We are humbled & blessed to have Charlotte in this video. More Charlotte in future videos please Andrew - her honesty and sense of humour really comes through. 👍
I made my wife sit down and watch the first episode on this channel where Andrew has Charlotte on and her journey into buying her first luxury watch. I'll do anything rn to stop her wearing a fitbit 😂
Glad it worked out well for you. A guy in one of my Facebook groups got the call and it was for a completely different watch, take it or leave it. He took it. Then everybody congratulated him for waiting two years and paying thousands of dollars for a watch he didn't ask for. What a chump.
Getting a call from your AD is like getting a call from your ex. You feel the need to gloat yet honoured but annoyed since it has taken this long for the call to happen. 😅
Ridiculous how this guy shits on Rolex but not only still buys their watch but also came off like a total flipper at the AD by not wanting the watch sized or the boutique experience. Just goes to show that no matter what UA-camrs tell you they still all want Rolex. Even his SO factored in the resale value, something the watchfinder channel loves to dig at. Nice hypocrisy when it comes to your own money.
Oh gosh, I sooo relate! My husbands watch love just kinda "rubbed off" on me too! hahaha! I loved this entire video. And YES YOU HAVE MADE A GIANT MISTAKE! ;) My husband forever regrets getting me into watches because I now take 50% of his watch spending budget >=]
Congrats! Glad your wife finally received the watch she likes. This reminds me back in 1982 I had to wait 6 months for my brand new Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5, caliber 1045. They were only sold in Europe and not available in America unless it was special ordered. The day I got that call I dropped everything I was doing and rushed over to the AD to pick it up. I still wear it.
@@tonyhopeful …Mine is in rotation so I wear it about every two weeks. Nice to talk with someone that has one. There aren’t many around. From my research it seems this watch was a disappointment for Omega. They didn’t fly off the shelves the way they expected. To gauge by the price which has risen exponentially it seems this watch commands more respect now than it did when it was new, almost 50 years ago.
I'm uncertain whether the waiting list is managed by Rolex directly or by authorized dealers. When I visited a Rolex dealer, I registered my name for a Rolex Datejust and received a call after two weeks, informing me that the watch was available for collection. After collecting the watch, I expressed my interest in the Rolex Daytona, and three months later, I received a call stating that the Rolex Daytona had arrived at the shop. However, it wasn't the specific one I had chosen with a white dial, commonly known as the Panda model, but rather a black dial with diamond accents. Unfortunately, I was on holiday at that time, and the dealer couldn't wait for five days. During the call, I offered to make an advance payment, but the dealer declined the offer. If dealers are unwilling to sell watches, then I am open to other brands that are willing to accept my money. I decide not wait and buy Omega Speedmaster dark side of the moon apollo 8.
Most ADs have a financial relationship with a grey market dealer and sell their watches directly to them or on consignment. The ADs only offer a watch to waitlist customers when the grey dealer doesn't want it. That's why the Rolex you're offered is usually not the model you're after.
This was way more entertaining than I thought it will be! The way a non watch person describes a watch is awesome and puts you into reality check mode, loved it!! I think you should make this a series "regular person reviews an expensive watch"
Put myself on “the list” for a 36mm Explorer in mid-January, just to see what would come of it. Figured if I didn’t get one by the end of the year, I’d get something else instead, like a high-beat Grand Seiko. To my surprise I got “the call” earlier this month after less than four months. Which was a pleasant surprise as I’ve wanted the Explorer for years but refused to pay gray market prices. Down side though is that high-beat Grand Seiko is even farther away now!
Were you checking in with the AD or did you just simply register interest and leave it? As I have put my name down for an explorer last year in London but have not since visited the AD to go in and "chat". Congratulations!
@@Jack-ol6ss I wander too as I went on the list for an explorer in London in December. Haven't heard anything yet so will have to wander in and make small talk it seems...
Love it when she critiques the 3 annoying things about her Rolex. She actually has a point lol. Eitherway, congratulations. It's always nice to receieve the 'humbled & blessed' call!
I got myself and my wife a blue and mint green Datejust last year, and I must say I was deeply disappointed. It’s not because of the cyclops, but the overall aesthetics, build, finishing, wearing experience were just not on par with my other less hyped watches (Moser, GP Laureato, Blancpain bathyscaphe, etc.)
My wife got me in a very similar situation from Fitbit to watch collection. Through hearing me listen to your Watchfinder videos while cooking for her and joining me into several watch stores she also developed a watch craving. Now she's the proud owner of a Breitling Pastel Paradise, a two tone 36mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, and a Seiko Cocktail Time 😅 I am happy to be able to share my interest in watches with her though 😊
Thank You for mentioning the crown I have an OP 41 with the blue sunburst dial and not having the crown facing up when I tighten it sends my OCD into overdrive.
