Nice. One of the only two former employees at Rolex who tell it like it is on UA-cam, and this video is more in-depth than the other one and not holding back. Don't mind all the haters and complainers. This video is GOLD to those that are actual watch enthusiasts. Former resident of Hawaii. Mahalo, bradda.
What you need to remember is the clients who they are saving models for were buying before the hype and will be long after so it’s important as a business to keep them happy as Joe bloggs who walks in may only buy one watch and although that’s important a return customer is worth more in the long term! This isn’t a new practice it was occurring 15+ years ago
@@colingill47I personally would not buy again just because of the way they treat you 😂 whereas I am 100% certain I will buy another omega because I truely felt welcome and you could feel the entusiasm about their watched. Whereas in the Rolex Store It felt like they were laughing Into your face while putting you on their imaginary waiting list
@@colingill47Whatever…most Rolex buyers are posers that have no love for timepieces. It’s just wrist-candy to them. Glory days of Rolex have been over for a long time.
@@Bruce56 wrong how exactly? And what do you mean “sign up”?. If you reduce the demand for an item, then its black market (or flipper market in this case) vanishes. Why would I buy a Rolex over its normal selling price from a flipper when I could walk into a store and buy a new one from an AD? Artificially restricting sales of the watches drives up the price, and the subsequent flipping opportunity.
@@Bruce56 wrong how? The only reason someone can make an easy flip is because the sales are artificially restricted by the ADs. If the dealers simply sold their stock at a competitive price, customers would have no need to pay an inflated price to a flipper, and the flip market would disappear.
I own a Rolex Yachtmaster. I bought it 19 years ago. I also own a vintage Submariner. So I have two of their watches. I wanted to buy a new Submariner as a gift for my son. I have been to a couple of stores and they each said they only sold to Rolex customers. Well, I own two of them. Aren’t I a customer? I will never buy another one. I don’t need to beg a retailer to sell me anything.
Profiling, discrimination and upfront lies from a retail store. Doesn't make me feel good about ever owning one. That should be a red flag to the Rolex market. Great video. Thanks.
Well put JeffBoyd. Paying this kind of money entitles the buyer to at least feel welcome, rather than feeling like getting in a long line to apply for a crappy job.
@@Ballistarius-nx4dwDiamonds are a horrible “investment” buy your fiancé a high quality CZ in a quality gold setting along with a few ozs of pure gold! 😂
This kind of behavior by dealers is what gives the flippers their market. There wouldn't be a flipping market if Rolex would sell watches like a normal store and not hold them back. They are creating the secondary market.
The exclusivity of the primary market and the higher prices of the secondary market keep Rolex's bar to entry and prices high. Rolex likes how things are now I'm sure!
@@infxmhc exactly, I'm going through this game with an AD right now for an exp 40 and sick of it, I'm just going to buy secondary. It's all working the way they want.
@@infxmhc If they had any intelligence, they'd see that people are willing to pay higher prices for their watches, as shown by the flipper market, and they'd raise their prices and then sell to anyone who had the money and keep the profits for themselves instead of letting parasite flippers steal those unrealized profits.
I got an Air King way before the big markups. For way under retail. I'm not interested in this bullshit. I feel the same way. My Cartier Tank I got for 1700 is around 4000 now. They all went crazy.
No I really don’t. I think Rolexes are def the better option to keep your money value but you like what you like I guess. I’ll have to keep losing money!😂
That green dial Moonshine Speedmaster is a grail in my book, but since that's out of reach, I might pick up the Seaweed Master. Still haven't seen the color in person though.
One minute there are 1.2m machine made watches, and the next nobody can get one. Make your mind up 😂 I am very happy with the seven I have bought from AD’s over the years. Ordinary job No dancing No jewellery buying
Been a watch buyer, seller, and collector for over 53 years. Had many Rolex’s, never waited to buy, never gave my personal information to buy a watch,and would never ever, absolutely never get on a list or be told to be nice, or beg to be sold anything, especially a generic run of the mill Rolex watch. I’ve had watches made just for me, 1 of 1. There are literally millions upon millions of watches up for sale every second the world spins, Rolex has a tightly controlled branded name for an over priced average time piece. Explore the world for watches, from cheap to expensive there’s a wide, wide, world of watches out there go have fun!
Folks that are just beginning to get in to the hobby currently have a great advantage over us old-timers. The research available to them at a keystroke is priceless. A bit of delving onto the technical specs of brands like Longines and Tudor and comparing to Rolex quickly reveals that there is a ton of value for money to be had in Swiss watchmaking today. Rolex can participate however they see fit, but there are many, many pieces on the market that can match or surpass Rolex for fractions of the price even when paying full retail.
Exactly why I won’t buy another Rolex! It’s been at least 25 years since I purchased my last Rolex, went to a dealer a couple weeks ago to purchase a Submariner and they started playing this exact game. I’m not going to jump through hoops to purchase an objectively overpriced luxury item. After leaving that dealer and hearing similar stories from others I decided to explore other quality brands. I’m happy I did as I ended up purchasing a new Sinn U212 and I’m very happy with it. Definitely not the same look as Sub but no doubt more capable and a real collectors conversation piece at a fraction of the cost.
@@stevenfoleyuk9404 they made over 10 billion dollars last year, I don't buy rolex but the people who buy the expensive gold models will keep buying them, the guy upset when his submariner takes too long is not calling the shots.
That's exactly the reason why I went to the Omega, Tudor and Breitling AD instead. Don't treat me like a fool or beggar when I'm willing to pay 8.000€ for a watch 🙃
@@TheBajamin If you go tomorrow to the local Tudor AD you will get the watch that you want most likely instantly. If it's a completely new model (e.g. the Coke GMT or black Monochrome) they will call you in 1-3 months to collect it. But you will never ever have to buy something totally different first to get higher on their priority list to be even able to buy the watch (which is very common at the Rolex AD )
@@highsoflyify you realize that’s still supporting Rolex lol. They WANT you to go and buy the Tudor. Don’t buy either, stop giving that shit company your money.
Reasons are not why people buy Rolexes. Every guy knows the reasons why you can't get the hottest girl in a club but that doesn't stop them from wanting to and trying to. Every persons know the reason why you can't or shouldn't get a Ferrari but that doesn't stop the desires.
I know of one AD in my city who expects first time clients to buy a Day-Date as their first piece, and I know a handful of clients for this AD who have confirmed this rule. Basically, its a case of "show us how much cash you are willing to spend and maybe one day we'll let you buy a steel GMT or steel Sub". Rolex & their ADs have forgotten who their real clients are... and its not "Piere the investment banker", its "Peter the plumber". Now that the grey wrist watch market is essentially dead, and that watches are no longer being seen as a speculative investment asset, this is really going to bite Rolex hard as a brand in the coming 5-10 years.
I don't think their client base was ever "Peter the plumber" tbh. I think, like many luxury brands, they sell an idea of their products as something designed for rugged, adventurous sportsmen, but they as well as anyone else knows that the vast majority of these watches are being worn to and from the office by well-paid white collar employees. The whole thing is a fiction. Maybe that was less true in the 40s and 50s than it is today, but it's certainly the case today.
