The irony is that if the dealers simply sold to interested customers without restriction, then there would be no market for the flippers

When companies like Rolex play too hard during a good market, they seem to forget what winter is like.

Wow. I 'd rather buy a different watch. Too many games for me.

Profiling, discrimination and upfront lies from a retail store. Doesn't make me feel good about ever owning one. That should be a red flag to the Rolex market. Great video. Thanks.

Nice. One of the only two former employees at Rolex who tell it like it is on KZfaq, and this video is more in-depth than the other one and not holding back. Don't mind all the haters and complainers. This video is GOLD to those that are actual watch enthusiasts. Former resident of Hawaii. Mahalo, bradda.

I moved on from Rolex years ago and couldn’t be happier. Life’s too short for Rolex BS.

I’ll just walk in to Omega and buy. I’m not playing games with that kind of money

Been a watch buyer, seller, and collector for over 53 years. Had many Rolex’s, never waited to buy, never gave my personal information to buy a watch,and would never ever, absolutely never get on a list or be told to be nice, or beg to be sold anything, especially a generic run of the mill Rolex watch. I’ve had watches made just for me, 1 of 1. There are literally millions upon millions of watches up for sale every second the world spins, Rolex has a tightly controlled branded name for an over priced average time piece. Explore the world for watches, from cheap to expensive there’s a wide, wide, world of watches out there go have fun!

Rolex need Buyers more than buyers need Rolex . Its time that the consumer realizes that they are the ones calling the shots .

Great reasons to bypass Rolex. There are so many alternatives out there now.

This kind of behavior by dealers is what gives the flippers their market. There wouldn't be a flipping market if Rolex would sell watches like a normal store and not hold them back. They are creating the secondary market.

That's exactly the reason why I went to the Omega, Tudor and Breitling AD instead. Don't treat me like a fool or beggar when I'm willing to pay 8.000€ for a watch 🙃

Your video is a super advertisement - for Omega, Grand Seiko, Longines, Oris, et al. Glad to have this information!

I'm not doing all that. I'm the customer.

This gentleman told the truth. However, I will not abase myself to buy a watch under the circumstances described.

Best thing you can do is to have an honest and genuine reason, and be able to articulate it well. I wanted a Polar Exp II as my "beat cancer" watch. My first buy from that AD. I anticipated a 2 year wait, which would time perfectly for when I got off cancer monitoring and give me time to save. Told them my goal and timeline. Then they surprised me 6 months later for my 40th birthday. Honestly, I wasn't prepared and had to move some money around, but I made it work. Naturally, that left me with needing a new "beat cancer" watch, lol. Have an easier to get, but harder to afford, grail piece in mind now; Bregeut Tradition Retrograde Seconds. Will have to go used, cause there's no way I could swing that new. I'll circle back for either a Skydweller or DJ eventually. But now that I got the Exp II, I want a grail piece for a grail event.

Probably the most real explanation and it makes sense. Thanks for the transparency

ADs sell to flippers all the time, flippers that buy bundles of 10 pieces at a time!

It all makes sense. How could Rolex sell so many watches yet 'never have stock'? Thanks for blowing the whistle. 😉

Thanks for your video. I used to own a Kermit, and sold it, when I sold my business. So Rolex is a bit in the past for me. I love my Pelagos, which I think is a better watch than my sub. I wear it for everything, and couldn't be happier. Titanium, especially the type 2 wears really well and the usage is beautiful, unlike scratches to SS, which looks scary. Everyone: enjoy the watch YOU love. And be kind to others.

I know of one AD in my city who expects first time clients to buy a Day-Date as their first piece, and I know a handful of clients for this AD who have confirmed this rule. Basically, its a case of "show us how much cash you are willing to spend and maybe one day we'll let you buy a steel GMT or steel Sub". Rolex & their ADs have forgotten who their real clients are... and its not "Piere the investment banker", its "Peter the plumber". Now that the grey wrist watch market is essentially dead, and that watches are no longer being seen as a speculative investment asset, this is really going to bite Rolex hard as a brand in the coming 5-10 years.

i was given that very book after i put my information months ago. i would never want to beg for something that i work hard for. so if rolex wouldn't give me my watch then i would gladly move to other brands that would gladly take my money.

