comes with the territory when you want a watch that takes over a year to manufacture a watch you cant expect them to just sit in a store and in back stock for you to have one on a whim.
It’s also about Rolex taking care of their employees. If they simply hire if there is more demand, then when markets are down, they let them go? I’m generalizing here, but Rolex is well known to be a great place to work. I assume it’s because of two things. Great product and great HR strategies. But hey I don’t work there. I just read the reviews .
I really don't understand why people like Rolex. If a brand treated me that badly I would move on. There are too many amazing watch brands to bother playing stupid games. Opinion Section: Pelagos > Sub Seamaster > Sub el primero > daytona (don't @ me) globemaster > datejust
You should visit The Saint Catherine's Docks and walk all the way to Canary Wharf , or even Greenwich park . I used to live in Aldgate East (2002-2006 ).
You mentioned on one of your other videos that you bought your Hulk to "stick in the safe" as it was an investment. Isn't this part of the problem of "Why you can't just buy a Rolex"? People bagging them so they can appreciate in value rather than wear them out of enjoyment? Great videos btw, keep up the good work.
The poor customer service itself is nothing to do with Rolex - AD staff can still be polite and professional, even if they don't have the watch you want. The waiting list problem itself though is certainly Rolex's issue, and well within their power to fix, by moderately increasing production.
Excellent reasons to buy vintage! Of course that's easier said than done... PS I have had many walks like that where I am distracted by sexy cars; funny to see it filmed.
However it does mean that Rolex are giving money to those who sell on the gray market. Better for them to simply jack the price up incrementally til sales peak out, that is the point of maximum revenue. Or they could sell places on the waiting list. Or they could simply only sell at auction. Personally If I owned Rolex I would take great delight in seeing how many humiliating little hoops rich people would jump through to get a watch. Erm, is that what's happening...?
It's an annoying experience to not be able to get the watch of your dreams. You have to build special relationship with ADs and that means you have to spend money on other models before reaching high demand watch.
With the artificial Rolex market unbalanced , I stopped looking for any Stainless steel sport model. I moved to other brands. They probably loose value but at least you can buy and wear them.
DG B Exactly. People will move on. I did that too and I've lost a lot of respect for Rolex.
DG B I wanted a Rolex but after the treatment I’ve received at an AD I just bought. Breitling instead. Like you said, it will lose value but atleast they treated my well and acted like they actually wanted my money.
DG B I’m looking at getting a grand seiko instead.
I know a guy on a street corner in Hong Kong selling all kinds of Rolexes for great prices
Be careful Adrian. Walking around distracted in London during our moped crime epidemic waving an expensive camera about...
That’s actually very true. And that area is really high for the moped crime. That being said, it’s insured and I love camera shopping. I would be annoyed about losing the footage. Thanks for the heads up. 👍🏻
Barry G What part of London was this shot in Adrian? Very beautiful and great content! I’d take the Lambo too!!!
Joseph Gizzi Jr Mayfair
Nice videos, really awesome work. whats the song you used in the video.
Barry G that is the scary thing I live in Canada in city of Toronto and it’s totally safe to walk with my Pamerai or any other of my luxury watches at any time even at night time in downtown Toronto and you guys are afraid to walk on the streets that is a scary thing
great video and very true, rolex is playing a game with their customers and they are doing it very well. I for one will choose not to play that game. As nice as those watches are I don't like getting screwed with and therefore no rolex for me. No, I don't feel left out because that's the way Rolex wants you to feel!
my thoughts exactly
Consumers can just forget the Rolex game and buy a homage and then have money left to actually go out and wear their homage.
Bet you bought one In the last 10 months
The way you are so passionate about watches is just amazing. Even though I'm far from luxury watches culture, your videos are very inspiring and always have a good vibe. Keep it up!
This is how you play the game. 1st buy what you like and not what everybody else likes. 2nd don’t pay the over inflated prices on the grey market. 3rd when the recession hits...and it will buy your watch then. This is a small moment in time. Have patience.
Rolex and Patek know China is the lifeline of the luxury market. By resisting increasing production they hedge for a possible China crash. Having said that, Rolex doesn’t need to produce so many datejusts either. Every single middle class woman already wears a steel sport model in Hong Kong. It’s become so common I know even buying a new Sea-dweller wouldn’t be that special so Rolex is right not to flood the market.
I bought a submariner on the Grey market from a reputable dealer.... Yes I paid more than retail..... But life is too short to be on waiting lists...... If you want to get what you want... stop winging about paying a bit more.... Once it is on your wrist you will love it. Some things are worth going the extra mile and a Rolex is one of them
And the angels... They did sing
It's the same thing with high end supercars like Ferrari. You have to buy a lot of them to be a valued customer and be able to get the latest cars before others.
