The AD’s have had their day. Had my name down for a JC deep sea for ages. Bought a fully stickered beauty online for under list… it’s a buyers market now. Forget the AD’s and their silly waiting game.
@@paulhammal7231lol yes. I have one. It’s my favourite Rolex! I got mine 4 years ago. It’s a beautiful piece. Good luck in finding one. If you have your name down for it and your AD is half decent and you have some purchasing history you should be able to get one.i know they are in demand like most Rolex but its not a Daytona, sub, or gmt 2.
@@s.christian7049 collecting watches auction site. A lot of JC come through. If you’re patient you can bag a real beauty in unworn condition. Good luck 🤞
A consumer doesn’t miss out on making a purchase, a retailer misses out on making a sale. I’ve owned a Rolex for 20+ years, but have really gone off the brand now.
ya i could not agree with you more. I have a few pieces but this air of superiority rather than accomplishment has soured me. I don't care if they have a full store or not, these guys supported the flippers and took kickbacks. A Rolex does not make anyone special, accomplishment does. I'm sure this is why Rolex is taking more control of the ADs now as their message of marking achievement has gone right out of the window.
Same here, I find AD's for Rolex too arrogant. The two Rolexes I have were both walk in buys from AD's some time ago now. I refuse to play the game now.
This is called "negative marketing" and the reaction of the guy walking past with his wife telling him not to bother proves the point. The dealers are set up to sell not to say "no" or put you on a list. The past few years may come back to haunt Rolex.
Who’s to say the “man and wife” story isn’t made up? Point of the story being the man was wrong to not enter the store on that particular day, which really could be any given day. Any store owner wants potential customers to come inside. Whole video is a big giant advert for that airport store, and the “man and wife” story suits perfectly.
Bought my Speedmaster in T5 with 20% off back in 2019. Didn’t have to build up a relationship, buy loads of watches I don’t want to get one or have to kiss the dealers backside. I just walked into the store and bought it. It’s amusing to see how many hoops some people go through for a badge. There’s better watches than a Rolex to be had without having to pander to a dealer.
People are funny, since the more you screw them about, the more they bow and scrape. Personally, I am the diametrically opposed opposite. We are clearly in the minority my friend.
Same with me when I bought my first Rolex at Selfridge’s watch room in December 1995. I had no AD relationship, no kissing of back sides, none of that nonsense. I just walked in and found a watch I liked, I gave them my credit card, and bought it. I still own that watch 30 years down the road. Money is just as happy sitting in a bank account then going for a Rolex, and can be used for nice other things like a Speedmaster, travel, cars, and investments of other forms. So it’s definitely not the end of the world. But what is for certain is the Rolex brand is not doing itself any favors by having a generally snooty atmosphere in their shops. But that was not the case this time.
Not buying it. Used to be a big Rolex fan, but all this hype has me completely disgusted. I’ve turned to Omega who makes great watches you can actually buy.
"Persistance is the key word" The hype is over and everything is pointing to that. Off market prices are down 40% (see yesterday's video from "Producer Michael") Give it a few more months and then off market is on the retail level and then there will be no waiting lists anymore. Remember, Rolex produces over 1 million watches per year with 1800 AD's worldwide. That would mean that each AD has over 550 people on a waiting list. And that's not true, it's purely creating demand by creating scaresity. And once that's over prices will drop
I've been on the T5 "list" since August 23 for a Sub and at T2 for an Explorer 2 since September 23. Unsurprisingly, no call yet but I have bought a SMP 300 Green and Blackbay 54 since then from their T3 store to help the itch... 😀
So no changes then LOL. I had a good run a few years back. I love collecting them. I have 13 Rolex 6 AP and 1 Cartier. This particular AD is in the central midlands UK. I think I got everyone of my requests including a Daytona black dial, a GMT Master 2 Pepsi but that is on a jubilee bracelet… a couple of datejust 41s one being the Wimbledon and the other is a top of the line datejust models with mother of pearl bracelet and diamond digits, a also got a ss yachmaster 2 and a sky dweller on a bimetallic bracelet… not so keen about his one though. The Rolex I love the most and that I own so it happens is the Deer Sea James Cameron. That is my favorite Rolex watch of all time. It just has so much understated presence it’s completely stunning. I also like the titanium deep sea. I would take that in a heartbeat. Never will I be able to get that.😌
Wow, you have a fabulous collection and it would mirror my full set Rolex desire as well actually. Even the James Cameron Deep Sea .. when I look at the Deep Sea it’s quite a thick watch and that’s why it’s lower on my list. I’m just thinking that it’s quite a big huge chunk of metal to have floating around the wrist. Does the thickness of the watch and its heft distract in any way from your daily wear experience? I’m just curious your thoughts on this.
@@WatchFanHenry Hi there. No, i dont feel it at all but i can see why others might say this. I can imagine if you are used to wearing something’s bit more sophisticated like a Patek, for example, and then put this on then I can see these people not really appreciating the Deep Sea. For me the attraction is its size, look and the engineering that lies beneath its case. In fact its not just inside the case, its the case itself, the valve and also the bracelet. I love utility watches. I think thats why I tend to gravitate towards Rolex and AP. It’s the sturdiness and design and for the most part the understated nature of them. I did try a few Pateks on and if I’m honest was not impressed personally. The watches I did try were quite flimsy and fragile and too thin. In fact sometimes I couldn’t feel I was wearing a watch…. I obviously would like a nautilius or aquanaut. After I found out the watches I would have had to purchase in order to be put on a wish list was too much for me. Essentially I would have had to purchase two or three Pateks to even be considered to be put on the nautilus and aquanaut wish list which may or may never be successful… I think I am two old in the tooth for this. Also I know Rolex play games but not like this. I think I will stick to what I love and that’s utiliyt watches with a sprinkle of datejusts. You know what I have observed and that is AP really do not play any games… at least based on my experiences.. I just bought all the watches I wanted and was never asked to purchase watch x to get watch y. I have a lot of affection for AP actually. Beautiful watches!
Sold my submariner and never looked back. I’m done with this brand and their business methods. Plenty of other excellent brands that appreciate their customers.
Selfridges in London no longer call it a waiting list. A sales guy told me a few weeks ago that they now call it the Wish list 😂 Probably meaning you can keep wishing but you aren’t getting 😂
It’s been a wish list since 2021 been there had that conversation. Registered and de registered as they asked to buy overpriced second hand from just opposite to their entrance
@@suds782 the staff are probably on £12 an hour but look down on you as if you need something from them 😂 What these silly Rolex AD’s don’t realise is that we want to buy a Rolex but We Don’t Need one 😂
I walked in my Ad on the 10th of February and they offered me a dj41 Wimbledon white gold fluted bezel, how? Because the person it was offered to first couldn’t collect it, so I got it. That store in T5 Heathrow is owned by Watches of Switzerland in the U.K.
I've been on the T5 "list" since August 23 for a Sub and at T2 for an Explorer 2 since September 23. Unsurprisingly, no call yet but I have bought a SMP 300 Green and Blackbay 54 since then from their T3 store to help the itch... 😀
Curiously I was in this AD in February too and I had a similar experience. I wanted a 36mm steel Explorer, which they didn't have. Nevertheless, the lovely woman behind the counter let me try on the two-tone demo model and encouraged me to stay in touch. I am so used to the rather aloof response I usually get in ADs when I inquire. This was a pleasant surprise. I will be going back.
I am very happy to hear that the lady working in this shop was equally friendly. It is a refreshing change to what we are used to when visiting Rolex ADs looking for watches these days. If you do get lucky with securing a watch, please let us know.
My AD where I'm considered a VIP (having bought multiple rolex, Aps, PF, and more last year) did not get a single Pepsi SS in the last 12months, so for anyone wanting that just go to Gray market, chances of getting one is slim to none. In the other the white gold can be had much easier, and IMHO a better choice..
This store (LHR T5) is my registered AD. I’ve been buying watches from here since 2021. However it’s a little frustrating since you have to book a flight when you get the call but also you have to still pay 20% VAT since duty free in the UK is not actually duty free. Noorul is not the actual store manager, the manager (whom I shan’t name) usually sits in the back but is a really nice person. Out of all the stores I visit globally, this is the worst when it comes to stock. My local AD out of London has lots of stock in and just today I saw a full yellow gold Submariner to Yacht Master to Sky-Dweller pieces. I was recently abroad and an AD had over 110 pieces in stock ranging from full platinum Day-Date pieces to full yellow gold GMT on jubilee as well as Yacht Master II etc. Stock is plentiful if you know where to look but I am keeping LHR T5 as my registered AD due to the relationship I’ve built with them.
