My Local Rolex AD Has Transformed My Life!

My Local Rolex AD Has Transformed My Life!

Author
Discussion

okgo

37,861 posts

197 months

Monday 20th March 2023
quotequote all
Omega make half that of Rolex. Not sure it means much.

I’d also say most AD’s sell other things, the person I’ve dealt with isn’t on the watch team, she just does jewellery most of the time. The odd watch (they sell Patek too).

Sorry to burst the bubble but I’ve found the buying exp perfectly normal for an expensive retail transaction, bit like buying a kitchen or a car or something. No sneering. No weird judgement. Just entirely normal people selling stuff in a shop for a living.

This was in probably the most expensive area of London, there’s also never been more than a few people in the shop at any time but I’ve certainly not noticed any people like the ones mentioned above.

Octoposse

Original Poster:

2,153 posts

184 months

Monday 20th March 2023
quotequote all
okgo said:
Sorry to burst the bubble but I’ve found the buying exp perfectly normal for an expensive retail transaction, bit like buying a kitchen or a car or something. No sneering. No weird judgement. Just entirely normal people selling stuff in a shop for a living.

This was in probably the most expensive area of London, there’s also never been more than a few people in the shop at any time but I’ve certainly not noticed any people like the ones mentioned above.
Well, no one’s refused to sell me one kitchen for eighteen months plus, whilst ringing round the flipper coterie who bought several kitchens each last year, to tell them about the new colour worktop that’s their’s for the asking.

Said coterie can then either rub their new kitchen in my peasant face, or offer it around at 100% profit.

There are some parallels, perhaps, with certain Porsche models, especially the GT cars and Sports Classics? The allocation of build slot allocations, and consequent opportunity to turn a substantial and virtually risk-free buck.




Edited by Octoposse on Monday 20th March 22:33

BrokenSkunk

4,559 posts

249 months

Tuesday 21st March 2023
quotequote all
Octoposse said:
My local Rolex AD has transformed my life for the better.
...
You're not approaching the transaction with sufficient gravitas. It's really not difficult to obtain a Rollinginitex. I posted some guidance on another forum a few short weeks ago, and since I'm lazy, here's a cut and paste job.

The dark recesses of the interweb said:
It's all about give and take. The AD needs to know that you're a serious customer with cash to splash and are worth talking to. Sales folk call this qualifying their customers, look it up. It's annoying as a customer to be 'qualified' in this manner, but hey, you either play their game, or buy something else.





Sooo, you want to create the impression of being a wealthy customer. You need to establish a relationship with the dealer and you want them to remember you in a positive manner.



  • It doesn't matter how you dress, but your shoes must be smart, new and expensive looking. Avoid brogues or trainers (sneakers). Real wealth whispers.
  • Don’t discuss pricing. Pricing doesn’t matter to a customer with as much to spend as you have. If the sales staff mention the price of an item, look surprised and say something like “is that all?” or “Oh, that’s reasonable. I was told they were expensive.”
  • Think posh, talk posh. Not snooty, but softly spoken and well mannered. Do not swear.
  • Dither between several models. You can’t decide. Perhaps you should get them both / all.
  • If the sales people mention availability, queues or wait time, remember these are for normal people; they do not apply to you. Simply smile, shake your head and say “I’m sure we can work something out.”
  • Try the line: “Oh, stainless steel? Don’t they have a rhodium or platinum model?” If they actually show you one you can always act surprised that you do prefer the steel.
  • You’ll be trying a watch on, so ensure that your hands are properly manicured and moisturised. The sales staff are specially trained to differentiate between the soft hands of the wealthy (who have never done a day’s hard labour in their life) and the oil encrusted fingers of a lowly mechanic.
  • Carry an expensive box of chocolates under your arm. When you try your first watch on, or if they offer you a coffee insist that they open them and share them around. Tell them they were for 'the help’ and you’ll get someone to buy some more.
  • Never leave without spending money. At least 40% the value of the watch you're hoping to buy. It doesn’t matter what on, perhaps a gift for some one. Do not spend time on the purchase, you want it to appear inconsequential. “While I’m here, could you recommend a xyz for my niece’s 16th birthday?” Buy the first thing they suggest, or the more expensive if they offer several things.
  • Time your visit. You want to dash off to something important, or expensive. An matinee performance of an opera would be perfect. Preferably you should hire a private box and invite the salesperson to join you so you can discuss delivery. Alternatively get your better half to pretend to be your PA and leave them behind in the shop to ‘work out the details’ / “pay the nice lady”.
  • If you can park where the dealer can see you, either get out of the front of a brand new (and very muddy) Range Rover, or the back of a Maybach (you’ll need someone to open the door for you.) Hire the vehicles and chauffeur if you don't have your own. If there are parking restrictions, just ignore them.
  • If you’re over 30, carry a walking cane. Get an expensive one with a gold or silver handle. Ebony is a good bet. But remember, the cane is not an aid to walking, it is for remonstating with surly plebescites and for the recreational dislodging of policeman's helmets.
  • Tell your fake PA to ensure these nice people all get a bottle of that single malt from your distillery for Christmas. Make sure you follow up on the promise.
  • If the dealer can’t make it to the Opera, offer to meet them at your holiday villa in Spain (rent one). You’ll be there for the weekend. Hey, they could stay for the week if they wanted. You have spare airline tickets. Make it clear that they can help themselves to your wine cellar and that your chef will take care of their food. You can hire a Spanish celeb chef for a couple of thousand euro a day. Make it clear that they can bring friends / family.
  • lastly remember this is about give and take. You have to give as much as you can, and take any old rubbish the dealer tries to offload on you. It’s all part of the Rolex experience and that’s why they have so many loyal customers world wide.

