Picking Up My First Rolex: 3 Things that Shocked Me!

[@mrkattm]

That is crazy, I bought my sub date in 2004 in the Bahamas for about 5k US. The wife and I just walked in off the street wearing our swim suits and started browsing over the Rolex watches, the sales person that was assisting us couldn't slap watches on my wrist fast enough, I ended up picking the Sub Mariner Date. The whole process took about an hour and I walked out of the store wearing my new watch. I can't believe you guys go through all of this just for a watch.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

You're right, it has gotten crazy. And it's turned off many potential customers.

[@nancyroman1917]

Congratulations!!! Currently on a waiting list for the same watch. It’s absolutely breathtaking!! Enjoy in good health. 😃👍

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Good luck! It's getting easier so hopefully you get a call soon

[@MichaelBoelton]

an average AD gets monthly shipments of about 50 watches. you may have the first person to pick up for that month.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I feeling like it's getting easier. When he told me I had two chances for the Date Just, I was shocked.

[@tacuazinful]

​@@mywatchjourney65794:14 you mentioned you were not sure of the actual final account (price)

[@markgiles8527]

Rolex needs to take a good look at videos like this. It shouldn’t be such a big deal a customer going to your establishment to purchase your product. I can buy a watch. Oh, wow, shock horror. Doing something every consumer does every day of the week. 😅

[@mywatchjourney6579]

We need to get back to those day. People told me you could walk in and try on some watches. My AD Steve says he misses those days. He felt like he could really help collectors find the right watch for themselves. He doesn't like these wait lists either.

[@ultimatedouchebag6760]

dont buy into rolex bullshit....they are the biggest scammer of them all.

[@peterzabilka3664]

I remember over 20 years ago when I could walk into a watch store in Sydney and try on submariners. They had several models and would be willing to show them.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I know what you mean. I first encountered Rolex as a brand as a kid, working in my dad's shop. I was able to try on the Sub, but sure couldn't walk out with it lol

[@user-wi9nn6dz8w]

Which Tourneau/Bucherer location was this?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

It was the South Coast Plaza location in Orange County.

[@youruncle5555]

Congrats sir, sounds like you won the lottery! However here in Singapore where I am, the market doesn't seem to be cooling down. Although I did pass a silver DJ36 (I wanted a blue/green) a month back. I wonder how much that will hurt my chances for my next call...

[@mywatchjourney6579]

It might a bit, but you shouldn't buy a watch and spend all that money on something you don't want. It pays to be patient. The market is definitely softening.

[@Sams911]

I remember buying my first Rolex, way way before the hype ... 2004... Champaign, private room for delivery, a complementary book... and no rushing.. Same for the next 4 purchases and then it all came to an end in 2020.. Since then, it's been gray market or go on one of those fake waiting lists.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Haha I got a bottled water when I picked up my OP

[@johnpeterson6946]

Do you get a discount?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No! I wish haha. Paid full tax too. But it was worth every penny!

[@luximperial]

Congrats!!!! Love the blue dial Rolex OP.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks :-). The dial changes color depending on lighting. Sometimes a bit green, or almost black. Really love it!

[@luximperial]

@@mywatchjourney6579 wow! cant wait to see your next video on it. showing the lighting and styling it. Cheers!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

@@luximperial You got it! I've got some other videos planned, but that's coming soon.

[@canada1966]

That’s crazy I get offered sparkling water every time I enter the ad. But I do have a purchase history. And yes they have every watch in the back. I am able to try on almost every watch I ask to try on including platinum Daytona, rose gold gmt, sprite. They have been sold already though

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I was expecting, I don't know, at least champagne. I don't drink alcohol but was willing to make an exception. Oh well, at least I got the watch haha.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Congrats man and keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks! Are you on the wait list for anything?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@mywatchjourney6579 No, I like neovintage Rolex watches better 👍🏼

[@metro2171]

You are correct about the number of watches they have in the back my AD told me they are getting the same amount of stocks it’s just the demands they can’t fulfill

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yeah, and demand is cooling all over the world. China is in real trouble.

[@tanray1748]

Congrats on your new blue OP36 ! I also got my Exp1 after indicating my interest for 1 week where i actually submitted 2 options (Sub ND and Exp 1) The market has soften quite abit as my AD told me that i no longer restricted to buy only 1 piece per year.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Great to hear! I had to go grey for my Explorer I. But super happy with it.

