99% of all Omega watches you can buy immediately without waiting. Each brand has a few models that are produced in small quantities and are highly sought after. These are of course reserved for top customers who already bought several models of the brand and are a fan of the brand. I think that's absolutely okay too. After all, loyal customers should also be rewarded. The difference between Omega and Rolex, however, is that at Rolex 99% of the watch models are only available with a waiting list and at Omega, as I said, 99% of all watches can be bought immediately without waiting.
@@youtubeuser8436 but all I want from Omega is the snoopy, everything else is either too thick or too monochromatic. So do I have to buy loads of Omega's I dont want to be able to get the watch I do want?
@@youtubeuser8436 i think in current market that is no longer true for Rolex. And the real difference is, that the demand for Rolex is/was much higher so the ADs came up with methods to handle/exploit that. Omega would do exactly the Same if They were in that Situation.
thought the same thing, had the seaweed when I really wanted the sub. just bothered me looking at it when I wore it. sold it and bought the sub grey market. Love wearing and looking at the Sub and thankful I made the switch.
Rolex makes great watches, with classic designs, but there are plenty of other great watches you don’t need to play games to acquire. Also, in my opinion, a lot of these alternatives have much more reasonable pricing (reasonable being subjective here, as I could just buy an F91 W for like $20). Unless you’re dead set on a particular model, or you’re in a position to easily buy one and the cost is not prohibitive, I just don’t see the point anymore.
i've been on the wait list at our local Rolex AD since august for a no date sub 124060. they asked me what my timeline was and i stated it will be a milestone gift for reaching my 50th birthday in feb 2025. they said it wont be a problem, just come in time to time and let them know you still want it.
My Explorer 1 Waitlist spot just celebrated it's first birthday. A couple days after I got a Casio Royale and I love it so much that I (finally) question wanting to spend 7k on a Rolex 😅
Rolex makes a million watches a year and ONLY sells to Authorized Dealers. There are two thousand ADs in the world. That means each AD gets around 500 pieces (maybe more or less depending on how large they are), and they sell have around 13 different models. They SHOULD get around 40 of each model a year, but not all models receive the same production. Their most manufactured ones are the OP, Submariner, and Datejust. They probably get around 50 of these a year. Go to your AD and politely show them these numbers. If they still aren't going to offer you a Submariner or OP and start making BS excuses, drop a bad review and take your business elsewhere. The numbers don't lie, and Rolex doesn't hide it. Take the matter into YOUR hands.
Great advice, Bruce. Not that there won’t be plenty of commenters below who will never hear what you’re saying. Btw, the pics of the Polar Exp2 towards the end were FIRE!!
Hey Bruce, it was nice to meet you at the recent HSU Market! Curious to know if you think it would be unfavorably viewed by your AD if you met someone at the store to buy a pre-owned Rolex?
@@WatchUnwind thanks. I guess the demand in Anchorage might not be as high as other places, which would make you lucky! :) or I’m wrong and you got lucky. But certain cities probably have thousands of people expressing interest for the same model at a single AD and Anchorage probably isn’t one of thos places. Good for you and congrats!
@@Bisley1 still empty when you walk in and I tried hard to make friends with the ADs but it’s probably hundreds instead of thousands reaching out just based on the population
I just got put on the list at my local AD today. They have 30 people ahead of me on the list, I don't know if every person is going for the same Sub as me but they said it could take a year or 2.
the fact that this video has to be made is sad. No one should have to play a game to willingly part with their money. Brands should be grateful that someone is buying product same goes for ADs.
This "waitlist" stuff is a huge turn off for me. The customer should be happy if he is allowed to buy an overpriced Rolex for his hard earned money? WTF? Plenty of alternatives out there.
@@johnhernandez4734 Recently my AD asked me if I want to subscribe to the list but I turned that "offer" down because Rolex simply doesn't excite me that much. But obviously there are people out there who brag about being on the list.
I'm still waiting for a black 36mm OP. It's been 3 years already LOL is that normal? I stopped by the AD multiple times and they just keep saying that the market very hot right now and that every Rolex is hard to get at the moment.
Definitely not! You should be able to get an OP with this size and dial color under a six month wait at most ADs. If you still haven't gotten it after three years, your AD won't sell this watch to you ever.
They simply don't want to sell it to you. They don't think you're the potential customer that will come back and give them a recurring business. No such thing as 3 year wait list.
The ideas of establishing a purchase history with the AD and not buying what you don’t want are kind of at odds with each other. Like I know *exactly* the watch I want right now. I have no idea if they’ll even get one. But I know that I don’t want any other ones. And if I have to kick out $100k or something in other purchases to even have a chance of getting it, I’ll explore other options. Like you should be able to order a watch, put a deposit on it, and then just wait it out. If it gets discontinued, you get your deposit back. But this whole idea of buddying up to your AD to get a shot at a watch they may never even get or getting in some sort of queue of their own standards to get just doesn’t sit well with me.
I think I messed up. My AD got me Rootie and Explorer39 b4 discontinued. Since I'd been there wearing an SD43 I got somewhere else I'm not feeling the love. Maybe I'm just over thinking....
How about if the AD straight up tells you that you can't go on the waitlist? Except for precious metal women's models. Welcome to Palladio Jewellers official AD in Vancouver BC.