@@FerrisBjust to chime in there clients are the people coming up. I went to Rolex 4yrs ago wanting to build my relationship with them. They ignored and offered me nothing, I KNEW I where I wanted/would be. 5 grey market Rolex’s and now I’m on my second AP from retail. Rolex IS changing for the better however they lost me forever as a customer because of how they treated me when I wanted my starter watch. Now times my story by millions. Peter the plumber could be Peter the CEO one day or just the idea of getting that Rolex after saving up and being laughed at. Now Peter’s kids don’t like Rolex, dominos. Hope that makes sense
@@Ryan40272 because they are scammers. In the time they took to get me a OP I was on my 5th grey rolex. At which point how do I even build a relationship if they made me go elsewhere to buy my starter watches
Thanks for your video. I used to own a Kermit, and sold it, when I sold my business. So Rolex is a bit in the past for me. I love my Pelagos, which I think is a better watch than my sub. I wear it for everything, and couldn't be happier. Titanium, especially the type 2 wears really well and the usage is beautiful, unlike scratches to SS, which looks scary. Everyone: enjoy the watch YOU love. And be kind to others.
Legit advice. I got called 2-months after expressing my interest in a stainless steel sports model. While I was waiting for a link to be taken out, my AD straight up said, "The reason I called you is because we can tell you're going to wear the watch, and you're not a flipper". I think the problem is convincing them you're not lying. True story. I don't mind the background check though. Actually like it. If it gets rid or reduces the flipper and gray market, all the better.
Your attitude is how they get away with this nonsense. If you like begging someone to sell you something then play their game and bend the knee. Go ahead, prove to them how worthy you are of the honor of giving them your money. Kiss their hand as you walk out of the store minus a few thousand of your money. Feel honored that they chose you among many hundreds to rip off with their inflated pricing. I know people who go to the grey market and overpay just to avoid the butt kissing required by the AD. To them, the extra money they pay is worth not having to play Rolex games.
I was looking and looking for a submariner and I finally started leaving negative yelp and Google reviews and made complaints to the BBB… that’s finally when I got one. They wanna play games I’ll play games too.
Just like De Beers trying to monopolize diamonds, same bs here, Rolex plays games with the rareness of their watches to drive fake demand. Thats called criminal.
@@SilverBulletSteve Is it a criminal offence lol? It their product. They sell as many or as few as they want I would have thought? Do you know shops (in the U.K.) have a right to refuse a sale? No questions asked.
Ok interesting. Not at the store I used to work at, my District manager was very strict, afraid of losing the partnership with Rolex. Rolex has employees that buy back watches from the gray market and tracks where they were bought from .
Great video, very informative and straightforward. As a long-time watch enthusiast who started my collection with my father’s 1601 Datejust, I had never encountered this information before even from watch forums.
i was given that very book after i put my information months ago. i would never want to beg for something that i work hard for. so if rolex wouldn't give me my watch then i would gladly move to other brands that would gladly take my money.
Same here. I was placed on an "interest database" and was also given the hardbound catalog after I ordered a Tudor. I doubt I will ever get the call, so I'm now on Chrono to find the watch I want. The thing is, the only Rolexes that I'm interested in are the Explorer and maybe the BLNR on Jubilee. If JLC brings back the Geophysic True Second at some point, I can forget about the GMT Master II.
As a businessman, I just buy from the grey market and pay the premium. The amount I’ll save from paying retail, even for a Le Mans, is nothing had I just spent the time, effort, and *money* building that AD relationship to my business instead. Unless you’re a celebrity, don’t buy from AD. If you could buy relationship-building watches you probably are rich, and your time is probably worth more than the savings from not paying the premium.
Exactly what I did. I was strung along for 2 years, all the while checking in, kissing *ss, and being suggested to to buy other jewelry. I said forget it! I'd rather pay less and go grey market rather than spend more and be stuck with pieces and jewelry that I didn't want.
Exactly this. You pay grey market premium, but time = money and that alone saves you tons. And the premium is only initially. You would spend a factor more of that building that relationship.
I waited for a Datejust 41mm Wimbledon (2 tone) for 1.5yrs. Never got the call after repeatedly following up. I bought one grey, took it to the AD to show the salesperson, I get "the call" 2 weeks later for the same watch LOL.
I made the “list” as a first time buyer and got my first brand new Rolex Polar Explorer II from the AD a year ago in Jan of 2023. Took about 9 months to get it, definitely worth the wait…..I got it for my 50th so I think the next purchase will be for my 55th…..we’ll see, as of now, super happy with my EXP2. Cheers and thanks for the insight!!
Impossible to catch all flippers. Not all of them sell through social media . Also flippers get more savvy and find more loopholes. Thank you for watching.
@@michaelbishop1 Car Dealerships do the same, basically your paying for the "certified" tag, meaning all the parts are authentic and they look and tested it
It does add up, most of the watches the dealers get are from Trade Shows - People are buying and selling watches all the time, Rich Guy wants a different and new watch, sells his old watch. They do not necessarily have to get them from trade shows.
When I’m ready to buy my first Rolex, I’d like it to be brand new so that I can write my own story with the watch. I don’t want something that’s been worn. I want to start a fresh book.
International airports can be quite good! They know it's all pass-through travelers so if they have something in stock they might as well sell it to you if you're the first to seriously inquire. You can see several YT videos on it.
Disgusting business practices. We moved to Omega and Breitling because of all the childish games Rolex plays. No more Rolex in our home. Should be illegal to conduct business like this.
I walked in to the AD and told him that my wife is pregnant and I would love to purchase a Sprite GMT to celebrate this. Three months later he texted me that my watch is ready for pick up. My purchase history with the AD was a Black Bay 58.
When I got to know about watches I was crazy about rolex. I didn’t have any money back then. When I had money, I learned about watchmaking. And then I realized that Rolex is a marketing company not a watch company
Very enlightening, and what a shame that a few fools mess up the buying experience for good honest people who would like to buy a Rolex at some point. I was very lucky then really having bought an Explorer 2 polar in 1999, and I still am very happy with it. I will say to anyone not to be put off though - and if you see a pre-owned beauty that you have been looking for in an authorised Rolex dealership then go for it, as 'not used much' Rolex watches don't hang around either!
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MAMACOO, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
Terrific piece. I really enjoyed it and your honesty is commendable. I played the AD game and did get a Datejust after about four months. No bells and whistles. Clean, white dial. Handsome. Bought some jewelry and engaged them for repairs first. Not sure i would do this again. Pre-owned is a better value for me. Thanks!
When you get into rolex ownership just be aware of the cost to keep it running right. My datejust bought new by me for £1400 in 1992 just cost nearly £1k to have repaired and serviced at a non-rolex service provider. Needed a new mainspring, new crystal that was chipped on one edge, gaskets, a few small movement parts and a polish. It is like any machine - needs to be serviced - I would budget paying this amount every 5 to 7 years. And this is for a less complex movement model.
That's why i bought many Rolex's from the grey market. some dealers give a quality service. i will not be held to ransom to buy a watch. that's why i am now into Tudor. a quality watch without the false promises and the hoops to jump through.
I entered the Rolex AD in Lisbon (Avenida Liberdate) - they have 2 level boutique where they do not sell anything. They put me on some fake list. I got out of there, showed the middle finger to them, and headed to Omega. Now I own Seamaster Summerblue.
I just got my first Rolex literally yesterday (Explorer 40). I was on a "wish list" for years, but since I'd purchased previously from WOS I was able to finally get one. No reselling here, that baby's here to stay. And the BEST SA ever, that really helps! Mine was fantastic and hilarious!