It seems more and more people are leaving comments that they’re finding lots of Rolex watches for sale around the world. Maybe one of these years I’ll have somebody say “would you like to buy a watch?” But I’m not going to hold my breath because of my zero track record. I tried to buy a watch every year for my collection, and I’ve been spending my money in Japan because they’re willing to sell me watches at reasonable prices. My money is welcome in Japan, but clearly not good enough for Rolex, so I’m quite happy to contribute it to the Japanese economy.
I registered with him about 5 months back, at the time WoS wanted you to have a UK address and be able to collect within 7 days, I was told 80% of stock went to list, 20% went to the cabinet, esp ladies and two tone DJ. At the time WoS would allow you to register interest in three watches, he was keen that I have a DJ on the list, WoS have since expanded this to four watches, but one has to be precious metal or semi, because as we all know they are struggling to shift these at retail.
If I have to "be persistent" to earn the right to spend my money, I just go elsewhere. Spent 50K on watches in 2023 on people and brands who welcome me as a customer.
I picked up a white gold Daytona from a walk in last year from an AD. I had purchased from within group and just happened to be in the right place at the right time
All gold watches are available so buy duty free. Zurich and Geneva are good places to try . Bucherer in the city and airport duty free both had yellow gold submariner and skydeweller rose gold
It’s not a waiting list. It’s a list similar to what the Stasi kept back in the day. It is an information about you and when a watch comes up the staff debate who is the most worthy. In all likelihood, most people are not even considered because they are not big spenders at the AD. This begs the question though, it is the big spenders who are the flippers, bc how many watches do you legitimately need?
@@Chris-de2qc Ad’s sell to flippers. Plain and simple. How else do you explain walking into a grey market dealer around the corner from an AD and they have a wall full of pristine Rolex to sell for a premium of course. The wait list is not a waiting list like you get at the delicatessen. It’s a list of interest and they have to remember you before you even get a chance at a look in.
Haha, I registered my interest on the mint green Datejust 36 with the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet on the same day you filmed. The AD asked me if I needed urgently so I told him (Mo) that I know there's a waiting list and don't mind waiting. I told him that if it is available come Christmas time, I'd be happy to purchase it as a gift to myself.
It's sad that it's come to this. I remember back in 1980 when I was 18 you could buy a Rolex 5513 submariner for £360 instant delivery. My salary at the time around £350 take home pay. So an average worker could save up and buy one fairly quickly. Today to buy a submariner you need a mortgage or to be very wealthy. Is this what Hans Wilsdorf envisaged?
Same watch, around the same year, cost me around £400. In a jewellery shop that was a Rolex agent not an AD. The shop had various Rolex models for sale, over the counter.
@@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv can you not count? What was a can back in 1980 and what does it cost now? Bear in mind, you can't directly compare a can of Pepsi to a high end luxury watch 😂
As long as you have a purchase history, and you routinely inquire, an AD will take care of you. I had never purchased from one particular AD, however I did have a purchase history of a Rolex with another AD (nearly 30 years prior) but I wasn’t shopping for one this trip. I was there for an Omega Planet Ocean and purchased one, but also placed my name on a preference list for a Deep Sea (both the David Cameron and the black and stainless versions). Two weeks later I received a call advising the black and stainless model was in and available to me. I declined it as I had just purchased the Omega PO and the black and stainless model Deep Sea wasn’t much different to me. Had it been the Cameron, I’d have taken it. That same day I added the Date Just 41 two tone chocolate dial with Everrose gold fluted bezel on my wish list. Call me lucky, but I was called and purchased that watch in less than three weeks. As I waited to pick up my DJ, I watched the sales agent help another customer who had no purchase history nor any awareness that you couldn’t just walk in and walk out with a Rolex. It was a fascinating listen as they danced around the “availability” and “waitlist” mystique.
Was in Rotterdam AD last week and the had good 25-30 watches for sale. Bi metal sub, polar exp, rose gold yacht etc etc plus they would have 15 percent off tax
Rolex are seriously shooting themselves in the foot. I own a Submariner and GMT II, both purchased from an authorised dealer (with discounts!) when you could just pick one out of the window. They’re losing a whole generation of owners.
Rolex produces 1.2 Mio watches pa …..if you simply divide the no of AD’s by watches …..so each AD gets over 600 watches pa …..Rolex’s are not as rare as the marketing makes you believe. Get me right, I like their watches but there is also a lot of marketing ….
Thank you for the review. My the most interesting piece acquired in the airport is a GMT Master II in rose gold. This was in summer 2023 in Schiphol. Schiphol is my home base airport and sales team knows me very good. I believe it could be hardly sold to anybody without purchase history with this particular AD.
Great vid!! Would like to add if you want any gold piece you can have them maybe excluding Daytonas. But ask for a gold piece at your ad and watch the way they treat you it’s actually embarrassing, you suddenly become someone to them. I’m assuming they can’t sell those as quick 😂😂
Bonkers world. Good old days long gone, when I bought a GMT II (Coke) with a discount, yes that’s right a discount, all for a price quite a bit less than a Hamilton equivalent today.
Persist really. Wow. On that 1 particular day that really is quite unbelievable tbh they had multiple watches for sale , however when you were there they had none, what a coincidence.
I aas in lyon france 2 weeks ago for try the rolex perpetual 41mm black,they receive me very nice with coffee,nice discution with thenad,i worn a rolex airking so i think perhaps they will considerate me like rolex customer,but they try to sell my a beautiful tudor burgondi with jubilee bracelet and a rolex explorer,i am sure that if i had buy the tudor they will call me soon for the rolex,but i have budget onlY for the rolex,so they nicely put me in wait list speaking about 8 month of wait minimum,an other customer who was buying 2 gold ring with diamond receive the same day is rolex in front of me...
T5 is 100% pot luck as it runs exactly the same as any other AD. A frequent flyer (normally someone who is quite high up in a company) will put their name down for a watch and if they don’t pick it up it’s goes in the safe or window. Window pieces are normally unpopular such as rolesor (two tone) pieces. Safe pieces are the sports models in steel. The safe pieces won’t get mentioned by employees as you have to fit a certain requirement to get one. (Will explain below) To be deemed eligible for a window piece you simply have to show interest in the stock and you will normally get it. For a safe piece you have to be fit the following criteria: - know the exact model you want: if you want a sub date and they have one available then they might throw you a bone. If they have a sub non date they might not even mention it as you are looking for a sub date. (This is pot luck part.) - have prior Rolex history. If you have purchased from Rolex / WoS before then you also can be seen to be eligible. However if you have already purchased the exact watch you are asking for then they will most likely not give you another even if they have it available. - Be genuine about the purchase. if you are there to flip it, they will see straight through you. Most pot luck purchases are also based on the person you talk to. If the sales rep likes you then you have a better chance but you still have to fit the criteria above to be even considered. In short: frequent business traveler’s get the top watches, holiday makers pick up what they don’t want…IF you meet the criteria. 👍🏻
Thank you for this very informative and detailed information on how the watches that do show up, get divied up among the people coming in through the doors doors. Rolex must be one of the only retailers in the world that has this methodology on how they sell their product in these scare times. I appreciate your taking the time to leave this. Very nice comment for all to see.
This is precisely the problem with Rolex and why the tide is turning regarding their "scarcity marketing" approach. Your story about the store salesman at Heathrow laughing behind the backs of the customers who he overheard them say wanted to buy a watch but thought they wouldn't have any (but the reality was they did have some that day)..... Why didn't he walk up to them and tell them?! That kind of arrogance will only end one way in the end. My first Rolex purchase was nearly 30 years ago when you could choose what you wanted from the window. I love the watch and would like a GMT master. But I actively dislike the brand now after being treated the way that I have been by their ADs (made to feel like an idiot for asking). I'm sure the Rolex bubble will last for a few more years but if they continue to treat their customers like mugs - ultimately the bubble will burst and they will fail.
Hi Phil, I have been treated the exact same way as you so I know exactly how you feel. I bought my first Rolex from the Rolex counter at Selfridge’s on Oxford Street in London in 1995 and I chose the exact watch that I wanted, and I still own it and love it today. No Rolex dealer has been willing to sell me a watch over the last several years of asking at every single Rolex shop I’ve walked into after lockdowns ended. I will keep trying and trying. As I refuse to pay over list price .. that’s not going to happen for me.
All of a sudden they decide to be nice to you because they might have something to sell? After 2.5 years on wait list for EXII with an AD I have extensive purchase history I purchased a year 2000 (neo vintage) polar dial EXII for $1000 under "current" retail (if you were able to buy one). With secondary prices as they are now there is no reason to put up with this. Sorry, I'm done with Rolex AD
I share the same sentiment. As I was unable to purchase a brand new watch from a Rolex AD over the past 5 years, I purchased the next best thing at a good price in Japan. I got a 2021 Air-King like new and a vintage Sub both for a fantastic price. Rolex has no control on the secondary market in Japan and this is where I found the best prices. So I spent my money in Japan and Rolex didn’t get a penny of it.
