Did a similar thing in the airport in Cape Town. Was on my way to the departure gate and walked past a jeweller. I've always had a thing for watches and briefly paused to look in the Tag Heuer window. There was a tiny sign that said "50% off". I walked in and said to the lady, "Is that sign real ?" She said it was. I did a quick currency calculation in my head from SA Rand to NZ Dollars and knowing the full price in NZ Dollars, it was indeed half price. Out came my credit card and I paid for it. She told me she was going to get the box and paperwork etc and I told her I didn't have time, my plane was leaving. She handed me the watch. I put it in my pocket and raced for the departure gate. I was literally the last person on. About 2 minutes later, after buckling my self in and trying to catch my breath, the sales lady from the shop appeared with my paperwork and the watch presentation box. She handed it to me with a big grin on her face and was escorted off by one of the air hostesses. I think the year was 2000. I still have the watch.... and the paperwork and the leather presentation box.

The actual reason for removing the protective film on the various parts of the watch is to ensure that the watch cannot be sold as ‘new’ on the grey market. Hope this helps.

I did the same thing 20 years ago and bought a black dial version. It was one of the the greatest moments of my life as I saved 10 years to buy that watch. I flew from Amsterdam to London and took a coffee after 3 hours went back. I still regret I sold it after had some marriage issues and needed the money to divorce etc etc. Great watch though. The feeling wearing it you cannot describe.

Bought mine in 1989, worn every day, work and travel. Serviced twice and polish myself. Still looks brand new and always brings attention. I have the black face and did find a real gold/stainless clasp, the gold through clasp was not oem at the time. Congrats, wear it well, and always. Hey, I wore mine home from the dealer!!

Congrats. The staff at Schiphol has generally been very kind. Congrats on picking up this piece.

Great pickup! The Bluesy is outstanding and to be able to pick it up on travel just makes the trip that much more spectacular!

This is the only two-tone Rolex I would ever consider. Absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations

I got one datejust from the same shop about a year ago while returning from a US trip. I always check the inventory of Rolex stores, and while they were saying they have none in stock, the “delivery guy” brought one Datejust. They asked me if I wanted to and made me pay before opening the box. Even though I own a few Rolex watches, my adrenaline level increased during that time 😂

Add this to the list of things that will NEVER happen to me on a business trip when I visit a Rolex boutique 😂 CONGRATS!!!

I was in the same AD last year, and they told me they were a pilot AD for Rolex for a new program where Rolex sends the AD random watches at regular intervals, that they are asked to sell without waiting lists. Benefit is obvious, but the down side is you never know what watches they might have for sale. I really like the concept!

It’s not the most popular sports but still amazing they had it available. Must have timed your visit to perfection! Congratulations

Congrats on the Rolex, and thanks for sharing this experience via video.

You made a good decision to ask if the AD had any models available for sale. I simply didn’t ask because I asked at several places and they always said the same thing. Good that you kept trying!! 😊👍👏

Have the exact same model. Bought mine in springtime 2021, been wearing it every day since. Never polished it, still looks stunning. It gets an immense amount of attention, the blue dial is truly unmistakable. Congrats!

What a nice friendly sales assistant. So unlike most Rolex ADs.

Submariners are not my priorities but, man oh man, isn't this piece of art pure gorgeous...👌🏻Congratulations, dude.

Fantastic buy!!! Great video, also! I was in Europe last fall, including Switzerland, and stopped at several Rolex ADs. No success in finding a sport watch for sale. "Long wait lists, limited availability", etc. Stopped in my local AD in the states, that I have purchased from before, in Dec. 22 with same response. Asked to be put on a wait list for a new Rolex Sub, no date, and received a text in January that one was available. Bought it !!!

Hard to find at retail. Great buy. I bought my blue submariner 25 years ago. It’s been a great watch.

Congrats, I think the Bluesy is an amazing looking watch. Enjoy and wear it in good health!

Hello. I'm very curious. Did you pay for it at the retail price as marked like the ones in the display?

I’ve had mine for nearly 12 years now. It’s still stand out. Love it.

The number of times I have passed by this exact boutique and they told me that nothing is for sale makes me go crazy. Congrats bro :)

That's great! Must have been a fun flight staring at your new piece😊.

Beautiful piece. Congratulations and wear in good health my friend ! Cheers

I’ve been lucky to find hard to find timepieces in Schipol myself. I genuinely like that airport. Wear it in good health. Congratulations! I hope you got to have a croquette while there as well.

Nice purchase. The staff person at the store seemed very kind and helpful which is nice to see as well.

Smart buy brother! Enjoy!

Lucky find, congrats. I picked up my first Rolex at the Schiphol duty free in 1993.