ّI will never consider buying a Rolex, just because of the attitude you receive, I tried to buy my 1st Rolex many times and never worked and always the answer a 5 years waiting list. if we are not treated equally, then there is many great brands out there worth buying from
Except your Lexus will lose half of its value in several years while the Rolex will only continue to go up. Certain models are twice the retail price as soon as you receive it. But yea, it’s a big if you will get one from the AD.
Thanks for sharing this video, Hawaii Hardy! SPOT ON. One month after visiting my AD for an Op 41 black dial, I received “The Text.” NO spend history. First Rolex. If it happened to me, it can happen to you. Best of luck to all and thanks again Hawaii Hardy!!
I started buying invictas as a teenager. My first really nice automatic was a Hamilton I bought for $140 at a collectors mall, next was a longines, next was an omega, and finally a pre owned Rolex gmt master ii batman with the oyster bracelet. I absolutely love the Batman and I'll never sell it.
I have owned three Rolex each one gets a little more fancy . I love them ! They are the one luxury item you can buy that you can handown to your grandchildren . Nothing makes a man feel good then being well dressed an a rolex on his wrist . My last one I sold was fifteen years old and looked brand new .
Best thing you can do is to have an honest and genuine reason, and be able to articulate it well. I wanted a Polar Exp II as my "beat cancer" watch. My first buy from that AD. I anticipated a 2 year wait, which would time perfectly for when I got off cancer monitoring and give me time to save. Told them my goal and timeline. Then they surprised me 6 months later for my 40th birthday. Honestly, I wasn't prepared and had to move some money around, but I made it work. Naturally, that left me with needing a new "beat cancer" watch, lol. Have an easier to get, but harder to afford, grail piece in mind now; Bregeut Tradition Retrograde Seconds. Will have to go used, cause there's no way I could swing that new. I'll circle back for either a Skydweller or DJ eventually. But now that I got the Exp II, I want a grail piece for a grail event.
In 1969 I bought a Rolex Oyster perpetual from a jewellers in Germany. After wearing it for a couple of years I started to wonder what all the fuss was about. Despite a certificate of timekeeping that it's average gain/loss was +11 secs, it never achieved that claim on my wrist; 20 secs gain every day was average, and I'd owned Ingersoll cheapos that could do better than that. The bracelet gave up the ghost after 5 years; just fell apart. Disillusioned ,I took it to Austin Kaye in the Strand and they took it in exchange for a new quartz Timex that kept time to an accuracy of 1+ second a day. Best decision I ever made.
RLX is just great when it comes creating demand. Marketing genius! And all the other brands were able to increase their prices too because of RLX leading the pack.
I came in to an AD. Told them I wanted to buy a Rolex. The salesman asked if it was a special occasion. I said no. Busted wanted to buy one. They said there weren’t any and forcibly tried selling me a Tudor. I went down the street and bought a Breitling. These dealers being assholes aren’t doing their bottom lines any favors.
If the demand is higher than what is available, it will always be like this. Employees can easily sell to friends and family who are flippers. How do you think they can control that?
Really applaud this former employee for telling it like it is... THANK YOU!! STILL, this is damage of Rolex' own making. If I *really* want that Daytona or Blue Sky-Dweller, I can have it in 48 hours - Rolex is the biggest luxury watch maker in the world - the watches aren't that rare or constrained. They know that the majority of that vault full of inventory is going to flippers, despite any "checking out" theatre they have their employees do... IT IS NOT WORKING. I bought my first and only Rolex in 2009 from an AD in NY walking off the street like everyone else. I COULD buy another from the grey market - I just don't want to. I'd rather give my watch budget to companies that actually want to sell to real customers. Rolex simply doesn't care.
Bought my watch from the Rolex store and went again a few years after, just for curiosity sake, and asked about a particular model. The people there are quite friendly and actually text you when the model you want is available. They did collect my name and such..😅 I think they may have a database of their customer’s name, like most luxury product sellers would. ☺️ With luxury products, I think it’s best to get it at the store and not anywhere else so as not to get duped, and you won’t have any problem with product service later on. 😅
I paid more to get the watch I wanted. I don’t regret it because I’m not going to play any game to spend my hard earned money. I just want to buy what I want without games.
Great information. I went in with my wife I told them I was Interested in buying my first watch for my 40th. The associate taking care of me was the store manager. I saw a few models. I was told they don’t have any watches in stock and I will be put on a waiting list. Less then 48hrs later I received a phone call that they have my watch in stock and he had to work some magic to get lol…. I’m happy with my 126300. It’s already at +2000 profit since Feb 2024.
The Rolex AD’s are the ones that sell to grey market dealers, the stock that they can’t sell fast, like full gold with diamonds lady stuff, they sell that to grey market dealers, often family members! The wanted pieces are sold to VIP clients. So as a normal buyer you have almost zero chance to get anything from them, except used pieces, so you have to go grey market or just move away from Rolex.
A Rolex Explorer was a watch I always dreamed of! When I finally had the money to buy it a few years ago, the AD's in California didn't have any and I learned of the games they were playing... Then, I found Tudor and bought a Black Bay 36 which I like a lot more than the Explorer! I have no desire for a Rolex watch now but, I will always like the Brand. Everytime we go to Oahu on vacation, I always took a picture in front of the Rolex dealer in the International Marketplace! Thank you so, much for sharing your honest experience working for Rolex! 😊
That’s funny how trying to buy your watch from somewhere different than a store you’ve previously done business with can work against you, specially when your end game is to just acquire a watch!
And here I thought it was about making business and building relationships. I've never seen an "empty" watch store in my life until I came across Rolex stores. I did tell them to FO and went to Omega!
Went to AD for a DJ with fluted dial but it was discontinued. Waited for Watches and Wonders and decided to ask for an Everose sky Dweller although I’ll probably never see it. Bought from the store before but it was 20 years ago.
The things people are willing to put up with just for a logo. It's just a watch in the end, and not even as accurate as a good quartz watch when you think about it. If you really need a good mechanical watch that much I would suggest you go with Omega or Longines.
I'm not surprised at all!! Appreciate the insights. The very popular models seem to be extremely tough, and I know the full precious metal models and two tones tend to be much easier, but what about popularish models like the Explorer series? Or the Two tone GMTs like the Rootbeer or two tone Bruce Wayne?
This is why I went to Omega! The customer service at the Omega boutique is A+. I was looking for the new white speedy and 3 weeks later when the boutique received their shipment they called me, I went in and bought it. They popped a bottle of champagne for me and my wife while they prepared the watch. Awesome experience forget Rolex.
If you have rolex money, how do you also not have the pride to match? I would absolutely never beg and grovel to be given a chance to spend my money. I would buy an omega the moment they turned me away
@@richardmorris7063 Its not that simple. A $20 casio will tell time more accurately than the most expensive AP or Rolex ever will. You buy a high end watch not to just tell time, you buy it for the craftsmanship and design. It’s functional jewelry that also happens to tell the time as an added bonus
If I buy a watch, or anything else and want to sell it soon after I have every right to do so. Once I buy a product it is mine to do as I please with,.