Working in a shop at any airport must be hell, but having a shop with nothing to sell is like pouring your life down the drain. Time is our most precious commodity.
Very sad analogy for a salesman in a Rolex shop. I was at London Heathrow again, quite recently, and spoke to a different person who gave me a very interesting perspective, which I’m going to be sharing very shortly. It speaks to exactly exactly what we’re talking about here.
A farce that this conversation is even happening, I have no problem with limited supply to maintain demand, but Rolex have continued to produce around 1 M pieces per year, and whilst the demand grew significantly during covid, it just isn’t believable that Rolex haven’t manipulated the actual supply of pieces. The problem is this has now had a significant negative effect on the real collector who are leaving Rolex in droves
It begs the question .. what are they doing with all that manufacturing volume? Some people think they’re selling their watches through the back door for higher than list prices thus changing their entire marketing model. But if this was the case, why bother even maintaining the retail shops? The whole thing makes very little sense.
They 100% have lots of pieces in store at all times. I’ve seen images of storage cabinets from AD’s, the pieces all have ‘sold by’ dates marked on the boxes. They artificially maintain scarcity in supply to keep demand so high and to maintain the idea of exclusivity. Its all smoke and mirrors
We all know this 😂😂 Nothing really change.. Sports models still hard to get so a bit pointless update tbh. 36mm, gold and ladies models were never really hard to get unless you go to the wrong AD.
The key in 🇬🇧 in my experience is Persistence, Politeness & Patience. With a ‘Zero purchase history’ I’ve purchased 16 Rolex watches from 9 different AD’s in the last 5 years including the ‘Hulk’, ‘Pepsi’, ‘Batgirl’, ‘James Cameron’ etc with no requirement or even a hint to buy any jewellery or other watch brands. I approached it very methodically, contacted virtually every 🇬🇧 Rolex AD & then maintained contact every 4-6 months with the 9 AD’s who gave me some indication that they would actually consider me. It was a slow & frustrating process but each AD within 18 months-3 years (& in one case a 5 year wait) supplied me with a watch. The ‘balance of power’ is undoubtedly changing & Ive had two unsolicited calls from AD’s in the last 3 months offering me a ‘Polar Explorer’ & ‘Guinness’.
Thanks for your insight. I have my name down in an AD for only 6 months, but have a Bulova on order with them. When I collect, do you think that's a good time to reaffirm my interest, or is that too on the nose? Cheers.
@@fullymechanical9055 Hi - from my experience reminding them that you’re still interested in a Rolex model is worthwhile - especially when you’re purchasing another brand. At the beginning of my ‘quest’ for a ‘Hulk’ when I rang a Rolex AD in 2019 to see if they’d accept me on the ‘waiting list’ the manageress actually said that she had a ‘No date’ Sub available as they had not had a response in 24 hours from a customer they had contacted & it would save her ringing the ‘next person on the list’! Which model have you asked for?
And for this reason, I would not buy a watch in England. I guess if I was offered a GMT I’d be I’d have a major dilemma. What would I do? This is a great topic for a video actually.
@@WatchFanHenry , if you have a purchase history, it might help. Two weeks ago, I bought to my wife 31 mm TT LDJ motif flower dial in Bucherer in Selfriges. Not a hard to get piece. The AD appeared to be Bucherer with whom I had around 5k spendings some time ago in Switzerland. After checking my profile, the sales managers found me a watch and put me on the list for a much more desired and thought after piece. I have a strong feeling that I will get it quite soon. It would be good to know if Bucherer is in LHR as having a purchase history with particular AD might make life a little easier. Especially, bearing in mind that I visit LHR quite often.
If that was the best visit in the last five years, the others must have been terrible. Ask yourself what the rent is on that store at T5, of course they have watches in the back, just not for you or any other walk in.
Pretty much the truth .. in the past it was just a long faced sales person without anything to say other than “we have no watches” so this was in fact the very best visit I’ve had at a UK Rolex shop since I can remember.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay a penny over list price for a Rolex watch and that’s why I’m down for five years of visiting authorized dealers and have never purchased a watch from one of the authorized dealers. But I have purchased two Rolex watches on the secondary market in Japan, where prices are considerably less than what they are in Europe and North America.. I agree a million percent there’s no point in paying a penny over list price .. not for me anyhow.
Just a shame Rolex forcing the hand of AD’s and AD’s mugging off the public. I have a few watches and after frustrations of trying to get a sea dweller from an AD I have bought various watches and stuff from and bought a Tudor Pelegos and it’s superb and half the price and better than my 26yr old sea dweller. Just my view
Thank you very much for the comment. I’m going to check out the Tudor Pelagos as I’ve never heard of it, but in the past I have owned Tudor and Bucherer branded watches. This was in the 70s in the 80s.
that was a pointles update. nothing new. they still dont have stock and never will of the steel sport pieces. btw they have the pieces in the back room but only sell them to their vip customers.
How come for two-tone watches people are saying they are not worth buying I love two tone watches as you get more gold for your purchase price than if you just buy a steel watch. So I’d rather have gold on my wrist instead of all steel, but I’m in the minority with this thought?
@@WatchFanHenryIt's a supply and demand thing on the 2 tone. Don't know why most people not prefer the 2 tone ones. For Rolex even the steel Daytonas have more demand than the all gold ones.
You really believe one gmt a month….lol… how much profit margin is there for them to keep the lights on employees and storefront per watch … the numbers don’t lie they have plenty of watches and pick and choose who they sell to so yes I agree walk in and try
I agree .. As long as I’m walking this planet, I’ll be walking into the Rolex ADs to ask if they have the watches I want. All they can do is say “no” and I’ll feel no pain.
Instead of that AD guy chuckling he should have invite that couple to come in and show them watches available for purchase… by chuckling show me their arrogance and snobbishness! Nothing has change with anything involving the Rolex brand… same sh*t different year…
I hear what you’re saying, but I guess he wasn’t going to be chasing somebody outside of the footprint shop. Maybe that’s a red line for employees of Rolex.
hmm The average WoS/Goldsmiths showroom in the UK has $7.71m sales across all brands. Most measures put Rolex at 30% retail share. Excluding Jewellery thats c.$1.9m Rolex sales per year per WoS/Goldsmiths AD. So it's a nonsense to believe an average AD is getting one sub a month and a rare every St Patrick's Day for those with 4 leaf clover. Another interesting fact in WoS accounts is they hold over $250m of stock at any one time. Applying the 30% measure excluding jewellery c.$66m of Rolexs in the safes, or WoS's secure warehouse.
they keep the lights on by selling to the gray market dealer at a significant markup. the whole thing is a con. that store is not staying open selling 5 watches a month. you'd be naive to believe that nonsense.
People want to show that they can afford to pay for exclusivity and with more than enough people thinking that way, Rolexes become as liquid as cash. Rolex is happy to oblige as they can’t make the watches fast enough to meet demand anyway.
The idea of a wait list now is pointless, the cheapest 124060 (new shape, 41mm no date Sub) sold on eBay this year sold for under retail, same with the black bezel Date Submariner, the cheapest Starbucks sold for £9100, they retail at £9450. There are current shape Bluesy's BIN, £1000+ under retail.
Thank you for letting me know about eBay. I do watch eBay fairly closely, but I’m looking at the US and Canada ebay sites as opposed to European or elsewhere. For the Rolex prices offered by US and Canadian sellers, I’ve not yet noticed being under retail that you saw. Did you find these under retail Rolex prices on the .uk or a European eBay website as opposed to the North American eBay website?
@@WatchFanHenry UK, I just searched on sold items, it's an option in the filters, you're going to have to be patient, no one is offering under retail Buy it Now. I tell you what though, the previous gen Subs, the 11xxxx, the Maxi case, they are cheap. No date (114060) around £7500 Buy it Now and they have gone for under £6000 at auction on eBay.
It has changed because many fliippers lost money and others have no money to buy watches anymore. So there are less people buying their watches and they are starting to become desperate
Up until this particular visit all of the Rolex AD sales people have been very long faced and non-talkative. It’s kind of like they are prisoners putting in the hours not looking forward to guests. But this particular visit with Nural was quite a nice one so it deserved special mention.
I noticed that as well every other watch Brandyn in the world is fully stocked and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. But when it comes to Rolex “ I’m sorry, sir… “ are usually the first words out of the sales person’s mouth as I walk into the store.
Bad joke sorry in advance, you should rather consider the london rolex slippers waitlist, I bet they can get you a rolex quicker than the ad.. it s a bad joke I know but I had to write it..