Congratulations, a great purchase. The availability of Rolex has improved enormously as the grey market is becoming overloaded with watches from sellers in Asia, particularly China which is suffering from a financial disaster right now with its imploding property market, and owners trying to get dollars quickly. Istanbul, where I'm based has a big supply of Rolex and other luxury brands. So, over time, your story will not be unusual as the grey market becomes overstocked, Rolex stores will have more availability.

In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful watches Rolex has ever made , congratulations bro 👏🏻

the fact that rolex had them in stock and not on waiting list is remarkable.

Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MaMaCoo , its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.

Was never a Rolex fan, but this is the only one I would ever buy for myself, that blue dial with the gold is so much more unique and eye catching than the standard silver submariner.

One of the best references they make. An icon!

gorgeous watch and gorgeous color combination. Back around 1989 I bought myself a Date-Just with that same combination. Jubilee bracelet with Stainless and gold and had the blue dial and blue bezel around it. Dang it was so beautiful. I had many compliments on that color combination. Sold it a few years back but should have kept it. Oh well, stuff happens. LOL Now I'm retired and can't afford a new or used one but I do have a much cheaper watch, an Invicta, which pays homage to Rolex. Same color combination and same bracelet as this one here. Has been running great and it's heavy just like the Rolex is. Love it, but not as much as my old Rolex. Good luck with it sir.

Such an awesome pick up! So lucky of you to get it when they had something in stock. A bluesy at that too!

That's insane! I've heard a lot about Rolex AD's being a nightmare. But it seems in other parts of the world there are Rolex AD's that are accomodating and friendly. I wish all Rolex AD's are like what's shown in the airport.

I, too, bought a Blue Dial Timex watch at an airport. I missed my flight because the sales lady had a difficult time removing all the stickers.

Congratulations!!! One of my favorite Rolex and I am wearing mine as I type ! But I have the previous ceramic model with gold script , none the less all Bluesies are gorgeous!!! 🎉🥳🔥

Love the fact you can steal this amazing watch, duty free , no waitlist and catch your flight! Congrats 🎈! Love the two tone Submariner!!

Similar thing happend to me at an airport AD last year, but I played the situation very differently. Congrats man, its an amazing watch you got there.

Thanks for sharing the experience

I remember taking several business trips to Hong Kong around 2015. Subs and Pepsis were always on display to be tried on at airport duty free stores, and Nautilus was easily available at Patek boutiques downtown. I told myself I would buy one in a couple of years. A couple of years... 😭

Amazing! I have been to that store so many times and they never had anything for sale.

I'm not a huge Rolex fan, but even so I might have been willing to miss my connection just to try that watch on! (I am definitely a blue dial fan, and that is exquisite.) Gorgeous watch, well done!!!!

Even if you had to miss the flight no regrets. You can keep looking at your watch until the next flight

what did you pay and what year is this watch? Thanks.

Just bought my first Rolex Datejust today, incredibly lucky since they could sell only one watch from their stock to me and it was the exact model I was after for months. Seems to be stock is slowly coming up. They had to count the whole Rolex stock just to ensure they had enough pieces on display just to follow Rolex guidelines and luckily they had one extra so I could have bought any piece on display 🤩. Also I noticed even the sales lady and manager was genuinely happy to see they had one watch extra they could sell. Again it's always better to ask, I went in there to buy a Omega since it seems like Rolex is not going to be available for a while and walked out with a Datejust.

I've been doing the same last few months have traveled through Europe and Asia and been through some major airports with Rolex stores but every time I ask anything in stock, just smiles and no sorry. Congrats!!!

Beautiful watch dawg. Congratulations.

That is GORGEOUS! Congratulations.

Lately, Rolex are becoming more available. I recently walked into a an AD in NYC, and they had four ready to sell me. I was so surprised. I think the gray market will be running scared soon.

Gassan is great! I bought my first Rolex with them in Amsterdam a few weeks ago, an Explorer 1. Super nice people that treated me seriously, even though I'm 21. Have seen that different in multiple other stores unfortunately

WOW ❤ YOU WAS SO LUCKY!! CONGRATULATIONS 🎊 MR. ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!! CHEERS 🍻 TO YOU.

It’s amazed me that the submariner looks in real and on a video better than on a picture.

That’s incredible find.

Its a really awesome watch . Have the SS GMT and Two tone Daytona with a blue Arabic dial. Been on the waiting list for this at Watches of Switzerland for a long time and also been trying to get a Patek Philippe Platinum with minute repeater at another AD in Perth without any luck at all. Well done.

thats a really nice watch u got there man. i recently bought a GMT. these watches are just amazing

Beautiful watch, congratulations! I have been at that exact place over 50 times in my life, and shopped watches (cheaper ones) and some jewelry (for my ex back in time) from that Gassan store. Nice people, fair prices.

That dealership is gonna get REALLY busy, and that staff member is gonna get asked for A LOT !!

