Abu Dhabi trip

[lordturpin]

Hi, I am in AD over Christmas and have never been to the UAE before.

I am looking to buy a new rolex, i have a 10 year Explorer 2 and would like a change, I am not an expert/collector at all.

I am not specifically looking for a discount (although that would be great) over UK prices, more just wider choice.

Any ideas which shop to visit or where to do with-ought driving up to Dubai ?

Would a green faced Submariner be available do you think or a blue faced sky-dweller....i want some colour !

Any thoughts appreciated !

[MTK1919]

Hello!

Firstly, I hope you have a good trip.

Unfortunately you'll find the same challenges here as you will most places in the world when looking for a sports collection Rolex.

I picked up a less popular Yacht-Master 40mm rhodium dial at Rolex, Atlantis hotel boutique but even since then I'm not seeing much.

You'll see the odd Explorer 1 or Milguass from time to time but you may struggle unfortunately (hopefully I'm wrong).

There are some used dealers, but they'll certainly charge over the odds.

Good luck.

[rash_decision]

Have a great time.

I’ve literally just left Dubai, and couldn’t find a submariner anywhere! This used to be the place to pick them up, but everyone I spoke to said they’re very scarce now and slow to come through. Goes for all Sport designs apparently.

[traffman]

Its strange , if Rolex upped the production of SS Sports models it would reduce the price of grey market stock.

Wouldnt it?

[shopper150]

traffman said:

Its strange , if Rolex upped the production of SS Sports models it would reduce the price of grey market stock.

Wouldnt it?

Why would they want to do that?

[lordturpin]

Thanks for the feedback, seems i may struggle in AD then.

I appreciate Rolex want to keep the exclusivity of the brand and manage the access etc but they get not profit from second hand sales which is booming.

Surely they could raise production by 20%is with-ought damaging the brand at all, gaining new loyal customers and achieving a nice uptick in profits, they must lose sales to other brands due to lack of availability.

If i cant access the watch i want in a reasonable window its likely it will get spend on something else altogether ! Lost sale Rolex !

Edited by lordturpin on Friday 15th November 13:13

[seadragon]

Does it need to be a Rolex? Other brands have some colour too.

[lordturpin]

That is nice !

[shep1001]

I was in DXB airport a couple of weeks ago. Most of the high end stuff in the airport, certainly Rolex, Panerai & AP were more expensive than the UK and 99% of it was the tat the middle eastern market like in gold festooned with jewels. No subs or Daytona's in Oystersteel that's for sure

The Ulysee Nardin flagship store in the mall was worth looking at and there was some nice Hublot stuff too, I think the 40mm big bang was a little cheaper than I have seen it here