Funny, you mentioned this, I noticed that the Rolex sales people have very nice Rolex pens and lapel pins and I’d like to have one of these as well but I’m sure they are rare items and impossible to purchase anywhere.
Best to spend money on the stock exchange. Bandits in London and America are ruthless and are capable of killing. I think 🤔 its best to not flaunt your wealth.
All Rolex ADs are liars. They ALL have stock of virtually every model in their safe, the question is whether they want to sell it to you. Granted, the watch market has come down to some sort of reality and the bubble has deflated quite a bit for the last two years, so some semi-popular models can be purchased by "normal" people without having to establish a relationship with the AD by buying the non-popular models before they offer a popular model to you for sale at the retail price. None of this game buyers play with ADs are worth the trouble. If you want to buy a particular watch, just buy it from any reseller for a premium above the retail price. It's a high end item and if you can't afford to pay aftermarket prices, then buy some other watch that can easily be purchased and avoid the Rolex AD drama.
I found I can buy nice Rolex watches in Japan without paying ridiculous prices charged in North America and Europe so that worked for me. But not for the GMT so that’s one that I’ll have to persist on. Who knows maybe I’ll eventually find my desire GMT in Japan and then Rolex won’t end up getting one farthing out of me at the end of all of this.
It is that for sure .. so many people around the world are frustrated and upset and angry at the brand for their extremely poor conduct. The number one mistake that Rolex made is treating people poorly in this period of terrific demand for their product. They should have come up with a fair and equitable solution for everybody to put their name on a central wait list managed at Rolex HQ in Switzerland. It shouldn’t matter where in the world the customer wants to order the watch from, they should have allowed people to place orders by making even a nonrefundable deposit, and then delivering the watches on a first come - first serve basis. This business of having to beg and kiss the back sides of Rolex AD shop managers, and selling watches out the back door to those in the know is total nonsense. You would think if they were smart enough to become a global success, they would be smart enough to know how to treat their customers with respect and fairly. Thus far, this is not the case.
@@WatchFanHenry couldn't agree more but if enough people play the game then why would they change. I enquired at a local AD recently and was basically told I have no chance of even putting my name down, seems silly when other brands allow you to walk out of the store/boutique the same day with a watch
Yes .. I have been told this in a few overseas locations ... where they tell me I can go on a list in my home country only. I was told this at Geneva airport ... I remember it clearly. How ironic it was .... I am at the Rolex boutique in Geneva airport, home country for Rolex, and she was particularly snooty. Having found the ability to buy Rolex watches in Japan at good prices I never bothered to go in and grovel with the local Rolex ADs here in Canada. I am not going to do that. @@michaelhunter636
he was blowing smoke up your ass...datejusts sell for near retail on the gray market and many gmt's are much over retail. so his advice is to beg for a rolex? give me a break - the bubble has burst.
I sure hope you’re right as I’d really like to get myself either if not both a GMT and/or Datejust 41 at retail price from a Rolex AD .. one of these years. And I do a fair bit of travel (more than the average person) and I visit Rolex ADs pretty much all around Asia and Europe on a regular basis .. and I haven’t hit one for sale since I started looking several years ago .. so I’m batting zero for 100 at this point.
I’ve not been offered one in any of the Rolex ADs I have visited, but if you found that they’re easier to find .. where are you seeing them available? May I ask?
With respect to you I think he’s full of shit and has plenty of watches in the safe. Don’t believe the false scarcity story in 2024. I walked into an AD in Tenerife 3 weeks ago and they had plenty of watches for sale and I walked out with a 40mm Explorer.
Wow, that’s incredible .. Congratulations you were able to pick up an Explorer in Spain .. so lucky .. I’ve been looking for many years as you well know with zero luck.
@@WatchFanHenry honestly I could have taken my pick of the 36mm and the 40mm Explorer, plus they had the Air King and Deepsea in stock. On top of that a couple of stainless DJ 41’s including a green dial but smooth bezels. They had numerous two tone and all gold sports models, subs, a GMT rose gold. Literally 20 decent watches for sale. They told me there are no waiting lists I presume because it’s a tourist resort. The AD is called Ideal and it’s based in Playa De Las Américas, I think it’s worth a trip before high summer season I’m confident you’d pick up a decent watch there, possibly stainless steel sports.
Absolutely A M A Z I N G !!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this tip. That's what it is all about ... helping like minded collectors in the community. Wishing you good health and prosperity with your wonderful new Rolex!@@Anonymouslyme1
Please please please… Stop filling the internet with stupid vlogs….. ( this message is with out predigest ) Henry 1st the reason the husband and wife story ( the wife knows Rolex are not a sound investment any more ). 2nd the Rolex AD at the airport only sale new old stock people with holiday money and high on fun are who they are targeting. To many super clones on they market , and robbers on the street is a big part of the down size of popularity. Forty year old bling models on the market and people thinking they look cool ( please) and lastly I hear so many models that are hip….. purchase the model YOU like . So many experts on the subject of watches……really they love the sound of there own voice.
Thank you for leaving the comment Frank I do appreciate it, but I am sorry that you didn’t like my video but that’s OK. It is a free world (most of it) and I welcome all comments .. good and bad so it’s all totally fine with me. People seem to resonate to my airport Rolex ADV so that’s why I post them and I generally get some little bit of information from speaking to the people that work at these shops that the viewers find interesting. Ultimately that’s my main focus is to generate conversation around the subject. Lots of people are doing it … that’s true, but I’m passionate about the subject. There’s certainly no rule that says I can’t contribute my content as well.
Dare I say .. I also very recently had another visit to the Rolex authorized dealer at Heathrow terminal 2 just a few days ago, so I’m going to be uploading that video to my channel. If it won’t sit well with you, I totally understand so perhaps it’s best to not watch it. Just a fair warning that it’s coming.
![Tokyo ROLEX Watch Tour with Happy Ending! [Part 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZLu-cRJm7nA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Tokyo ROLEX Watch Tour with Happy Ending! [Part 3]](/img/tr.png)
The AD’s have had their day. Had my name down for a JC deep sea for ages. Bought a fully stickered beauty online for under list… it’s a buyers market now. Forget the AD’s and their silly waiting game.
JC? JLC?
@@scotdoc James Cameron. Deep-sea.
@@paulhammal7231lol yes. I have one. It’s my favourite Rolex! I got mine 4 years ago. It’s a beautiful piece. Good luck in finding one. If you have your name down for it and your AD is half decent and you have some purchasing history you should be able to get one.i know they are in demand like most Rolex but its not a Daytona, sub, or gmt 2.
In the market for the same. I’m seeing everything above list, mind sharing where you were able to pull this off?
@@s.christian7049 collecting watches auction site. A lot of JC come through. If you’re patient you can bag a real beauty in unworn condition. Good luck 🤞
A consumer doesn’t miss out on making a purchase, a retailer misses out on making a sale. I’ve owned a Rolex for 20+ years, but have really gone off the brand now.
ya i could not agree with you more. I have a few pieces but this air of superiority rather than accomplishment has soured me. I don't care if they have a full store or not, these guys supported the flippers and took kickbacks. A Rolex does not make anyone special, accomplishment does. I'm sure this is why Rolex is taking more control of the ADs now as their message of marking achievement has gone right out of the window.
@@fishheadbreakroomwell said
Same here, I find AD's for Rolex too arrogant. The two Rolexes I have were both walk in buys from AD's some time ago now. I refuse to play the game now.
I am in exactly the same boat.
This is called "negative marketing" and the reaction of the guy walking past with his wife telling him not to bother proves the point. The dealers are set up to sell not to say "no" or put you on a list. The past few years may come back to haunt Rolex.
Rolex is already getting haunted. The CPO program failed, those watches are more expensive than MSRP and you can get them cheaper on the grey market
@@angelacosta466AP is heading this way in insisting in setting its own grey market for new watches.
Who’s to say the “man and wife” story isn’t made up? Point of the story being the man was wrong to not enter the store on that particular day, which really could be any given day. Any store owner wants potential customers to come inside. Whole video is a big giant advert for that airport store, and the “man and wife” story suits perfectly.
Bought my Speedmaster in T5 with 20% off back in 2019. Didn’t have to build up a relationship, buy loads of watches I don’t want to get one or have to kiss the dealers backside. I just walked into the store and bought it. It’s amusing to see how many hoops some people go through for a badge. There’s better watches than a Rolex to be had without having to pander to a dealer.
People are funny, since the more you screw them about, the more they bow and scrape. Personally, I am the diametrically opposed opposite. We are clearly in the minority my friend.