[@TaylorCFP]

Congrats! I’m on the waitlist at south coast plaza as well, since March of this year. I’m curious how often you dropped in to see your sales associate?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Cool, good luck 🤞🍀! In the last eight month, I dropped in maybe 3 times. But most times Steve wasn't there. So I don't know how much it mattered.

[@willhorn9481]

@@mywatchjourney6579 Admit it, you went to see the hot asian female associate! Yes, I pay attention to your vids. haha

[@mywatchjourney6579]

@@willhorn9481 you got me man! And yes, she was there 😁😂

[@TaylorCFP]

@@mywatchjourney6579thanks for the insight! It’s hard to tell what, if any, difference my follows ups are making..

[@a.j.e4349]

Congrats on your purchase! I also Got The Call it was for a Sub No Date after waiting almost 3 years to the day! When the AD rang me in the week they seemed really keen on getting me in by the Sunday of the same week but I just couldn't make it I was busy. So I went the following week and purchased my very first Rolex. Before I went to my AD they asked me if I wanted any beverages and I replied No. But my other half she had a cup of tea though.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Wow congrats! I'm waiting for that model now ;-). At least she got tea haha

[@docpau698]

Congrats! Yes they definitely have watches available or allocated for vips. Its in the store vault.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I would love to take a peek inside that vault haha.

[@craciunu]

I think your comments are right to the point. We need more voices like yours, to keep the money-driven hype in check. 👍 (a general comment, for all your videos)

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Much appreciated

[@oliver.gutierrez]

Congratulations! 🎉 👏👏👏

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks 🙏! Are you also on the wait list?

[@oliver.gutierrez]

@@mywatchjourney6579 I was last December and got my 2nd pick last April. My first pick is also the 126234 or the 126200.

[@danime0199]

After you first met steve. Did he give you a card or something when you left?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No, I thought we had a good convo but nothing more than that. He wrote down my info and that was it.

[@danime0199]

@@mywatchjourney6579 coincidentally.. i found your video after meeting steve..🤣 I didnt get a card either.. I hope we hit it off..🤣

[@mywatchjourney6579]

@@danime0199 He's actually a cool guy. I kinda feel bad about my jokes about him lol. Good luck 🤞!

[@cascocatcommunity5382]

As a long-time collector of Rolex purchases from the AD. I can say the AD generally gets notifications from Rolex 3 days before the shipment of the types, and then they notify thier clients to stop by; that is why there are a lot of watches in the AD. AD purchase is the only way to go.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I'd like to go back to those days in the 90s when you could walk in and walk out with a Rolex haha. At least the market is getting better.

[@craciunu]

OP, of course. Nice and clean and versatile. One of the best!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I wear it weekly :-).

[@craciunu]

I love the OP. For the historic connection and name longevity for sure, but mostly for the clean, symmetric, beautiful and unfussy design. And for the lack of hype, too :))@@mywatchjourney6579

[@DecemberNames]

Congrats mate. Yo, what's up everyone? It's your favorite commenter here with another video feedback. Today, I'm going to be reviewing out this video by the talented creator. Let me tell you, this video is absolutely amazing. I'm not even kidding. It's so good that I'm actually starting to feel a little empowered. I mean, how can someone be so talented? Seriously, though, this video is a must-watch. It's informative, entertaining, and just plain good. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out right now!

[@SB-Kiwi]

100% it's getting easier. I was talking with someone quite high up in Bucherer Luzern Switzerland whom I have a good relationship with. Bucherer Luzern is the OG Bucherer outlet FYI. She confirmed that there are a lot more watches being moved as of late. I've been in there twice in three weeks, once to pick up a piece for myself and once to just chat and both times it was heaving and at least 3 or 4 watches being purchased in the short time I was in, something I have not witnessed before.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing. It's good news for all collectors.

[@SB-Kiwi]

@@mywatchjourney6579 it certainly is. It was always going to happen though I think. Like all fads they come and go.

[@vonbon954]

Congratulations on the blue OP, and your AD experience. We instinctively seek to move towards ever greater complication loads in our watches, but in time you may find that the OP is for most/much of the time, perfection in aesthetic and form factor.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thank you! I'm already there 😁. I prefer simple 3 hand. I won't buy mechanical chronos because of the servicing costs; and my g shock does a better job.