Mezzanine

9,149 posts

218 months

Tuesday 21st March 2023
quotequote all
biggrin

outnumbered

4,067 posts

233 months

Tuesday 21st March 2023
quotequote all
Genius.

Octoposse

Original Poster:

2,153 posts

184 months

Wednesday 5th April 2023
quotequote all
Update: got my letter today (no, not that letter).

Accepted for membership at local yacht club . . . slight butterflies before the interview (to be fair, the committee members were unexpectedly lovely) . . . but when I felt my resolve weakening I just had to repeat the ”I am not a piece of st” incantation which protects me from psychological harm twice a day when I walk past my local AD.

I think I’ll wear my orange Citizen diver on the water, and save the racy teal number for the bar?

gregs656

10,818 posts

180 months

Wednesday 5th April 2023
quotequote all
Octoposse said:
Update: got my letter today (no, not that letter).

Accepted for membership at local yacht club . . . slight butterflies before the interview (to be fair, the committee members were unexpectedly lovely) . . . but when I felt my resolve weakening I just had to repeat the ”I am not a piece of st” incantation which protects me from psychological harm twice a day when I walk past my local AD.

I think I’ll wear my orange Citizen diver on the water, and save the racy teal number for the bar?
Excellent hehe

Deep

2,064 posts

242 months

Wednesday 5th April 2023
quotequote all
BrokenSkunk said:
Octoposse said:
My local Rolex AD has transformed my life for the better.
...
You're not approaching the transaction with sufficient gravitas. It's really not difficult to obtain a Rollinginitex. I posted some guidance on another forum a few short weeks ago, and since I'm lazy, here's a cut and paste job.

The dark recesses of the interweb said:
It's all about give and take. The AD needs to know that you're a serious customer with cash to splash and are worth talking to. Sales folk call this qualifying their customers, look it up. It's annoying as a customer to be 'qualified' in this manner, but hey, you either play their game, or buy something else.





Sooo, you want to create the impression of being a wealthy customer. You need to establish a relationship with the dealer and you want them to remember you in a positive manner.



  • It doesn't matter how you dress, but your shoes must be smart, new and expensive looking. Avoid brogues or trainers (sneakers). Real wealth whispers.
  • Don’t discuss pricing. Pricing doesn’t matter to a customer with as much to spend as you have. If the sales staff mention the price of an item, look surprised and say something like “is that all?” or “Oh, that’s reasonable. I was told they were expensive.”
  • Think posh, talk posh. Not snooty, but softly spoken and well mannered. Do not swear.
  • Dither between several models. You can’t decide. Perhaps you should get them both / all.
  • If the sales people mention availability, queues or wait time, remember these are for normal people; they do not apply to you. Simply smile, shake your head and say “I’m sure we can work something out.”
  • Try the line: “Oh, stainless steel? Don’t they have a rhodium or platinum model?” If they actually show you one you can always act surprised that you do prefer the steel.
  • You’ll be trying a watch on, so ensure that your hands are properly manicured and moisturised. The sales staff are specially trained to differentiate between the soft hands of the wealthy (who have never done a day’s hard labour in their life) and the oil encrusted fingers of a lowly mechanic.
  • Carry an expensive box of chocolates under your arm. When you try your first watch on, or if they offer you a coffee insist that they open them and share them around. Tell them they were for 'the help’ and you’ll get someone to buy some more.
  • Never leave without spending money. At least 40% the value of the watch you're hoping to buy. It doesn’t matter what on, perhaps a gift for some one. Do not spend time on the purchase, you want it to appear inconsequential. “While I’m here, could you recommend a xyz for my niece’s 16th birthday?” Buy the first thing they suggest, or the more expensive if they offer several things.
  • Time your visit. You want to dash off to something important, or expensive. An matinee performance of an opera would be perfect. Preferably you should hire a private box and invite the salesperson to join you so you can discuss delivery. Alternatively get your better half to pretend to be your PA and leave them behind in the shop to ‘work out the details’ / “pay the nice lady”.
  • If you can park where the dealer can see you, either get out of the front of a brand new (and very muddy) Range Rover, or the back of a Maybach (you’ll need someone to open the door for you.) Hire the vehicles and chauffeur if you don't have your own. If there are parking restrictions, just ignore them.
  • If you’re over 30, carry a walking cane. Get an expensive one with a gold or silver handle. Ebony is a good bet. But remember, the cane is not an aid to walking, it is for remonstating with surly plebescites and for the recreational dislodging of policeman's helmets.
  • Tell your fake PA to ensure these nice people all get a bottle of that single malt from your distillery for Christmas. Make sure you follow up on the promise.
  • If the dealer can’t make it to the Opera, offer to meet them at your holiday villa in Spain (rent one). You’ll be there for the weekend. Hey, they could stay for the week if they wanted. You have spare airline tickets. Make it clear that they can help themselves to your wine cellar and that your chef will take care of their food. You can hire a Spanish celeb chef for a couple of thousand euro a day. Make it clear that they can bring friends / family.
  • lastly remember this is about give and take. You have to give as much as you can, and take any old rubbish the dealer tries to offload on you. It’s all part of the Rolex experience and that’s why they have so many loyal customers world wide.
Ok, that is genius. Post of the year so far for me beer

