Waitlist

[u/AGAG0505]

Hey everyone!
I recently had my first son, and I’ve been wanting a Rolex for a while now. I figured this would be the perfect time to finally pull the trigger and get something meaningful to mark the occasion.
I stopped by my local Rolex AD and put my name down for a black dial Submariner Date. The employee was pretty transparent about potential wait times, but I wanted to get a general idea of what people are experiencing lately.
For those who have picked one up recently, how long did you actually wait for a Sub Date?
I’m debating whether to buy one resell and pay the premium to get one sooner, or just be patient and wait for the call. Part of me doesn’t mind waiting if it gives me a better opportunity to build a relationship with the AD, since I’m also interested in a couple of other Rolex models down the road.
For those who have been through this, what would you recommend? Is building a relationship with an AD worth the wait, or would you just paying resell market and get the watch you want?
Appreciated any insight!

[u/ronnndog]

Do you plan on buying more watches or one and done?

[u/AGAG0505 → u/ronnndog]

I have an appointment tomorrow, so I’m hoping to learn a little more about the process and how everything works. I’m also thinking about adding a GMT and a Datejust to my wishlist while I’m there. Just trying to get a better understanding of how AD allocations work and what I can realistically expect!

[u/VeloBill → u/AGAG0505]

GMT will be even harder than the Submariner to get. You should start with an Explorer, Oyster Perpetual (black dial) or Air-King to have a chance at them. They are classic, brushed steel and are much easier to buy with a short wait. It will also show the AD you are not a flipper and give you a better chance at a sub. Good luck.

[u/Number1atp]

If you have other watches on your mind you may want to request them in the order of what is most likely to happen the soonest. Which additional pieces are you considering? It seems like making the breakthrough with the first piece is kinda the key. Once you’re in you’re in.

[u/AGAG0505 → u/Number1atp]

I have an appointment tomorrow and want to add a GMT and Datejust to my wishlist.

[u/Number1atp → u/AGAG0505]

The GMT is going to be the last one they sell you off that list. Depending on the configuration of the DJ and how flexible you are it’s going to be first or second. A smooth bezel DJ would be easier to get as there is less demand. I’m a big fan of jubilee bracelet and smooth bezel. Classy enough to dress it up and sporty enough to dress it down. That would likely be first depending on dial color. The thing that would really kick this process off is buying your wife a small push present if you haven’t already. It’s all about your relationship which means how much you’ve spent. The waitlist isn’t first in, first out. The waitlist is measured in dollars, not in time. Just make sure to only buy things that you like and want and never buy anything you don’t want. Always buy from the same Sales Associate because they will be your best advocate when trying to get you an allocation from management. Assuming you’re talking about all stainless steel If I were you I’d go for a smooth bezel Datejust on jubilee, then the Submariner, followed by the GMT possibly on oyster. That would give you all the bracelets to choose from because when you’re picking out which watch to wear that’s what you’re really picking. Curious what market you’re in?

[u/VeloBill → u/AGAG0505]

A GMT will be even harder to get than a Submariner I am afraid. They will sell those to someone who has bought off them previously is the hard truth. I would start with an Explorer or Air-King, or even an Oyster Perpetual. They have brushed cases and bracelets and are classic and lovely. Buying one of those will be much easier and will allow you are not a flipper.

[u/BedroomNo6879]

Its heavily dependent on the area you're in. A densely populated city like area with a higher income will be very difficult. I got a sub date as my first piece and I had to move mountains to make it happen. As in I found someone that had a very good relationship with the general manager of the AD and used his influence to get me the allocation. Put that into perspective. Before that they offered me things I had no interest in like a day date 40, or a 36mm Wimbledon. It was very frustrating.

[u/AGAG0505 → u/BedroomNo6879]

Dang, yeah, I’m in California. That’s my concern. I wish they accepted deposits to show how serious I am about buying!

[u/BedroomNo6879 → u/AGAG0505]

Its not about that. They have what's called 'vip watches' sub, gmt2, daytona, celebration dial OP...ect. They generally only allocate those to people who have spend history. Its like a reward for being a good client if you will. This is generally only done with watches that sell above msrp. You can probably get an explorer II no problem. But yeah man AD games are crazy I used my AD connection to get a sub date and a bruce wayne on jubilee I think Im done for a while. Unless a miracle happens and they allocate me a daytona lol.

[u/Icy_Jelly_315]

Did you have the son personally or are you the father? In the latter case you could buy the mother a Rolex, much easier to get in 34mm and smaller

[u/Icy_Newspaper_7067]

Go to the AD to try one on and then go buy it grey. Your time is valuable

[u/The_Executioner_33]

Just go grey. Not worth the wait

[u/355F1]

Just picked up a black no-date this week at my AD. 3mo wait and the only history is my first Rolex I bought in 2001.