Treating customers bad is the worst thing to do!! Sooner or later things are going to change. Be profesional and never ever misstreat customers!!! ROLEX will pay this bill or the AD at the end of the day!!!
I hope that is happening soon
I had no idea about this little game rolex were playing im new to the watch market, walked into watches of switzerland and asked for a Black Sub rolex. had the money ready to buy on the spot... the AD said they have 8 in stock but cant sell them to me. i asked why he said that they are only for special VIP clients who have £40K spending history in store... and had the cheek to tell me to come back with friends and meet that cap so i can qualify for a black sub... no joke i laughed out loud right in his face and said "Are you joking ? we are talking about a STEEL no frills entry level Rolex which i wanted because i want something nice on my wrist when im walking my dog, thats all its good for"
He said ill put you on the list but you may get a call next year possibly... i just laughed and said it's not even worth 15 mins of my time to search elsewhere... this is not a Patek or Lange... dog shit steel watches are being supply choked to create prestige and they think they can wheel me into their stupid carrot on the stick game.
Went next door to IWC and picked up a Mark 18 pilot. it was available in store no hassle or games... great watch. Rolex can sit on their Steel dogshit subs forever for all i care.
I asked an AD the other day about a sub in their case and they told me they’d sell it to anyone who had the cash. That’s on the AD, not Rolex.
LiveFreeorDie92 mind me asking which ad this was, if it was the ukm
You made a mistake buying that IWC. Should have simply went to an AD to get that sub. IWC is shit compared to a rolex.
Alan Nguyen I can tell you don't know much about watches, based on your comment.
Livaren I own a two tone rolex Daytona panda and a two tone Rolex Submariner blue dial and bezel. The prestige, business opportunities and conversation that comes from wearing those watches is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. You do not get the same feeling with an IWC. Speaking from personal experience that’s all.
@1:45 its a Replica of a Cobra - Fiero Factory Euro , 4.0 litre engine
I would have just said Cobra but that's accurate ^^
I agree, the hardest to get seems to be the SS Ceramic Daytona. AD's ate just not interested unless you have a long standing relationship. The ironic thing is, if you are a VIP customer, they usually get the watch fairly quickly. It's certainly tougher than it has been in the past and I believe this is because Rolex is trying to limit the number of 'normal people buying them to distance their brand from the average person that has money. The problem is, Rolex had started to become common - more people were buying Sub's since more people seem to have 6k to spare. I think they wanted to reseat themselves as a premium luxury watchmaker and prevent anyone just walking in and buying. Put it this way, if you're a VP or CEO you're not going to be happy seeing lots of other people in the street wearing the same Daytona, so Rolex limiting supply and being more careful who they sell to means they can keep the high-end image - exactly what those customers want as they purchase those watches to show status and wealth. Since a Daytona is hard to get, that customer either paid over retail for it or has a good standing with Rolex AD. To be fair, the people it really kicks down - are watch collectors whom just buy watches for the love of the watch, which is of course a real shame and I wouldn't be surprised if it does bite them in the backside several years from now.
If you notice, Rolex is pushing Tudor heavily at the moment. I suspect what Rolex is doing here is trying to make the Tudor an attractive alternative to a Sub for the average person with some cash, restricting the Sub to clientele that suits Rolex brand more closely, so make Rolex appear in a higher-class.
In any case, there's lots of other great watches around and if you are interested in watches you can meanwhile collect some other pieces in the meantime. I've just purchased a Breitling SuperOcean Heritage II 42 and I'm super happy with it.
Best bets are in airports. Non having waiting list and you’ll see every ss watch come through apart from the Daytona. I bought my black gmt from Switzerland and my blnr from Istanbul.
I'm relatively new to your channel but I've got to say, It's FN phenomenal. I forecast a giant following and massive good opportunities your way if you keep it up. Congratulations on a fresh perspective and outstanding taste on your shots. Cheers! -Bernardo
Wow. Bernardo thanks so much for your kind words! You’ve made my week and it’s only 7:00am on Monday! I’m really glad you like it.
Have a great week.
Cheers, Adrian
I went into my Rolex AD in Houston and got on the wait list for the black no date sub and received a call within one month about one available. Turned out I didn’t but it. A month later I did purchase my first Rolex (black dial Milguass) and I love it. I am now for on the list for the black no date sub. I have received great CS from my local AD and now I have spending history with them. I guess I got lucky and yes I realize that you have to play the game to get what you really want. Great points in the vid and they are so true. Keep the great walk and rant vids coming. Great format!
