Rolex help! GMT-Master II

[SandyK]

I was planning on getting my husband either the Pepsi or Batman GMT-Master II Rolex for Christmas this year, but I got a reality check when I finally got around to visiting one of the few ADs in my area to ask about it. I've since done a little googling and it sounds like I have zero chance of getting it at any time in the foreseeable future (or ever), and I'm definitely not willing to pay the crazy markup for a gray market purchase, but I wanted to see if any of the watch enthusiasts here have any other insight/suggestions/etc.?? @Dancing Fire @Tonks The huge supply-demand imbalance is super frustrating. I guess that is part of the strategy but ugh! This sucks.

 

[OoohShiny]

Ahhhhh, artificial supply constraints to create high Secondhand market prices and keep initial buyers happy and the money rolling in...

Some of the data trawling sites may be a good bet - they collate sales listings so one can get an overview of prices and identify some potential sources.

GMT - Rolex - WatchRecon

Browse and search for watches efficiently with WatchRecon

www.watchrecon.com

Due diligence is definitely required, though - forum history of those offering, contact addresses that aren't PO Boxes, not wiring cash to an offshore account... lol. The usual stuff you already know!

 

[SandyK]

Ahhhhh, artificial supply constraints to create high Secondhand market prices and keep initial buyers happy and the money rolling in...

Some of the data trawling sites may be a good bet - they collate sales listings so one can get an overview of prices and identify some potential sources.

GMT - Rolex - WatchRecon

Browse and search for watches efficiently with WatchRecon

www.watchrecon.com

Due diligence is definitely required, though - forum history of those offering, contact addresses that aren't PO Boxes, not wiring cash to an offshore account... lol. The usual stuff you already know!

Thanks @OoohShiny ! Was not aware of that site -- I keep asking myself if people really pay the markup to get these things?? I would be willing to pay a little bit over retail, but paying over $16K for a watch that retails for $9,250 is WAY more I can stomach...that's like a whole 1ct diamond I could buy for a new project!

 

[Tonks]

Oh man. That’s going to be tough to swing either of those by Christmas unless you want to go gray. Gah. But with the markup I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to.

The conventional wisdom as I understand it is to develop a relationship with a sales person at your AD (or multiple ADs, if you have more than one). Purchase other jewelry or watches. And make lots of contact and visits. Then, in some unspecified time, you will hopefully get a watch. It sucks, but that is how the game is currently played. That is basically what worked for me, but a Submariner isn’t considered as desirable as a Batman or a Pepsi.

Since those models are super desirable... Your AD may or may not sell to someone with no purchase history. (That’s an assumption—do you have any purchase history with them?)

If you could tolerate gray, I hear wonderful things about David SW (website is that all together plus dot com).

The other option I would mention is an alternate brand. Is your husband set on Rolex? Tudor (little brother of Rolex) has a GMT with a Pepsi bezel, and it’s beautiful. The brand is getting more popular but is generally easier to obtain. Many Rolex ADs are also Tudor ADs.

I really wish I had better news. Maybe @Dancing Fire will have some ideas.

 

[SandyK]

Oh man. That’s going to be tough to swing either of those by Christmas unless you want to go gray. Gah. But with the markup I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to.

The conventional wisdom as I understand it is to develop a relationship with a sales person at your AD (or multiple ADs, if you have more than one). Purchase other jewelry or watches. And make lots of contact and visits. Then, in some unspecified time, you will hopefully get a watch. It sucks, but that is how the game is currently played. That is basically what worked for me, but a Submariner isn’t considered as desirable as a Batman or a Pepsi.

Since those models are super desirable... Your AD may or may not sell to someone with no purchase history. (That’s an assumption—do you have any purchase history with them?)

If you could tolerate gray, I hear wonderful things about David SW (website is that all together plus dot com).

The other option I would mention is an alternate brand. Is your husband set on Rolex? Tudor (little brother of Rolex) has a GMT with a Pepsi bezel, and it’s beautiful. The brand is getting more popular but is generally easier to obtain. Many Rolex ADs are also Tudor ADs.

I really wish I had better news. Maybe @Dancing Fire will have some ideas.

This is super helpful - thank you so much!