I tried one on and it was a solid "meh" for me, so I feel truly humbled and blessed not to have to deal with waiting lists and AD games. I can think of a number of watches I'd rather have for around $6000, and you can just pay and walk out the door with them!
I've also got a call. Well, it was an email after finally made to the top 2year+ waiting list. Now I'm... humbled & blessed to enjoy my steel Helm Vanuatu. Yay!
Good video and thanks for sharing the story, great seeing Charlotte for the first time. Sorry to say id feel the same way you do about it Andrew. Its a lil underwhelming, especially waiting for such a plain Jane. I personally would of been so p**ed i wouldn't of even bothered to pick it up from the ADS. This just made me dislike the brand even more tbh. 2 years for a entry level Rolex.😂. Lange! Patek! I get it. Even the higher end Rolexs i get. But for an Oyster perpetual, Sub or Date just hell nah. Sorry! That's a game i wont play. I sold my YM! Daytona, Date just! (All brought at Watchfinder in Maidstone before 2018 before it went nuts.🤣. And moved on to other brands like Vacheron JLC, Cartier and Sinn. And ive been happy ever since.
Only took 3 months to get the call after I put my name on the list for a Datejust. I turned it down because I'd bought an Aqua Terra instead. I think the inability to buy Rolex is a big part of the draw for a lot of people, but of course, that goes away once you have it.
@@TL-ph5wg Took me 2,5 months for a 36mm explorer. I think it is highly dependent on where you live. If you live in central London, i guess there is higher demand on the dealers. I live in another country, in a city you probably never heard of - which just happen to have a Rolex dealer.
At least there is a wait list in your country, come to Singapore ADs, and try out the "wish list", which essentially means, buy a Hublot (or 2) off us or forget about ever getting a Rolex.
This reminds me of when I got the call - not a for a Rolex, but for a council garage. I'd completely forgotten that I'd applied for one, and then a letter came to say that I was next on the list. Still waiting for a Sky-Dweller, but more chance of getting another garage I think.
I’ve had THE CALL for 3 Rolex’s,OP 41, Datejust and No date Sub. Sold them all 🤦🏻♂️ The annoying thing about the whole situation is you’re waiting that long you forget and life throws things in the meantime and you spend the watch money on something else.
Haha. I told my “call” that I’d been receiving a lot of call lately and I’d put them on a list for me purchase from. Eff Rolex. That line about a gentrified neighborhood is spot on. I’ve found much better watches.
Thank you for sharing your Rolex buying experience! I am truly humbled and blessed! 😂 But seriously, I appreciate your honesty that it’s a mixed bag. I feel the same way and am on the fence about getting a new Rolex. I feel like it’s not worth it anymore to watch enthusiasts like us and there are so many other awesome watches to experience that are actually available when you want them. But maybe I’d go vintage Rolex some day, like an older Explorer or Datejust. I’d be able to do the research and find exactly what I’d like and it would be available right when I found it! Cheers!
I really dislike the ADs making us feel like we owe them something. I recall the same thing happening to me when I got the call for my Pepsi GMT. I wanted it on the oyster bracelet but they had one in the jubilee. The guy was just a complete jerk, “you can take this one or wait, I have no idea how long”. I mean, cmon! I’m spending my hard earned dollars at your shop, I shouldn’t feel humbled & blessed to get your call.
Regarding the bracelet adjustment, behind the ad’s huge security door they have a machine that heats each link up to soften the loctite on each links screw.
I feel humbled and blessed just by the fact you feel so humbled and blessed. As always, a great video! Both informative and funny. Lovely to have Charlotte on as well! So, which watch would I recommend next for her? Casio, naturally. It almost doesn't matter which one, but the GMAS2100 smaller size CasiOak is a fantastic piece. That'll round out the Dress, GADA, Beater trinity. You need something for a holiday when you're lounging by a pool, diving on a coal reef, or rocketing to a geosynchronous low-earth orbit... :-)
I’ve recently had the call and have similar views as Charlotte. It took nearly 2 years to arrive for my 36mm blue dial OP. No champagne and fire works. Phone call “do you want it or not?” Me “I can’t get there for 2 weeks” “ok we’ll hold” 2 weeks in AD “sorry no room in Rolex section, tea or coffee? “,“so you having it?” I bought it, had it sized, buyer’s remorse at cost, it has poor lune, Chrystal smears, have to use bracelet extension through the day. Absolutely love it. Now want black and green dials.
I picked up an Explorer II from my AD after just 18months and having never purchased from them or set foot in the dealership. Properly humbled and blessed
The whole Rolex "thing" is a load of cobblers. My first one, being a 16012 was in 1985 for what I remember 411 pounds sterling. I did get three others at different times which became a futile exercise on hindsight. There is more to watches than Rolex. Other options should have been considered. Did you get the call as the person on the list before you declined?