[@bayflowshow65]

Congratulations on your first Rolex. Great story telling as well. But I would like some clarification. Did you see watch boxes or small white plastic looking containers? If you saw small plastic containers as big as a soap container, then yes, there were watches. They usually store watch boxes in their closets.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No, what I saw were watches out in the open. I only got a quick glimpse but they were watches with maybe a plastic cover to protect them.

[@JunchengChen-f8v]

Sadly things ain’t as well in Singapore. Was asked to support the business with Tudor instead. Am abt to buy from grey.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Sorry to hear that. If you'd rather not wait, grey is the way to go. Prices are dropping fast.

[@brainbits6065]

Great videos. Keep it up.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks, will do!

[@JLUnit416]

Even if I don't leave with a timepiece, I can enjoy the experience potentially chatting with another watch enthusiast, who just happens to be on the other side of the counter. When I went to pick up my watch, I overheard someone else's disastrous attempt to confirm their spot on "the list" for a lefty, green GMT. He was then willing to "settle" for a green Sub, which eventually degenerated to any Oystersteel Rolex, as soon as possible. Like it or not, playing the game is part of it.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yes, I feel bad about making fun of Steve hehe. He came through for me 😁👍

[@tdugong]

Congratulations on your purchase. Enjoy your watch and remember to take lots of pictures!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yup, I'll be doing a complete review.

[@willhorn9481]

Congrats! Market is definitely softening. Put what you want on the wish list and just wait. I think outside the steel Daytona and steel Pepsi ; wait times won’t be like before. I passed on a sub, explorer 2 and air king with no spend. Had a good connection my my AD and said I should get me batgirl within 90 days. Things changing

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Definitely! Things are getting back to normal times. Congrats on the batgirl soon!

[@luximperial]

Definitely the batgirl over the Sub but I know it was hard turning a Sub down.

[@akincomer]

Wow 90 days? What area is this?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

@@luximperialDefinitely, but I'm a purist about this so I prefer a ND :-).

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Here in Middle East, no chance to get GMTs although used prices are much lower than western countries, but any other non rotating bezels steel watches are far easier to get and the smaller the watch is the faster you get

[@TheSkatereel]

Nice OP! And yes, typically they want you in store same day to pick up. I got the 126300 last year in February in blue. Same to your OP but with date window and 41mm. And didn’t even get to “enjoy” the experience since I was coming in during lunch hour 😂. You can’t go wrong with any blue Rolex in steel.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Congrats! You've got great taste in watches ;-)

[@gregoryadler7806]

I put myself on the waitlist at an AD but it was closing time so a few days later I went in to see if my information was in the system. It was, and the sales lady offered me a choice of two DJ then and there. Neither was the right one so I said thank you but I’d prefer to wait for the one I liked. Did I shoot myself in the foot?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No! You should go for what you want. Supply is getting better and better. It's only a matter of time before the market normalizes. You'll get the call.

[@gregoryadler7806]

@@mywatchjourney6579 That was pretty much what I figured. Still, suddenly she has two available there and then (that someone will take I’m sure)…so much for supply issues.

[@relojeroschat]

Congratulations! It looks amazing on your wrist!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks :-)

[@a1channel54]

congratulations on your new watch. i hope to get mine soon 😁

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thank you! You'll get the call soon. It's definitely getting easier 😁.

[@ComicBookVeteran]

Congrats!!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@robynsjp]

I never bought new and was in the game for 14 years. 2 Rolexes and various others. Would I buy new doing the waiting stuff or other AD antics ? No. Enjoy the OP, looks great.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks! I understand how you feel. I bought my Explorer grey.

[@kurthill7030]

Think the main thing about Rolex is the price for what you get when so many do a great job and better 👍

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yes, they are over priced. I'm drawn to them because of childhood memories.

[@Dr.Sheffield]

Congrats wear it in good health ✌️

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thank you! Are you also on the wait-list?

[@cdm765]

Congrats! I know the model is a pain in the ass, but sure feels good when you’re on the right side of it. I got a BLRO and Sub ND this year, and am happy to see the market soften.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yeah, Steve told me the OP is rather hard to get even now. And congrats on the Sub ND! Waiting on that now :-).