Unfortunately I haven't bought anything from the AD and don't really plan to, although she did hint that I should buy a watch for myself to increase my chances of getting the GMT for him. While I would love a Rolex someday, I definitely don't have the budget to purchase one for me just to get his, haha. Although that would be a pretty funny justification for why I *had* to buy a new watch.

The Tudor looks really great but I don't think he would go for it. But the David SW website has a few listed that might work and are priced much better than the others I've seen, and having a reputable site would take away one of my big concerns with purchasing on the gray market. I am definitely going to consider those and check back for new inventory. Thanks again!!

 

[kenny]

... I've since done a little googling and it sounds like I have zero chance of getting it at any time in the foreseeable future ...

They're not really scarce.
I hear DeBeers has a warehouse full of em.

 

[Dancing Fire]

@Dancing Fire[/USER] @Tonks The huge supply-demand imbalance is super frustrating. I guess that is part of the strategy but ugh! This sucks.

The odds of you getting a S/S Rolex sports watch from an AD is pretty slim.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

The conventional wisdom as I understand it is to develop a relationship with a sales person at your AD (or multiple ADs, if you have more than one). Purchase other jewelry or watches. And make lots of contact and visits. Then, in some unspecified time, you will hopefully get a watch. It sucks, but that is how the game is currently played. That is basically what worked for me, but a Submariner isn’t considered as desirable as a Batman or a Pepsi.

Apologies for butting in - I was just browsing and came across this thread and don't really understand what you're all saying. Would you mind explaining this? Can't you just go into a shop and buy it?

 

[Tonks]

The odds of you getting a S/S Rolex sports watch from an AD is pretty slim.

Well, I would have said the same thing about me, and I managed to score one! It’s not impossible.

I think the issue here is the time constraint, and the choice of SS watch. If you were willing to be flexible as to what model watch, and if you could put up with being on a wait list, you could very well get one. It happens every day on the watch forums. Go look up the Rolex forums, or watchuseek. However, I think the likelihood of it happening by Christmas is virtually nil, and I’m so sorry. It‘s a crummy situation.

A word of caveat emptor on my David SW rec—I have not used him personally, but only seen his name on the watch forums, recommended very highly. So if I were going to go gray that is probably where I would go, but it is still gray. If you do that, do your due diligence as to whether you could get service through Rolex, etc.

 

[Tonks]

Apologies for butting in - I was just browsing and came across this thread and don't really understand what you're all saying. Would you mind explaining this? Can't you just go into a shop and buy it?

Unfortunately, no. Rolex has an insane shortage of stainless steel sports watches. It was news to me, too, as when I purchased my husband’s many moons ago, I walked into a store and bought one. Now, you walk in and all the cases are empty and they practically laugh when you ask to buy one. The worldwide demand for these watches has soared and Rolex has not increased manufacturing. So ADs (authorized dealers) get a certain allotment of watches, and they get to decide how to sell those watches. There are years long waitlists, if you can even get your name onto the waitlists. Some lists are not open unless you have previous purchase history.

Yes, it’s insane.

Lmk if that answered your questions.

 

[Dancing Fire]

A word of caveat emptor on my David SW rec—I have not used him personally, but only seen his name on the watch forums, recommended very highly. So if I were going to go gray that is probably where I would go, but it is still gray. If you do that, do your due diligence as to whether you could get service through Rolex, etc.

Yes you can. 5 yrs warranty world wide on Rolexes. I have had done 3 deals with David w/o any problems.

 

[distracts]

Apologies for butting in - I was just browsing and came across this thread and don't really understand what you're all saying. Would you mind explaining this? Can't you just go into a shop and buy it?

It's like Hermes - if you want one of the popular things, you usually have to be known as a brand supporter, buy a certain amount, and have the right "look" that they want for their brand (which usually just means a certain large amount of money, thus all the purchases before). You can really only walk in and buy one with no prior relationship if you are famous or if you are buying tens of thousands of dollars of other stuff at the same time AND they have one in stock. Basically any high-end brand with a constrained demand works that way and they use it to leverage you into buying more. Occasionally people do get lucky and just walk in and buy one, but it's not the norm and you can't count on it.