Same with me when I bought my first Rolex at Selfridge’s watch room in December 1995. I had no AD relationship, no kissing of back sides, none of that nonsense. I just walked in and found a watch I liked, I gave them my credit card, and bought it. I still own that watch 30 years down the road. Money is just as happy sitting in a bank account then going for a Rolex, and can be used for nice other things like a Speedmaster, travel, cars, and investments of other forms. So it’s definitely not the end of the world. But what is for certain is the Rolex brand is not doing itself any favors by having a generally snooty atmosphere in their shops. But that was not the case this time.
Not buying it. Used to be a big Rolex fan, but all this hype has me completely disgusted. I’ve turned to Omega who makes great watches you can actually buy.
"Persistance is the key word"
The hype is over and everything is pointing to that. Off market prices are down 40% (see yesterday's video from "Producer Michael")
Give it a few more months and then off market is on the retail level and then there will be no waiting lists anymore. Remember, Rolex produces over 1 million watches per year with 1800 AD's worldwide. That would mean that each AD has over 550 people on a waiting list. And that's not true, it's purely creating demand by creating scaresity. And once that's over prices will drop
No
You ain’t getting 💩 out of this place. Been through T5 100 times in the last 4 years and they have nothing.
Haha 😛.. that is the actual fact
yet their rent gets paid and the staff is still in there for a reason, to lie to people.
I met with Noorul at T5 3 weeks ago. Nice guy and had lots of info. He managed to sign me up on to his client base list. Waiting for the call!!!!
@@geronimopoletto3282we all know that ain’t gonna happen lol
I've been on the T5 "list" since August 23 for a Sub and at T2 for an Explorer 2 since September 23. Unsurprisingly, no call yet but I have bought a SMP 300 Green and Blackbay 54 since then from their T3 store to help the itch... 😀
So no changes then LOL.
I had a good run a few years back. I love collecting them. I have 13 Rolex 6 AP and 1 Cartier. This particular AD is in the central midlands UK.
I think I got everyone of my requests including a Daytona black dial, a GMT Master 2 Pepsi but that is on a jubilee bracelet… a couple of datejust 41s one being the Wimbledon and the other is a top of the line datejust models with mother of pearl bracelet and diamond digits, a also got a ss yachmaster 2 and a sky dweller on a bimetallic bracelet… not so keen about his one though.
The Rolex I love the most and that I own so it happens is the Deer Sea James Cameron. That is my favorite Rolex watch of all time. It just has so much understated presence it’s completely stunning. I also like the titanium deep sea. I would take that in a heartbeat. Never will I be able to get that.😌
Wow, you have a fabulous collection and it would mirror my full set Rolex desire as well actually. Even the James Cameron Deep Sea .. when I look at the Deep Sea it’s quite a thick watch and that’s why it’s lower on my list. I’m just thinking that it’s quite a big huge chunk of metal to have floating around the wrist. Does the thickness of the watch and its heft distract in any way from your daily wear experience? I’m just curious your thoughts on this.
@@WatchFanHenry
Hi there. No, i dont feel it at all but i can see why others might say this. I can imagine if you are used to wearing something’s bit more sophisticated like a Patek, for example, and then put this on then I can see these people not really appreciating the Deep Sea. For me the attraction is its size, look and the engineering that lies beneath its case. In fact its not just inside the case, its the case itself, the valve and also the bracelet. I love utility watches. I think thats why I tend to gravitate towards Rolex and AP. It’s the sturdiness and design and for the most part the understated nature of them.
I did try a few Pateks on and if I’m honest was not impressed personally. The watches I did try were quite flimsy and fragile and too thin. In fact sometimes I couldn’t feel I was wearing a watch…. I obviously would like a nautilius or aquanaut. After I found out the watches I would have had to purchase in order to be put on a wish list was too much for me. Essentially I would have had to purchase two or three Pateks to even be considered to be put on the nautilus and aquanaut wish list which may or may never be successful… I think I am two old in the tooth for this. Also I know Rolex play games but not like this. I think I will stick to what I love and that’s utiliyt watches with a sprinkle of datejusts.
You know what I have observed and that is AP really do not play any games… at least based on my experiences.. I just bought all the watches I wanted and was never asked to purchase watch x to get watch y. I have a lot of affection for AP actually. Beautiful watches!
Sold my submariner and never looked back. I’m done with this brand and their business methods. Plenty of other excellent brands that appreciate their customers.
Selfridges in London no longer call it a waiting list. A sales guy told me a few weeks ago that they now call it the Wish list 😂 Probably meaning you can keep wishing but you aren’t getting 😂
It’s been a wish list since 2021 been there had that conversation. Registered and de registered as they asked to buy overpriced second hand from just opposite to their entrance
@@suds782 the staff are probably on £12 an hour but look down on you as if you need something from them 😂 What these silly Rolex AD’s don’t realise is that we want to buy a Rolex but We Don’t Need one 😂
I walked in my Ad on the 10th of February and they offered me a dj41 Wimbledon white gold fluted bezel, how?
Because the person it was offered to first couldn’t collect it, so I got it.
That store in T5 Heathrow is owned by Watches of Switzerland in the U.K.
I've been on the T5 "list" since August 23 for a Sub and at T2 for an Explorer 2 since September 23. Unsurprisingly, no call yet but I have bought a SMP 300 Green and Blackbay 54 since then from their T3 store to help the itch... 😀
Curiously I was in this AD in February too and I had a similar experience. I wanted a 36mm steel Explorer, which they didn't have. Nevertheless, the lovely woman behind the counter let me try on the two-tone demo model and encouraged me to stay in touch. I am so used to the rather aloof response I usually get in ADs when I inquire. This was a pleasant surprise. I will be going back.
I am very happy to hear that the lady working in this shop was equally friendly. It is a refreshing change to what we are used to when visiting Rolex ADs looking for watches these days. If you do get lucky with securing a watch, please let us know.
My AD where I'm considered a VIP (having bought multiple rolex, Aps, PF, and more last year) did not get a single Pepsi SS in the last 12months, so for anyone wanting that just go to Gray market, chances of getting one is slim to none. In the other the white gold can be had much easier, and IMHO a better choice..
This store (LHR T5) is my registered AD. I’ve been buying watches from here since 2021. However it’s a little frustrating since you have to book a flight when you get the call but also you have to still pay 20% VAT since duty free in the UK is not actually duty free. Noorul is not the actual store manager, the manager (whom I shan’t name) usually sits in the back but is a really nice person. Out of all the stores I visit globally, this is the worst when it comes to stock. My local AD out of London has lots of stock in and just today I saw a full yellow gold Submariner to Yacht Master to Sky-Dweller pieces. I was recently abroad and an AD had over 110 pieces in stock ranging from full platinum Day-Date pieces to full yellow gold GMT on jubilee as well as Yacht Master II etc. Stock is plentiful if you know where to look but I am keeping LHR T5 as my registered AD due to the relationship I’ve built with them.
It seems more and more people are leaving comments that they’re finding lots of Rolex watches for sale around the world. Maybe one of these years I’ll have somebody say “would you like to buy a watch?” But I’m not going to hold my breath because of my zero track record. I tried to buy a watch every year for my collection, and I’ve been spending my money in Japan because they’re willing to sell me watches at reasonable prices. My money is welcome in Japan, but clearly not good enough for Rolex, so I’m quite happy to contribute it to the Japanese economy.
@@WatchFanHenry Bravo! Fully agree with you
I registered with him about 5 months back, at the time WoS wanted you to have a UK address and be able to collect within 7 days, I was told 80% of stock went to list, 20% went to the cabinet, esp ladies and two tone DJ. At the time WoS would allow you to register interest in three watches, he was keen that I have a DJ on the list, WoS have since expanded this to four watches, but one has to be precious metal or semi, because as we all know they are struggling to shift these at retail.
If I have to "be persistent" to earn the right to spend my money, I just go elsewhere. Spent 50K on watches in 2023 on people and brands who welcome me as a customer.
I picked up a white gold Daytona from a walk in last year from an AD. I had purchased from within group and just happened to be in the right place at the right time
Congratulations, you are very lucky that sounds like a very nice buy. May you wear the watch in good health for many years to come.
All gold watches are available so buy duty free. Zurich and Geneva are good places to try . Bucherer in the city and airport duty free both had yellow gold submariner and skydeweller rose gold
It’s not a waiting list. It’s a list similar to what the Stasi kept back in the day. It is an information about you and when a watch comes up the staff debate who is the most worthy. In all likelihood, most people are not even considered because they are not big spenders at the AD. This begs the question though, it is the big spenders who are the flippers, bc how many watches do you legitimately need?
Rolex asks questions to try to filter out the flippers
@@Chris-de2qc Ad’s sell to flippers. Plain and simple. How else do you explain walking into a grey market dealer around the corner from an AD and they have a wall full of pristine Rolex to sell for a premium of course. The wait list is not a waiting list like you get at the delicatessen. It’s a list of interest and they have to remember you before you even get a chance at a look in.