[@JinxPalm2023]

Market is definitely cooling down; in another few months shitty models will be ready for purchase most months while the more hyped daytonas will still be a waitlist item to acquire. Precious metal pieces will be easier also...

[@mywatchjourney6579]

It's true when I said that there were some date just models available for purchase and walk out at the Vegas location. It wasn't the model I wanted, so I waited.

[@btmontres1423]

Thanks for sharing your impressions. The crown does have its own agenda. If they saw your review I think they’d immediately correct some of the things you saw in the stock shelves. Hope u enjoy your new timepiece and many more on your watch journey.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks! I sure hope Steve doesn't see this story haha. I might never get a Rolex

[@gotcalirealestate]

Steve is a great guy I'm happy for you sir. Enjoy the crown.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

@@gotcalirealestate thank you 👍

[@lovesautodetail]

They have always had watches in the back. They just have a pecking order they go by.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yup, and there is no 'wait list'. It's who they like.

[@garrylau8896]

Congrats! But it's just a game that AD likes to play for you to believe they are doing you a favor by selling you an overpriced luxury item. Who do you think it's feeding the gray market with all the watches all these times?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yes, I've heard stories about backroom deals. It would be naive to think those don't happen.

[@brucethemanlee]

Congrats on your OP. As to your AD purchase. You wanted OP. You got OP. Just like your OP was "waiting" for you when you got there, I'm sure the other pieces in the closet are waiting for their new owners to to pick up too. As for the DJ, it was your second choice, but was likely first choice for another client. Unless you can say the DJ went on display and you weren't called - then i don't think there's anything you should annoyed with.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yeah I was slightly annoyed, but like I said it worked out fine. Now I'm waiting on my no date Sub.

[@theadventuresofwolf5.77]

I got an Omega no funny business

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I love Omega! My fav is the 90s Omega which is memories from my childhood.

[@022dom]

I gave up on them and went for a Speedy instead.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I feel in love with the Speedy very early in my recent watch collecting. But there were so many choices! I used some videos from Urban Gentry to try and help me decide. So I settled on the Reduced. Then I heard about the 38mm. That would be great for my 6 1/2 inch wrist. But so far, I tried on various models at the AD and still not made up my mind. Oh well, I'm going to take my time to get it right.

[@022dom]

I love mine; I went for the sapphire glass 42 mm case and metal bracelet with polished center links. The watch wears and looks amazing; I have a 2004 Rolex GMT Master II that’s now condemned to display box oblivion - okay that last part is a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea. @@mywatchjourney6579

[@tacuazinful]

Even if I am a millionaire, I would always asked for the price, seriously what's wrong with that, most omegas ad have it on their models

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Not sure how this comment relates to my video, but I agree. Always know the price.

[@tacuazinful]

@@mywatchjourney6579 4:14 you mentioned you were not sure what the final account (price) was 👀

[@rodsalvador3608]

Congratulations! This is quite encouraging. Never thought I could play the AD game, but hopefully the market is rational again!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

It's definitely getting better. And will continue to improve over these months. Don't lose hope!

[@stephenn88]

There is always watch to sell! Just need to spend some moneys on the jewellery

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yup, but I refuse to do it. I got the watch with no purchase history.

[@stephenn88]

@@mywatchjourney6579 not a GMT

[@jomni]

Congratulations. Well Rolex is buying your AD Bucherer. Will it change the customer experience?

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks :-). I'm going to do a video on this break down all the details. There's a lot more happening and I've seen some bad takes out there.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

The thing that shocks me is that they write the date on the card with a crappy pen!!! Should be a MontBlanc 😈

[@mywatchjourney6579]

I hadn't thought about it, but yeah. Or maybe a Blancpain pen at least.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

@@mywatchjourney6579 They should have a date stamp really. Tudor stipulate a specific format, but nobody manually writes it in properly and you cannot buy a date stamp in the exact format that they want.

[@WengKinChan]

It’s nonsense. I’ll only get a Rolex when it’s back to when the customer doesn’t have to to the AD and rely on the mood of the AD to get the watch.