Great video, very informative and straightforward. As a long-time watch enthusiast who started my collection with my father’s 1601 Datejust, I had never encountered this information before even from watch forums.

Imagine walking into a store to buy a product which they have on the back and them not wanting to sell it to you.

Thank you for this video. It confirms a lot of my suspicions. Take care

Disgusting business practices. We moved to Omega and Breitling because of all the childish games Rolex plays. No more Rolex in our home. Should be illegal to conduct business like this.

Legit advice. I got called 2-months after expressing my interest in a stainless steel sports model. While I was waiting for a link to be taken out my AD straight up said, "The reason I called you is because we can tell you're going to wear the watch, and you're not a flipper". I think the problem is convincing them you're not lying. True story. I don't mind the background check though. Actually like it. If it gets rid or reduces the flipper and gray market, all the better.

I'm not surprised at all!! Appreciate the insights. The very popular models seem to be extremely tough, and I know the full precious metal models and two tones tend to be much easier, but what about popularish models like the Explorer series? Or the Two tone GMTs like the Rootbeer or two tone Bruce Wayne?

Thanks for your honesty 👍

Flippers never messed anything up..Rolex's desire to totally control the market is the issue.

Thanks for sharing this "insider" information. Explains a lot about the games played that never really made sense before.

Thanks for your integrity. Great video.

👍🏼great video/inside information. Appreciate you! Cheers/B

Thank you for this interesting vid.

Interesting Information Thank you🙏💖

Exactly why I won’t buy another Rolex! It’s been at least 25 years since I purchased my last Rolex, went to a dealer a couple weeks ago to purchase a Submariner and they started playing this exact game. I’m not going to jump through hoops to purchase an objectively overpriced luxury item. After leaving that dealer and hearing similar stories from others I decided to explore other quality brands. I’m happy I did as I ended up purchasing a new Sinn U212 and I’m very happy with it. Definitely not the same look as Sub but no doubt more capable and a real collectors conversation piece at a fraction of the cost.

I bought my first Rolex in the early 80's before all the hype. I am now on my 4th, my 2nd Turn O Graph.

Thanks for sharing!

Thank for the video, it's nice to get some genuine inside information. I'm "on the list" 🤣 I have way more time than money so I'll wait it out and see what happens.

Bought my Tudor black bay 58 on my honeymoon in Maui. Great experience. Lahaina is always in my thoughts.

Thanks for the advice. I will one day get my Explorer II in polar white. I've bought too many other watches to scratch that itch, but I still go back to wanting that Explorer.

As a businessman, I just buy from the grey market and pay the premium. The amount I’ll save from paying retail, even for a Le Mans, is nothing had I just spent the time, effort, and *money* building that AD relationship to my business instead. Unless you’re a celebrity, don’t buy from AD. If you could buy relationship-building watches you probably are rich, and your time is probably worth more than the savings from not paying the premium.

My guess is that they sell almost all the watches to the secondary market dealers for kickbacks. It is corrupt but it is also "just business".

Hawaii Hardy! Mahalo for the information. 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

If ADs are investigating prospective clients that hard and strictly, how come there are so many Rolexes going to the grey market, does not add up

I waited for a Datejust 41mm Wimbledon (2 tone) for 1.5yrs. Never got the call after repeatedly following up. I bought one grey, took it to the AD to show the salesperson, I get "the call" 2 weeks later for the same watch LOL.

Early in my 'career' of buying watch, i did exactly that, told the sales lady that i got and sold my gmt 😂. I was just excited to share watch story and how regretful i was of selling that, but yeah, i knew right away that was a dumb thing to say. Oh well, it was on a vacation trip anyway.

Fascinating!

I was looking and looking for a submariner and I finally started leaving negative yelp and Google reviews and made complaints to the BBB… that’s finally when I got one. They wanna play games I’ll play games too.

When I’m ready to buy my first Rolex, I’d like it to be brand new so that I can write my own story with the watch. I don’t want something that’s been worn. I want to start a fresh book.