I totally agree this is Rolex who causes this. Local dealers caught in the middle. They have to move the less desired pieces to the grey market and in turn have to give some hard to get pieces to them . I am on the hunt to get a batman but sadly dont think i will ever get one. Have tried over 15 AD's already as i travel a lot for work. Bought a Explorer 2 from a AD just to satify the itch.
I bought my Submariner in Milan, Italy at an authorized dealer(Pisa Orologeria). Walked in, tried the watch(and a GMT Master), paid for it and it's done.
But, looked for Submariner in Zurich, Switzerland and there were none.
I love this video format, talking while walking through London, brilliant!
Love the format of these watch and rants, complete with realtime distractions. Always very informative and quite entertaining...
I was fortunate enough to purchase my steel Rolex 5 yrs ago before the “shortage”.
At the time I thought I was Mad to spend so much on a single watch.
A No Date for that matter.
Now when I walk into an IWC for a Big Pilot, or Audemars Piguet for Royal Oak offshore - Rolex is Bloody Great Value for the money.
Almost economical especially when considering how it retains its value than almost any other manufacturer in or even OUTSIDE the watch industry.
My advice... be patient Lad.
You won’t regret waiting for it when you finally have it on your wrist.
i am one of those chaps.. who have a large spend history at my local AD, so I am fortunate enough to be able to walk and get any rolex i want with a short wait list time... waited less than 1 month for my green hulk, 3 months for my Deep Blue, and literally 2 weeks for my Rolex Daytona. having said that i spend like 150-200k a year at my AD
You can (relatively) easily get a new SS Rolex if you try hard enough. I had one on my wrist within 3 months of first enquiring and was offered another one a further 3 months later which I turned down. I had no previous history of buying luxury watches.You have to be either (1) rich and/or famous, (2) long term customer or (3) persistent. I was (3) - obviously. You have work out what the rules are and then play by them. It took me a lot of effort and legwork. Some people give up too easily and buy an Omega.
From what I’ve experienced, women working in the AD have been nothing but pleasant, I’ve only had issues with the men working, sometimes at the same place, it’s to the point I won’t go in if “he“ is working.
For me I’ve not had any separate in gender. I’ve received a great service from men and women. And bad service from both. I have received bad service from mainly the guys, but that could just be because there are more guys than girls in the London ADs.
your channel is a relatively new find for me , great content , great videography keep it up !
Thanks so much Barry. I’m so glad you like it. Have a great Sunday. 🍻👍🏻
I was surprised to find a Submariner in stock at the AD in the Hong Kong airport. Bought it on the spot after thinking about it for a half a second. Still on the waitlist in New York looking at 2 years.
Finding a waitlist watch at an airport is something dreams are made of!
Did you get it tax free?
I need to go back to Hong Kong that place is watch heaven.
Bark and Jack gotta walk through the red channel and declare it, pay the tax on the return to the UK though ..
I travel to and via HK about 6 times a year, going on 8 years now. I always had time to kill, and I was just lucky this time. I always take time to visit the boutique as well as other shops. Empty box posted to home. and the watch was on my wrist. Completely tax free.
Hong kong does not have sales tax, depends where you're heading. HK is the largest watch 'port' of Asia, most are grey market, looking at around 5-20% mark up for a new sub.
I was 3rd on the list for Fraser Hart Arum groups AD, they turned round and told me they will prioritise their customers of 20 years and I would have to wait 5-7 years. So it is not true, the AD have their specific clients, the serial flippers
I don’t know what you are talking about! maybe that’s how it works outside of switzerland. I walked into an AD in Zürich, asked about a 2tone sub and they had 1 in stock, without any costumer history they reserved the watch for me for 3 days. On day 3 I walked in again paid cash and got a bottle of champagne! super nice and friendly service! That is how you make costumers for life! guess where I’ll buy my next watch?!
Agree with everything you said. My personal experience of buying earlier this year was exactly as you describe. Lot's of unanswered purchase enquiry emails and a few flat out knock backs in person. I found success by targeting the large high street retailers with links to branches throughout the UK. Living in Scotland, I was prepared to travel as far as Newcastle to buy. An enquiry email and a single call to Goldsmiths in Newcastle and they sourced my Rolex within a few days at one of their London branches. They even delivered it to one of their Watches of Switzerland branches in Glasgow for me to cut down on travel. So that's my advice. Target the big UK wide AD's with the largest network. Cast the net as wide as possible with just one enquiry.
Get the best modern Sub - a pre-owned 16610, these are not hard to come by. Problem solved!