GilletteFan

672 posts

30 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Oz83 said:
Lol thanks for that :-)

I’ve been reflecting on Rolex ownership lately and I’ve come to realise it (yes just the one ‘piece’ in my collection) makes me feel like a bellend every time I wear it in public, and when someone notices it, I just want the Earth to open up and swallow me in an instant.

I feel like a fool for buying it. Trouble is, I’ll either get robbed trying to sell it privately or have my pants pulled down by some watch dealer. I’m kind of stuck with it really. Maybe they will become less ttty in a few years time.
Excellent post. I like your honesty. I too know the feelings you described very well. I'm fortunate to have given up on luxury watches after the Apple Watch become mainstream in my industry. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing one after that. And from what I can see in the market over the last few years, I'm really glad I'm out.

What I think is really priceless are all the pre-owned sellers flogging watches that have mechanical issues and frankenparts. The new owners will be surprised by how much a Rolex costs to service. Or... maybe not, since they didn't own one more than a decade ago.



wisbech

2,939 posts

120 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Octoposse said:
Update: got my letter today (no, not that letter).

Accepted for membership at local yacht club . . . slight butterflies before the interview (to be fair, the committee members were unexpectedly lovely) . . . but when I felt my resolve weakening I just had to repeat the ”I am not a piece of st” incantation which protects me from psychological harm twice a day when I walk past my local AD.

I think I’ll wear my orange Citizen diver on the water, and save the racy teal number for the bar?
Well done! Remember, they are nerds like you, that have a shared hobby about sailing. (sailing is very nerdy...) They are very happy to have more nerds join the club. Same way that every time I am in a strange town I seek out the local board gaming club.



bad company

18,484 posts

265 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
I bought my gold day/date in Harrods about 20 years ago. I negotiated a discount though obviously I was dealing with a store within a store. How times have changed.

LaterLosers

952 posts

72 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
GilletteFan said:
Excellent post. I like your honesty. I too know the feelings you described very well. I'm fortunate to have given up on luxury watches after the Apple Watch become mainstream in my industry. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing one after that. And from what I can see in the market over the last few years, I'm really glad I'm out.

What I think is really priceless are all the pre-owned sellers flogging watches that have mechanical issues and frankenparts. The new owners will be surprised by how much a Rolex costs to service. Or... maybe not, since they didn't own one more than a decade ago.
It’s the best time to sell up. Wear it for 5-10years and then flog it to some chump dealer to deal with the gaining minute hand. Why bother with a service.

Super Sonic

4,518 posts

53 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
The power of advertising. A quick search shows:
In 2013 Rolex spent $192m on the European golf tour.
In 2014 they spent $56m on US tennis.
That's nearly $1/4t! On two annual events.
Add on the other tennis and golf events they sponsor round the world, plus f1, and multiply by the years they've spent it, They spend a lot on advertising.

GilletteFan

672 posts

30 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Super Sonic said:
The power of advertising. A quick search shows:
In 2013 Rolex spent $192m on the European golf tour.
In 2014 they spent $56m on US tennis.
That's nearly $1/4t! On two annual events.
Add on the other tennis and golf events they sponsor round the world, plus f1, and multiply by the years they've spent it, They spend a lot on advertising.
Now imagine how much of the slush fund the Hans Foundation has built has been burned on their online business. The number of shills and sponsored content posts on social media must really be costing them.