A Rolex Explorer was a watch I always dreamed of! When I finally had the money to buy it a few years ago, the AD's in California didn't have any and I learned of the games they were playing... Then, I found Tudor and bought a Black Bay 36 which I like a lot more than the Explorer! I have no desire for a Rolex watch now but, I will always like the Brand. Everytime we go to Oahu on vacation, I always took a picture in front of the Rolex dealer in the International Marketplace! Thank you so, much for sharing your honest experience working for Rolex! 😊

Terrific piece. I really enjoyed it and your honesty is commendable. I played the AD game and did get a Datejust after about four months. No bells and whistles. Clean, white dial. Handsome. Bought some jewelry and engaged them for repairs first. Not sure i would do this again. Pre-owned is a better value for me. Thanks!

Not earth-shattering info, but I found it interesting that ADs lie about not having inventory. Thanks for the insights!

I made the “list” as a first time buyer and got my first brand new Rolex Polar Explorer II from the AD a year ago in Jan of 2023. Took about 9 months to get it, definitely worth the wait…..I got it for my 50th so I think the next purchase will be for my 55th…..we’ll see, as of now, super happy with my EXP2. Cheers and thanks for the insight!!

Thanks for sharing this video, Hawaii Hardy! SPOT ON. One month after visiting my AD for an Op 41 black dial, I received “The Text.” NO spend history. First Rolex. If it happened to me, it can happen to you. Best of luck to all and thanks again Hawaii Hardy!!

Thank you so much for your interesting and insightful information!

Your facts, only enhances the broader view of the Rolex bs game! Thanks!

Buying a Rolex from an authorised dealer is an interesting game. The only winning move is not to play…

I like to buy new old stock Seiko watches on eBay. Many of them are from sellers in Japan, and they usually cost about $100 each. I have about 4 of them. I will admit to having splurged 10 years ago on a new Tissot quartz watch that I paid $300 for (about $550 MSRP).

Thanks for sharing bro 🎊

People hate on this but tbh it’s the reason why Rolex is Rolex as a brand

They make 1.2 million watches a year. It blows my mind they play games like that and sell as many as they do

This was such a helpful video - thank you for the real info! I was able to purchase an Explorer 2 at the Ala Moana Rolex using some of your tips within a week of being put on ‘the list’.

That’s funny how trying to buy your watch from somewhere different than a store you’ve previously done business with can work against you, specially when your end game is to just acquire a watch!

Very enlightening, and what a shame that a few fools mess up the buying experience for good honest people who would like to buy a Rolex at some point. I was very lucky then really having bought an Explorer 2 polar in 1999, and I still am very happy with it. I will say to anyone not to be put off though - and if you see a pre-owned beauty that you have been looking for in an authorised Rolex dealership then go for it, as 'not used much' Rolex watches don't hang around either!

One of many reasons I buy Rolex clones!

Thanks great information

Thanks for sharing

I wanted to buy an explorer 1, later wanted a 2 and fers did that same to me and I was a first time buyer of the brand. Discovered Longines Spirit Zulu and got that, and now even I still desire an Explorer2 I would never get and try to drive people away from the brand! oh yeah... what happens if no social media or internet presence?

And here I thought it was about making business and building relationships. I've never seen an "empty" watch store in my life until I came across Rolex stores. I did tell them to FO and went to Omega!

Thanks man. Good to know this stuff 👍🏾

Great video, thank you

I started buying invictas as a teenager. My first really nice automatic was a Hamilton I bought for $140 at a collectors mall, next was a longines, next was an omega, and finally a pre owned Rolex gmt master ii batman with the oyster bracelet. I absolutely love the Batman and I'll never sell it.

Walk in with a Tissot, and walk out with a Tissot. You’ll be far intact.✨

Thank you for the info brother!

This is interesting. I appreciate the honesty. It's funny to me that a sales associate-who could probably not afford most of what they sell-would judge someone using stupid methods and take months to call back just to determine they won't flip the watch and are "worthy" of a purchase. This is why I turned down the sub I was offered and bought another brand.