 

[SandyK]

Thanks again for the input (and further reality check) everyone! @Tonks @Dancing Fire @distracts

I am definitely willing to wait until next year to purchase, but unfortunately my husband is set on this particular model and prefers the Pepsi (even higher markup) to the Batman so we are just going to have to think about how much of a markup we are willing to stomach. If I knew it would guarantee a Pepsi or Batman I would seriously think about getting the Rolex I like, which is around $10K, since the markup on the Pepsi is pretty close to $10K anyway. That way we would at least have two watches to show for it ha. But it seems pretty likely that we could do that and still end up in this same situation of being unable to get it through an AD. So, ugh.

 

[distracts]

Thanks again for the input (and further reality check) everyone! @Tonks @Dancing Fire @distracts

I am definitely willing to wait until next year to purchase, but unfortunately my husband is set on this particular model and prefers the Pepsi (even higher markup) to the Batman so we are just going to have to think about how much of a markup we are willing to stomach. If I knew it would guarantee a Pepsi or Batman I would seriously think about getting the Rolex I like, which is around $10K, since the markup on the Pepsi is pretty close to $10K anyway. That way we would at least have two watches to show for it ha. But it seems pretty likely that we could do that and still end up in this same situation of being unable to get it through an AD. So, ugh.

I wish you the best of luck getting one! I am not a watch person but have looked into it a bit thinking maybe I’d like a nice watch but a lot is too confusing for me, just like buying things that aren’t belts or scarves at Hermès. I’m not patient enough to play the game.

 

[Tonks]

What watch is it that you like for yourself? Did you happen to try it on and take a photo? I’d love to see it. And how encouraging was the sales person about your getting a Pepsi if you bought it? My hubby bought me a diamond pendant and that greased the skids for my watch purchase big time.

I’m guessing you wanted this to be a surprise for your husband but with all of this stuff going into consideration...maybe talk to him about it. If he wants the watch badly enough he may decide he wants you to have one, too.

Yeah, I’m an enabler!

Thanks again for the input (and further reality check) everyone! @Tonks @Dancing Fire @distracts

I am definitely willing to wait until next year to purchase, but unfortunately my husband is set on this particular model and prefers the Pepsi (even higher markup) to the Batman so we are just going to have to think about how much of a markup we are willing to stomach. If I knew it would guarantee a Pepsi or Batman I would seriously think about getting the Rolex I like, which is around $10K, since the markup on the Pepsi is pretty close to $10K anyway. That way we would at least have two watches to show for it ha. But it seems pretty likely that we could do that and still end up in this same situation of being unable to get it through an AD. So, ugh.

 

[OoohShiny]

Thanks again for the input (and further reality check) everyone! @Tonks @Dancing Fire @distracts

I am definitely willing to wait until next year to purchase, but unfortunately my husband is set on this particular model and prefers the Pepsi (even higher markup) to the Batman so we are just going to have to think about how much of a markup we are willing to stomach. If I knew it would guarantee a Pepsi or Batman I would seriously think about getting the Rolex I like, which is around $10K, since the markup on the Pepsi is pretty close to $10K anyway. That way we would at least have two watches to show for it ha. But it seems pretty likely that we could do that and still end up in this same situation of being unable to get it through an AD. So, ugh.

You can ask the question of the AD - it might help them be encouraged to find you one

Check out all the different ADs in your area, too!

 

[SandyK]

Haha! @Tonks here is a stock photo of the one I like - they only had the yellow gold version in the store, but the AD said it would be no problem to order the rose gold. I can't recall exactly how she phrased it - something like if you know if you purchase this watch it can increase your chances of getting a GMT, as it is easier for us to work with people we have relationships with (or we often work with people we have relationships with), or something like that.

I was planning on using my extra end of year money for a pair of CBI studs (my last big diamond purchase! everything else on my wish list is small, and I am about to change jobs so will have a good bit less extra money to spend going forward), so the watch would be a big change in direction. I feel like I would basically need a guarantee that we would be first on the list if and when they get a Pepsi, but that is probably not a realistic expectation. But, it is probably still worth it to see how candid the AD will be on this subject?

Oh yeah and I did explain the situation to my husband, he said he would be okay with a "reasonable" markup, but right now the one on David SW is a little over twice the retail cost I think he would be happy if I got a Rolex (he is a watch guy and does not really appreciate diamonds, lol) -- but in lieu of studs, which I don't think I want to do.