Thank you for your video and sharing. This is my first time leave a comment. I've been "Waiting list" many years. I saw a lot of videos talking about how to buy your first Rolex and how to treat ADs and how to dress when you walk in to the store, etc. before. I mean I am just a buyer who just want to have a Rolex that I'm looking for. I am not an people who looking for a job in Rolex or kiss ADs ass. I'm tired of it. Anyway, good video. Thank you.
Just got my first Rolex, like you mentioned just had to follow up and they followed up almost instantly and offered me the watch I was looking for. Other store I went to never replied back to me - pretty much ghosted me after a few emails and texts lol.
Never thought I would have to study this to buy a Rolex. I have my mind set on a Air-King. My dad had a (what I think is a) Date-just in white gold presidential. I don't know what happened to it, but I want one (not that fancy of one) to honor him. He was in aviation, worked on the first 747s and retired on the 747-8. Very fitting. How cool would it be to have a little 747 logo printed on the dial. Goals. Hopefully whatever dealer I go to likes that idea. I would like a watch to honor his legacy.
Air King is nice, should be attainable at most Rolex dealers. You could also have the 747 logo engraved on the back, most dealers offer that, a custom dial would be very pricey, even taking the dial out is pricey. Good luck. ALOHA
Friend of mine in Detroit got an air king after 3 months. And was flat out told the only reason he got it that quick was because he is a pilot. So might have some luck with the connect to your dad hard to tell
I'll pick one up at some point. But I bought a black ceramic Blancpain instead, was more expensive than the Rolex I wanted. My son really approves and said he was glad I bought that watch as it looks way cooler. Plus I clumsily smashed it against metal the other day and it did not scratch. Such a nice watch. Next year, if I still can't get a Rolex, I'll just enjoy buying something else. It's a big deal spending so much money to celebrate a big year, I'm not waiting around.
All of these tips - do this, don't do this, say that, don't say that - only gave one message - even though you are a customer willing to spend your money to buy a product, Rolex treats you like they're giving you a charity and you must prove that you deserve it.
I absolutely love watches, the high end watch brands are out of my budget but the AMZWATCH has literally an almost duplicate of every single watch on the market . Always a great but no matter your budget.
If Rolex stores don't have watches, why do they have stores? I never believed they didn't have them. It may happen that they are without, but not permanently... Luckily there is only one Rolex that I really like, the vintage GMT Pepesi. I will never have the problem of being in that situation.
No matter how many of you refuse to shop at Rolex for these reasons, you’re not even putting a dent into their sales. Their stores are always flooded with prospective clients and people hoping to get one. The name is in movies, rap videos and it’s even a household name all over the world.
thanks for that information! One question: Does the authorized dealer tell Rolex what customers have ordered, or does Rolex send the watches they decide?
“Flippers” are tiresome, but I still don’t see why Rolex should care what a customer does with his purchase after walking out. They got paid, end of their part in the deal.
It creates frustration within the watch community, if you can't get one or if you're going to be treated like you're doing them a favour handing over your money, you'll go somewhere else. I think this was part of the incentive for Rolex to buy Bucherer. They're fed up of AD's tarnishing their image.
@@casualdudereviewshow does that work? If the AD would simply sell you one, that’s AD experience right there. It’s their own behavior that pushes clients to flippers. Talk about a self fulfilling prophecy.
Nice. One of the only two former employees at Rolex who tell it like it is on UA-cam, and this video is more in-depth than the other one and not holding back. Don't mind all the haters and complainers. This video is GOLD to those that are actual watch enthusiasts. Former resident of Hawaii. Mahalo, bradda.
Thank you 🤙🏽
Is there a vid for the other ex-Rolex employee?
When companies like Rolex play too hard during a good market, they seem to forget what winter is like.
What you need to remember is the clients who they are saving models for were buying before the hype and will be long after so it’s important as a business to keep them happy as Joe bloggs who walks in may only buy one watch and although that’s important a return customer is worth more in the long term! This isn’t a new practice it was occurring 15+ years ago
Exactly right
@@colingill47I personally would not buy again just because of the way they treat you 😂 whereas I am 100% certain I will buy another omega because I truely felt welcome and you could feel the entusiasm about their watched. Whereas in the Rolex Store It felt like they were laughing Into your face while putting you on their imaginary waiting list
I hope it'll come asap
@@colingill47Whatever…most Rolex buyers are posers that have no love for timepieces. It’s just wrist-candy to them. Glory days of Rolex have been over for a long time.
The irony is that if the dealers simply sold to interested customers without restriction, then there would be no market for the flippers
Bravo!
wrong! buying a popular rolex watch at an AD is literally like getting free money. you don't think everybody and their grandma wouldn't sign up?
@@Bruce56 wrong how exactly? And what do you mean “sign up”?. If you reduce the demand for an item, then its black market (or flipper market in this case) vanishes. Why would I buy a Rolex over its normal selling price from a flipper when I could walk into a store and buy a new one from an AD? Artificially restricting sales of the watches drives up the price, and the subsequent flipping opportunity.
@@Bruce56 wrong how? The only reason someone can make an easy flip is because the sales are artificially restricted by the ADs. If the dealers simply sold their stock at a competitive price, customers would have no need to pay an inflated price to a flipper, and the flip market would disappear.
@@Bruce56you May not understand what he said
I own a Rolex Yachtmaster. I bought it 19 years ago. I also own a vintage Submariner. So I have two of their watches. I wanted to buy a new Submariner as a gift for my son. I have been to a couple of stores and they each said they only sold to Rolex customers. Well, I own two of them. Aren’t I a customer? I will never buy another one. I don’t need to beg a retailer to sell me anything.
Exactly, no customer in right mind wants to be treated that way. Only resellers will go through that.
💪💪💪
You are real man
Fuck ‘em, buy a Grand Seiko or Omega instead
@@flymoracerBetter yet…buy a Casio! 😂
Profiling, discrimination and upfront lies from a retail store. Doesn't make me feel good about ever owning one. That should be a red flag to the Rolex market. Great video. Thanks.
Well put JeffBoyd. Paying this kind of money entitles the buyer to at least feel welcome, rather than feeling like getting in a long line to apply for a crappy job.
Its what the diamond market has done for 100 years.
@@Ballistarius-nx4dwDiamonds are a horrible “investment” buy your fiancé a high quality CZ in a quality gold setting along with a few ozs of pure gold! 😂
Ferrari has been doing it for yrs,they can control the market & apparently they do. I'll by second hand,I know a guy w/ 7 different Rolex.
This kind of behavior by dealers is what gives the flippers their market. There wouldn't be a flipping market if Rolex would sell watches like a normal store and not hold them back. They are creating the secondary market.
The exclusivity of the primary market and the higher prices of the secondary market keep Rolex's bar to entry and prices high. Rolex likes how things are now I'm sure!
@@infxmhc exactly, I'm going through this game with an AD right now for an exp 40 and sick of it, I'm just going to buy secondary. It's all working the way they want.
@@infxmhc If they had any intelligence, they'd see that people are willing to pay higher prices for their watches, as shown by the flipper market, and they'd raise their prices and then sell to anyone who had the money and keep the profits for themselves instead of letting parasite flippers steal those unrealized profits.
I moved on from Rolex years ago and couldn’t be happier. Life’s too short for Rolex BS.
I got an Air King way before the big markups. For way under retail. I'm not interested in this bullshit. I feel the same way. My Cartier Tank I got for 1700 is around 4000 now. They all went crazy.
was on their "list" for 10 years, i bought from grey market since and went on to collect APs since.
