I want to buy my first Rolex

[TurkishDelight]

Hello everybody,

I have been thinking about it for almost a year and have finally decided to make the purchase.

I have never been to a Rolex store before, but people always tell me that I have to buy some Tudor watches and wait over a year to get a brand new Rolex. This is discouraging to me.

To be honest, I want to have a GMT-Master II with a Jubilee bracelet (pepsi/batman/sprite), but the prices in the grey market are not reasonable. I have found a Submariner no date with a reasonable price, and I will probably go for that if I choose the grey market option.

What would you suggest to me? What should I do? How did you get your very first Rolex?

[Hemdog]

Just buy what you want, simple

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Grey is your only option, I'm afraid.

Are you royalty? A celebrity? Someone otherwise famous? If not, then the stories you've heard are (if anything) a watered down version of the truth.

You're buying multiple pieces of junk you don't want in order to be able to get the GMT at MSRP. Probably some jewellery as well.

My advice, go grey. Having a Rolex on the wrist is money in the bank anyway. At least that's how I look at it. And honestly, pricing won't be that much above retail in todays' market. Shop around.

[Ferrari308]

I would take a good look at sites like Chrono24 as well. I have hard good luck with two purchases there. They have an awesome selection from all over the globe. Use that as a gauge for what you might need or want to pay for whichever watch you decide on. Just make sure that it is a watch that you like and are happy with.

Good luck!


PDG

[RichardBartlett]

I went into my local AD and bought it there and then . Glory days

[bkay001]

When it comes to buying a Rolex, there are different options like going through the grey market or waiting for a new one. Some people find great deals in the grey market, but it's important to do your research and ensure you're getting a genuine piece.

As for my first Rolex, I actually got it as a gift from my family for a special occasion. It was such a meaningful and treasured gift.

Ultimately, go for the one that feels right for you and fits your style best. Whichever one you choose, it's going to be a fantastic addition to your collection.

[thenewrick]

Ignore everyone else. Just go in the Rolex AD and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

[BETRNSX]

I went to an AD and started the conversation. Getting my wife a Datejust as an upcoming gift first and in the future if I can get something for myself, great. If not, oh well, not meant to be. Tudor makes some good stuff at a much lower price.

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

ignore everyone else. Just go in the rolex ad and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

+1

[vinny84]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ignore everyone else. Just go in the Rolex AD and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

This. Being a first time owner, you will likely be able to get something in a few months time.

[996marty]

Firstly I would go to your local AD and talk to them about what you would like and to sound out your chances. You never know miracles do happen sometimes but it’s a very big ask.
Just don’t get conned into buying things you don’t want if not just go grey

[Eph]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ignore everyone else. Just go in the Rolex AD and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

This. Just go in and be honest with them and have a good conversation. Make sure they have your info before you leave.

If you're a nice guy, you will get your Rolex before the cold and brusque people who are also first-time buyers.

That said, you will need some luck to get retail soon, so the gray market is something you should keep in mind.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ignore everyone else. Just go in the Rolex AD and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

Absolute truth here. My SA read me, liked me, and got me my first new Rolex. It took a full year. The second took less time, and I’m on the list for a third, which I should have in about 6 months. I never bought any other watches. I had a moderate jewelry spend on things I needed, but it had little impact, if any, on my success at getting my Rolexes.

Kat


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[wongga]

I threw my hat in the ring for a 36 OP Candy Pink in August of 2023. I knew it could be very hard to get or may take a long time to actually get that call, but patience is the key if you really desire the one Rolex you want.

I visit my AD and talk with my SA's roughly once a month, just shoot the breeze with them. I did buy a G-Shock and earrings for my wife, not much.

What I've learned from this journey, be patient, it's a marathon. You're taste will change while you wait so you just have to adjust your desires from time to time. Also be open to getting a different Rolex, but only the one you would want to wear.

[bluemamba]

Since it's your first rolex, just visit your local AD and find out for yourself. I'll recommend looking into the Datejust models.

[travisb]

It's worth a try with an AD. See how you feel after the visit.
A GMT will be tougher than a Sub. It's a long shot for sure but you never know.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

I’d start by visiting an authorized dealer. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get a GMT of any kind as your first purchase, but stranger things have happened.

Keep saving, and don’t settle on a second choice for a watch, it only leaves you wanting what you’ve always coveted.

Good luck

[Besttime]

As already said by other forum members, you could try a local AD in your area, talk to them they may surprise you within a short wait time.

[BroncoOne]

Sub is a classic. If you like it, get it. I doubt that you will regret it

[TerryDavis420]

The AD's of Constantinople got the works but that is no bodies business but the Turks. TurkishDelight just go to your local AD after you make an appointment and tell them the watch you want. Then keep going back every month at least or at max every two weeks and check in to see if its available. Don't settle for a Submariner if that is not what you want. Also before you goto your AD lets them know exactly what you want and figure that out first for yourself. Don't goto an AD and tell them this " I want to have a GMT-Master II with a Jubilee bracelet (pepsi/batman/sprite)" It sounds like you really haven't even made your mind up for what you want most of all?

[alphadweller]

From an AD, forget about it. From a reputable dealer, the world is your oyster (pun intended).

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by Hemdog

Just buy what you want, simple

this

[KatGirl]

If you have unlimited funds, by all means, go grey. Some of us watch lovers do not have that option. I’ve bought all my new pieces from an AD. So I wait a bit. So what! In a few months, I’ll have a third, from my AD. No real spend history, except for wedding jewelry, which we needed, anyway. Try an AD. If you don’t think they can help you, then go grey.

Kat


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[TurkishDelight]

Originally Posted by TerryDavis420

The AD's of Constantinople got the works but that is no bodies business but the Turks. TurkishDelight just go to your local AD after you make an appointment and tell them the watch you want. Then keep going back every month at least or at max every two weeks and check in to see if its available. Don't settle for a Submariner if that is not what you want. Also before you goto your AD lets them know exactly what you want and figure that out first for yourself. Don't goto an AD and tell them this " I want to have a GMT-Master II with a Jubilee bracelet (pepsi/batman/sprite)" It sounds like you really haven't even made your mind up for what you want most of all?

To be honest, I love 3 of them and want to get them all in next 2 years. But my most favorite is Pepsi, then Batman. However if AD tells me something about sprite, I won't miss it.

What I read and watch about Rolex stores triggers my social anxiety :)

[TurkishDelight]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

If you have unlimited funds, by all means, go grey. Some of us watch lovers do not have that option. I’ve bought all my new pieces from an AD. So I wait a bit. So what! In a few months, I’ll have a third, from my AD. No real spend history, except for wedding jewelry, which we needed, anyway. Try an AD. If you don’t think they can help you, then go grey.

Kat


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Yeah, I'll go to AD and try my chance; what about duty-free airport rolex stores? I heard that they most of time have some pieces, ready to purchase, is that true?

[TurkishDelight]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ignore everyone else. Just go in the Rolex AD and talk to the sales people and see where it goes. As long as they like you, you'll get a watch.

Should I suit up?

[thenewrick]

lol no. Be a normal likable honest person. Start with that. Sales associates can typical read people like a book.