And thanks @OoohShiny ! There are only two other ADs in my city; one is at a very small shop and the other is at the same chain as this AD, but a much less fancier location. I feel like they might not ever get the Pepsi? But I am going to make a point to visit other ADs when I'm traveling for work in nearby cities, etc.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

Unfortunately, no. Rolex has an insane shortage of stainless steel sports watches. It was news to me, too, as when I purchased my husband’s many moons ago, I walked into a store and bought one. Now, you walk in and all the cases are empty and they practically laugh when you ask to buy one. The worldwide demand for these watches has soared and Rolex has not increased manufacturing. So ADs (authorized dealers) get a certain allotment of watches, and they get to decide how to sell those watches. There are years long waitlists, if you can even get your name onto the waitlists. Some lists are not open unless you have previous purchase history.

Yes, it’s insane.

Lmk if that answered your questions.

Thank you, yes, that makes sense.

OP - is buying overseas an option? I frequent 2 jewellers that are also Rolex sellers and, admittedly I don't look closely, but I have to walk past cases of Rolexes to get to the jewellery section and they always seem full of watches. A quick search on one of their sites shows up the Batman one (I think) with a price - would that indicate it's available?

It's like Hermes - if you want one of the popular things, you usually have to be known as a brand supporter, buy a certain amount, and have the right "look" that they want for their brand (which usually just means a certain large amount of money, thus all the purchases before). You can really only walk in and buy one with no prior relationship if you are famous or if you are buying tens of thousands of dollars of other stuff at the same time AND they have one in stock. Basically any high-end brand with a constrained demand works that way and they use it to leverage you into buying more. Occasionally people do get lucky and just walk in and buy one, but it's not the norm and you can't count on it.

Do you think this is something that varies by country? I have only ever heard of this happening here (NZ) in relation to very high end sports cars (I think because silly people crash them and make the brand look stupid, haha).
Certainly whenever I've browsed Rolexes (admittedly only twice) I've always been treated with courtesy - but we weren't looking at this particular model, so maybe that is the difference?

 

[SandyK]

Thank you, yes, that makes sense.

OP - is buying overseas an option? I frequent 2 jewellers that are also Rolex sellers and, admittedly I don't look closely, but I have to walk past cases of Rolexes to get to the jewellery section and they always seem full of watches. A quick search on one of their sites shows up the Batman one (I think) with a price - would that indicate it's available?


Do you think this is something that varies by country? I have only ever heard of this happening here (NZ) in relation to very high end sports cars (I think because silly people crash them and make the brand look stupid, haha).
Certainly whenever I've browsed Rolexes (admittedly only twice) I've always been treated with courtesy - but we weren't looking at this particular model, so maybe that is the difference?

Ooh interesting - I would need to research it a bit more but I think buying overseas could be an option. Do you mind sending me a link to the website you mentioned that has the Batman listed? I would also think that means they have it in stock...

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

Here you go: https://www.mansorsjewellers.co.nz/rolex-collections/?cmplp=rolex-watches/gmt-master-ii

You might do better searching in Europe - much bigger market.
Good luck!

 

[SandyK]

Here you go: https://www.mansorsjewellers.co.nz/rolex-collections/?cmplp=rolex-watches/gmt-master-ii

You might do better searching in Europe - much bigger market.
Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[Phoenix]

I'm following this thread very closely!

I posted a thread not too long ago asking @Dancing Fire about watches and found out that SS Rolex prices had gone through the roof!! I'd not been looking and was shocked!

Likewise, I just found out that my Patek Philippe has tripled in price over last few years.

I wish diamond prices had done the same thing! SIGH

 

[Snowdrop13]

Thank you!

I’m in the UK, did a quick search, it certainly came up on the websites of several jewellers. Whether that means they have it available I don’t know. There are fewer people wearing Rolexes here, maybe there’s less pressure on stock? Price appeared to be £7120.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Do you have any friends in Switzerland? AFAIK most models are readily available (they are really into watches over there!!) AND you get tax free advantages.I have a friend who is a true aficionado and can procure almost anything. It's a win / win, for him it's like helping someone with a diamond for PSers and he makes more purchases = even stronger relationship with his AD.