Haha, I registered my interest on the mint green Datejust 36 with the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet on the same day you filmed. The AD asked me if I needed urgently so I told him (Mo) that I know there's a waiting list and don't mind waiting. I told him that if it is available come Christmas time, I'd be happy to purchase it as a gift to myself.
Lol there is no waiting list
@@Chris-de2qc if so, how do they know who to call if they've got stock to sell?
I got my 41mm Datejust within 2 weeks from T5. Love it. Was on the list and happened to be in the store when it was in. Very Lucky!
What datejust was it ? Colour/bezel/bracelet ?
Datejusts aren't in high demand. Those, and the cheaper Oyster Perpetuals, are the ones you have to buy in order to get closer to the sports models.
It's sad that it's come to this. I remember back in 1980 when I was 18 you could buy a Rolex 5513 submariner for £360 instant delivery. My salary at the time around £350 take home pay. So an average worker could save up and buy one fairly quickly. Today to buy a submariner you need a mortgage or to be very wealthy. Is this what Hans Wilsdorf envisaged?
Same watch, around the same year, cost me around £400. In a jewellery shop that was a Rolex agent not an AD. The shop had various Rolex models for sale, over the counter.
That's why Wilsdorf created Tudor...
It's called inflation lol This is nothing to do with Rolex.
@b2bt696 using that logic a can of Pepsi should now cost £15? Or $22 US?
@@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv can you not count? What was a can back in 1980 and what does it cost now? Bear in mind, you can't directly compare a can of Pepsi to a high end luxury watch 😂
As long as you have a purchase history, and you routinely inquire, an AD will take care of you. I had never purchased from one particular AD, however I did have a purchase history of a Rolex with another AD (nearly 30 years prior) but I wasn’t shopping for one this trip. I was there for an Omega Planet Ocean and purchased one, but also placed my name on a preference list for a Deep Sea (both the David Cameron and the black and stainless versions). Two weeks later I received a call advising the black and stainless model was in and available to me. I declined it as I had just purchased the Omega PO and the black and stainless model Deep Sea wasn’t much different to me. Had it been the Cameron, I’d have taken it. That same day I added the Date Just 41 two tone chocolate dial with Everrose gold fluted bezel on my wish list. Call me lucky, but I was called and purchased that watch in less than three weeks. As I waited to pick up my DJ, I watched the sales agent help another customer who had no purchase history nor any awareness that you couldn’t just walk in and walk out with a Rolex. It was a fascinating listen as they danced around the “availability” and “waitlist” mystique.
Was in Rotterdam AD last week and the had good 25-30 watches for sale. Bi metal sub, polar exp, rose gold yacht etc etc plus they would have 15 percent off tax
did you buy them all?
Rolex are seriously shooting themselves in the foot. I own a Submariner and GMT II, both purchased from an authorised dealer (with discounts!) when you could just pick one out of the window. They’re losing a whole generation of owners.
Rolex have no control over who the dealers sell to (aside from Bucherer but that will take time to settle down)
Rolex produces 1.2 Mio watches pa …..if you simply divide the no of AD’s by watches …..so each AD gets over 600 watches pa …..Rolex’s are not as rare as the marketing makes you believe. Get me right, I like their watches but there is also a lot of marketing ….
True Fact
Thank you for the review. My the most interesting piece acquired in the airport is a GMT Master II in rose gold. This was in summer 2023 in Schiphol. Schiphol is my home base airport and sales team knows me very good. I believe it could be hardly sold to anybody without purchase history with this particular AD.
Great vid!! Would like to add if you want any gold piece you can have them maybe excluding Daytonas. But ask for a gold piece at your ad and watch the way they treat you it’s actually embarrassing, you suddenly become someone to them. I’m assuming they can’t sell those as quick 😂😂
The ADs will be begging!
In your dreams.. 😂😂
Bonkers world. Good old days long gone, when I bought a GMT II (Coke) with a discount, yes that’s right a discount, all for a price quite a bit less than a Hamilton equivalent today.
Persist really. Wow. On that 1 particular day that really is quite unbelievable tbh they had multiple watches for sale , however when you were there they had none, what a coincidence.
Yes, I had the same thought. How come every single time I walk past it is zero for zero, unless I want to buy a solid gold piece .. which I don’t.
I bought rose gold sky dweller grey face on oyster flex there in November.
I aas in lyon france 2 weeks ago for try the rolex perpetual 41mm black,they receive me very nice with coffee,nice discution with thenad,i worn a rolex airking so i think perhaps they will considerate me like rolex customer,but they try to sell my a beautiful tudor burgondi with jubilee bracelet and a rolex explorer,i am sure that if i had buy the tudor they will call me soon for the rolex,but i have budget onlY for the rolex,so they nicely put me in wait list speaking about 8 month of wait minimum,an other customer who was buying 2 gold ring with diamond receive the same day is rolex in front of me...
T5 is 100% pot luck as it runs exactly the same as any other AD. A frequent flyer (normally someone who is quite high up in a company) will put their name down for a watch and if they don’t pick it up it’s goes in the safe or window. Window pieces are normally unpopular such as rolesor (two tone) pieces. Safe pieces are the sports models in steel.
The safe pieces won’t get mentioned by employees as you have to fit a certain requirement to get one. (Will explain below)
To be deemed eligible for a window piece you simply have to show interest in the stock and you will normally get it.
For a safe piece you have to be fit the following criteria:
- know the exact model you want: if you want a sub date and they have one available then they might throw you a bone. If they have a sub non date they might not even mention it as you are looking for a sub date. (This is pot luck part.)
- have prior Rolex history. If you have purchased from Rolex / WoS before then you also can be seen to be eligible.
However if you have already purchased the exact watch you are asking for then they will most likely not give you another even if they have it available.
- Be genuine about the purchase. if you are there to flip it, they will see straight through you.
Most pot luck purchases are also based on the person you talk to. If the sales rep likes you then you have a better chance but you still have to fit the criteria above to be even considered.
In short: frequent business traveler’s get the top watches, holiday makers pick up what they don’t want…IF you meet the criteria. 👍🏻
Thank you for this very informative and detailed information on how the watches that do show up, get divied up among the people coming in through the doors doors. Rolex must be one of the only retailers in the world that has this methodology on how they sell their product in these scare times. I appreciate your taking the time to leave this. Very nice comment for all to see.
I know for a fact that AD was offloading 20+ watches to a single person not so long ago. Fuck Rolex
Wow, I wonder who this lucky person was. I guess he was a professional watch flipper.
Another informative video and times changing 4 sure ⌚️
This is precisely the problem with Rolex and why the tide is turning regarding their "scarcity marketing" approach. Your story about the store salesman at Heathrow laughing behind the backs of the customers who he overheard them say wanted to buy a watch but thought they wouldn't have any (but the reality was they did have some that day)..... Why didn't he walk up to them and tell them?! That kind of arrogance will only end one way in the end. My first Rolex purchase was nearly 30 years ago when you could choose what you wanted from the window. I love the watch and would like a GMT master. But I actively dislike the brand now after being treated the way that I have been by their ADs (made to feel like an idiot for asking). I'm sure the Rolex bubble will last for a few more years but if they continue to treat their customers like mugs - ultimately the bubble will burst and they will fail.
Hi Phil, I have been treated the exact same way as you so I know exactly how you feel. I bought my first Rolex from the Rolex counter at Selfridge’s on Oxford Street in London in 1995 and I chose the exact watch that I wanted, and I still own it and love it today. No Rolex dealer has been willing to sell me a watch over the last several years of asking at every single Rolex shop I’ve walked into after lockdowns ended. I will keep trying and trying. As I refuse to pay over list price .. that’s not going to happen for me.
Never make it difficult for a customer to give you their hard-earned money.
All of a sudden they decide to be nice to you because they might have something to sell? After 2.5 years on wait list for EXII with an AD I have extensive purchase history I purchased a year 2000 (neo vintage) polar dial EXII for $1000 under "current" retail (if you were able to buy one). With secondary prices as they are now there is no reason to put up with this. Sorry, I'm done with Rolex AD
I share the same sentiment. As I was unable to purchase a brand new watch from a Rolex AD over the past 5 years, I purchased the next best thing at a good price in Japan. I got a 2021 Air-King like new and a vintage Sub both for a fantastic price. Rolex has no control on the secondary market in Japan and this is where I found the best prices. So I spent my money in Japan and Rolex didn’t get a penny of it.
Working in a shop at any airport must be hell, but having a shop with nothing to sell is like pouring your life down the drain. Time is our most precious commodity.