Great choice! I think the Rolex offerings be it OP, DateJust, Explorer or Submariner offer tremendous value for the money at the AD’s retail price. The wait likely won’t be as long next time if you take the time to visit your AD often(every month or two) to indicate sincere interest and develop a relationship. Plus now you’re an actual customer, albeit humble and blessed 😇
Rolex actually does use heat to remove the links. They use a really strong lock tight compound. It's REALY not recommended to adjust a rolex yourself cause it's on Rolex if they mess it up. I can't remember how hot my AD said the heat was they used but maybe like 200C.
This was the first Rolex I ever owned. While on vacation about 5 years ago, I walked into a jewelry store that had this watch as well as a white gold “Smurf”. The OP was $5300 and the “Smurf” was $32,000. The crazy thing is, that particular weekend, this jewelry store was having a 10% charity event which included Rolex!! So, I left there with the OP, getting it for $4800 plus tax. Unfortunately, I didn’t have $32,000 laying around to purchase the “Smurf”. The OP now belongs to my wife. A year later, I purchased some jewelry for my wife at Christmas time at another jewelry shop and told the gentleman waiting on me that I would like a Submariner. Three weeks later I get the call. My luck has run out on Rolex though. I’ve been on the list at the same jewelry store for a “Pepsi” for about 3 years and still no call. I had a good run.
36mm OP is an absolutely fantastic watch. Not because it’s better than another brand, or more complicated, flashy, or expensive. It’s the quintessential Rolex.
If Charlotte has a Cartier and Rolex she is well covered for luxury watches. I would recommend the third and final watch to be a very inexpensive beater for activities such a a small dive watch or chronograph.
Having the emblem upside down on the crown would annoy me. If that were my watch I’d see if there was anything they could do to fix this in a service. The lack of attention to detail makes you wonder what else they’ve skipped.
They called for missed call, so that they can use the watch quota they get from your namecard, and sell with a premium via the back door, shame on the ADs who did this.
Thanks for the great video and honesty. My partner and I have been waiting 14 + months for me on the mystical waitlist. We went grey and paid well over the odds for a Candy pink 36mm OP and a 41mm green OP. We're enjoying the watches but agree that the lume is awful. I think the Rolex AD games are vile - they leave a very sour taste in the mouth, I mean, "I would feel truly humbled and blessed if I got a call".
Re: about the links. Rolex have been putting in locktite (no really) into the links to secure the pjns. This has been a known issue for a few years now (along with squeaking for the first few weeks). I thought they had worked it out though, I have several pieces from 2019-2021 that are glued right. But all the ones from this year and last has been fine! Honestly, take a hairdryer to it. I know watchmakers working directly for Rolex use a heat gun. Given that you work for one of the largest recipient of flipping (and Richmont) I’d say 2 years is pretty good going.
Was saving up for a datejust, but when I bought my Longines Conquest from the same AD where I was on the waitlist, I tiled him to give my place to anotherone… Was waiting 2years and there is no sense for me spending 8times the money of the Longines and then feel "humbled and blessed" for nothing better! Rolex lost me as a customer (maybe forever), but my AD has still a loyal customer who will buy more watches from other brands with a better value for money ratio (like JLC or my favorite Habring2)
Humbled and Blessed t-shirts, hoodies, football scarves, nato straps, watch rolls and watch winders. Make it happen, Mr. Andrew. I would be humbled and blessed to buy some humble and blessed merch. I’ll help you register the trademark!
I got the call for a Tudor BB 58 after 3+ … meanwhile I got one - 3 months after I put my name on the list - from an AD (from another country where I live and a “small” city) who also sells Rolex without list and I managed to get a SKDW two tones from him - also still on a list …. For the Tudor it was during the pandemic and I was told from the 1st AD that it was due to supply issues … while the other AD told me that it isn’t the case…. I guess they waited for all the hyped to go…
I also recently got the call but turned down the watch (a no date submariner). I was put on the list 2 1/2 years ago. In the meantime, I have retired and the AD changed their payment policy to money transfer payment only for Rolexes; no consumer protections like a credit card purchase. It didn’t help the retail price had increased $1k over that time.
If I was made to wait 2 years (and nearly forget I was in the waitlist), and then be forced to beg the AD to hold onto it for a few more days, I would have lost interest in the watch immediately.
Seriously, that is the one thing about the watch community that I can’t be ok with. The way people have to debase themselves in the hope rolex will take their $10K is honestly kinda gross. If I ever add a rolex to the collection, I’ll honestly be happy to pay the resale premium, just so I don’t have to be grateful for being one’s customer. That goes for you too Italian rolex (ferarri)
I was finally humbled and blessed to walk into a Rolex AD last week and find not one, but two watches available to try on and indeed purchase. No wait list, no buying the salesperson dinner, just two watches that I could walk home with that very day. Unfortunately they were the most gaudy, gauche, and tacky abominations I've ever seen - two tone Everose gold Datejusts with diamond studded dials, jubilee bracelets, and fluted bezels 🤢 Needless to say I declined the kind offer and went about my day 😂
I’m surprised to hear about the bad lume. I have found to lume on my OP to be better than on my JLC Polaris and Omega Seamaster Professional, which is surprising since those two are diver’s watchers.