Even without a friend over there:

A return trip to Zürich is cheaper than buying several watches you don't like... You might break even with the 12% off

 

[SandyK]

I'm following this thread very closely!

I posted a thread not too long ago asking @Dancing Fire about watches and found out that SS Rolex prices had gone through the roof!! I'd not been looking and was shocked!

Likewise, I just found out that my Patek Philippe has tripled in price over last few years.

I wish diamond prices had done the same thing! SIGH

Tripled!! That is crazy. And haha re diamond prices -- I guess that would make your upgrade easier, if you are still thinking about one?? I recall you were thinking about it a little while back...

And I think that if you walked into a Rolex store with all your bling/style/purchasing power you would have a pretty awesome chance at getting whatever you want...

 

[SandyK]

I’m in the UK, did a quick search, it certainly came up on the websites of several jewellers. Whether that means they have it available I don’t know. There are fewer people wearing Rolexes here, maybe there’s less pressure on stock? Price appeared to be £7120.

Thanks! So I did contact the jeweler in NZ, and he said that they do not have it in stock and "Due to high demand, the availability of certain models such as this is limited. We do not have any visibility on stock coming in, so cannot operate a waitlist or take deposits."

It looks like a lot of the ADs just link back to what is available on the main Rolex website, rather than reflecting what they actually have in store. But the UK would definitely be the easiest of all the overseas trips to make, and I would totally do a short there and back trip to snag one! So, I may see if I have any luck reaching out to ADs there.

 

[SandyK]

Do you have any friends in Switzerland? AFAIK most models are readily available (they are really into watches over there!!) AND you get tax free advantages.I have a friend who is a true aficionado and can procure almost anything. It's a win / win, for him it's like helping someone with a diamond for PSers and he makes more purchases = even stronger relationship with his AD.

Even without a friend over there:

A return trip to Zürich is cheaper than buying several watches you don't like... You might break even with the 12% off

Oh nice!! I would definitely be interested to know if the watch is easier to get in Switzerland. I've only been to Zurich once and would love to go back, even if it was just for a very short visit to buy a watch haha (and eat raclette and chocolate, of course!).

I decided to send a follow up email to our AD today and I let her know that I would be happy to buy the Rolex I like if it meant my husband would get the chance to buy the Pepsi in the next year or so, so we will see what she says. I know it is still a long shot, but I figured I should at least try. And maybe I will send her some chocolate for Christmas

 

[Phoenix]

Tripled!! That is crazy. And haha re diamond prices -- I guess that would make your upgrade easier, if you are still thinking about one?? I recall you were thinking about it a little while back...

And I think that if you walked into a Rolex store with all your bling/style/purchasing power you would have a pretty awesome chance at getting whatever you want...

Yes, watch prices in some models have really shot through the roof. If only I'd been collecting watches instead of diamonds, I'd be laughing all the way to the bank now!! SIGH

I am for sure not upgrading my ering. I will however want to do an Emilya halo. One of these days, I will fly to see Victor C to get this done.

Haha, I am feeling very poor at the moment. Been on a crazy mad love affair with VCA! Always something calling my name. I am seriously thinking though of starting to collect watches once my bank account has recovered somewhat.

I hope you and your husband get the watches of your dreams! A trip to Switzerland sounds divine!! Please keep us posted.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Thanks! So I did contact the jeweler in NZ, and he said that they do not have it in stock and "Due to high demand, the availability of certain models such as this is limited. We do not have any visibility on stock coming in, so cannot operate a waitlist or take deposits."

It looks like a lot of the ADs just link back to what is available on the main Rolex website, rather than reflecting what they actually have in store. But the UK would definitely be the easiest of all the overseas trips to make, and I would totally do a short there and back trip to snag one! So, I may see if I have any luck reaching out to ADs there.

Well, good luck and I hope you find one for hubby. I honestly had no idea that these watches were so in demand. If I see one in a store window (sounds very unlikely, though) I’ll let you know!

 

[SandyK]

Well, good luck and I hope you find one for hubby. I honestly had no idea that these watches were so in demand. If I see one in a store window (sounds very unlikely, though) I’ll let you know!

That would be awesome - thank you!!