Edited by GilletteFan on Thursday 6th April 07:15

Soleith

457 posts

88 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
It is a shame that this is the way some people are treated when wanting to buy a RRP Rolex. Unfortunately it's not simply about Rolex but lots of things these days. Similar experience for me at Maranello's in Egham when I tried to deal with them, awful customer service, never returned calls etc. Went to HR Owen and never looked back, completely different experience. Mrs has had similar experiences with Land Rover and also House of Fraser!

I have had similar experiences with Rolex AD's but thankfully shopped around for an AD I could get on with who wasn't an arse and have been with them since. Waiting lists are a thing but in general most watches I've gotten through them (3 steel sports Rolexes in the last 5 years without buying any non-desirable items, collecting 4th today!) have arrived within 6 - 12 months of requesting.

It's unfortunate that it's the way the world is and it's been a bit of a pain at times to see watches I'm after appearing on the grey market while I wait patiently but I do think things are calming down thankfully as the speculators discover that their market is collapsing and stop buying stuff. The amount of product which is visible (albeit exhibition only) has increased a lot in the last 6 months and it's only a matter of time IMO before availability becomes better and you'll be able to walk into a shop and get something you're after.

My advice, try a few different AD's and find one that's not a snotty st who thinks their job makes them special.

Octoposse

Original Poster:

2,153 posts

184 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Soleith said:
My advice, try a few different AD's and find one that's not a snotty st who thinks their job makes them special.
Thanks - that’s my plan. Unfortunately my next nearest AD is 25 miles away, and (like mine) has some very affluent areas in the hinterland!

(One of my - numerous - gripes about my local AD was the pantomime of checking I was local to them, when I now realise that they had absolutely no intention from the moment I walked in of selling me a watch).

I’m in London in May for a two week course - supposedly very intensive, but I assume there will be breaks sufficient to make it to an AD or two and start over . .

Soleith

457 posts

88 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
In general I think it's less about the affluence of the area and more about the attitude of the salesperson. I'm based in the City of London and happy to take you along to introduce you to Watches of Switzerland Broadgate if you want which is where I get my stuff. I'd probably suggest not going to the west end ADs as they're full of mega rich foreign visitors.

FYI, in general if/when you get offered a watch and you decide to take it, you usually have to collect in person within 7 days so would just make sure you can get to London relatively easily if you decide to go that route.

Octoposse

Original Poster:

2,153 posts

184 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
wisbech said:
Octoposse said:
Update: got my letter today (no, not that letter).

Accepted for membership at local yacht club . . . slight butterflies before the interview (to be fair, the committee members were unexpectedly lovely) . . . but when I felt my resolve weakening I just had to repeat the ”I am not a piece of st” incantation which protects me from psychological harm twice a day when I walk past my local AD.

I think I’ll wear my orange Citizen diver on the water, and save the racy teal number for the bar?
Well done! Remember, they are nerds like you, that have a shared hobby about sailing. (sailing is very nerdy...) They are very happy to have more nerds join the club. Same way that every time I am in a strange town I seek out the local board gaming club.
Membership’s really for my son - he’s 13, very big and athletic, and really enjoys sailing courses most school holidays (we don’t have a boat, but happy to get one when we know what to get!).

I have a range of powerboat / safety boat / VHF radio qualifications, so can make myself useful in other ways. Lovely bar and restaurant overlooking the harbour - I’m a bit socially anxious (and, yes, nerdy, just not in very boaty ways!) but I’m sure I’ll find people to talk to (not about watches though!).

Deep

2,064 posts

242 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Soleith said:
In general I think it's less about the affluence of the area and more about the attitude of the salesperson. I'm based in the City of London and happy to take you along to introduce you to Watches of Switzerland Broadgate if you want which is where I get my stuff. I'd probably suggest not going to the west end ADs as they're full of mega rich foreign visitors.

FYI, in general if/when you get offered a watch and you decide to take it, you usually have to collect in person within 7 days so would just make sure you can get to London relatively easily if you decide to go that route.
Broadgate WOS is a nice one, bar upstairs is a nice touch.
Haven't bought from there myself but went with a friend to collect his watch.

Super Sonic

4,518 posts

53 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
GilletteFan said:
Super Sonic said:
The power of advertising. A quick search shows:
In 2013 Rolex spent $192m on the European golf tour.
In 2014 they spent $56m on US tennis.
That's nearly $1/4t! On two annual events.
Add on the other tennis and golf events they sponsor round the world, plus f1, and multiply by the years they've spent it, They spend a lot on advertising.
Now imagine how much of the slush fund the Hans Foundation has built has been burned on their online business. The number of shills and sponsored content posts on social media must really be costing them.

Edited by GilletteFan on Thursday 6th April 07:15
Never heard of them, so did a quick search, don't see any relevance. Maybe you should start a new friend