My AD required payment in full to even be put on the list. So, I had to plunk down $7600.00 US for my inclusion on the Submariner list. Good thing, because I got the watch the very next week! Unfortunately, I don't think this will happen with a GMTII Batman/Pepsi.
How I miss London !!! Used to love around Grosvenor St. RE: the Rolex situation: some authorised dealers here have got me watches within weeks. Even on the BLNR and the a sub. I have a good relationship with AD but I do think the UK is a completely different kettle of fish.
Wow. That’s a lovely area. I absolutely love old London. Are you able to get watches quickly because of where you live, or because you might be on the other end of the scale, you have a strong spend history with the ADs?
Bark and Jack nope only ever brought 3 steel watches. Guess they watch my channel lol no but others have had similar experiences here
EMKWAN REVIEWS where do you live?
You are right. I contacted all the AD's in my area to put me on the list for the steel blue dial sky-dweller and I got to buy one within 6 months.
Availability of Rolex steel sports watches is variable, it depends which AD you use. I was after a steel Yacht-Master 40. No luck with AD's in Oxford and Reading. Walked into the AD in Milton Keynes, in Stock, RRP and first class service.
If u r getting bad customer service, then turn around and walk away. They dont deserve ur money. I do that all the time and I banned them forever! There r many great watches out there other than Rolex though Rolex is the few that hold value well. But if u pay a premium for it then u will hv to wait a loong time to break even. So if u really want a Rolex then go for preowned ones, not in production but not vintages. U shld make profit in 5 years time.
Jesus fucking Christ, you write like a tween. Would it really kill you to complete three and four letter words?
Rolex isn't providing bad customer service; their product is merely popular and as such there is competition to purchase the model you want. It's like saying that the musical Hamilton is providing bad customer service because I can't buy front row seats at the show for $100.
For many years, a man who treats himself to a new Rolex, may very well keep and wear that watch for years and years. Perhaps a lifetime. Just because in this market at this time, you might have to wait a few months, is that really going to kill you? Are you going to ding Rolls Royce because when you commission your car, they take their time to hand build it for you?
Sometimes with quality items you have to wait a bit. Sometimes popular quality items need a bit of patience.
Finally, you didn't ban Rolex forever, you can't afford one, so you just sneer about them on the Internet.
Love the rant and the distractions... still irked that Rolex play this game but not enough to stop me crossing my fingers that I’ll get a call from an AD telling me my GMT has arrived...
Dude. Rolex isn't playing a game. China has an exploding middle class, and Rolex is stocking them up with plenty of product while the going is good.
There is no evidence that they have slowed production (which would involve laying off highly experience trained qualified staff) or stockpiling inventory (literally no point in that).
When China is mopping up all the product, it is slim pickings in Europe.
All that said, I found a new (new to me) dealer near my home just a month ago and they had an SD43 sitting right on the shelf. Within the last year I was at an AD in the same area with a Hulk sitting on the shelf. I even tried it on, and walked out of the store to see it in natural daylight.
Product is out there, you just have to look for it.
That said Britain is a tiny island, that is about to get a lot smaller after Brexit. You think the Swiss are going to bend over backwards to get product to the UK when they can have a far easier time in China or other European countries?
Good luck on the GMT, I've had mine two years, wear it every day. This week I'm using it on a time zone I've never been to before; Alaska!
I bought my first Rolex over 30yrs ago, just walked in to the dealer and ordered it. But back in those days people thought I'd paid a lot of money for a 'Timex'.
Adrian this walking/talking with the amazing city and car shots is brilliant. Hope you bring it back 👍
Interestingly, in Dubai, you can just rock up to their boutique at the Mall of the Emirates, and try on things like the Hulk and the Batman straight away. They're accommodating even if you're just "having a look".
5 years ago I decided I wanted a GMT master, started saving (as I live in the real world) and very soon found it was unobtainable unless u seriously kissed AD ass. I'm currently wearing my Tudor GMT and suddenly any wish to play the ridiculous Rolex game has gone. Yes I understand my money has gone to the same place, but it's less than 1/2 the amount.
I have to say i got my Rolex SS date Sub and i'm growing affectionate loving it everyday. I don't care what strategic sales game they play.
A fellow kindred spirit... Watches, coffee and cars. It's nice to know that I am not the only one who gets distracted by cars walking through a city :-)
Haha. It seems like there are a few of use who love watches and cars. I need to learn more about cars. Actually, I need to learn more about watches first, then I’ll move onto cars. Haha. Cheers, Adrian.
More than a few, I'm in that club of cars, coffee and watches. Got a white Daytona with only a 2 month wait. Been waiting a year for a green sub, go figure. AD's and supply are hard to figure.