PLayed the game, bought a piece for my wife to get a Sub, And you know what Rolex and the ADs started this shit. So, I bought another from a different AD and another AD and ya one more. 2 DJ and 2 Subs. Sold em' all made some money and paid for the bracelet. . Bruce quit kissin' ass. Oh ya Omega boutique, AT and Railamster for my son. Yup got the call, first the 60th Bond and oh ya, the Snoopy. FO Rolex ,nice watches but not that nice,
All you guys are dreaming if you think what he's saying in this video will make the AD experience any better. What he's saying doesn't mean sh*t cause you're still not going to get any highly sought after pieces in 2024 or even 2025.
What I find ridiculous is that I already got a Rolex, I am not arrogant and really some watch nerd but still these mfuckers take almost a year to sell me a DJ fluted with white roman numeral dial. I don’t even believe this model is that sought after. Just so damn annoying.
It’s a clown world we live in when you have to play these games to get a watch 😂 Great video Bruce but nah, I’d rather buy from the great market and not jump through all these hoops. Is it just me or shouldn’t this be the other way around? Sellers jumping through hoops to get the customer. I get it, Rolex is popular, wait lists are looooooong. But I got my GMT Master 2 on the day I wanted it without kissing anyone’s a**. Being polite and respectful is one thing, but this is taking it too far… 🤷♂️
Go buy Vacheron, great boutique experience, no bullshit game. They will get you whatever watch you want. I got my Overseas green and couldn't be happier.
I thought I was building a relationship by paying full price at my (then) local AD. I moved away soon after and am starting new with another AD. I'll just save $$$$ by buying from one of the major ebay sellers like Watch Maxx.
Its sad the naivety of some people saying "go buy Omega" - yes please go ask for a blue snoopy speedmaster and tell me how it went. Omega does the same as Rolex, they just only have 1-2 models that are as popular to be able to do the whole allocation model.
Patience is key people. I had a modest spend history on tudors which I bought because I loved them. Never thought about rolex, but then one day asked for a Daytona. 18m later when the new models came out (1265xx) I went in to ask when they might get some exhibitions pieces and a sales Assistant I didnt really like said curtly '6 months, but you'll be waiting years to get one mate'. I was so disheartened, I though about selling a number of my watches and either getting a bit of capital out of the hobby or consolidating into a solid gold piece. Just as I was about to pull the trigger 2 months later on a white gold racing dial daytona, I got a call... 'come collect your Daytona Sir...' 😂
No, it's really not. It's not a simple formula of "be patient". It needs to be a multi-faceted approach that depends on many variables. For example, if you live in a major city like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, etc., and all you want is a SS sports model like a GMT, Submariner, Explorer, Sky Dweller, etc. but don't have a purchase history and don't want to buy a bunch of crap first from the AD you don't want, then forget it. You're never getting that GMT or Submariner. Maybe if you're in a tiny rural town, then sure, maybe it could happen. In the scenario where you live in a major or semi major city and want a popular SS sports Rolex model (which is the majority of people), your best bet is to just go gray. This will ultimately save you money in the long run (even though you're paying a premium now) by not buying a bunch of stuff you didn't want in the first place and then selling it at terrible losses. Now if you simply want a run of the mill datejust , maybe a black dial OP, a Deepsea/Sea Dweller, black dial OP, or are open to two tone or precious metal models, then it's worth playing the kiss ass game by "being nice and just being yourself" with your sales rep and they may go to bat for you when their manager allocates them their watches to sell to their clients. They may just think of you. However, if you're like most people and want a stainless steel sub, GMT, Explorer 1/2, Skydweller, colored dial OP, Titanium Yachtmaster --- insert popular SS sports model here -- but dont have a respectable purchase history (and especially if you're in a major city), skip the bs and go gray. Life is too short to be waiting around forever for empty promises that they use to get you off their backs. Bottom Line: -If you want an easy to get OP, SD/DS, DJ, two tone/precious metal model, or Ladies model = play the kiss ass game at an AD, there's a decent chance it will pay off (YMMV if you're in a major city) -If you DO want to a purchase a bunch of watches from different brands first and don't mind waiting on that SS Sports Rolex = Definitely play the game. It's certainly in your best interest and just makes logical sense to build this purchase history. Eventually you'll get allocated your popular SS sports models (buying only 1 or 2 watches in a major city won't do much for you for a Rolex SS sports model allocation) - If you want a popular SS model and have very little to no purchase history = Move on with your life and go gray (especially applicable if you're in a major city). Or move on to a watch brand that's not corrupted by shady ADs. I love Rolex but I can't even put into words how disgusting ADs have become with allocating them which ultimately sours the experience. My recommendation if you are looking at other brands is to go to brand boutiques only. Avoid multi-brand ADs at all costs. Multi-brand ADs will continue to exploit the hyped Rolex market as long as they possibly can and will use Rolex as reward watches. It's unfortunately the truth.
@@steelsteez6118i agree. I do believe that the size of the town and the demand there plays an important role. I also believe that your odds will be better if you’re a local to the (smaller) town you’re ordering in, because they’ll favor you over an out of towner. That being said, i got my DJ 36 mint green fluted in jubilée in 3 months from an AD I hadn’t ordered at yet this summer. I also got my 36mm Explorer 1 from a different AD lasy year, though I did have a purchase history (1 rolex) there. It took a year, but she said that was a mistake (we found out by coincidence that it had never been ordered) and I should have gotten it long ago and she would make sure I’d get one from the next lot and I got it 2-3 weeks later😊 Still waiting on a Sub since the last release 2 years ago though and for a GMT. Then again, a buddy of mine got a call a month ago for a GMT BLNR he ordered 5 years ago with no history and never expected to get a call for, not a short wait, but he never inquired again or anything, just ordered it on a whim years ago.