That's crazy, what a nice finding

Beautiful watch,pleased for you 👍🏼

Congrats!😮I have a 90s two tone bluesy,but,this would be too big for my little wrist!

I have an old OYSTER that still has the original “hologram” sticker on the back of the case. Turns out the dealer back in 84’ overlooked that , my local dealer was amazed. It’s actually a gold plated one lol. Even the gal at the Rolex store thought it was “fake”. Manger had to verify. They did do gold plating back in the late 70s mid 80s. Separately, So baller to buy a Rolex out of the blue during a layover. This man is my idol. Somebody Buy him a TV dinner! Pronto tonto!

The 126613LB is one of many Rolex that has been dropping in price some below msrp in the grey market. Not surprised you found one at the airport. but congrats

That's my dream watch...it must be around 16000 to 17000 euros these days! Good for you, amazing watch.

Two tone subs are almost always available for sale. I was in Corfu, Greece 10 days ago and there's a new AD there. Two tone sub was available, but I wanted the black one ... so no watch for me I guess :D

A part for a few models Rolex is getting back at retail prices. Entered in a Rolex shop for the first time and they told me that for a dayjust white gold or the milgaus I have to wait 6 months. For the explorer 2 around 8. Finally the hype and the shortage of supplies caused by Covid are passed. They are not cheap by any mean, but for they retail price Rolex are good value and the best wrist presence.

WTH!?? I was in that very store last month, asking the very same question! I guess you were there at a more fortuitous time! Congrats! Fortunately my local AD called me the week I got home to say I could pick up an SD43. :D

I must say, that this watch looks very nice. Normally i'm not so into Rolex, but this watch is cool. I have to take a closer look at her. Congrats for the catch.

What a feeling it must be to walk in and actually buy a Rolex

Congrats on owning such a nice timepiece, so it was for sale if you don't mind me asking how much was it??👀🙂🙂 My dream watch is an Omega Seamaster 300m but its definitely outta my price range atm

Congrats on your purchase 🎉

Absolutely stunning watch congratulations 👏👏

MaMaCoo You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

With the Rolex bubble bursting I think that they are slowly becoming more available.

Just make sure you’re wearing it when you return to your home country & make sure you mail the packaging & papers back home too. I’ve heard people getting hit randomly for custom searches when they land back home & a new Rolex is found in it’s original packaging in their luggage, leading to a big excise charge by customs.

You got really lucky, I'm in Amsterdam lot and they always tell me they have no stock, exhibition only.

Congrats! Enjoy your Rolex in good health!

This makes me yearn for my gold Rolex President. The feeling I got when I made the purchase is beyond description. Sadly, regulatory changes forced my company to shut down. I had to sell it along with my wife’s Gold President with shoulder diamonds. After the sale , we walked hand in hand down New Bond Street, London crying our eyes out.

One of my hates are workers/dealers wearing rings. I’ve had quite a few watches scratched quite a bit before I’ve even had a chance to walk away from the shop with them .

Not a huge fan of Rolex,but this watch is incredibly stunning!!!!!❤

What was the price?

wow...u must be very happy at that moment of purchase....congradulations !!

A two-tone Bluesy is a hell of a thing. Nice choice!

As i am watching you buy this Rolex, i am wearing my Invicta Grand Diver and i think, its no Rolex, but for $150, its a damned good watch. Congratulations.

I happen to have this same watch, and it’s probably worth about $10k in today's market. I’ve also got a Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon and a Patek Philippe!

Congratulations!! The Rolex staff was awesome.

Beautiful watch, great find!

Usually prices are tax free in airports but more expensive than outside if you deduce the taxes.. how much did you pay for this one? What was the difference with the regular price?

That watch is now selling on the grey market for under retail and is quite easy to get.

Beautiful watch. Lucky man. Wear it in good health.

How much was it below? so 21% VAT or 16%?

Same here, but not at an airport (so I had to pay tax). I went into a store, asked, and they said yes! TT Datejust for me!

Love this, how it absolutely should be. Firstly, I was stressing out the whole video thinking your flight was leaving! Secondly, can someone explain to me how the whole bullshit waiting list/preferred bollocks works for airport boutiques 🤣 - It's not like they can call you saying your watch is in and ask if you can pop into the shop...

Doing business with the dutch is amazing. Very open and honest

Gorgeous watch. Congrats!

On my way to my brother’s funeral in Norway, I visited this boutique and they had two watches sitting in a giant and otherwise empty glass case…a James Cameron Sea Dweller, which the guy who walked in 30 seconds before me snapped up, and a Datejust which I naturally grabbed….the only silver lining in that dreadful experience.

The fact he walked into a watch shop and had to ask if they had anything for sale said it all! If that's how it goes, they can keep their watches.

Just picked this one up a month ago brand new 2023 box & papers from grey market for 18,500 out the door. Couldn’t be happier love my blusey 😀