Waited 2,5 years for the 41mm green OP, at two different ADs. I called in and cancelled after that. Numerous emails about 6 months apart. Ordinary BS of "they are handmade". Spent my money on JLC, Omega and Cartier instead. So tierd of Rolex. Also spent 2016-2018 on the list for a Sub. Guess I have to overpay like every other joe
i'm sure the AD felt himbled and blessed you expressed interest in a 36 mm oyster perpetual. can't believe they didn't see how important you are to them.
Still waiting for my call on an explorer 1, but only 2 months in... however passing through Amsterdam airport last night 10 mins before closing I managed to snag an Explorer 2 at under UK retail, so not sure if I care about the call now... just torn.
Hey Andrew, Its a kind of wax that they use to lock the bracelet pins and head is the way to go. Tudor ADs have a special machine that clamps the bracelet links and heats them up (if required) to loosen the loctite type wax. I'm guessing Rolex use the very same, after all they are quite closely related.
I massively disagree with the comment that vintage Rolex weren't built well. I own one in the mid 90's, and own one in the late 50's and build quality is both very good. Not as good as current, but still very good.
I bought a 1970s ladies Rolex from Japan and I absolutely love it. It is feminine, elegant and dressy. I didn't have to wait for it and it was less than $2000 Australian.
@@MrFloRolf Explorer 36. I should point out that I was on the waitlist for 4.1/2 years, with 3 steel sports models, but changed one for the exp 36 when it was launched in 2021. I think a significant number of people are passing on them. Not so lucrative to flip them these days.
We are humbled & blessed to have Charlotte in this video. More Charlotte in future videos please Andrew - her honesty and sense of humour really comes through. 👍
We need more Charlotte. She should review Andrews's watches.
I made my wife sit down and watch the first episode on this channel where Andrew has Charlotte on and her journey into buying her first luxury watch.
I'll do anything rn to stop her wearing a fitbit 😂
Lol. Those smartwatches are really nifty, but I’m just a old man in a 20 something’s body lol
Glad it worked out well for you.
A guy in one of my Facebook groups got the call and it was for a completely different watch, take it or leave it. He took it.
Then everybody congratulated him for waiting two years and paying thousands of dollars for a watch he didn't ask for.
What a chump.
Hahaha I bet the guys at the group teared him a new one. Truly blessed and humbled.
You should be so lucky.
I'm sure he took it to flip and to start an account but it does sound silly to wait so long and pay for a watch you don't want.
Why do we put up with this crap from merchants?
@@aquilifergroup Imagine spending money and they still treat you like you owe them a living.
Getting a call from your AD is like getting a call from your ex. You feel the need to gloat yet honoured but annoyed since it has taken this long for the call to happen. 😅
LOL this made my day lmao
Ridiculous how this guy shits on Rolex but not only still buys their watch but also came off like a total flipper at the AD by not wanting the watch sized or the boutique experience. Just goes to show that no matter what UA-camrs tell you they still all want Rolex.
Even his SO factored in the resale value, something the watchfinder channel loves to dig at. Nice hypocrisy when it comes to your own money.
getting a call from the AD takes as long as King Charles waiting to be crowned!
Very good
@@cosmodoc no, it takes longer
I was humbled and blessed to just watch this video about how humbled and blessed anyone would be to get a Rolex
🤣
"Rubbed off" 😅. This is exactly the kind of juvenile humor that I can relate to and love watching you Andrew as well as Matt over at Carwow 😊
"Even King Charles did not have to wait this long."
😂😂😂
Andrew, remember the time tested adage, “happy wife, happy life”! You made the right decision to buy the OP in her size!
Oh gosh, I sooo relate! My husbands watch love just kinda "rubbed off" on me too! hahaha! I loved this entire video. And YES YOU HAVE MADE A GIANT MISTAKE! ;) My husband forever regrets getting me into watches because I now take 50% of his watch spending budget >=]
Britt, it will be worth it for hm if you can use your status in the watch world to get him the watch he wants!
Ha so true - my wife has also taken 50% of mine
We need more Mrs. Talking Watches. She's absolutely savage on Ro-LAX.
Congrats! Glad your wife finally received the watch she likes. This reminds me back in 1982 I had to wait 6 months for my brand new Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5, caliber 1045. They were only sold in Europe and not available in America unless it was special ordered. The day I got that call I dropped everything I was doing and rushed over to the AD to pick it up. I still wear it.