[@rodsilva80]

just buy a grand seiko spring drive, it is a nicer and better watch. and you don't have to do a blowjob on the sales guy to get one a year later.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No, I get it. The truth is there is no 'wait list'; it's when the AD decides to give you the watch.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Yeah, that's next on my list. And spring drive is the way to go. I'm going to do a pricing analysis video on GS too.

[@geoffwyness2645]

The only place where there is a shortage of Rolex is the AD’s and it’s been that way for a few years now,ANYTHING you want is instantly available on the Grey Market,that’s where I’ve bought my last 4,playing the game ?,building a relationship?,buying shit you don’t want?,waiting for the “call”? Fuck that.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No need to play those games I agree. The market is changing and people are getting the Call.

[@hawarmejicanos6823]

I had mine Thursday last week for a submariner date M126610LN, and absolutely no experience jajaja (laugh instead of cry) compared with other brands I’ve purchased. Just like you just a bottle of water and I was asked for advance while I got to the AD. I only expended around 20 minutes there because already had a meeting scheduled, so they showed to me, I tried on and they adjusted one link and that’s it… oh almost forgot: over priced and no credit card accepted unless you pay another charge…

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Wow that's harsh on the credit card! But still congrats on the Sub! And it makes me feel better to hear others got the water too haha.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

🍭

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

This is funny. You go from slaughtering Rolex and the whole AD thing in umpteen videos and then completely fold ending literally like a child in his first visit to a candy store. 😂 You didn't refuse it either I see.😂 Sorry man just teasing you, glad you finally got it but humans and emotions/psychology are strange creatures when it comes to shopping even rational economists. 🤣It will be interesting to see if you go full circle over many years like me. The OP is their greatest watch for me. I overlooked it for years as it was 'cheap' having had many heavy hitters before looking at it through fresh eyes. It's now the one I should have had decades ago. You started right. I wish I had, it would have been less expensive. 😂

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Haha you got me LMAO! For me, the OP is the quintessential Rolex. It started their reputation and they built their company on it. 😁

[@Watchgang123]

Of course ADs have watches in the backroom. Rolex produces 1 million watches a year that are distributed to its 1,816 ADs. You’re an economist. You can do some simple maths. Each AD receives about 550 watches from Rolex each year (assuming the watches are evenly distributed among the 1,816 ADs). The grey market dealers are not buying them so the average Joes are getting the call. It’s as simple as that. But ADs need to maintain the illusion that these watches are rare and still highly sought after so they keep them in the back room. Only mugs will fall for this scam😂 As the majority of the 1 million watches end up in the grey market each year, it’s saturated with stock. So when the economy tanks, the grey market will tank even more as sellers add to an already oversupplied grey market, which is what we are seeing now.

[@mywatchjourney6579]

That way the ADs talk, those watches fly out 3 seconds after delivery haha

[@Watchgang123]

@@mywatchjourney6579 I am sure that was not too far from the truth during the peak when the grey market dealers bought them all throw the back door but now everyone’s in tears.

[@nickbrooker1411]

congrats on the call and a beautiful watch, but even your video has left a sour taste in my mouth with all the bullshit games and hoops you have to jump through just to get a basic OP.....!!

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Thanks! And yes, hopefully, things get better so that an entry level Rolex can be bought without such fan fare.

[@terrylee8333]

i pass on 41 date just green lol jubilee band been buying from same ad for 30 years they try to sucker me into buying it what a joke . Last watch i purchase rolex was 5 year ago just before covid 19 . But i did buy a Cartier Santos Dumont 6 month ago from the same rolex ad . You almost got sucker lol . Now with op 41 get a after market tiffany bubble dial to out smart everyone . lol that what i would do lol . They're selling you rolex that no one wants . You luck out with op 41 . What you should do is tell the ad what watch you want and then tell your sales person you will pay additional 3000.00 to 5000 above the list list what they will your ad will do . It a nasty secret . I just exposed .

[@mywatchjourney6579]

No, I'm ok with waiting for RRP. And the 41mm is too large for my wrist.

[@racebannon2332]

Wow, you sir are truly an American hero. The courage to wait on a Rolex timepiece was extraordinary. It’s overwhelming to observe you getting “huffy” discussing your disbelief with a Rolex AD. You are one bad mooo-fooo! Lol 😂

[@mywatchjourney6579]

Haha thanks! Steve is actually a cool guy. He's one of the good ones.