What did you move on to?
@@JianDan01 AP's nice choice there.
@@Super-c00n ...Omega
This gentleman told the truth. However, I will not abase myself to buy a watch under the circumstances described.
Wow. I 'd rather buy a different watch. Too many games for me.
Grand Seiko for life!
You still want that retail rolex. Don’t lie to yourself.
No I really don’t. I think Rolexes are def the better option to keep your money value but you like what you like I guess. I’ll have to keep losing money!😂
I sold my 3 Rolex watches. I still have a big collection of watches. Have no desire for Rolex anymore.
@chookchack I have super clones but I would like to have an authentic president in my lifetime.
Probably the most real explanation and it makes sense. Thanks for the transparency
I’ll just walk in to Omega and buy. I’m not playing games with that kind of money
Do it. I did. Loving my Planet Ocean
Omega plays game with watches like Silver Snoopy and 321.
Best watches made
Yep that’s what I did, Omega were more than happy to sell me a wristwatch.
That green dial Moonshine Speedmaster is a grail in my book, but since that's out of reach, I might pick up the Seaweed Master. Still haven't seen the color in person though.
Buying a Rolex from an authorised dealer is an interesting game. The only winning move is not to play…
...How about a nice game of chess...
You are just a bad loser lol 😂
One minute there are 1.2m machine made watches, and the next nobody can get one.
Make your mind up 😂
I am very happy with the seven I have bought from AD’s over the years.
Ordinary job
No dancing
No jewellery buying
Been a watch buyer, seller, and collector for over 53 years. Had many Rolex’s, never waited to buy, never gave my personal information to buy a watch,and would never ever, absolutely never get on a list or be told to be nice, or beg to be sold anything, especially a generic run of the mill Rolex watch. I’ve had watches made just for me, 1 of 1. There are literally millions upon millions of watches up for sale every second the world spins, Rolex has a tightly controlled branded name for an over priced average time piece. Explore the world for watches, from cheap to expensive there’s a wide, wide, world of watches out there go have fun!
Thank you for sharing
Well said!
Agree 100% !!
Absolutely!
Folks that are just beginning to get in to the hobby currently have a great advantage over us old-timers. The research available to them at a keystroke is priceless. A bit of delving onto the technical specs of brands like Longines and Tudor and comparing to Rolex quickly reveals that there is a ton of value for money to be had in Swiss watchmaking today. Rolex can participate however they see fit, but there are many, many pieces on the market that can match or surpass Rolex for fractions of the price even when paying full retail.
Exactly why I won’t buy another Rolex! It’s been at least 25 years since I purchased my last Rolex, went to a dealer a couple weeks ago to purchase a Submariner and they started playing this exact game. I’m not going to jump through hoops to purchase an objectively overpriced luxury item. After leaving that dealer and hearing similar stories from others I decided to explore other quality brands. I’m happy I did as I ended up purchasing a new Sinn U212 and I’m very happy with it. Definitely not the same look as Sub but no doubt more capable and a real collectors conversation piece at a fraction of the cost.
I'm not doing all that. I'm the customer.
It's absolutely ridiculous isn't it?!
Man, be a hell of a day when it does turn up! Good luck, hope you get soon.
Your video is a super advertisement - for Omega, Grand Seiko, Longines, Oris, et al. Glad to have this information!
Thanks for watching!
Rolex need Buyers more than buyers need Rolex . Its time that the consumer realizes that they are the ones calling the shots .
And yet nobody speaks up
Rolex is a non profit trust they don’t need their customers
@@natestern2021 so they dont need cash to sponsor Motor racing , Golf and Tennis ? Rolex Money Grows on Trees?
@@stevenfoleyuk9404 they made over 10 billion dollars last year, I don't buy rolex but the people who buy the expensive gold models will keep buying them, the guy upset when his submariner takes too long is not calling the shots.
@@natestern2021that's the best joke I read today 😂
I know that officially Rolex is a NP organization, but tho... 😂
That's exactly the reason why I went to the Omega, Tudor and Breitling AD instead.
Don't treat me like a fool or beggar when I'm willing to pay 8.000€ for a watch 🙃
You should try Grand Seiko spring drive. They are exquisitely finished and a marvel of engineering.
Lol Tudor is Rolex. You’re literally playing their game.
Omega is way better.
@@TheBajamin
If you go tomorrow to the local Tudor AD you will get the watch that you want most likely instantly. If it's a completely new model (e.g. the Coke GMT or black Monochrome) they will call you in 1-3 months to collect it. But you will never ever have to buy something totally different first to get higher on their priority list to be even able to buy the watch (which is very common at the Rolex AD )
@@highsoflyify you realize that’s still supporting Rolex lol. They WANT you to go and buy the Tudor. Don’t buy either, stop giving that shit company your money.
Great reasons to bypass Rolex. There are so many alternatives out there now.
Yes. I’ll just look at the time on my iPhone.
@@MrGreggallmanThen you’ve completely missed the point of wearing a watch like this. Nobody actually buys an expensive watch to only tell the time.
Reasons are not why people buy Rolexes. Every guy knows the reasons why you can't get the hottest girl in a club but that doesn't stop them from wanting to and trying to. Every persons know the reason why you can't or shouldn't get a Ferrari but that doesn't stop the desires.
@@MrGreggallman Rolex watches aren't bought to check the time man LOL!!
I know of one AD in my city who expects first time clients to buy a Day-Date as their first piece, and I know a handful of clients for this AD who have confirmed this rule. Basically, its a case of "show us how much cash you are willing to spend and maybe one day we'll let you buy a steel GMT or steel Sub". Rolex & their ADs have forgotten who their real clients are... and its not "Piere the investment banker", its "Peter the plumber". Now that the grey wrist watch market is essentially dead, and that watches are no longer being seen as a speculative investment asset, this is really going to bite Rolex hard as a brand in the coming 5-10 years.
I don't think their client base was ever "Peter the plumber" tbh. I think, like many luxury brands, they sell an idea of their products as something designed for rugged, adventurous sportsmen, but they as well as anyone else knows that the vast majority of these watches are being worn to and from the office by well-paid white collar employees. The whole thing is a fiction. Maybe that was less true in the 40s and 50s than it is today, but it's certainly the case today.
@@FerrisBI’m a plumber… my names not Peter tho
@@FerrisBjust to chime in there clients are the people coming up. I went to Rolex 4yrs ago wanting to build my relationship with them. They ignored and offered me nothing, I KNEW I where I wanted/would be. 5 grey market Rolex’s and now I’m on my second AP from retail. Rolex IS changing for the better however they lost me forever as a customer because of how they treated me when I wanted my starter watch. Now times my story by millions. Peter the plumber could be Peter the CEO one day or just the idea of getting that Rolex after saving up and being laughed at. Now Peter’s kids don’t like Rolex, dominos. Hope that makes sense
Why not push regular oyster perpetuals to first time buyers? Why skip the base model?
@@Ryan40272 because they are scammers. In the time they took to get me a OP I was on my 5th grey rolex. At which point how do I even build a relationship if they made me go elsewhere to buy my starter watches
Thanks for your video. I used to own a Kermit, and sold it, when I sold my business. So Rolex is a bit in the past for me. I love my Pelagos, which I think is a better watch than my sub. I wear it for everything, and couldn't be happier. Titanium, especially the type 2 wears really well and the usage is beautiful, unlike scratches to SS, which looks scary. Everyone: enjoy the watch YOU love. And be kind to others.