I am planning to buy my first Rolex around 10 years from now. I am tempted to go to an authorized dealer early to get on "the list" but worried that they will call me early and then feel like I need to spend the money before I am ready. I wish this "list" business just didn't exist. It is very consumer hostile imo.
Let’s be honest, if you are worried about getting the call too early, then you can’t afford it. This is a luxury market, targeted towards clientele with money to blow. 😢😂
Just buy a mint condition used one in 10 years, there will be plenty and they'll be below retail. Or get your watch early and enjoy it because you aren't going to live forever.
Bruce, I see the other comments and I get what they are saying about how the relationship should be the other way around. I take it in a way similar to what you described. Business is business until it’s not. What I mean is that people work with people that they like in all walks of life. ADs have choices. And they make those choices based on basic human needs. Find an AD that YOU like. Make a connection. Be a watch guy. I mean show interest by dropping by now and then. Focus you purchases on things you’d buy anyway. If you make someone else successful in life that will come back to you in dividends. You give great advice for those who want to get what they want vs just complain about not getting what they want because the system isn’t the way that they want it to be. Deal with what is in front of you and success will follow. Nice job! Oh, and yes I’ve acquired all the Rolexes on my desired list using these archaic ideas! Daytonas, GMTs, OPs, Motif Datejusts, etc. Am I consider my ADs my friends.
I have been into around two dozen Rolex ADs around the world and I have been on "the list" for simple not hyped models for around 3 years and have never receved a call. Despite the fact I own over 30 watches including vintage rolex. I dont belive i will ever get the oprotunity to buy a new rolex. Seems insane to me you need to but $50k in jewelry to buy an oyster perpetual or an explorer 1.
Ask for what you want but if that's a hot model you will wait a long time at best and you may never get the call. If you can genuinely set your sights lower I'd go the Datejust/Explorer route first. The economy may yet have a much bigger impact on Rolex ADs than anyone anticipates. It wasn't unusual just five years ago to see a window full of classic models and some professional ones too, that would sell out in a day now. That could happen again.
The fact that there’s even a list tells you everything you need to know about Rolex and their AD’s business practictices. Rolex and their dealer network won’t be able to do this forever. The watch market and economy as a whole is experiencing a considerable correction, and yes that even effects Rolex. I’ve seen numerous models have price cuts online. I hope that the watch consumers remember how Rolex treated them when the brand no longer have a feeding frenzy for their watches and needs to start working for their customer’s dollars again.
@@paullowell3342 Sure, how they run their business is entirely their prerogative, but they're turning a lot of people off along the way and the market isn't going to stay hot forever. It's already started buckling and will continue to decline as the economy degrades. Whether or not their demand can sustain that pullback is yet to be seen.
There is no such thing as a waiting list. This is contrary to Rolex's product sales philosophy. In some countries, dealers briefly introduced such lists due to delivery problems but quickly abandoned them to maintain brand exclusivity. After the pandemic, Rolex shifted its focus from the American market to China. Purchasing Rolex products has become much easier in Asian countries, although the reasons for this are speculative. It is clear that capital flows have been restricted, leading to quasi-barter transactions. The co-owners also relocated the TUDORA brand to the USA, which resulted in slightly improved sales. Overall, buying a Rolex product directly from a dealer is challenging these days. There is a limit to the number of customers who can purchase selected products. I won't go into details as it may be highly biased and cast a negative light on the ROLEX brand. The only chance to get a watch is to buy the one that the seller currently has. Unfortunately, current models are known only to a select group of privileged buyers. The best course of action is to consider the seller's options. If luck is on your side, you will become the proud owner of a ROLEX watch, even if it is not exactly the model you initially dreamed of. The general rule is that you will eventually find what you want.
Simply they make a supply much smaller than the demand. Hasn't changed in last 5 years and unlikely to change in the next 5 years. Recommend saving up and buying thru the gray market. Get exactly what you want and get it now. Is really put effort into the waiting and visiting better spent on just laying out the money now? I don't think so. I am getting little or no stories of people actually buying a Rolex they want from a AD.
There are plenty of great models that are easily achievable in a few months furthermore they are just not trading that much over retail anymore some even less at the moment. Whilst Rolex is ramping up production. Eventually only very unique dials / Daytonas will be ‘hyped’
surprised Bruce didn’t mention this… If you have a wife, or girlfriend, there are ways to move up on the waitlist, I mean we need our Rollies , right bro?!
Rolex waitlist dont's... don't wait, just buy from a fair priced grey dealer or private sale and enjoy your watch today. Prices aren't a million miles from rrp right now if you look around and gonna get even cheaper over the next 6 months. Or... you can buy a load of watches you don't really want in the hopes that the AD will graciously allow you access to Rolex in 1/2 years time and even then it will only be a datejust for the first piece.
Being professional, friendly, and genuine is always best. They key to this is patience.. if you can't wait a year do you really want what you're buying anyways? It's worth the wait of a few months or a year or two in order to have the watch that I'll wear forever.