The things people are willing to put up with just for a logo. It's just a watch in the end, and not even as accurate as a good quartz watch when you think about it. If you really need a good mechanical watch that much I would suggest you go with Omega or Longines.

Great information. I have been away from the collecting business for nearly a decade. I own an SS Sub and a Day-Date from the early 2000's and that's about all I'm going to own from Rolex. I got both of them brand new by just walking into an authorized AD back in the day. I guess times have changed.

Really applaud this former employee for telling it like it is... THANK YOU!! STILL, this is damage of Rolex' own making. If I *really* want that Daytona or Blue Sky-Dweller, I can have it in 48 hours - Rolex is the biggest luxury watch maker in the world - the watches aren't that rare or constrained. They know that the majority of that vault full of inventory is going to flippers, despite any "checking out" theatre they have their employees do... IT IS NOT WORKING. I bought my first and only Rolex in 2009 from an AD in NY walking off the street like everyone else. I COULD buy another from the grey market - I just don't want to. I'd rather give my watch budget to companies that actually want to sell to real customers. Rolex simply doesn't care.

If you have rolex money, how do you also not have the pride to match? I would absolutely never beg and grovel to be given a chance to spend my money. I would buy an omega the moment they turned me away

I wonder if the buying experience is different at high end retail jewelry stores that carry Rolex and other brands, rather than Rolex owned and operated stores.

I managed to buy a Lexus GX460 highest trim which is a $75K luxury SUV much easier than buying a Rolex watch, go figure 🤨

What happens to the floor models ? Is that a thing they are now turned into the " certified pre owned models "? Or they just become avaliable for purchase at some point?

I'm gonna add my move that has always worked. I go to the store and buy birthday, Christmas and graduation gifts for people there. It's all stuff I would normally buy but instead of getting it someplace else I go to my AD. They see me a lot and when I ask for a watch I get it pretty quickly. I also only buy a watch every few years (to save up) so I think that helps as well. My sales guy told me one time I asked for a watch and he printed out all of my purchases and the owner immediately said "sell it to him".

Went to AD for a DJ with fluted dial but it was discontinued. Waited for Watches and Wonders and decided to ask for an Everose sky Dweller although I’ll probably never see it. Bought from the store before but it was 20 years ago.

I’m so sad, I wanted to buy my first Rolex ever and really liked the BatGirl. The sales person put me on their list they said but it’s fake so sad.

I can afford Rolex but Aliexpress always have inventory and they love my business!

Interesting

Well done👍eye opener😊

This is very interesting, Hardy

All of these tips - do this, don't do this, say that, don't say that - only gave one message - even though you are a customer willing to spend your money to buy a product, Rolex treats you like they're giving you a charity and you must prove that you deserve it.

I just got my first Rolex literally yesterday (Explorer 40). I was on a "wish list" for years, but since I'd purchased previously from WOS I was able to finally get one. No reselling here, that baby's here to stay. And the BEST SA ever, that really helps! Mine was fantastic and hilarious!

My first luxury watch is going to be a Grand Seiko. Not got time for Rolex games.

I paid more to get the watch I wanted. I don’t regret it because I’m not going to play any game to spend my hard earned money. I just want to buy what I want without games.

This is exactly why I will never own a Rolex. I don’t want to kiss the ass of some retail associate, I don’t want to be researched and spied on. When I spend thousands on a watch, I am the one that wants his ass kissed not the other way around. Rolex can take their watches and shove them were the sun doesn’t shine 😂

Rolexes are made by machines. Anyone who thinks there is a shortage simply refuses to think logically

thanks for your honesty. I'm currently on the "waiting list" for the new gold deep sea, here's hoping

The Rolex AD’s are the ones that sell to grey market dealers, the stock that they can’t sell fast, like full gold with diamonds lady stuff, they sell that to grey market dealers, often family members! The wanted pieces are sold to VIP clients. So as a normal buyer you have almost zero chance to get anything from them, except used pieces, so you have to go grey market or just move away from Rolex.

“Flippers” are tiresome, but I still don’t see why Rolex should care what a customer does with his purchase after walking out. They got paid, end of their part in the deal.

Interesting!