Ha! Got the same watch in '77- in England though. Still have mine also, but not worn much anymore
Bought a speedy125 from the dealer in stock in the mid 70s. No wait
@@tonyhopeful …Mine is in rotation so I wear it about every two weeks. Nice to talk with someone that has one. There aren’t many around. From my research it seems this watch was a disappointment for Omega. They didn’t fly off the shelves the way they expected. To gauge by the price which has risen exponentially it seems this watch commands more respect now than it did when it was new, almost 50 years ago.
Thank you Andrew, your humor is contagious. I look forward to more videos like this one.
I'm uncertain whether the waiting list is managed by Rolex directly or by authorized dealers. When I visited a Rolex dealer, I registered my name for a Rolex Datejust and received a call after two weeks, informing me that the watch was available for collection. After collecting the watch, I expressed my interest in the Rolex Daytona, and three months later, I received a call stating that the Rolex Daytona had arrived at the shop. However, it wasn't the specific one I had chosen with a white dial, commonly known as the Panda model, but rather a black dial with diamond accents. Unfortunately, I was on holiday at that time, and the dealer couldn't wait for five days. During the call, I offered to make an advance payment, but the dealer declined the offer. If dealers are unwilling to sell watches, then I am open to other brands that are willing to accept my money. I decide not wait and buy Omega Speedmaster dark side of the moon apollo 8.
Dark side of the moon is a much better watch imo
Most ADs have a financial relationship with a grey market dealer and sell their watches directly to them or on consignment. The ADs only offer a watch to waitlist customers when the grey dealer doesn't want it. That's why the Rolex you're offered is usually not the model you're after.
This was way more entertaining than I thought it will be!
The way a non watch person describes a watch is awesome and puts you into reality check mode, loved it!!
I think you should make this a series "regular person reviews an expensive watch"
Put myself on “the list” for a 36mm Explorer in mid-January, just to see what would come of it. Figured if I didn’t get one by the end of the year, I’d get something else instead, like a high-beat Grand Seiko. To my surprise I got “the call” earlier this month after less than four months. Which was a pleasant surprise as I’ve wanted the Explorer for years but refused to pay gray market prices. Down side though is that high-beat Grand Seiko is even farther away now!
I got "the text" for my Explore II after 5 months, which was a pleasant surprise. Congrats on your Explorer.
Congrats to both of you!
Were you checking in with the AD or did you just simply register interest and leave it? As I have put my name down for an explorer last year in London but have not since visited the AD to go in and "chat". Congratulations!
@@Jack-ol6ss I personally did check in regularly with the AD. A visit or two in that time, and texts with the sales rep.
@@Jack-ol6ss I wander too as I went on the list for an explorer in London in December. Haven't heard anything yet so will have to wander in and make small talk it seems...
Love it when she critiques the 3 annoying things about her Rolex. She actually has a point lol. Eitherway, congratulations. It's always nice to receieve the 'humbled & blessed' call!
I got myself and my wife a blue and mint green Datejust last year, and I must say I was deeply disappointed.
It’s not because of the cyclops, but the overall aesthetics, build, finishing, wearing experience were just not on par with my other less hyped watches (Moser, GP Laureato, Blancpain bathyscaphe, etc.)
Reading that list no wonder you were disappointed. Those are all superb watch brands
My wife got me in a very similar situation from Fitbit to watch collection. Through hearing me listen to your Watchfinder videos while cooking for her and joining me into several watch stores she also developed a watch craving. Now she's the proud owner of a Breitling Pastel Paradise, a two tone 36mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, and a Seiko Cocktail Time 😅 I am happy to be able to share my interest in watches with her though 😊
Thank You for mentioning the crown I have an OP 41 with the blue sunburst dial and not having the crown facing up when I tighten it sends my OCD into overdrive.
I tried one on and it was a solid "meh" for me, so I feel truly humbled and blessed not to have to deal with waiting lists and AD games.
I can think of a number of watches I'd rather have for around $6000, and you can just pay and walk out the door with them!
I've also got a call. Well, it was an email after finally made to the top 2year+ waiting list. Now I'm... humbled & blessed to enjoy my steel Helm Vanuatu. Yay!
"Even King Charles didn't wait this long" hahaha
Good video and thanks for sharing the story, great seeing Charlotte for the first time. Sorry to say id feel the same way you do about it Andrew. Its a lil underwhelming, especially waiting for such a plain Jane. I personally would of been so p**ed i wouldn't of even bothered to pick it up from the ADS. This just made me dislike the brand even more tbh.
2 years for a entry level Rolex.😂.
Lange! Patek! I get it. Even the higher end Rolexs i get. But for an Oyster perpetual, Sub or Date just hell nah. Sorry! That's a game i wont play. I sold my YM! Daytona, Date just! (All brought at Watchfinder in Maidstone before 2018 before it went nuts.🤣. And moved on to other brands like Vacheron JLC, Cartier and Sinn. And ive been happy ever since.