The game is real. I visited my local AD 3 times. Walked out with several things after talking what I wanted for a Rolex. Was then Offered 2 ladies Rolex OPs which of course I didn’t want but I almost felt like I had to buy those to get bumped up on the list. Looked into flipping those, couldn’t get my money back and said ok I’m just going to wait. Buying a Tudor and Breitling in the meantime and just going to wait! Rolex will eventually lose market share due to their intentional withholding of timepieces. It’s a bad business model and will catch up to them. I know they are the king but kings eventually are overthrown. There are other brands like JLC or A Lange that make beautiful accessible pieces!
Some good thoughts Bruce! I'm pretty much over Rolex at this stage. I've had much nicer experience with older Omega and IWC, G shocks and so on.. Was offered a green 36mm OP but really was not impressed, so that had to go... now getting an IWC Mark 16 instead. Just a nicer watch (for me)... And a p.s. honestly, that celebration dial is the stuff of nightmares. It is just horrible 😅
To each his own. IWC Mark 16 vs OP green to me is not even a competition, every time I hold an IWC I am baffled as to why anyone would pay so much money for these. But tastes are individual so enjoy your IWC.
@@rem9011 exactly right - it's all personal opinion. I think for £2500 (with the metal bracelet) for my IWC is justified... I wore the green op36 for a few days, and for £5100 it's just not a watch I would be happy with
@@Valera_Scotland Where on earth you found £2500 for IWC on a metal bracelet? A simple Mark XX 40mm in £5700 retail, with the entire dial being the simplest printed one imaginable.
@@rem9011 comment got deleted. I'll try again. I bought it off a friend. Normally the Mark 16 on metal bracelet would be 3k or so. You don't need to spend 5-6k on a pilot iwc
The purchase history game is not for me. I prefer going grey market and pay the premium for what I like. Just dont pay 2x. Around 1.15x is fine with me so I don't have to deal with all this BS.
I put my name down in May for an Explorer 40. Went into the AD yesterday and they said it’s still early days. They actually note down how many times you visit to just say hello and have a chat! They then said please keep on visiting now and again…what sort of game or dance is this?! 🤣
main don't for me is don't buy one, for me the brand is tainted due to the way the AD have behaved. I believe there are watches as well made from many other manufacturers.
All good advice in my experience. I have a catch-up with my AD every 3-6 months and I definitely don't pressurize her but show enthusiasm for the brand and talk watches and other non-related stuff. Be friendly, be knowledgable about the watches, don't stay too long.
Why does people call this luxury? Rolex mass produces average mid tier luxery beater fashion watches with great movements and markets them with fake history and garbage customer service. Rolex isn't the only brand. Go somewhere else and get treated like a human. Vacheron, Omega, Breitling, GS, GO, Lange, Blvgari.... Heck, even Tag and Seiko will treat you like you matter.
So to sum it up, be the most polite pompous but kisser possible so that you may be granted the pleasure of spending your hard earned money on a watch the AD has so graciously offered to you. You may even want to consider having your lips permanently attached to his buttocks. No thanks, i will stick with my Omega Seamaster that the AD was happy to sell me the first time i walked into the store. This kinda crap just makes me mad. Tirade over lol.
Rolex is overrated and outplayed. Dated designs, no innovation anymore. There are far better brands out there that wont play games with you and provide a more beautiful and better product.
That comment makes no sense. You say Rolex is Junk but you buy them at the Grey market with a big upcharge? Or are you buying Apple Watches on the Grey market?
Any time you have to 'establish a relationship' with an AD (or anyone selling you something for that matter) you are getting played.
The waitlist is definitely bs! ADs simply select who to sell to. There is only priority clientele.
The wait list is not bs. There is a secondary market of "new to you" used pieces for this reason.
Have u owned a Rolex? I own a few and u can tell u it's bs. The scarcity and grey market is made by Rolex themselves@@johnhernandez4734
Omega purchase do's and don't. Pick a watch, buy the watch, and enjoy the watch. The end.
Not with a Snoopy
@@satai321 Ed White too?
99% of all Omega watches you can buy immediately without waiting. Each brand has a few models that are produced in small quantities and are highly sought after. These are of course reserved for top customers who already bought several models of the brand and are a fan of the brand. I think that's absolutely okay too. After all, loyal customers should also be rewarded. The difference between Omega and Rolex, however, is that at Rolex 99% of the watch models are only available with a waiting list and at Omega, as I said, 99% of all watches can be bought immediately without waiting.
@@youtubeuser8436 but all I want from Omega is the snoopy, everything else is either too thick or too monochromatic. So do I have to buy loads of Omega's I dont want to be able to get the watch I do want?
@@youtubeuser8436 i think in current market that is no longer true for Rolex. And the real difference is, that the demand for Rolex is/was much higher so the ADs came up with methods to handle/exploit that. Omega would do exactly the Same if They were in that Situation.
Rolex waitlist do’s: Walk across the street to the Omega boutique and enjoy.
I came here to write this, if Rolex starts loosing market share to Omega and other non Tudor brands, watches would become available.
thought the same thing, had the seaweed when I really wanted the sub. just bothered me looking at it when I wore it. sold it and bought the sub grey market. Love wearing and looking at the Sub and thankful I made the switch.
So true! I would buy an Omega over a Rolex all day!
Rolex makes great watches, with classic designs, but there are plenty of other great watches you don’t need to play games to acquire. Also, in my opinion, a lot of these alternatives have much more reasonable pricing (reasonable being subjective here, as I could just buy an F91 W for like $20). Unless you’re dead set on a particular model, or you’re in a position to easily buy one and the cost is not prohibitive, I just don’t see the point anymore.
i've been on the wait list at our local Rolex AD since august for a no date sub 124060. they asked me what my timeline was and i stated it will be a milestone gift for reaching my 50th birthday in feb 2025. they said it wont be a problem, just come in time to time and let them know you still want it.
facts !!. I got mines in 20 days. from an AD, brand new at retail.
