Purchasing other brands from AD - feel obliged?

[Armis]

With the understanding that “preferred” or “valued” clients are those with the strongest purchase history at a Rolex AD, the question is what portion of purchases from the AD are non-Rolex pieces? Perhaps jewelry should be included too, but for the focus is chiefly watch purchases.
The reason is that at my AD, while it’s never been stated outright as a requirement, I personally have noticed (maybe perceived?) that I get a Rolex allocation more readily if I’ve purchased a different brand’s watch. Moreover, this perception of a pattern developed over the recent years, maybe shortly before Covid, basically when the watch craze started to develop. At that same time, the AD was not amenable to discounting either. I don’t think this was from my SA, who has always been a gentleman, as opposed to a corporate leadership decision. And I had genuinely been okay with getting other brands from them (eg Cartier, IWC). But I started to notice a pattern since Covid.
My SA does point out new pieces they receive that he thinks I may like, without being pushy, but I am calming my purchases in general. But at what cost will this be? If a future Rolex release catches my strong interest, then am I unlikely to get an allocation because I haven’t bought other pieces recently?
This has crept into my mind.
Do any of you also have this feeling of obligation?

[omar-rye]

I have nothing to add but to mention what George Carlin once said: “They've got you by the balls!”

[Jackie Daytona]

I have purchased a different brand from my AD, but no obligation or pressure in anyway, just wanted a Grand Seiko at that point in time.

[padi56]

Anyone willing to pay for other products just to think they might be able to buy a Rolex must be sixpence short of a shilling or have more money than sense.

[1William]

Why not just have a respectful and direct conversation with your SA. See what they say and make your decision accordingly.

[Calatrava r]

All that other stuff used to be sold at nice discounts as did a lot of Rolex models. If they want your business, let them earn it, by offering the other stuff at attractive prices or by selling you in hand the Rolex model you want in the same transaction. The idea of buying stuff you do not want just to maybe get an allocation of some watch down the road makes no sense. Those days should be over by now.

[brandrea]

My personal opinion …

Ask for the watch you want. Be direct. Have a conversation about why said reference is important to you and throw in some niceties about your collecting methodology.

Ask for an honest answer about your chances.

Based on how they respond you can either wait or purchase the watch you want from a trusted seller here

[jimcameron]

One of the retailers in a major East Coast chain as initiated a class in customer Groveling. For 100$ the Retailer will evaluate one's ability to beg, whine, cry, and pout. Based on these abilities, desirable watches will be sold to those that displayed the greatest histrionics.

I personally have prevailed at getting whatever watch I have wanted.

[Michael1968]

Just buy what you like and what you will enjoy

[KatGirl]

My AD only sells Rolex, so no worries. We did buy our wedding rings and my engagement ring from the AD. Whether that helped me to get my Rolex, I’m not sure. But, it certainly didn’t hurt. I also emphasized the fact, that I wanted it before my wedding.

Kat


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[dg1111]

I would buy what you want and not what you feel you should.

Here is why I think that. I started the path to getting a Submariner about two years ago. I put my name on the list at several ADs. I made most purchases at 2 of them
(A few Tudors and a tennis bracelet). My wife loves the bracelet, and I have gotten a lot of wear out of the Tudors, so I don’t regret those purchases. That said, the two ADs I made purchases at have been radio silent, and I got a Sub from an AD where I made no purchases. If I started over again knowing what I know now, I probably would have purchased on the grey market on day 1.

[WatchTimes]

I only buy what I want to buy.

[BNA/LION]

Do not feel Obligated to buy anything from anyone. We all have the right to feel how we fell and like what we like.

[enjoythemusic]

Since my choices range in brands / independents, and totally not to sound like an arse, when a dealer keeps me happy I keep them happy. And if not me, my wife as she's building a nice collection too.

I mean, c'mon, how could you not get a Speedy of whatever flavor you like. Cartier Tank, amazingly classic for both men and women (we share one). Ok, ok, not everyone wants a TAG Monaco, but as a 'retired' racer the Gulf edition rocks! And yeah yeah Paneri yada yada yet it's a nice style. Oh, or the Bvlgari Octo FS with 100m WP rating, great for small-like wrists imho.

There's more, but that's me. Yeah, save yourself now because in two decades you could..... jmho

PS: G-Shock, how about a Seiko Alpinist....

PPS: But no, never felt obligated... like that matters ROFLOL.

7d.jpg

[Norbert]

No problems if your AD is a boutique!

[puma1552]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Attachment 1400215

I lol'd

[Kreyzhorse]

No. Just no.

[Old Expat Beast]

If an AD is using Rolex to leverage support for its competitors, you could drop Rolex a line.

[TickTockChuck]

Just politely emphasize that you prefer a certain Rolex for specific reasons. If you feel the AD is trying to subtlety coerce you into buying other brands you don't want at the risk of offending them and hence moving you to the back of the mythical waiting list, then I would consider looking elsewhere. Good luck in your search. Cheers!

[on_philly_time]

Personally if I could not wait for what I wanted, I would spend a few more dollars from a reputable gray market dealer. No way I am letting the AD coerce me into buying something I do not want/need just to get my piece.

[Armis]

Thank you all for your input, and funny memes:)
Just to clarify, I’ve never been coerced by my SA, and I wouldn’t respond well to that. Enjoythemusic highlights a key point, which is that there are indeed many other nice brands out there which interest me, and so I have been inclined to buy such brands from that AD precisely because they have been good to me with Rolex allocations…so, I’m good to them because they’ve been good to me. Still, as others point out, many of those other pieces are appropriate for some discount, which the AD has been less than inclined to do since Covid. So, since things have changed, and since I’m not going to buy pieces I don’t want, the best advice I take from you all is to have an honest conversation with my SA about whatever Rolex may interest me in the future. Being open and direct should be the way, and I do hope and expect my SA will respond in like.
Ideally, Rolex simply won’t release anything new that I like, ever again.

[worldofoyster]

Buy what you want only.

[airchitect]

Never spend money you don’t want to


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[Rollei35]

gaslighting.