Very sad analogy for a salesman in a Rolex shop. I was at London Heathrow again, quite recently, and spoke to a different person who gave me a very interesting perspective, which I’m going to be sharing very shortly. It speaks to exactly exactly what we’re talking about here.
Hard to disagree!
A farce that this conversation is even happening, I have no problem with limited supply to maintain demand, but Rolex have continued to produce around 1 M pieces per year, and whilst the demand grew significantly during covid, it just isn’t believable that Rolex haven’t manipulated the actual supply of pieces. The problem is this has now had a significant negative effect on the real collector who are leaving Rolex in droves
It begs the question .. what are they doing with all that manufacturing volume? Some people think they’re selling their watches through the back door for higher than list prices thus changing their entire marketing model. But if this was the case, why bother even maintaining the retail shops? The whole thing makes very little sense.
They 100% have lots of pieces in store at all times. I’ve seen images of storage cabinets from AD’s, the pieces all have ‘sold by’ dates marked on the boxes. They artificially maintain scarcity in supply to keep demand so high and to maintain the idea of exclusivity. Its all smoke and mirrors
So they are going to discontinued the Pepsi, hottest watch? EHmmm. It's like saying Porsche is going to discontinue the 911, I don't buy it.
No, it’s like saying Porsche might discontinue a variant or colour of the 911, not the complete 911 model line itself.
I was in Tokyo December, the Rolex AD below my hotel always had a queue outside
We all know this 😂😂 Nothing really change.. Sports models still hard to get so a bit pointless update tbh. 36mm, gold and ladies models were never really hard to get unless you go to the wrong AD.
Thank you for the comment Dave. I appreciate it. Your insight is always welcome.
The key in 🇬🇧 in my experience is Persistence, Politeness & Patience. With a ‘Zero purchase history’ I’ve purchased 16 Rolex watches from 9 different AD’s in the last 5 years including the ‘Hulk’, ‘Pepsi’, ‘Batgirl’, ‘James Cameron’ etc with no requirement or even a hint to buy any jewellery or other watch brands. I approached it very methodically, contacted virtually every 🇬🇧 Rolex AD & then maintained contact every 4-6 months with the 9 AD’s who gave me some indication that they would actually consider me. It was a slow & frustrating process but each AD within 18 months-3 years (& in one case a 5 year wait) supplied me with a watch. The ‘balance of power’ is undoubtedly changing & Ive had two unsolicited calls from AD’s in the last 3 months offering me a ‘Polar Explorer’ & ‘Guinness’.
Thanks for your insight. I have my name down in an AD for only 6 months, but have a Bulova on order with them. When I collect, do you think that's a good time to reaffirm my interest, or is that too on the nose? Cheers.
@@fullymechanical9055 Hi - from my experience reminding them that you’re still interested in a Rolex model is worthwhile - especially when you’re purchasing another brand. At the beginning of my ‘quest’ for a ‘Hulk’ when I rang a Rolex AD in 2019 to see if they’d accept me on the ‘waiting list’ the manageress actually said that she had a ‘No date’ Sub available as they had not had a response in 24 hours from a customer they had contacted & it would save her ringing the ‘next person on the list’! Which model have you asked for?
@@macrolex9485
Thanks. I have asked for an OP41 in green.
Used to be free of VAT before Brexit(happy days), now they charge it just like a high street dealer.
And for this reason, I would not buy a watch in England. I guess if I was offered a GMT I’d be I’d have a major dilemma. What would I do? This is a great topic for a video actually.
Is AD in LHR is Bucherer?
Very good question. I assumed it was Watches of Switzerland, but I’m not sure .. now that you ask.
@@WatchFanHenry , if you have a purchase history, it might help. Two weeks ago, I bought to my wife 31 mm TT LDJ motif flower dial in Bucherer in Selfriges. Not a hard to get piece. The AD appeared to be Bucherer with whom I had around 5k spendings some time ago in Switzerland. After checking my profile, the sales managers found me a watch and put me on the list for a much more desired and thought after piece. I have a strong feeling that I will get it quite soon. It would be good to know if Bucherer is in LHR as having a purchase history with particular AD might make life a little easier. Especially, bearing in mind that I visit LHR quite often.
If that was the best visit in the last five years, the others must have been terrible. Ask yourself what the rent is on that store at T5, of course they have watches in the back, just not for you or any other walk in.
Pretty much the truth .. in the past it was just a long faced sales person without anything to say other than “we have no watches” so this was in fact the very best visit I’ve had at a UK Rolex shop since I can remember.
The grey market is flooded with new Rolex's - if everyone would just stop paying over retail this would get back to normal.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay a penny over list price for a Rolex watch and that’s why I’m down for five years of visiting authorized dealers and have never purchased a watch from one of the authorized dealers. But I have purchased two Rolex watches on the secondary market in Japan, where prices are considerably less than what they are in Europe and North America.. I agree a million percent there’s no point in paying a penny over list price .. not for me anyhow.
Just a shame Rolex forcing the hand of AD’s and AD’s mugging off the public. I have a few watches and after frustrations of trying to get a sea dweller from an AD I have bought various watches and stuff from and bought a Tudor Pelegos and it’s superb and half the price and better than my 26yr old sea dweller. Just my view
Thank you very much for the comment. I’m going to check out the Tudor Pelagos as I’ve never heard of it, but in the past I have owned Tudor and Bucherer branded watches. This was in the 70s in the 80s.
Even if they have a watch, they are reserved for the loyal customers
But how would you reserve a watch at an airport terminal for a local? They would have to purchase a plane ticket to get in lol
good video Hank - ~ JDS/CT
Missing SS Sky Dweller with a Blue dial. Incredibly difficult to obtain at AD.
that was a pointles update. nothing new. they still dont have stock and never will of the steel sport pieces. btw they have the pieces in the back room but only sell them to their vip customers.
I guess you are right Joe .. as I pass through LHR I just like to check in with them for whatever words of wisdom can be shared.
Don’t buy and hold out. The prices will be crashing down. Never buy any datejusts or 2 tones. These watches will never hold their prices.
How come for two-tone watches people are saying they are not worth buying I love two tone watches as you get more gold for your purchase price than if you just buy a steel watch. So I’d rather have gold on my wrist instead of all steel, but I’m in the minority with this thought?
@@WatchFanHenryIt's a supply and demand thing on the 2 tone. Don't know why most people not prefer the 2 tone ones. For Rolex even the steel Daytonas have more demand than the all gold ones.
Persistence seems to be the key!
You really believe one gmt a month….lol… how much profit margin is there for them to keep the lights on employees and storefront per watch … the numbers don’t lie they have plenty of watches and pick and choose who they sell to so yes I agree walk in and try
I agree .. As long as I’m walking this planet, I’ll be walking into the Rolex ADs to ask if they have the watches I want. All they can do is say “no” and I’ll feel no pain.
Instead of that AD guy chuckling he should have invite that couple to come in and show them watches available for purchase… by chuckling show me their arrogance and snobbishness! Nothing has change with anything involving the Rolex brand… same sh*t different year…
I hear what you’re saying, but I guess he wasn’t going to be chasing somebody outside of the footprint shop. Maybe that’s a red line for employees of Rolex.
hmm The average WoS/Goldsmiths showroom in the UK has $7.71m sales across all brands. Most measures put Rolex at 30% retail share. Excluding Jewellery thats c.$1.9m Rolex sales per year per WoS/Goldsmiths AD. So it's a nonsense to believe an average AD is getting one sub a month and a rare every St Patrick's Day for those with 4 leaf clover. Another interesting fact in WoS accounts is they hold over $250m of stock at any one time. Applying the 30% measure excluding jewellery c.$66m of Rolexs in the safes, or WoS's secure warehouse.
How do these shops stay in business with the massive overheads?
It must be a long day working in these shops with nothing to sell!
They are already sold. That’s why there’s nothing in stock.
they keep the lights on by selling to the gray market dealer at a significant markup. the whole thing is a con. that store is not staying open selling 5 watches a month. you'd be naive to believe that nonsense.
What’s the point in having a watch shop that doesn’t sell watches?
It’s like out of a Monty Python sketch actually. Cheese shop sketch.
People want to show that they can afford to pay for exclusivity and with more than enough people thinking that way, Rolexes become as liquid as cash. Rolex is happy to oblige as they can’t make the watches fast enough to meet demand anyway.
The idea of a wait list now is pointless, the cheapest 124060 (new shape, 41mm no date Sub) sold on eBay this year sold for under retail, same with the black bezel Date Submariner, the cheapest Starbucks sold for £9100, they retail at £9450.
There are current shape Bluesy's BIN, £1000+ under retail.
Thank you for letting me know about eBay. I do watch eBay fairly closely, but I’m looking at the US and Canada ebay sites as opposed to European or elsewhere. For the Rolex prices offered by US and Canadian sellers, I’ve not yet noticed being under retail that you saw. Did you find these under retail Rolex prices on the .uk or a European eBay website as opposed to the North American eBay website?