Thank you for sharing
Legit advice. I got called 2-months after expressing my interest in a stainless steel sports model. While I was waiting for a link to be taken out, my AD straight up said, "The reason I called you is because we can tell you're going to wear the watch, and you're not a flipper". I think the problem is convincing them you're not lying. True story.
I don't mind the background check though. Actually like it. If it gets rid or reduces the flipper and gray market, all the better.
Your attitude is how they get away with this nonsense. If you like begging someone to sell you something then play their game and bend the knee. Go ahead, prove to them how worthy you are of the honor of giving them your money. Kiss their hand as you walk out of the store minus a few thousand of your money. Feel honored that they chose you among many hundreds to rip off with their inflated pricing. I know people who go to the grey market and overpay just to avoid the butt kissing required by the AD. To them, the extra money they pay is worth not having to play Rolex games.
Imagine walking into a store to buy a product which they have on the back and them not wanting to sell it to you.
I was looking and looking for a submariner and I finally started leaving negative yelp and Google reviews and made complaints to the BBB… that’s finally when I got one. They wanna play games I’ll play games too.
Wow awesome. Congratulations 😂👍🏼
Damn that’s petty
It all makes sense. How could Rolex sell so many watches yet 'never have stock'? Thanks for blowing the whistle. 😉
Just like De Beers trying to monopolize diamonds, same bs here, Rolex plays games with the rareness of their watches to drive fake demand. Thats called criminal.
@@SilverBulletSteve Is it a criminal offence lol?
It their product. They sell as many or as few as they want I would have thought?
Do you know shops (in the U.K.) have a right to refuse a sale? No questions asked.
They make 1.2 million watches a year. It blows my mind they play games like that and sell as many as they do
ADs sell to flippers all the time, flippers that buy bundles of 10 pieces at a time!
Ok interesting. Not at the store I used to work at, my District manager was very strict, afraid of losing the partnership with Rolex. Rolex has employees that buy back watches from the gray market and tracks where they were bought from .
Agree with the comment, grey market dealers offer Rolexes watches fully stickered!
@@alexsalvador3370 our store manager was extremely strict and we removed all stickers every time before watch was turned over to client .
@@alexsalvador3370Stickers are a red flag that it’s stolen or fake. All Rolex AD’s are required to remove everything.
@@hawaiihardy7285 , yes ! In Miami it’s done all the time
Great video, very informative and straightforward. As a long-time watch enthusiast who started my collection with my father’s 1601 Datejust, I had never encountered this information before even from watch forums.
i was given that very book after i put my information months ago. i would never want to beg for something that i work hard for. so if rolex wouldn't give me my watch then i would gladly move to other brands that would gladly take my money.
LOL yes I put myself on a “list” last month and they also gave me that book.
Same here. I was placed on an "interest database" and was also given the hardbound catalog after I ordered a Tudor. I doubt I will ever get the call, so I'm now on Chrono to find the watch I want. The thing is, the only Rolexes that I'm interested in are the Explorer and maybe the BLNR on Jubilee.
If JLC brings back the Geophysic True Second at some point, I can forget about the GMT Master II.
As a businessman, I just buy from the grey market and pay the premium. The amount I’ll save from paying retail, even for a Le Mans, is nothing had I just spent the time, effort, and *money* building that AD relationship to my business instead. Unless you’re a celebrity, don’t buy from AD. If you could buy relationship-building watches you probably are rich, and your time is probably worth more than the savings from not paying the premium.
Exactly what I did. I was strung along for 2 years, all the while checking in, kissing *ss, and being suggested to to buy other jewelry. I said forget it! I'd rather pay less and go grey market rather than spend more and be stuck with pieces and jewelry that I didn't want.
Exactly this. You pay grey market premium, but time = money and that alone saves you tons.
And the premium is only initially. You would spend a factor more of that building that relationship.
I waited for a Datejust 41mm Wimbledon (2 tone) for 1.5yrs. Never got the call after repeatedly following up. I bought one grey, took it to the AD to show the salesperson, I get "the call" 2 weeks later for the same watch LOL.
so they want you to buy 2? lol
@@picanha694Yes and I said no because I'll have 2 of the same models lol.
@@chonklifebut you could’ve bought the second Wimbledon and flipped it 😉
I made the “list” as a first time buyer and got my first brand new Rolex Polar Explorer II from the AD a year ago in Jan of 2023. Took about 9 months to get it, definitely worth the wait…..I got it for my 50th so I think the next purchase will be for my 55th…..we’ll see, as of now, super happy with my EXP2. Cheers and thanks for the insight!!
Great to hear!
If ADs are investigating prospective clients that hard and strictly, how come there are so many Rolexes going to the grey market, does not add up
Impossible to catch all flippers. Not all of them sell through social media . Also flippers get more savvy and find more loopholes. Thank you for watching.
What if AD's are the greatest flippers of Rolex 😂@@hawaiihardy7285
I was wondering what is the scam for the Certified Preowned. Use the “shortage” to clip an impulse buyer.
@@michaelbishop1 Car Dealerships do the same, basically your paying for the "certified" tag, meaning all the parts are authentic and they look and tested it
It does add up, most of the watches the dealers get are from Trade Shows - People are buying and selling watches all the time, Rich Guy wants a different and new watch, sells his old watch. They do not necessarily have to get them from trade shows.
When I’m ready to buy my first Rolex, I’d like it to be brand new so that I can write my own story with the watch. I don’t want something that’s been worn. I want to start a fresh book.
International airports can be quite good! They know it's all pass-through travelers so if they have something in stock they might as well sell it to you if you're the first to seriously inquire. You can see several YT videos on it.
I bought my first Rolex in the early 80's before all the hype. I am now on my 4th, my 2nd Turn O Graph.
Disgusting business practices. We moved to Omega and Breitling because of all the childish games Rolex plays. No more Rolex in our home. Should be illegal to conduct business like this.
Thank you for this video. It confirms a lot of my suspicions. Take care
Not earth-shattering info, but I found it interesting that ADs lie about not having inventory. Thanks for the insights!
I found the looking for your social media stuff even more surprising.
I walked in to the AD and told him that my wife is pregnant and I would love to purchase a Sprite GMT to celebrate this. Three months later he texted me that my watch is ready for pick up. My purchase history with the AD was a Black Bay 58.
Awesome, Congratulations all the way around.
As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , keep AMZWATCH coming !
When I got to know about watches I was crazy about rolex. I didn’t have any money back then. When I had money, I learned about watchmaking. And then I realized that Rolex is a marketing company not a watch company
Very enlightening, and what a shame that a few fools mess up the buying experience for good honest people who would like to buy a Rolex at some point. I was very lucky then really having bought an Explorer 2 polar in 1999, and I still am very happy with it. I will say to anyone not to be put off though - and if you see a pre-owned beauty that you have been looking for in an authorised Rolex dealership then go for it, as 'not used much' Rolex watches don't hang around either!
Thank you.
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MAMACOO, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
Your facts, only enhances the broader view of the Rolex bs game! Thanks!
My pleasure!
They are doing the right thing!