Do’s: Do not bother.
Don’t: Don’t care
That’s the best advise I can give about getting a Rolex.
…and buy an Omega instead. 👍
My Explorer 1 Waitlist spot just celebrated it's first birthday. A couple days after I got a Casio Royale and I love it so much that I (finally) question wanting to spend 7k on a Rolex 😅
Do: buy other watch brands
Dont: encourage the rolex ad game
Bruce, just got back my 116518 Daytona after almost five months servicing at the RSC. Soooooo happy to have it again....
That has happened to me twice now, that “my associate” left the company. It really sucks, because I had a good relationship with both
Rolex makes a million watches a year and ONLY sells to Authorized Dealers.
There are two thousand ADs in the world.
That means each AD gets around 500 pieces (maybe more or less depending on how large they are), and they sell have around 13 different models.
They SHOULD get around 40 of each model a year, but not all models receive the same production. Their most manufactured ones are the OP, Submariner, and Datejust. They probably get around 50 of these a year.
Go to your AD and politely show them these numbers. If they still aren't going to offer you a Submariner or OP and start making BS excuses, drop a bad review and take your business elsewhere. The numbers don't lie, and Rolex doesn't hide it. Take the matter into YOUR hands.
Great advice, Bruce. Not that there won’t be plenty of commenters below who will never hear what you’re saying. Btw, the pics of the Polar Exp2 towards the end were FIRE!!
Hey Bruce, it was nice to meet you at the recent HSU Market! Curious to know if you think it would be unfavorably viewed by your AD if you met someone at the store to buy a pre-owned Rolex?
Thanks for the tips. My dealer told me 3 months and now I’m on my 4th. Called once so I guess I’ll leave it alone for 2 more months.
Without a purchase history I was able to get a OP 41 green, datejust 41, and an explorer II. I was also offered the new air king but I passed on it
Where? I really think this matters. If you’re a local from a smaller town with less demand I think your chances are higher.
@@Bisley1 Ben Bridge in Anchorage Alaska
@@WatchUnwind thanks. I guess the demand in Anchorage might not be as high as other places, which would make you lucky! :) or I’m wrong and you got lucky. But certain cities probably have thousands of people expressing interest for the same model at a single AD and Anchorage probably isn’t one of thos places. Good for you and congrats!
@@Bisley1 still empty when you walk in and I tried hard to make friends with the ADs but it’s probably hundreds instead of thousands reaching out just based on the population
I just got put on the list at my local AD today. They have 30 people ahead of me on the list, I don't know if every person is going for the same Sub as me but they said it could take a year or 2.
I've always anticipated to own a ROLEX but due to my financial situation, I haven't been able to buy one for myself.
At this point just buy from secondary market. Skip the headache and don’t need to suck up to anyone for a watch
Just the video I need, thanks Bruce!
the fact that this video has to be made is sad. No one should have to play a game to willingly part with their money. Brands should be grateful that someone is buying product same goes for ADs.
This "waitlist" stuff is a huge turn off for me. The customer should be happy if he is allowed to buy an overpriced Rolex for his hard earned money? WTF? Plenty of alternatives out there.
Yes. Alternatives. Get a "new to you" used one lol stop complaining because you guys aren't on the list.
@@johnhernandez4734 Recently my AD asked me if I want to subscribe to the list but I turned that "offer" down because Rolex simply doesn't excite me that much. But obviously there are people out there who brag about being on the list.
I'm still waiting for a black 36mm OP. It's been 3 years already LOL is that normal? I stopped by the AD multiple times and they just keep saying that the market very hot right now and that every Rolex is hard to get at the moment.
Definitely not! You should be able to get an OP with this size and dial color under a six month wait at most ADs. If you still haven't gotten it after three years, your AD won't sell this watch to you ever.
They simply don't want to sell it to you. They don't think you're the potential customer that will come back and give them a recurring business. No such thing as 3 year wait list.
Made it a couple of minutes in. This is why people who know watches don't like or wear Rolex
The ideas of establishing a purchase history with the AD and not buying what you don’t want are kind of at odds with each other. Like I know *exactly* the watch I want right now. I have no idea if they’ll even get one. But I know that I don’t want any other ones. And if I have to kick out $100k or something in other purchases to even have a chance of getting it, I’ll explore other options. Like you should be able to order a watch, put a deposit on it, and then just wait it out. If it gets discontinued, you get your deposit back. But this whole idea of buddying up to your AD to get a shot at a watch they may never even get or getting in some sort of queue of their own standards to get just doesn’t sit well with me.
I think I messed up. My AD got me Rootie and Explorer39 b4 discontinued. Since I'd been there wearing an SD43 I got somewhere else I'm not feeling the love. Maybe I'm just over thinking....
How about if the AD straight up tells you that you can't go on the waitlist? Except for precious metal women's models. Welcome to Palladio Jewellers official AD in Vancouver BC.
Good advice - just be patient. Many thanks - Greetings from Germany
PLayed the game, bought a piece for my wife to get a Sub, And you know what Rolex and the ADs started this shit. So, I bought another from a different AD and another AD and ya one more. 2 DJ and 2 Subs. Sold em' all made some money and paid for the bracelet. . Bruce quit kissin' ass.