If there is people are afraid to be wearing their watches after they purchase them they shouldn’t be buying them to begin with I understand there are better places in this world to be living in
Should you walk in a Rolex AD flashing your Amex and being ready to buy a Cellini , a YachtMaster and a steel Pepsi GMT master 2 on the spot, would the guy immediatly forget all his faithful clients on the waiting list and extract all three watches from the store safe ?
I got great service from my AD. I had purchased from them before (wife's brietling), they knew I was serious and not just window shopping. I called them, they didn't have a batman but put me on the list, four months later they called and asked if I was still interested. Picked it up that afternoon. Being a repete customer is something both the ad and I get value from. I will go to the same ad next time I want to make a purchase. It's good business practice. If you were the dealer, you would do the same for your repete customers. I do admit that being a first time or one time customer makes it hard.
People forget... Not that long ago there wasn't a wait list! You could walk into most AD and just wave the magic plastic card and walk out with the watch you wanted. Be patient. I'm sure at some point they're wont be a wait list but will you still want one then?
I've enquired and indeed restricted supply, my AD can't give me a time frame for a dateless Rolex Sub. I've only managed to get on the list as I'm a previous customer of theirs. Goldsmiths (not my AD) indicated today that current wait times for what I'd like is 2 years. TBH that's fine with me.
My two experiences with Rolex ADs has been wonderful. They were friendly, gracious and accommodating. One even had a 216570 in the back. Of course I bought it.
Just had a shocking experience at a AD, went to pick up my Rolex Submariner (Hulk) after being on the waiting list for a while, understand they have been told to take off the stickers and keep the warranty for a year but it felt like I was paying a debt that I need to pay instead of buying a luxury item...
The crazy thing is, Rolex makes no more money out of it.
It doesn’t matter whether the AD sells a watch at full retail or a heavy discount, Rolex get their full margin.
By choking the supply and creating the demand for the watch, watches end up being sold on the used market for over retail (I have heard Pepsi GMT going for double in the U.S) If that really IS the case, then the guy selling it is making more margin than Rolex themselves!,
The car was an AC cobra. very nice. Your rant about Rolex controlling the game is spot on. I was in a London AD last Saturday with my pointless desire to see either a Hulk or Batman in person and put my name on the list. The genuinely nice Rolex manager confirmed they had none to sell and the list was typically large. But he then (on the quite) pulled out both for me to try on. so they do have them hidden away. My name is down for the ever elusive Hulk. My faith in this particular dealer is currently sitting high but i still expect at least half year wait or likely more.
I had an experience like this although less frustrating when I called my closed A.D and asked for a call when a Submariner date was in stock. They promised to call me. A month later I called and they told me they just sold one over the weekend when I asked when can you get another they simply said “whenever Rolex send me another.” I got so pissed off that I contacted every A.D in the Midwest until I found one that had one in stock and I drove that weekend to purchase it. I received great service and payed lower sales tax. Chicago at least offered to order me one giving me a best case scenario on when I could get one. At least the tried to give good customer service. A couple of days ago my local A.D called to tell me they had one in stock which is when I told them I had already purchased on and also that they had lost any potential purchase from me because of the way I had been treated.
I just won't worry about Rolex watches. Plenty of other brands I guess.
Talked to one AD literally kick Rolex out of his store after he refused to bend to their ridiculous demands. They wanted almost no competition, half the store and $500,000 for the privilege to sell their watches.
He had guts. Doing fine now selling many, many times that amount of other brands. Happier too.
The trouble with this strategy Is maybe the guy you won't sell a watch too is the next VIP customer willing to buy £100,000 on Rolex watches a year but cant even buy the first one . Rolex sells a million watches a year hardly exclusive if I ever have the budget to be Rolex vip think I'd rather have something really special instead like a Lange.
Awesome video. Super insightful. What neighborhood are you walking during the shoot?
Never had or heard of this apparent issue. Ive walked into rolex, Audemars, patek, Vacheron, and i managed to walk out with some type of watch. Sure its not going to be the watch everyone wants well of course they don’t have those in stock but im still able to get something.
Yeah you’re able to buy something, but all those brands have their most popular watches on waitlist.
I have a really good relationship with my AD and I do know that they have to tell you what you want to hear as Rolex have mystery customers who email, phone and go into the store to make sure they are following the script. You have to be clever with them and understand they are on commission. I have got two watches I wanted one at the beginning of this month and one today(The green sub and the deepsea). Try to get all your watches serviced with them also which helps build up a history with one AD. I also pop in on a regular basis to see them and make a point of wearing the last watch i purchased so they know I’m not flipping them I’m wearing and enjoying.
