Well, last I asked they wanted me to buy a Yatchmaster II in order to get a chance to get ahead on the list for a Daytona or a Sky Dweller at a later date (if the relationship kept being positive). It's robbery.
Number 6 called back, close to closing last night, and I called him back today. We had a long chat that started with he wouldn’t even take my name, because they already had a very long waiting list. After thirty minutes of Rolex chat, he told me he’d keep my name and number. I give the likelihood of his coming thru for me at about 50 to 1. I did offer to buy a Daytona in order to get a turquoise OP and he laughed. Number 4 failed to respond to my phone message so I texted him this evening. A little more turquoise Between Number 2, Number 5 and Number 6, I figure maybe a 1 in 30 chance that this works out before summer. I’m not holding my breath. I’ll let you know if I actually speak to Number 4.
I have to comment how much I enjoy the way you refer to each Rolex AD as Number X... Reminds me the evil consortium bent on manipulating global markets, from Thunderball.
I’m almost tempted to send Number 5 a link to this thread. He might be amused enough to make a difference. On the other hand, I think he’s more likely to be put off or offended. Think that’s a good idea? I think it’s too risky.
@STANDY : Welcome back to your old avatar! I much prefer it. It was disorienting to have that keyboard.
Well, Number 4 emailed an apology to me and asked if he could help me by email, because it was easier for him. Opportunity! Here’s the email I sent back: “I live within [a short] distance from your store. I’m in the process of retiring as an attorney. I’ve collected watches all my life. I own ten 4 digit Rolexes, none of which I bought new. Mostly, I collect pre 1969 Omega chronographs. But, my daily watches are a meters first 5513 and a glossy black dialed 1018. “I’ve never bought a brand new Rolex. I’d like to find a Rolex dealer who will sell me a 126000 turquoise. “Yes, I know these are in great demand. I’m not interested in any other color. And I refuse to pay the scalpers on Chrono24. “My relationship with [your store]? Not much at all. Thirty years ago, your SF store repaired watches for me. In the Spring of 1982, I stood in your SF store, looking at a white dialed Daytona, which was on offer for about $1,200 as I recall. I told the clerk that if they had a black dialed one, I would have bought it. I should have bought the white one. Instead, I bought a 145.022-74 Speedmaster second hand from a Mission Street pawnshop for about $225; that’s worth about $5,000 today. “I was in the [local] store about ten years ago and had a disappointing experience with staff. I haven’t been back since. “I’ve contacted seven Rolex dealers and most of them won’t even take my name. “My 66th birthday is later this month. I know, I know — that’s not going to happen. But, I’d like to know that someone is really going to help me. “Could you help me purchase a turquoise 126000?” You can’t say I’m not making some effort here. And, I stuck to the truth and didn’t tell him about little Jimmy dying, wanting that watch as his last wish.... I just hope Jimmy makes it long enough to see it...
UPDATE Number 4 responded to my email over the weekend. “It would be my absolute pleasure to help you achieve your goal of owning this watch. It sounds like you have an amazing collection already and we would be thrilled to help you add to it. “Congratulations on your upcoming birthday! As you mention, it highly unlikely I’ll have this piece by then but I am more then happy to help you get the process going in order to eventually have it. “It is Rolex and store policy to first meet any potential client in person before we commit and particular piece to your wishlist. When is a good day/time for you to come by?” I decided to bite the bullet and simply go down to the store, rather than whine and complain anymore. Besides, the salesperson’s response sounded like he really might like to help. I made an appointment and earlier today, I showed up. The salesperson wasn’t available, so I was handed off to someone else, who wanted to go thru the same Rolex talk that I’ve already heard or read multiple times. He apologized he couldn’t sell me what I wanted and took my information down. He told me they’d call me when they had one for me, but couldn’t say when that might be. One whole side of the store is dedicated to Rolex, six plus glass cases lined up. Maybe ten watches on display, almost all Datejusts with boring colors, a couple with diamonds. Not a single “professional” watch. My whole visit lasted maybe three or four minutes. I left disappointed in my chances and in the dealer. I don’t expect to hear anything from any of them for a long time, if at all.
This seems so strange... reads to me almost like an interview process in order to own one? I like being able to get Omegas by simply giving the AD or OB some money - too bad it doesn't work the same way. Now that you have met them though, I hope things turn around for you (maybe they'll get one in by your 66th)!
I don't really know how it works, so perhaps I should have written instead, "... too bad it doesn't seem to work the same way". The way it comes off is like an interview process to own one, but in fairness my assessment could also be total bullshit.
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