Only took 3 months to get the call after I put my name on the list for a Datejust. I turned it down because I'd bought an Aqua Terra instead. I think the inability to buy Rolex is a big part of the draw for a lot of people, but of course, that goes away once you have it.
Well you must be so lucky, I can’t even put my BMAT on the list for anything. They actually said sorry list is closed. That was it.
@@TL-ph5wg Took me 2,5 months for a 36mm explorer. I think it is highly dependent on where you live. If you live in central London, i guess there is higher demand on the dealers. I live in another country, in a city you probably never heard of - which just happen to have a Rolex dealer.
I’ve had my Rolex 126300 since last year. The aww of finally getting one hasn’t gone away. So idk about that feeling going away
I'm hearing more stories of getting the AD call.
You got a better watch with a better movement for less money. Enjoy!
At least there is a wait list in your country, come to Singapore ADs, and try out the "wish list", which essentially means, buy a Hublot (or 2) off us or forget about ever getting a Rolex.
This reminds me of when I got the call - not a for a Rolex, but for a council garage. I'd completely forgotten that I'd applied for one, and then a letter came to say that I was next on the list. Still waiting for a Sky-Dweller, but more chance of getting another garage I think.
Wait a minute......is this the Watchfinder & Co. guy? love this dude!
I’ve had THE CALL for 3 Rolex’s,OP 41, Datejust and No date Sub. Sold them all 🤦🏻♂️ The annoying thing about the whole situation is you’re waiting that long you forget and life throws things in the meantime and you spend the watch money on something else.
No doubt at a large profit. And that’s why people who really want a Rolex can’t get them at list price.
Haha.
I told my “call” that I’d been receiving a lot of call lately and I’d put them on a list for me purchase from.
Eff Rolex. That line about a gentrified neighborhood is spot on.
I’ve found much better watches.
Thank you for sharing your Rolex buying experience! I am truly humbled and blessed! 😂 But seriously, I appreciate your honesty that it’s a mixed bag. I feel the same way and am on the fence about getting a new Rolex. I feel like it’s not worth it anymore to watch enthusiasts like us and there are so many other awesome watches to experience that are actually available when you want them. But maybe I’d go vintage Rolex some day, like an older Explorer or Datejust. I’d be able to do the research and find exactly what I’d like and it would be available right when I found it! Cheers!
Humbled and blessed to vicariously share the Rolex AD Experience ™️ with you and your wife
Great video! Loved the satire from both of you. Cheers
I really dislike the ADs making us feel like we owe them something. I recall the same thing happening to me when I got the call for my Pepsi GMT. I wanted it on the oyster bracelet but they had one in the jubilee. The guy was just a complete jerk, “you can take this one or wait, I have no idea how long”.
I mean, cmon! I’m spending my hard earned dollars at your shop, I shouldn’t feel humbled & blessed to get your call.
Just got the call 30 minutes ago.
Not entirely sure how to feel. But one things for sure…
…Humbled and blessed.
The AD calls when I’m broke.
My wife has a black face too but 34mm. We saw it in the AD window and bought it. Those were the days!
Regarding the bracelet adjustment, behind the ad’s huge security door they have a machine that heats each link up to soften the loctite on each links screw.
I feel you on that "Baby J" call.
I feel humbled and blessed just by the fact you feel so humbled and blessed. As always, a great video! Both informative and funny. Lovely to have Charlotte on as well! So, which watch would I recommend next for her? Casio, naturally. It almost doesn't matter which one, but the GMAS2100 smaller size CasiOak is a fantastic piece. That'll round out the Dress, GADA, Beater trinity. You need something for a holiday when you're lounging by a pool, diving on a coal reef, or rocketing to a geosynchronous low-earth orbit... :-)
I’ve recently had the call and have similar views as Charlotte. It took nearly 2 years to arrive for my 36mm blue dial OP. No champagne and fire works. Phone call “do you want it or not?” Me “I can’t get there for 2 weeks” “ok we’ll hold” 2 weeks in AD “sorry no room in Rolex section, tea or coffee? “,“so you having it?”
I bought it, had it sized, buyer’s remorse at cost, it has poor lune, Chrystal smears, have to use bracelet extension through the day. Absolutely love it. Now want black and green dials.
Man I love this video so much 😂
I loved the subtle jabs and sarcasm ahaha
I picked up an Explorer II from my AD after just 18months and having never purchased from them or set foot in the dealership. Properly humbled and blessed
Best video so far ... great work and laughs throughout too! Looking forward to more great content!
The whole Rolex "thing" is a load of cobblers. My first one, being a 16012 was in 1985 for what I remember 411 pounds sterling. I did get three others at different times which became a futile exercise on hindsight. There is more to watches than Rolex. Other options should have been considered. Did you get the call as the person on the list before you declined?