Wow Brave ......... Walking in London with your Camera/Phone Out !!!!!!!
What's so brave about that?
Lycosa Maybe not brave, but certainly foolish. These moped boys don't piss about. If they want your phone or camera they think nothing of busting your head open too get it. I'm surprised it hasn't happened to Adrian already. Moped crime has reached epidemic levels in London.
Damn, yes... Mopeds+scooters driving and crime, thieves... criminal scum. I have heard of bad things happening in London. lahndohn.
Makes me happy to live somewhere else than London or other places like that.... but it's ok... every place has its positives and negatives
He’s walking around Knightsbridge not Peckham. Clearly don’t know Lonfon.
It sucks that some models are so hard to get. Somewhat interestingly this practise from Rolex forced me into buying a watch I really really wanted, if you have to wait for it, you have a lot of time to think about it.
I guess that’s a positive.
I have been going to the wrong store. I always tried to get the watch at watch stores while I should just go to the local department store where I am a longstanding customer. Getting the DJ and GMT BLRO in three weeks for RRP here in London. So happy :D
Or you can just get an Omega. Plenty of stainless steel sports watches to go around... And the best part.. No waiting list!
The top end watch business is no different to the limited edition sports car business. You can't just walk into a Porsche dealership and buy a GT3, or walk into a Ferrari dealership and buy a Pista unless you have demonstrated commitment to the brand through your purchase history.
Sadly, whether you have the money or not, if you don't fit the profile they have for the type of customers they are looking for, they will refuse to sell you a watch, whether it's new or secondhand. I was refused sale of any Rolex watch purely because I wasn't wearing a suit. The assistant looked down upon me like I was dirt and refused a cash sale. Needless to say, I'm now rocking very nice Rolex sub hulk. Managed to do a trade on the forums for a mint one, for some other watches. Plus it matches the colour of my car. :D
I have a good link to get Rolexes from an authorized dealer and they actually can't even get the watches that the need monthly from Rolex. Rolex just sends them whatever the (rolex) feels to send and the dealers just have to sell them. If they get watches that are rare they have the waiting lists and they go to the first person waiting. Many times i get to be at the top but many times i don't even get what i want. Got a new daytona rose gold ceramic and a james cameron sea dweller recently. Made 3k USD on each one once i sent them to the USA.
great video Adrian. Nice music, wonderful cars ...
I think the watch brand here mentioned is currently a bit overhyped. Let's see if the cut back in production is hurting or pushing them in the long term.
I perfer to get the watch I would like to buy. If I am not important as a customer to the brand ... why should that brand be important to me?
Ironically, besides not having to deal with waiting lists, the other benefit of getting something other than a steel sports Rolex is that you won't be like everyone else.
Exclusivity? Steel sports Rolexes are literally the only luxury watches in the world that you see all the time.
Yes it os crazy how ppl get so braintwisted to think it is rare if there are literally millions of it out there.
Simple, build a relationship with an AD, buy high-end jewellry (profit margin on jewellery is siginificantly higher) from it on a regular basis and then, after you spent about 5x the worth of your PP Nautilus on Pomellato for the missus, bam, you're on the list.
Michael Gisiger or just buy gray
Whats this issue with "waiting lists"? I live in Kuwait. The day I wanted to buy a Rolex, I just went to the Rolex dealership and bought the model I wanted..walking into the mall, buying, heading back to my car took about 20 minutes..no waiting list..no bullshit
The first car looks like an original edition of the AC/Ford Cobra made by Carol Shelby.
The other was a Porsche 911 gt3 I believe.
This just proves why I don’t list after Rolex. I have several other brands I prefer.
They were awesome cars!
The first car is a poor copy of an AC Cobra, wrong wheels, paint, stance. A genuine Cobra will set you back anywhere from 1 to 10 million depending on the provenance. The second car is a 911 (997) GT3.
I got a waitlist four months ago ..at an authorized dealer no problem. But that being said I’m sure the wait will be a very very very long time.
I do believe that Rolex is purposely creating a shortage. Then, they can increase the price of an individual watch and thereby increase their profit margins.
I got lucky and only waited a few weeks for my 114060. I understand that isn’t the norm. They had a few two tone subs and a Deep Sea throughout this time.
If it all comes down to it, ignore the waitlists and buy from the grey market (i.e. Jomashop, etc.)