Oh ya Omega boutique, AT and Railamster for my son. Yup got the call, first the 60th Bond and oh ya, the Snoopy. FO Rolex ,nice watches but not that nice,
Rolex should put the yellow dial from the OP on the Sub with the green bezel...
No day/date windows :(
All you guys are dreaming if you think what he's saying in this video will make the AD experience any better. What he's saying doesn't mean sh*t cause you're still not going to get any highly sought after pieces in 2024 or even 2025.
What I find ridiculous is that I already got a Rolex, I am not arrogant and really some watch nerd but still these mfuckers take almost a year to sell me a DJ fluted with white roman numeral dial. I don’t even believe this model is that sought after. Just so damn annoying.
It’s a clown world we live in when you have to play these games to get a watch 😂
Great video Bruce but nah, I’d rather buy from the great market and not jump through all these hoops.
Is it just me or shouldn’t this be the other way around? Sellers jumping through hoops to get the customer.
I get it, Rolex is popular, wait lists are looooooong. But I got my GMT Master 2 on the day I wanted it without kissing anyone’s a**.
Being polite and respectful is one thing, but this is taking it too far… 🤷♂️
100% true! That‘s why I buy Omega watches instead!
I stopped watching this video mid-way. This whole do's and don't and Ass kissing made me think twice if you're for real. Seriously?
Go buy Vacheron, great boutique experience, no bullshit game. They will get you whatever watch you want. I got my Overseas green and couldn't be happier.
I thought I was building a relationship by paying full price at my (then) local AD. I moved away soon after and am starting new with another AD. I'll just save $$$$ by buying from one of the major ebay sellers like Watch Maxx.
Its sad the naivety of some people saying "go buy Omega" - yes please go ask for a blue snoopy speedmaster and tell me how it went. Omega does the same as Rolex, they just only have 1-2 models that are as popular to be able to do the whole allocation model.
Patience is key people. I had a modest spend history on tudors which I bought because I loved them. Never thought about rolex, but then one day asked for a Daytona. 18m later when the new models came out (1265xx) I went in to ask when they might get some exhibitions pieces and a sales Assistant I didnt really like said curtly '6 months, but you'll be waiting years to get one mate'.
I was so disheartened, I though about selling a number of my watches and either getting a bit of capital out of the hobby or consolidating into a solid gold piece. Just as I was about to pull the trigger 2 months later on a white gold racing dial daytona, I got a call... 'come collect your Daytona Sir...' 😂
No, it's really not. It's not a simple formula of "be patient". It needs to be a multi-faceted approach that depends on many variables. For example, if you live in a major city like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, etc., and all you want is a SS sports model like a GMT, Submariner, Explorer, Sky Dweller, etc. but don't have a purchase history and don't want to buy a bunch of crap first from the AD you don't want, then forget it. You're never getting that GMT or Submariner. Maybe if you're in a tiny rural town, then sure, maybe it could happen. In the scenario where you live in a major or semi major city and want a popular SS sports Rolex model (which is the majority of people), your best bet is to just go gray. This will ultimately save you money in the long run (even though you're paying a premium now) by not buying a bunch of stuff you didn't want in the first place and then selling it at terrible losses. Now if you simply want a run of the mill datejust , maybe a black dial OP, a Deepsea/Sea Dweller, black dial OP, or are open to two tone or precious metal models, then it's worth playing the kiss ass game by "being nice and just being yourself" with your sales rep and they may go to bat for you when their manager allocates them their watches to sell to their clients. They may just think of you. However, if you're like most people and want a stainless steel sub, GMT, Explorer 1/2, Skydweller, colored dial OP, Titanium Yachtmaster --- insert popular SS sports model here -- but dont have a respectable purchase history (and especially if you're in a major city), skip the bs and go gray. Life is too short to be waiting around forever for empty promises that they use to get you off their backs. Bottom Line:
-If you want an easy to get OP, SD/DS, DJ, two tone/precious metal model, or Ladies model = play the kiss ass game at an AD, there's a decent chance it will pay off (YMMV if you're in a major city)
-If you DO want to a purchase a bunch of watches from different brands first and don't mind waiting on that SS Sports Rolex = Definitely play the game. It's certainly in your best interest and just makes logical sense to build this purchase history. Eventually you'll get allocated your popular SS sports models (buying only 1 or 2 watches in a major city won't do much for you for a Rolex SS sports model allocation)
- If you want a popular SS model and have very little to no purchase history = Move on with your life and go gray (especially applicable if you're in a major city). Or move on to a watch brand that's not corrupted by shady ADs. I love Rolex but I can't even put into words how disgusting ADs have become with allocating them which ultimately sours the experience. My recommendation if you are looking at other brands is to go to brand boutiques only. Avoid multi-brand ADs at all costs. Multi-brand ADs will continue to exploit the hyped Rolex market as long as they possibly can and will use Rolex as reward watches. It's unfortunately the truth.
@@steelsteez6118 there are different ways to be patient 😉
@@steelsteez6118i agree. I do believe that the size of the town and the demand there plays an important role. I also believe that your odds will be better if you’re a local to the (smaller) town you’re ordering in, because they’ll favor you over an out of towner.
That being said, i got my DJ 36 mint green fluted in jubilée in 3 months from an AD I hadn’t ordered at yet this summer.