Terrific piece. I really enjoyed it and your honesty is commendable. I played the AD game and did get a Datejust after about four months. No bells and whistles. Clean, white dial. Handsome. Bought some jewelry and engaged them for repairs first. Not sure i would do this again. Pre-owned is a better value for me. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
When you get into rolex ownership just be aware of the cost to keep it running right. My datejust bought new by me for £1400 in 1992 just cost nearly £1k to have repaired and serviced at a non-rolex service provider. Needed a new mainspring, new crystal that was chipped on one edge, gaskets, a few small movement parts and a polish. It is like any machine - needs to be serviced - I would budget paying this amount every 5 to 7 years. And this is for a less complex movement model.
I can afford Rolex but Aliexpress always have inventory and they love my business!
That's why i bought many Rolex's from the grey market. some dealers give a quality service. i will not be held to ransom to buy a watch. that's why i am now into Tudor. a quality watch without the false promises and the hoops to jump through.
Walk in with a Tissot, and walk out with a Tissot. You’ll be far intact.✨
Agreed, great brand with prestige, reliable, and good value for money.
I’m so sad, I wanted to buy my first Rolex ever and really liked the BatGirl. The sales person put me on their list they said but it’s fake so sad.
Thanks for your integrity. Great video.
This is actually one of the best videos I've come across regarding this topic. Thanks so much for sharing and posting.
Wow, thank you! 😊
I entered the Rolex AD in Lisbon (Avenida Liberdate) - they have 2 level boutique where they do not sell anything. They put me on some fake list. I got out of there, showed the middle finger to them, and headed to Omega. Now I own Seamaster Summerblue.
I just got my first Rolex literally yesterday (Explorer 40). I was on a "wish list" for years, but since I'd purchased previously from WOS I was able to finally get one. No reselling here, that baby's here to stay. And the BEST SA ever, that really helps! Mine was fantastic and hilarious!
Congratulations
ّI will never consider buying a Rolex, just because of the attitude you receive, I tried to buy my 1st Rolex many times and never worked and always the answer a 5 years waiting list. if we are not treated equally, then there is many great brands out there worth buying from
I managed to buy a Lexus GX460 highest trim which is a $75K luxury SUV much easier than buying a Rolex watch, go figure 🤨
Except your Lexus will lose half of its value in several years while the Rolex will only continue to go up. Certain models are twice the retail price as soon as you receive it. But yea, it’s a big if you will get one from the AD.
@@dennischen8887treating these watches like an investment is silly. Adjust for REAL inflation and you’re losing money or flat. It’s just a watch
@@gwills9337 when did I say I bought it as an investment genius? I said it holds value way better than a Lexus.
You sir have good taste in cars. Reliable and luxury nice.
Thanks for sharing this video, Hawaii Hardy!
SPOT ON.
One month after visiting my AD for an Op 41 black dial, I received
“The Text.”
NO spend history.
First Rolex.
If it happened to me, it can happen to you.
Best of luck to all and thanks again Hawaii Hardy!!
I started buying invictas as a teenager. My first really nice automatic was a Hamilton I bought for $140 at a collectors mall, next was a longines, next was an omega, and finally a pre owned Rolex gmt master ii batman with the oyster bracelet. I absolutely love the Batman and I'll never sell it.
Awesome thank you
I have owned three Rolex each one gets a little more fancy . I love them ! They are the one luxury item you can buy that you can handown to your grandchildren . Nothing makes a man feel good then being well dressed an a rolex on his wrist . My last one I sold was fifteen years old and looked brand new .
Best thing you can do is to have an honest and genuine reason, and be able to articulate it well. I wanted a Polar Exp II as my "beat cancer" watch. My first buy from that AD. I anticipated a 2 year wait, which would time perfectly for when I got off cancer monitoring and give me time to save. Told them my goal and timeline. Then they surprised me 6 months later for my 40th birthday. Honestly, I wasn't prepared and had to move some money around, but I made it work.
Naturally, that left me with needing a new "beat cancer" watch, lol. Have an easier to get, but harder to afford, grail piece in mind now; Bregeut Tradition Retrograde Seconds. Will have to go used, cause there's no way I could swing that new. I'll circle back for either a Skydweller or DJ eventually. But now that I got the Exp II, I want a grail piece for a grail event.
Awesome story . Thank you for sharing and Congratulations 🙏🏼
In 1969 I bought a Rolex Oyster perpetual from a jewellers in Germany. After wearing it for a couple of years I started to wonder what all the fuss was about.
Despite a certificate of timekeeping that it's average gain/loss was +11 secs, it never achieved that claim on my wrist; 20 secs gain every day was average, and I'd owned Ingersoll cheapos that could do better than that. The bracelet gave up the ghost after 5 years; just fell apart. Disillusioned ,I took it to Austin Kaye in the Strand and they took it in exchange for a new quartz Timex that kept time to an accuracy of 1+ second a day. Best decision I ever made.
RLX is just great when it comes creating demand. Marketing genius! And all the other brands were able to increase their prices too because of RLX leading the pack.
I came in to an AD. Told them I wanted to buy a Rolex. The salesman asked if it was a special occasion. I said no. Busted wanted to buy one. They said there weren’t any and forcibly tried selling me a Tudor. I went down the street and bought a Breitling. These dealers being assholes aren’t doing their bottom lines any favors.
If the demand is higher than what is available, it will always be like this. Employees can easily sell to friends and family who are flippers. How do you think they can control that?
Really applaud this former employee for telling it like it is... THANK YOU!! STILL, this is damage of Rolex' own making. If I *really* want that Daytona or Blue Sky-Dweller, I can have it in 48 hours - Rolex is the biggest luxury watch maker in the world - the watches aren't that rare or constrained. They know that the majority of that vault full of inventory is going to flippers, despite any "checking out" theatre they have their employees do... IT IS NOT WORKING. I bought my first and only Rolex in 2009 from an AD in NY walking off the street like everyone else. I COULD buy another from the grey market - I just don't want to. I'd rather give my watch budget to companies that actually want to sell to real customers. Rolex simply doesn't care.
Bought my watch from the Rolex store and went again a few years after, just for curiosity sake, and asked about a particular model. The people there are quite friendly and actually text you when the model you want is available. They did collect my name and such..😅 I think they may have a database of their customer’s name, like most luxury product sellers would. ☺️ With luxury products, I think it’s best to get it at the store and not anywhere else so as not to get duped, and you won’t have any problem with product service later on. 😅
I paid more to get the watch I wanted. I don’t regret it because I’m not going to play any game to spend my hard earned money. I just want to buy what I want without games.
got some news for ya buddy....
Bought my Tudor black bay 58 on my honeymoon in Maui. Great experience. Lahaina is always in my thoughts.
Great information. I went in with my wife I told them I was Interested in buying my first watch for my 40th. The associate taking care of me was the store manager. I saw a few models. I was told they don’t have any watches in stock and I will be put on a waiting list. Less then 48hrs later I received a phone call that they have my watch in stock and he had to work some magic to get lol…. I’m happy with my 126300. It’s already at +2000 profit since Feb 2024.
The Rolex AD’s are the ones that sell to grey market dealers, the stock that they can’t sell fast, like full gold with diamonds lady stuff, they sell that to grey market dealers, often family members! The wanted pieces are sold to VIP clients. So as a normal buyer you have almost zero chance to get anything from them, except used pieces, so you have to go grey market or just move away from Rolex.