Only thing that bothers me is that many people buy the limited releases just to mark them up. Here in Thailand there was the new Root beer and Pepsi ceramics being sold on the used market....Root beer was marked up to 659,000thb (15,200GBP) and the Pepsi ceramic was 635,000thb (14,600GBP).......now some will say that’s the free market, fine...but there’s something a-bit twattish about getting a very limited (or long wait list) watch that you don’t want just to sell at a massive mark up.
Anyway, I have my Milgauss z blue......and the next watch I want is the Explorer 2 which isn’t too hard to find at a lower cost than the ADs sell for.
The watch industry starting with Rolex are following the diamond industry. There are enough diamonds to fill every household but they are controlled and limit supply to keep prices high. Rolex among other watch brands have figured this out. Limiting supply and as we've seen lately the increase of limited edition. When I want a Rolex or any watch, you won't see me on Rodeo Drive, 5th Avenue. Those places cater to the their elite clientele. Secret is to find an authorized dealer(s) in smaller markets and I promise you will find what you are looking for or they can get it quickly.
Buying grey / pre owned is not a poor use of money - if you want something buy it. If its £5,000 over retail second hand then when you sell it, hopefully, it will be £5k over so you dont lose out. Its like a Ferrari or higher end Porsche. Or you can sit on your hands and wait 18 months for a call ... maybe. Daytonas have gone UP over the past year so if you bought it over retail second hand then - tada - well done, you've made money. Not that is happens all the time but BLNR, Daytona C, 5711 etc yes you will.
Don’t like a company playing supply games? Don’t like how ADs treat you? Don’t like paying haute horology prices for machine-made watches? Then vote with your pocketbooks, folks!
Buy something else, go preowned, whatever you see fit. If you don’t like a company’s behavior, then don’t let your hard-earned money give them positive reinforcement.
I brought my first Rolex last week 2015 114060 submariner mint condition box papers tags (full set ) unnamed warranty card paid £6300 am I fussed not really , and I earn under 30k a year this will be the only watch I’ll ever need
Will do the same bit prices still explode. Hope one day there will be my sub date.
Best vid yet.If as I commented a couple of days I had the money no way would I allow myself to be cut down by any brand of anything.I am the customer and if I have the cash that is wrong.Rolex have track sponsored F1 this season but you can't buy one.How silly but prooves they are so corporate.I have great timepieces that I have collected because I just bought the bloody things .No waiting lists just good timepieces.Love most of them and enjoy them.Yes ,good rant on your count.
Last year I put my name down at local Rolex AD for GMT batman and £500 deposit. Approx 6 weeks later I got call saying a number of watches had been received and could I come and collect. I duly did and whilst sitting talking to manager I noticed a stash of Rolex boxes under counter which manager explained were Rolex watches that had come in on latest delivery. I noted. they had a black Sub and offered to buy that also. She said,sure no problem. She did try and sell me a Skydweller as well but I declined. Sometimes you just require a little bit of luck and some cash in the bank.
Just dont play their game. 4-5 grand for threehander steel watches with basic movement, 800eur+ service costs, no hope of servicing if the watch is older than 50 years, no hope of third party servicing because rolex doesnt give out parts, being in the same price category as high end watchmakers despite delivering a vastly inferior/ unrefined product - a rolex is a rotten deal by any definition. As someone who is interested in value not marketing Im glad I can brush off the brand without batting an eye.
+pilotstyle123 Inferior product? LoL you are cracking me up! There is a really good way to determine that your little rant is complete and utter BS, and that is resale value and demand. I bet, that I can buy a Rolex Submariner Date (116610LN), wear it for a year, and then sell it for a profit. Not many of the competition would match that. And by the way, a standard Rolex service is not +800€, more like 5-600€. And lastly, since luxury goods is about buying an experience and not just a product, the only thing really inferior here, is your definition of value.
Well said. Paradoxically it seems they go out of their way to fuel the homage/fake/replica market. Curious.
I don’t know where you’re getting your watches serviced, but a standard service from Rolex headquarters in London is about half that.
Their service lifetime is around 40 years and whilst there’s a lot of fear that the silicon based components will not be serviceable in the future, it’s pure speculation to say that they won’t.
As for basic movements, so what? It’s only v recently that people have become movement snobs, after watches lost all their function value due to phones etc. The most sought after Pateks ever use lemania of valjoux movements. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’m no Rolex fanboy and I think their current business practices are really bad for the whole watch industry however calling them “Vastly inferior” is simply wrong. As I said in my previous comment when AP brought out the Royal Oak a submariner was 10% of it’s price. Now it’s close to 50%. Do I think my sub is 10x better than my Royal Oak? Nope. Do I think it’s 2x better, probably not either. And don’t forget people said the *exact* same thing about the Royal Oak when it came out. Now look at it.