I also got my 36mm Explorer 1 from a different AD lasy year, though I did have a purchase history (1 rolex) there. It took a year, but she said that was a mistake (we found out by coincidence that it had never been ordered) and I should have gotten it long ago and she would make sure I’d get one from the next lot and I got it 2-3 weeks later😊
Still waiting on a Sub since the last release 2 years ago though and for a GMT. Then again, a buddy of mine got a call a month ago for a GMT BLNR he ordered 5 years ago with no history and never expected to get a call for, not a short wait, but he never inquired again or anything, just ordered it on a whim years ago.
and then you woke up wearing a timex.
I am planning to buy my first Rolex around 10 years from now. I am tempted to go to an authorized dealer early to get on "the list" but worried that they will call me early and then feel like I need to spend the money before I am ready. I wish this "list" business just didn't exist. It is very consumer hostile imo.
Let’s be honest, if you are worried about getting the call too early, then you can’t afford it. This is a luxury market, targeted towards clientele with money to blow. 😢😂
Just buy a mint condition used one in 10 years, there will be plenty and they'll be below retail. Or get your watch early and enjoy it because you aren't going to live forever.
Bruce, I see the other comments and I get what they are saying about how the relationship should be the other way around. I take it in a way similar to what you described. Business is business until it’s not. What I mean is that people work with people that they like in all walks of life. ADs have choices. And they make those choices based on basic human needs. Find an AD that YOU like. Make a connection. Be a watch guy. I mean show interest by dropping by now and then. Focus you purchases on things you’d buy anyway. If you make someone else successful in life that will come back to you in dividends.
You give great advice for those who want to get what they want vs just complain about not getting what they want because the system isn’t the way that they want it to be. Deal with what is in front of you and success will follow. Nice job!
Oh, and yes I’ve acquired all the Rolexes on my desired list using these archaic ideas! Daytonas, GMTs, OPs, Motif Datejusts, etc. Am I consider my ADs my friends.
My impression exactly. I think it is based on a purchase history. Buy another watch from another brand and a Rolex will be offered to you.
I would say don’t support that bs game! Buy only what you realy want!
I have been into around two dozen Rolex ADs around the world and I have been on "the list" for simple not hyped models for around 3 years and have never receved a call. Despite the fact I own over 30 watches including vintage rolex. I dont belive i will ever get the oprotunity to buy a new rolex. Seems insane to me you need to but $50k in jewelry to buy an oyster perpetual or an explorer 1.
Begging someone to give them 20 grand 😂😂😂😂
Ask for what you want but if that's a hot model you will wait a long time at best and you may never get the call. If you can genuinely set your sights lower I'd go the Datejust/Explorer route first. The economy may yet have a much bigger impact on Rolex ADs than anyone anticipates. It wasn't unusual just five years ago to see a window full of classic models and some professional ones too, that would sell out in a day now. That could happen again.
The fact that there’s even a list tells you everything you need to know about Rolex and their AD’s business practictices.
Rolex and their dealer network won’t be able to do this forever. The watch market and economy as a whole is experiencing a considerable correction, and yes that even effects Rolex. I’ve seen numerous models have price cuts online. I hope that the watch consumers remember how Rolex treated them when the brand no longer have a feeding frenzy for their watches and needs to start working for their customer’s dollars again.
You don’t get it. They only make a million watches a year, everyone wants one. They can do as they please.
@@paullowell3342 Sure, how they run their business is entirely their prerogative, but they're turning a lot of people off along the way and the market isn't going to stay hot forever. It's already started buckling and will continue to decline as the economy degrades. Whether or not their demand can sustain that pullback is yet to be seen.
Please dont do anything said im this video. F the AD's
Agreed. Screw em making you jump through hoops to give them your money.
This video is hilarious. Don't kiss someone's a** to earn the privilege of spending your hard earned money. Just take your money somewhere else...
Or just buy a different brand and enjoy!
There is no such thing as a waiting list. This is contrary to Rolex's product sales philosophy. In some countries, dealers briefly introduced such lists due to delivery problems but quickly abandoned them to maintain brand exclusivity. After the pandemic, Rolex shifted its focus from the American market to China. Purchasing Rolex products has become much easier in Asian countries, although the reasons for this are speculative. It is clear that capital flows have been restricted, leading to quasi-barter transactions. The co-owners also relocated the TUDORA brand to the USA, which resulted in slightly improved sales.
Overall, buying a Rolex product directly from a dealer is challenging these days. There is a limit to the number of customers who can purchase selected products. I won't go into details as it may be highly biased and cast a negative light on the ROLEX brand. The only chance to get a watch is to buy the one that the seller currently has. Unfortunately, current models are known only to a select group of privileged buyers. The best course of action is to consider the seller's options. If luck is on your side, you will become the proud owner of a ROLEX watch, even if it is not exactly the model you initially dreamed of. The general rule is that you will eventually find what you want.
I am not going to play games to buy a Rolex or a Birkin bag. i can live with the clock on my mobile phone which I have to carry anyway.
Simply they make a supply much smaller than the demand. Hasn't changed in last 5 years and unlikely to change in the next 5 years. Recommend saving up and buying thru the gray market. Get exactly what you want and get it now. Is really put effort into the waiting and visiting better spent on just laying out the money now? I don't think so. I am getting little or no stories of people actually buying a Rolex they want from a AD.
There are plenty of great models that are easily achievable in a few months furthermore they are just not trading that much over retail anymore some even less at the moment. Whilst Rolex is ramping up production. Eventually only very unique dials / Daytonas will be ‘hyped’
surprised Bruce didn’t mention this… If you have a wife, or girlfriend, there are ways to move up on the waitlist, I mean we need our Rollies , right bro?!