@@WatchFanHenry UK, I just searched on sold items, it's an option in the filters, you're going to have to be patient, no one is offering under retail Buy it Now.
I tell you what though, the previous gen Subs, the 11xxxx, the Maxi case, they are cheap. No date (114060) around £7500 Buy it Now and they have gone for under £6000 at auction on eBay.
does the interest list even existed ? or AD only sell watches to existed customers.
Just stop going into their stores for 6 months people and they will be begging you to buy one!!!!!!!!!
i am waiting til they get discounts on their watches and then i can go 🙂
I sure hope that can happen too one day but if you watch my Japan Rolex videos, that’s about the closest thing we can expect in this regard.
That was me not to bother to my wife last year…
where does two tone Daytona stand . in hard to get pyramid
No such thing as waitlist sorry 💯
Keep coming in so we can disappoint you more often
Yeah!! That’s a sentiment that one can hear between the lines, but hopefully there is some truth to his advice🙏🙏
It has changed because many fliippers lost money and others have no money to buy watches anymore. So there are less people buying their watches and they are starting to become desperate
I hope so!! I look forward to seeing more evidence of this in the coming months.
Quite hard to trust any AD from Rolex at this point.
Up until this particular visit all of the Rolex AD sales people have been very long faced and non-talkative. It’s kind of like they are prisoners putting in the hours not looking forward to guests. But this particular visit with Nural was quite a nice one so it deserved special mention.
Rolex scarcity is a scam. I went to that dealer in terminal 5, and they had nothing. Panerai, Cartier ect are fully stocked with watches
I noticed that as well every other watch Brandyn in the world is fully stocked and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. But when it comes to Rolex “ I’m sorry, sir… “ are usually the first words out of the sales person’s mouth as I walk into the store.
Bad joke sorry in advance, you should rather consider the london rolex slippers waitlist, I bet they can get you a rolex quicker than the ad.. it s a bad joke I know but I had to write it..
Funny, you mentioned this, I noticed that the Rolex sales people have very nice Rolex pens and lapel pins and I’d like to have one of these as well but I’m sure they are rare items and impossible to purchase anywhere.
Best to spend money on the stock exchange. Bandits in London and America are ruthless and are capable of killing. I think 🤔 its best to not flaunt your wealth.
They HAVE THEM in stock. Just not for you.
The right customer WILL walk out of that store with a watch even if he just walked in and asked.
Think John Mayer would walk out empty handed? lol
The sheep keep coming….
No let up! For now ..
All Rolex ADs are liars. They ALL have stock of virtually every model in their safe, the question is whether they want to sell it to you. Granted, the watch market has come down to some sort of reality and the bubble has deflated quite a bit for the last two years, so some semi-popular models can be purchased by "normal" people without having to establish a relationship with the AD by buying the non-popular models before they offer a popular model to you for sale at the retail price. None of this game buyers play with ADs are worth the trouble. If you want to buy a particular watch, just buy it from any reseller for a premium above the retail price. It's a high end item and if you can't afford to pay aftermarket prices, then buy some other watch that can easily be purchased and avoid the Rolex AD drama.
I found I can buy nice Rolex watches in Japan without paying ridiculous prices charged in North America and Europe so that worked for me. But not for the GMT so that’s one that I’ll have to persist on. Who knows maybe I’ll eventually find my desire GMT in Japan and then Rolex won’t end up getting one farthing out of me at the end of all of this.
Waste of time. Why bother with a store - no watches in stock? Cmon....
It takes me just a second to ask so I figure why not.
I'd love a Rolex but no way am I playing the bullshit game
It is that for sure .. so many people around the world are frustrated and upset and angry at the brand for their extremely poor conduct. The number one mistake that Rolex made is treating people poorly in this period of terrific demand for their product. They should have come up with a fair and equitable solution for everybody to put their name on a central wait list managed at Rolex HQ in Switzerland. It shouldn’t matter where in the world the customer wants to order the watch from, they should have allowed people to place orders by making even a nonrefundable deposit, and then delivering the watches on a first come - first serve basis. This business of having to beg and kiss the back sides of Rolex AD shop managers, and selling watches out the back door to those in the know is total nonsense. You would think if they were smart enough to become a global success, they would be smart enough to know how to treat their customers with respect and fairly. Thus far, this is not the case.
@@WatchFanHenry couldn't agree more but if enough people play the game then why would they change. I enquired at a local AD recently and was basically told I have no chance of even putting my name down, seems silly when other brands allow you to walk out of the store/boutique the same day with a watch
Yes .. I have been told this in a few overseas locations ... where they tell me I can go on a list in my home country only. I was told this at Geneva airport ... I remember it clearly. How ironic it was .... I am at the Rolex boutique in Geneva airport, home country for Rolex, and she was particularly snooty. Having found the ability to buy Rolex watches in Japan at good prices I never bothered to go in and grovel with the local Rolex ADs here in Canada. I am not going to do that. @@michaelhunter636
he was blowing smoke up your ass...datejusts sell for near retail on the gray market and many gmt's are much over retail. so his advice is to beg for a rolex? give me a break - the bubble has burst.
I sure hope you’re right as I’d really like to get myself either if not both a GMT and/or Datejust 41 at retail price from a Rolex AD .. one of these years. And I do a fair bit of travel (more than the average person) and I visit Rolex ADs pretty much all around Asia and Europe on a regular basis .. and I haven’t hit one for sale since I started looking several years ago .. so I’m batting zero for 100 at this point.
Daytona no longer hard
I’ve not been offered one in any of the Rolex ADs I have visited, but if you found that they’re easier to find .. where are you seeing them available? May I ask?
With respect to you I think he’s full of shit and has plenty of watches in the safe. Don’t believe the false scarcity story in 2024. I walked into an AD in Tenerife 3 weeks ago and they had plenty of watches for sale and I walked out with a 40mm Explorer.
Wow, that’s incredible .. Congratulations you were able to pick up an Explorer in Spain .. so lucky .. I’ve been looking for many years as you well know with zero luck.
@@WatchFanHenry honestly I could have taken my pick of the 36mm and the 40mm Explorer, plus they had the Air King and Deepsea in stock. On top of that a couple of stainless DJ 41’s including a green dial but smooth bezels. They had numerous two tone and all gold sports models, subs, a GMT rose gold. Literally 20 decent watches for sale. They told me there are no waiting lists I presume because it’s a tourist resort. The AD is called Ideal and it’s based in Playa De Las Américas, I think it’s worth a trip before high summer season I’m confident you’d pick up a decent watch there, possibly stainless steel sports.
Absolutely A M A Z I N G !!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this tip. That's what it is all about ... helping like minded collectors in the community. Wishing you good health and prosperity with your wonderful new Rolex!@@Anonymouslyme1
@@Anonymouslyme1 I just thanked you for this amazing tip using my other YT account ... it is very much appeciated.
@@WatchFanHenry what’s your other YT channel called, I’ll check it out?
Please please please…
Stop filling the internet with stupid vlogs….. ( this message is with out predigest ) Henry
1st the reason the husband and wife story ( the wife knows Rolex are not a sound investment any more ).
2nd the Rolex AD at the airport only sale new old stock people with holiday money and high on fun are who they are targeting.
To many super clones on they market , and robbers on the street is a big part of the down size of popularity.
Forty year old bling models on the market and people thinking they look cool ( please)
and lastly I hear so many models that are hip….. purchase the model YOU like .
So many experts on the subject of watches……really they love the sound of there own voice.
Thank you for leaving the comment Frank I do appreciate it, but I am sorry that you didn’t like my video but that’s OK. It is a free world (most of it) and I welcome all comments .. good and bad so it’s all totally fine with me. People seem to resonate to my airport Rolex ADV so that’s why I post them and I generally get some little bit of information from speaking to the people that work at these shops that the viewers find interesting. Ultimately that’s my main focus is to generate conversation around the subject. Lots of people are doing it … that’s true, but I’m passionate about the subject. There’s certainly no rule that says I can’t contribute my content as well.
Dare I say .. I also very recently had another visit to the Rolex authorized dealer at Heathrow terminal 2 just a few days ago, so I’m going to be uploading that video to my channel. If it won’t sit well with you, I totally understand so perhaps it’s best to not watch it. Just a fair warning that it’s coming.
what a load of bull s
It is mega frustrating that they have “no watches” .. not for me anyhow.
Oh wow. Old news
Hopefully it will change soon🙏🙏
Buy an Omega.
I am so done with Rolex…have no interest…Rolex is for posers
Yeah bullshit, enjoy your clicks
TSGWMID 🍭