Bottom line is Rolex are doing some good watches, but let themselves down with really bad business practices.
Regarding the movement my point is at a multi-thousand price point you should expect decorated/refined movements. I am aware that you can only decorate so much on a movement that is designed to be a tank but when you treat your costumers to 3-year waiting lists for incredibly high priced steel watches (if you let them on it at all) then you need to deliver and Rolex doesnt. Im no Role hater either, they are good watches but I assess a watch by the value it offers. 1. Value in comparison to what other companies offer 2. Value compared to the price segment in which the watch is placed. So based on that Rolex is completely unattractive for me.
Rolexes last a lifetime(and more), they are pretty much bullet proof and you can usually sell them for more than you paid for them. Not really a rotten deal? If you don’t want one or can’t afford them then fair enough- I’m kind of in that catagiry, I could afford them but won’t pay that much for a steel 3 hand watch. Doesn’t mean it’s too expensive. Just too expensive for me as I’d rather have other watches instead
That makes sense why some of the rolex ads r not the nicest, however just a bunch of watch stores the people are very rude and talk down to ppl and thats a problem with all brands. Also great vid keep up the good work!
People forget that it is a business. They don't want to make friends, they want to make money.
My old 5513 works just fine ... and it keeps decent time !
Can’t beat a 5513 👍🏻
What about picking a reasonable AD and purchasing a few Oyster Perpetuals, Milgauss's, Explorers, and/or Cellinis? As soon as you buy them you sell them at a small loss ... because everyone knows that Rolex keeps its value.
Now that you have a rep with the AD, not only do you get on the waiting list, you might be moved up a few notches.
Not exactly convenient is it?
You may as well just buy gray or like new used. Even if you have to pay a premium, it will still be quicker and easier than your suggested buying and selling watches in the hopes of moving up a wait list for the actual watch you want.
I like the walk and rant. You are pretty accurate though no need to go and get mad at A.D. for not having the brand new just released at Bazel watch or one of the Professional series watches. They control the flow of when watches come and where they go. I mean it also comes with the territory when you want a watch that takes over a year to manufacture a watch you cant expect them to just sit in a store and in back stock for you to have one on a whim.
It’s also about Rolex taking care of their employees. If they simply hire if there is more demand, then when markets are down, they let them go? I’m generalizing here, but Rolex is well known to be a great place to work. I assume it’s because of two things. Great product and great HR strategies. But hey I don’t work there. I just read the reviews .
I really don't understand why people like Rolex. If a brand treated me that badly I would move on. There are too many amazing watch brands to bother playing stupid games.
Opinion Section:
Pelagos > Sub
Seamaster > Sub
el primero > daytona (don't @ me)
globemaster > datejust
That motor is an AC Cobra
Nice vid! Enjoy watching your clips man. Which street were you on when you said “this neighborhood is beautiful”
You should visit The Saint Catherine's Docks and walk all the way to Canary Wharf , or even Greenwich park . I used to live in Aldgate East (2002-2006 ).
There is no excuse for bad customer service. Period.
You mentioned on one of your other videos that you bought your Hulk to "stick in the safe" as it was an investment. Isn't this part of the problem of "Why you can't just buy a Rolex"? People bagging them so they can appreciate in value rather than wear them out of enjoyment? Great videos btw, keep up the good work.
The poor customer service itself is nothing to do with Rolex - AD staff can still be polite and professional, even if they don't have the watch you want. The waiting list problem itself though is certainly Rolex's issue, and well within their power to fix, by moderately increasing production.
Excellent reasons to buy vintage! Of course that's easier said than done... PS I have had many walks like that where I am distracted by sexy cars; funny to see it filmed.
I agree, I much prefer vintage too. They are more interesting. I’m glad you didn’t mind me getting distracted and going off topic for a bit. 👍🏻👍🏻
I just got onto the Rolex waitlist, for a Sea-Dweller
However it does mean that Rolex are giving money to those who sell on the gray market. Better for them to simply jack the price up incrementally til sales peak out, that is the point of maximum revenue.
Or they could sell places on the waiting list.
Or they could simply only sell at auction.
Personally If I owned Rolex I would take great delight in seeing how many humiliating little hoops rich people would jump through to get a watch. Erm, is that what's happening...?
It's an annoying experience to not be able to get the watch of your dreams. You have to build special relationship with ADs and that means you have to spend money on other models before reaching high demand watch.
Interesting topic! How about you? You had more than just one rolex, was everyone bought new from AD?
Hi buddy. Thanks for watching. I’ve had 5 Rolexes now, but own 3 right now. Only one was bought new from an AD.