Comments:
Closed AD = lost list = THE END
Interesting to compare my experience as a genuine brand fan and collector against the recent post about the chancer/flipper....
What do PuristS think of this:
Rapwatch
Rolex's position is completely reasonable.
How could it be any other way?
It would be unworkable for customers to be able to solicit Rolex directly.
As you allude (or I think you're alluding), this may just be a weak attempt by a would-be flipper.
Cheers,
John
Maybe I was not clear.
....there are going to be quite a large number of genuine buyers who are now stranded, some years in, on several waiting lists that have just been deleted; just out of bad luck, and because their local Rolex AD account was stopped (their other branches have not continued the dealership). It would make some sense to allocate the waiting lists to other ADs.
I know where I went wrong, I didn't have umpteen false names carpet bombed at dealers across the country like our clever taxi driver.
I know where I went wrong, I didn't have umpteen false names carpet bombed at dealers across the country like our clever taxi driver.
Ah, I see...and you're right, this is going to be tough for many...
who thought that nominally being on a list meant it was only a matter of time before they received their much-desired Rolex. That is a tough situation indeed. Hard to imagine how Rolex could (or if it should try to) solve this. Any attempt to solve it may be a total mess and create other unfairness.
That's really unfortunate.
I feel bad for the individuals affected by this. It would hurt to know that you're on the list and then find out the dealer is closing. It can also create a panic within the watch community and lead to longer phantom waiting lists everywhere beyond the local dealer. It's very similar to university applications in the US -- prospective students for a highly selective university often apply to 10 or 15 of these universities in the hope of being accepted to the best possible option.
This could also create a potential 'asset bubble' for Rolex as they might know if dealers have a 3 or 5 year waiting list for sports models, but they wouldn't know which portion of those individuals are repeated on other lists and might get their watch from another dealer. Not sure how they determine their production numbers of the sports line, but hopefully it's not based on dealer requests (driven by waiting lists) as inventory will catch up with a significant enough bump in economic conditions which would cause the phantom repeat customers to dry up very quickly due to the exponential repetitive nature of the lists.
At the same time, I don't see how Rolex can address the situation without removing all relationships between customers and ADs and having a master list for each locality, nation or worldwide even.
A tough dilemma for sure.
Kind regards,
Dan
Sorry for the outcome...a complicated situation that, assuming the existence of official waiting lists, seems hard to solve this way...
I can agree with what Rolex says (they can’t control ADs, and they don’t sell directly), but I disagree with what they don’t say, namely the artificial shortage they created on those models is entirely under their control, and totally reversible...maybe I would have emphasized that point in the email exchange, not that it would have made any difference..😉😇
Is it already April 1st?
If anyone seriously believes that the list of a Rolex AD is binding in any way then he is badly off. Of course, only these lists are to keep the myth alive. After all, these ADs distribute the hard-to-reach watches to major customers and gray dealers in the first place, and a regular collector is probably most lucky if he gets one of these pieces. Then to think that you can get into the list at another AD because the person you was on the list with has stopped selling Rolex is of course absurd. Do you really seriously think Rolex HQ would help you? Do you think all Rolex AD submits their lists to HQ so they know whose turn it is? I interpret this post as a joke, but perhaps it is most seriously?
+2
The list is basically an indication of interest from prospective buyers. Not really a contract outlining the sequential distribution of product. I am on the list for a Rolex and a Patek at an AD in NYC. They are one of the more well known ADs globally with shops all over Europe. I have a great relationship with them. Bought 11 Rolex watches over the years. Introduced them to other customers. Great salespeople. Great store manager. Everybody knows me there. I get VIP treatment. But this is New York. I may be their best buddy but there are customers who have spent 10x what I have spent. Business is business. I know I will eventually get my watches. Could be 5 months or 5 years. I also know that my watch could be in the store and they may give it to a top customer who calls in that morning. I’m not holding my breath. It’s just a couple of watches. Could be worse. I could be on “the list” waiting for a kidney.
+3
Lists certainly aren't binding and not real in my view. AD's have customers they know and have spent sizeable amounts with them and will allocate accordingly.
hehe. It's such a poor show, Rolex should be embarrassed.
They betray their total arrogance. At least I already have some cool pieces. Alas no more will be added.
I can guess why the dealer lost their position. When the old guard retired (awesome service by the way) they were left with a money grabbing little spod who probably got caught feeding the reseller/grey machine out the back door.
However, Rolex's fake retribution on a few dealers around the world does not help the genuine, patient enthusiast procure anything. Make no mistake that I will not be advocating any of my high net worth friends continue to bother with Rauxlex.
I can guess why the dealer lost their position. When the old guard retired (awesome service by the way) they were left with a money grabbing little spod who probably got caught feeding the reseller/grey machine out the back door.
However, Rolex's fake retribution on a few dealers around the world does not help the genuine, patient enthusiast procure anything. Make no mistake that I will not be advocating any of my high net worth friends continue to bother with Rauxlex.
Honestly, I am not taking all this very seriously. It's been a very long time I didn't buy a Rolex at an AD or Boutique. The first time was in 2009 for the Green Milgauss and the second time...
In February 2018, for an Air King. And in both cases, I received a call from these two great ADs to tell me that if I was interested, I could have them.
I never wasted my time asking a Rolex AD if some of their watches were available.
Each time I get a Rolex, it is an accident.
Best,
Nicolas
I never wasted my time asking a Rolex AD if some of their watches were available.
Each time I get a Rolex, it is an accident.
Best,
Nicolas
Interesting shirt, though not to Foversta's standard
;-)
BTW, That's the first pic I've seen where the red looks red not lilac.
I think the rules have changed and if one really wants that specific watch then it’s best to play the game as currently played.
I don’t want to debate whether this should be a game, or whether the rules are fair, those points are really irrelevant as you and I have no control over that.
Today’s reality is for certain watches of certain brands the only means of purchase at retail prices for most of us is to play the game, call everyone you know, as for favors, offer to bundle, use aliases at multiple points of sale, and sometimes just be in the right place at the right time (usually requires a lot of legwork).
In my experience the waitlists are, by and large, a myth insofar as they are completely fluid, non-binding and in the dealer’s complete discretion [nt]
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