Offer your girlfriend or wife to the AD ?
Do Rolex ADs require human sacrifices now? 😭
All of this is completely insane.
Rolex waitlist dont's... don't wait, just buy from a fair priced grey dealer or private sale and enjoy your watch today. Prices aren't a million miles from rrp right now if you look around and gonna get even cheaper over the next 6 months. Or... you can buy a load of watches you don't really want in the hopes that the AD will graciously allow you access to Rolex in 1/2 years time and even then it will only be a datejust for the first piece.
LOL, I just bought a Datejust. I could buy whatever. But I like them. It's low key, does what I need it to do.
Being professional, friendly, and genuine is always best. They key to this is patience.. if you can't wait a year do you really want what you're buying anyways? It's worth the wait of a few months or a year or two in order to have the watch that I'll wear forever.
You’re right. Carry yourself with dignity.
a year for a sub, gmt, Ti yachtmaster? 😂 sure bud. Try more like 3-4 years. If that.
Spot on!
Rolex AD thinks their customer owes them money. Consider other brands beside Rolex. There are just as good
The game is real. I visited my local
AD 3 times. Walked out with several things after talking what I wanted for a Rolex. Was then Offered 2 ladies Rolex OPs which of course I didn’t want but I almost felt like I had to buy those to get bumped up on the list.
Looked into flipping those, couldn’t get my money back and said ok I’m just going to wait.
Buying a Tudor and Breitling in the meantime and just going to wait!
Rolex will eventually lose market share due to their intentional withholding of timepieces. It’s a bad business model and will catch up to them. I know they are the king but kings eventually are overthrown.
There are other brands like JLC or A Lange that make beautiful accessible pieces!
….and of course Omega! ❤
@@youtubeuser8436 yes of course I have a speedmaster!
Some good thoughts Bruce! I'm pretty much over Rolex at this stage. I've had much nicer experience with older Omega and IWC, G shocks and so on..
Was offered a green 36mm OP but really was not impressed, so that had to go... now getting an IWC Mark 16 instead. Just a nicer watch (for me)...
And a p.s. honestly, that celebration dial is the stuff of nightmares. It is just horrible 😅
To each his own. IWC Mark 16 vs OP green to me is not even a competition, every time I hold an IWC I am baffled as to why anyone would pay so much money for these. But tastes are individual so enjoy your IWC.
@@rem9011 exactly right - it's all personal opinion. I think for £2500 (with the metal bracelet) for my IWC is justified... I wore the green op36 for a few days, and for £5100 it's just not a watch I would be happy with
@@Valera_Scotland Where on earth you found £2500 for IWC on a metal bracelet? A simple Mark XX 40mm in £5700 retail, with the entire dial being the simplest printed one imaginable.
@@rem9011 comment got deleted. I'll try again. I bought it off a friend. Normally the Mark 16 on metal bracelet would be 3k or so. You don't need to spend 5-6k on a pilot iwc
Good tips!👍🏽
The purchase history game is not for me. I prefer going grey market and pay the premium for what I like. Just dont pay 2x. Around 1.15x is fine with me so I don't have to deal with all this BS.
I put my name down in May for an Explorer 40. Went into the AD yesterday and they said it’s still early days. They actually note down how many times you visit to just say hello and have a chat! They then said please keep on visiting now and again…what sort of game or dance is this?! 🤣
main don't for me is don't buy one, for me the brand is tainted due to the way the AD have behaved. I believe there are watches as well made from many other manufacturers.
Be Polite, genuine, patient = butt kissing, unfortunately
All good advice in my experience. I have a catch-up with my AD every 3-6 months and I definitely don't pressurize her but show enthusiasm for the brand and talk watches and other non-related stuff. Be friendly, be knowledgable about the watches, don't stay too long.
Rolex should be blacklisting flippers 😂
I'd rather just buy where my money is kindly accepted than play these pathetic ego games.
Why does people call this luxury? Rolex mass produces average mid tier luxery beater fashion watches with great movements and markets them with fake history and garbage customer service. Rolex isn't the only brand. Go somewhere else and get treated like a human. Vacheron, Omega, Breitling, GS, GO, Lange, Blvgari.... Heck, even Tag and Seiko will treat you like you matter.
I’m past caring about Rolex.
I totally agree 👍😊 So i got also some nice watches on that kind of way.
CLOWN
Waitlist Do's and Dont's
Man that gold day date is gorgeous in the sunlight 🏆😎
So to sum it up, be the most polite pompous but kisser possible so that you may be granted the pleasure of spending your hard earned money on a watch the AD has so graciously offered to you. You may even want to consider having your lips permanently attached to his buttocks. No thanks, i will stick with my Omega Seamaster that the AD was happy to sell me the first time i walked into the store. This kinda crap just makes me mad. Tirade over lol.
Sorry…yes I want a Rolex…but no, I will not play this BS game.
Rolex is overrated and outplayed. Dated designs, no innovation anymore. There are far better brands out there that wont play games with you and provide a more beautiful and better product.
Heck Rolex. Omega is better anyway.
All these BS games just to get a watch that functions less than an Apple Watch. I’ll just go grey instead of buying junk
That comment makes no sense. You say Rolex is Junk but you buy them at the Grey market with a big upcharge? Or are you buying Apple Watches on the Grey market?