Great choice! I think the Rolex offerings be it OP, DateJust, Explorer or Submariner offer tremendous value for the money at the AD’s retail price. The wait likely won’t be as long next time if you take the time to visit your AD often(every month or two) to indicate sincere interest and develop a relationship. Plus now you’re an actual customer, albeit humble and blessed 😇
Rolex actually does use heat to remove the links. They use a really strong lock tight compound. It's REALY not recommended to adjust a rolex yourself cause it's on Rolex if they mess it up. I can't remember how hot my AD said the heat was they used but maybe like 200C.
Charlotte seems really cool. Maybe you should have bought a Tudor BB 36 ?!
Watched your reel with the Sugess Tourbillon Master SU8230SW. Only went and pushed the button. Pleased with it.
This was the first Rolex I ever owned. While on vacation about 5 years ago, I walked into a jewelry store that had this watch as well as a white gold “Smurf”. The OP was $5300 and the “Smurf”
was $32,000. The crazy thing is, that particular weekend, this jewelry store was having a 10% charity event which included Rolex!! So, I left there with the OP, getting it for $4800 plus tax. Unfortunately, I didn’t have $32,000 laying around to purchase the “Smurf”. The OP now belongs to my wife. A year later, I purchased some jewelry for my wife at Christmas time at another jewelry shop and told the gentleman waiting on me that I would like a Submariner. Three weeks later I get the call. My luck has run out on Rolex though. I’ve been on the list at the same jewelry store for a “Pepsi” for about 3 years and still no call. I had a good run.
36mm OP is an absolutely fantastic watch.
Not because it’s better than another brand, or more complicated, flashy, or expensive.
It’s the quintessential Rolex.
If Charlotte has a Cartier and Rolex she is well covered for luxury watches. I would recommend the third and final watch to be a very inexpensive beater for activities such a a small dive watch or chronograph.
Congratulations Andrew and Charlotte 🎉
Charlotte should definitely get an H Moser next. After that, she'll look at her Rolex like it's a Timex.
I'm truly humbled and blessed to watch this free video
Indeed, I just feel humbled and blessed by your infinite watch wisdom and linguistical brilliance.
Loved this story. Very real and wonderful to meet your wife 😊
Having the emblem upside down on the crown would annoy me. If that were my watch I’d see if there was anything they could do to fix this in a service. The lack of attention to detail makes you wonder what else they’ve skipped.
I just got a call for the exact same watch last month. I waited 10 months. I will probably ask myself the title of this video for months.
OP 36 in black is the only Rolex I would consider to buy.
They called for missed call, so that they can use the watch quota they get from your namecard, and sell with a premium via the back door, shame on the ADs who did this.
Humbled and blessed 😂
Yeah I felt so humbled and blessed too when they called me for my 124270 36 mm explorer
On the spot - Still laughing and being "humbled and blessed" - This makes this comicdiculously game of getting "the call" so visible.
where I live they do not even have a waitlist. It is just luck of being there when and if they deliver something. It is pure absurdity
Thanks for the great video and honesty. My partner and I have been waiting 14 + months for me on the mystical waitlist. We went grey and paid well over the odds for a Candy pink 36mm OP and a 41mm green OP. We're enjoying the watches but agree that the lume is awful. I think the Rolex AD games are vile - they leave a very sour taste in the mouth, I mean, "I would feel truly humbled and blessed if I got a call".
Re: about the links. Rolex have been putting in locktite (no really) into the links to secure the pjns. This has been a known issue for a few years now (along with squeaking for the first few weeks).
I thought they had worked it out though, I have several pieces from 2019-2021 that are glued right. But all the ones from this year and last has been fine!
Honestly, take a hairdryer to it. I know watchmakers working directly for Rolex use a heat gun.
Given that you work for one of the largest recipient of flipping (and Richmont) I’d say 2 years is pretty good going.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I feel humbled and blessed.
Was saving up for a datejust, but when I bought my Longines Conquest from the same AD where I was on the waitlist, I tiled him to give my place to anotherone…
Was waiting 2years and there is no sense for me spending 8times the money of the Longines and then feel "humbled and blessed" for nothing better!
Rolex lost me as a customer (maybe forever), but my AD has still a loyal customer who will buy more watches from other brands with a better value for money ratio (like JLC or my favorite Habring2)
I think this OP is such a classic piece that your wife will increasingly love it.
Humbled and Blessed t-shirts, hoodies, football scarves, nato straps, watch rolls and watch winders. Make it happen, Mr. Andrew. I would be humbled and blessed to buy some humble and blessed merch. I’ll help you register the trademark!