A Rolex Explorer was a watch I always dreamed of! When I finally had the money to buy it a few years ago, the AD's in California didn't have any and I learned of the games they were playing... Then, I found Tudor and bought a Black Bay 36 which I like a lot more than the Explorer! I have no desire for a Rolex watch now but, I will always like the Brand.
Everytime we go to Oahu on vacation, I always took a picture in front of the Rolex dealer in the International Marketplace! Thank you so, much for sharing your honest experience working for Rolex! 😊
Thank you for sharing
I was also in Oahu last April, passed by the Rolex store and ogled at this sea-dweller.
Thanks for sharing this "insider" information. Explains a lot about the games played that never really made sense before.
That’s funny how trying to buy your watch from somewhere different than a store you’ve previously done business with can work against you, specially when your end game is to just acquire a watch!
I’m almost ready for my first one but videos like this makes me wonder
And here I thought it was about making business and building relationships. I've never seen an "empty" watch store in my life until I came across Rolex stores. I did tell them to FO and went to Omega!
Went to AD for a DJ with fluted dial but it was discontinued. Waited for Watches and Wonders and decided to ask for an Everose sky Dweller although I’ll probably never see it. Bought from the store before but it was 20 years ago.
The things people are willing to put up with just for a logo. It's just a watch in the end, and not even as accurate as a good quartz watch when you think about it. If you really need a good mechanical watch that much I would suggest you go with Omega or Longines.
Rolex its the icon of success . Not longiness
I'm not surprised at all!! Appreciate the insights. The very popular models seem to be extremely tough, and I know the full precious metal models and two tones tend to be much easier, but what about popularish models like the Explorer series? Or the Two tone GMTs like the Rootbeer or two tone Bruce Wayne?
This is why I went to Omega! The customer service at the Omega boutique is A+. I was looking for the new white speedy and 3 weeks later when the boutique received their shipment they called me, I went in and bought it. They popped a bottle of champagne for me and my wife while they prepared the watch. Awesome experience forget Rolex.
Best to Forget it and resist the temptation. Follow the path of transparency!
👍🏼great video/inside information. Appreciate you! Cheers/B
I like the watch I got from AMZWATCH. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.
Thank you for this interesting vid.
Very interesting! It reminded me of Hermès and their politics with their handbags.
Thanks for your honesty 👍
Screw 'em. Omega for the win!
THANKS, USEFUL. WILL CHECK OUT THE CERTIFIED USED MARKET.
If you have rolex money, how do you also not have the pride to match? I would absolutely never beg and grovel to be given a chance to spend my money. I would buy an omega the moment they turned me away
The problem is, there isn’t an omega that comes close to most Rolex.
@@ragetobe cap. The speedmaster is absolutely peak
@@SteveDonev It’s the peak of branding and advertising, I had one and found it extremely disappointing.
A watch tells time right? I'm pretty sure my 300$ Bulova does that.
@@richardmorris7063 Its not that simple. A $20 casio will tell time more accurately than the most expensive AP or Rolex ever will. You buy a high end watch not to just tell time, you buy it for the craftsmanship and design. It’s functional jewelry that also happens to tell the time as an added bonus
Thanks! Helped a lot, now we all KNOW.
If I buy a watch, or anything else and want to sell it soon after I have every right to do so. Once I buy a product it is mine to do as I please with,.
God!!! MAMACOO Who would have thought those gorgeous watches go for that low!!!
Thank you for your video and sharing. This is my first time leave a comment. I've been "Waiting list" many years. I saw a lot of videos talking about how to buy your first Rolex and how to treat ADs and how to dress when you walk in to the store, etc. before. I mean I am just a buyer who just want to have a Rolex that I'm looking for. I am not an people who looking for a job in Rolex or kiss ADs ass. I'm tired of it. Anyway, good video. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing 🤙🏽
Just got my first Rolex, like you mentioned just had to follow up and they followed up almost instantly and offered me the watch I was looking for.
Other store I went to never replied back to me - pretty much ghosted me after a few emails and texts lol.
Congratulations
Never thought I would have to study this to buy a Rolex. I have my mind set on a Air-King. My dad had a (what I think is a) Date-just in white gold presidential. I don't know what happened to it, but I want one (not that fancy of one) to honor him. He was in aviation, worked on the first 747s and retired on the 747-8. Very fitting. How cool would it be to have a little 747 logo printed on the dial. Goals. Hopefully whatever dealer I go to likes that idea. I would like a watch to honor his legacy.
Air King is nice, should be attainable at most Rolex dealers. You could also have the 747 logo engraved on the back, most dealers offer that, a custom dial would be very pricey, even taking the dial out is pricey. Good luck. ALOHA
Crown and caliber got one for sale right now
Friend of mine in Detroit got an air king after 3 months. And was flat out told the only reason he got it that quick was because he is a pilot. So might have some luck with the connect to your dad hard to tell
@@molarrr congratulations
I'll pick one up at some point. But I bought a black ceramic Blancpain instead, was more expensive than the Rolex I wanted. My son really approves and said he was glad I bought that watch as it looks way cooler. Plus I clumsily smashed it against metal the other day and it did not scratch. Such a nice watch. Next year, if I still can't get a Rolex, I'll just enjoy buying something else. It's a big deal spending so much money to celebrate a big year, I'm not waiting around.
All of these tips - do this, don't do this, say that, don't say that - only gave one message - even though you are a customer willing to spend your money to buy a product, Rolex treats you like they're giving you a charity and you must prove that you deserve it.
I absolutely love watches, the high end watch brands are out of my budget but the AMZWATCH has literally an almost duplicate of every single watch on the market . Always a great but no matter your budget.
If Rolex stores don't have watches, why do they have stores? I never believed they didn't have them. It may happen that they are without, but not permanently... Luckily there is only one Rolex that I really like, the vintage GMT Pepesi. I will never have the problem of being in that situation.
Vintage GMT Pepsi on a Jubilee Band....😍
No matter how many of you refuse to shop at Rolex for these reasons, you’re not even putting a dent into their sales. Their stores are always flooded with prospective clients and people hoping to get one. The name is in movies, rap videos and it’s even a household name all over the world.
Thanks for sharing!
thanks for that information!
One question: Does the authorized dealer tell Rolex what customers have ordered, or does Rolex send the watches they decide?
We can put in a special request order, but it takes a while. Otherwise Rolex sends out what they decide to sell . Thank you
Ok
Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
@@hawaiihardy7285 This sounds very similar to the DeBeers Diamond syndicate form of selling.
“Flippers” are tiresome, but I still don’t see why Rolex should care what a customer does with his purchase after walking out. They got paid, end of their part in the deal.
It creates frustration within the watch community, if you can't get one or if you're going to be treated like you're doing them a favour handing over your money, you'll go somewhere else. I think this was part of the incentive for Rolex to buy Bucherer. They're fed up of AD's tarnishing their image.
Because if you are buying from a flipper at more than retail, Rolex loses the ability to control the customer experience.
It’s terrible for branding.
@@casualdudereviewsindeed
@@casualdudereviews Make more watches. It's not rocket surgery.
@@casualdudereviewshow does that work? If the AD would simply sell you one, that’s AD experience right there. It’s their own behavior that pushes clients to flippers. Talk about a self fulfilling prophecy.