I got the call for a Tudor BB 58 after 3+ … meanwhile I got one - 3 months after I put my name on the list - from an AD (from another country where I live and a “small” city) who also sells Rolex without list and I managed to get a SKDW two tones from him - also still on a list …. For the Tudor it was during the pandemic and I was told from the 1st AD that it was due to supply issues … while the other AD told me that it isn’t the case…. I guess they waited for all the hyped to go…
I also recently got the call but turned down the watch (a no date submariner). I was put on the list 2 1/2 years ago. In the meantime, I have retired and the AD changed their payment policy to money transfer payment only for Rolexes; no consumer protections like a credit card purchase. It didn’t help the retail price had increased $1k over that time.
If I was made to wait 2 years (and nearly forget I was in the waitlist), and then be forced to beg the AD to hold onto it for a few more days, I would have lost interest in the watch immediately.
Congrats guys and your story telling is fantastic 👏
Just love the tongue and cheek, though I’m not sure the happy people going round humbling and blessing would have a clue 😊
Seriously, that is the one thing about the watch community that I can’t be ok with. The way people have to debase themselves in the hope rolex will take their $10K is honestly kinda gross. If I ever add a rolex to the collection, I’ll honestly be happy to pay the resale premium, just so I don’t have to be grateful for being one’s customer.
That goes for you too Italian rolex (ferarri)
That loctite is no joke - a heater is used to soften it in the shop
I love your sarcasm here 😅
I'm truly humbled and blessed
I got "the call" for my first Rolex a few weeks ago. After 10 month wait i got the Lefty GMT. I could not beleive it.
I was finally humbled and blessed to walk into a Rolex AD last week and find not one, but two watches available to try on and indeed purchase. No wait list, no buying the salesperson dinner, just two watches that I could walk home with that very day. Unfortunately they were the most gaudy, gauche, and tacky abominations I've ever seen - two tone Everose gold Datejusts with diamond studded dials, jubilee bracelets, and fluted bezels 🤢
Needless to say I declined the kind offer and went about my day 😂
We must’ve walked into the same AD. 😂😭
7:50 The intention was a watch wrist roll but I wanted to see (and saw) Charlotte’s ring.
I’m surprised to hear about the bad lume. I have found to lume on my OP to be better than on my JLC Polaris and Omega Seamaster Professional, which is surprising since those two are diver’s watchers.
Women. Maybe she didn't like colour of the lume. 😂😂😂
Waited 2,5 years for the 41mm green OP, at two different ADs. I called in and cancelled after that. Numerous emails about 6 months apart. Ordinary BS of "they are handmade". Spent my money on JLC, Omega and Cartier instead. So tierd of Rolex.
Also spent 2016-2018 on the list for a Sub.
Guess I have to overpay like every other joe
Has the same bracelet issues on my BB. Soaking the bracelet in hot water helps dissolve some of the glue that’s apparently applied to the screws.
i'm sure the AD felt himbled and blessed you expressed interest in a 36 mm oyster perpetual. can't believe they didn't see how important you are to them.
Still waiting for my call on an explorer 1, but only 2 months in... however passing through Amsterdam airport last night 10 mins before closing I managed to snag an Explorer 2 at under UK retail, so not sure if I care about the call now... just torn.
Hey Andrew, Its a kind of wax that they use to lock the bracelet pins and head is the way to go. Tudor ADs have a special machine that clamps the bracelet links and heats them up (if required) to loosen the loctite type wax. I'm guessing Rolex use the very same, after all they are quite closely related.
Again clever and insightful! I am humbled and blessed 😂!
Totally agree with Charlotte’s comments, especially the crown being upside down.
I am humbled and blessed that you made this review!
I would recognize that voice anywhere it's the Watchfinder guy!
I'd like to see her try a glashutte original panomaticlunar. On the more expensive side of things, piaget.
I am humbled and blessed to be allowed to watch this video 😉
I massively disagree with the comment that vintage Rolex weren't built well. I own one in the mid 90's, and own one in the late 50's and build quality is both very good. Not as good as current, but still very good.
Not forgetting that Rolex makes Lady sized watches too, 24/26mm 😂😂lol 😂😂
I bought a 1970s ladies Rolex from Japan and I absolutely love it. It is feminine, elegant and dressy. I didn't have to wait for it and it was less than $2000 Australian.
Weird! I got ‘the call’ this morning, after 4 and a half years. No kidding.
For what if I may ask? :)
@@MrFloRolf Explorer 36. I should point out that I was on the waitlist for 4.1/2 years, with 3 steel sports models, but changed one for the exp 36 when it was launched in 2021.
I think a significant number of people are passing on them. Not so lucrative to flip them these days.
Blessed and humbled...
I always wonder who is the speaker of WatchFinder channel, upon watching this video, now i know. The voice and accent are identical. c",)
Thanks for the episode man, we are truly humbled and blessed.
Next is a reverso
Oi, that place where you used to live, I'm living there now, I'm one of those Old Cnuts!
I Waited 5 months for my Explorer 1 in 2020, and 3 months for a 36mm OP silver dial in 2020. Still, however, waiting for my no date Sub. 3 years!