Interesting question.
I imagine there's no harm in going to more ADs to try to get it sooner,
if you are really anxious and want it quicker.
Otherwise, if they said it won't be so long, I would just go back there and ask when it will be ready.
They might even give it to you sooner, by you being proactive as well.

 

They multiple.

If you have the money, just go grey. Life is too short.

 

No reason not to check with multiple ADs if you have no spend history anywhere. What an AD doesn't know (about you checking with others) won't hurt them. You don't owe them anything.

Which Yachtmaster are you seeking?

 

if you have no spend history

Even if you do have spend history, might as well check with other ADs. Also, best believe an AD isn't going to go out of their way to hold that Yachtmaster for you if you can't get to it soon enough.

 

No harm in putting your name down at multiple dealers. They get what the truck brings them and then go down the list to see who wanted what. It’s not like they can request specific references for the next delivery (and then try to find another buyer if the first guy backed out).

I put my name down at three local ADs, and the third one got me my watch.

 

A month is not a lot, but why not check what other dealers say.

 

Visit all the ADs within driving distance. Don't tell the others you're cross-shopping, be sure to come off as 100% committed only to them. Buying marked-up jewelry might help.... but no one knows the invisible threshold you must cross to climb a few notches up the wish list.

As pointed out, I'd pick a date and if none of them have come through buy from a reputable grey. Unless you're looking for a Daytona (ha ha) the small margin is worth it.

 

It all up to you. No harm in trying to shop at multiple ADs and see who can deliver first.

I personally don't have the time (or think its worthwhile) to visit too many places for a watch, so I'd rather wait especially if it's only been a month. If anything I'd rather visit the same AD to check in instead of starting over every few weeks.

It costs nothing to have patience. It's just a watch at the end of the day.

 

If your AD said it shouldn’t be too long, then it probably won’t be. Be patient.

 

I've been told "6 months" from many ADs. It's been years....

Patience mattered back in 2016, maybe.

 

You’re lucky enough to be near multiple ADs so enquire with all of them, no harm and it increases your probability of getting a reply. Just make sure they are not part of the same chain, in London there are many ADs but most are part of WoS who keep a central database.

 

What is WoS? Watches of?

Edit: saw in later post that it’s Watches of Switzerland.

 

Agree with Chief. If they told you the wait wouldn't be long, then wait. If you believe you'll be buying another in the future, it will help to build that purchase history if you remain with one AD. If you don't believe you'll seek out another Rolex, then shop everyone. The first to give you the call wins the sale. Or, as another suggested, go secondary. A Yachtmaster is not that hard to source, titanium being the exception.

 

Small update. Went to WoS and an independent boutique to be put on their interest list.

So, I am on 3 lists for a slate Yachtmaster. Will be interesting to see how long it takes and which will offer 1st.

Tourneau/Bucherer Rolex only boutique, no purchase history. Rep said, wait will not be too long. 1 month has passed so far.

WOS, purchased 2 Grand Seikos from their joint venture boutique with GS 2 weeks ago. WOS boutique has a nice selection of watches from various brands. Rep would not state a time frame.

Independent dealer who also sells a nice selection of jewelry. My wife would definitely like their jewelry and I would bring her to buy something if they came thru with the Yachtmaster. Rep said 12-14 months.

I am a good customer and will buy again from stores that treat me well. But, I will not buy something I don't really want just to create purchase history.

 

Congrats on starting your Rolex journey! I’ve been in a similar situation—no AD history but strong relationships with other dealers from previous purchases. Here’s my approach that might help:

1. Multiple Lists: You’ve done the right thing by being on multiple lists. Each AD operates differently, so spreading out your chances increases the odds.
2. Be Honest, Stay Firm: Like you, I don’t buy items just to build history. Be genuine about your interest—it’s often about timing and luck.
3. Consider Pre-Owned: My non-Rolex dealer offered to source a pre-owned piece, which can be a solid option if the wait gets too long. Pricing and condition are often great.
4. Prioritize: For me, price, condition, and time (in that order) were key. You’ve got good groundwork laid, so stay patient, but don’t hesitate to explore other reputable sources if needed.

Looking forward to seeing which AD comes through first! Good luck!

 

Stay away from AD’s. You aren’t getting a deal from an AD, ever.

 

You’d get a worse deal from grey, though.

it’s wild times when MSRP from an AD is the cheapest option. (as long as you don’t want to settle for a beat-up vintage Frankenwatch)

 

Cast a big net and see what happens......

For me, I hit 3 AD's within a 100 mile radius of my city. This was when I was shopping for a sub date. One AD flat out told me I'd have to buy a Tudor to get on the waitlist !!! The other 2 AD's took my name down but said it will take up till 2 years. After 30 days, I did stop in both ADs ...I was a field engineer back then so I'd drive all over NorCal.

Then in 7 weeks, I got a unexpected text from one of the ADs...."hey, u around cos I have your submariner waiting in the store"!! Zero purchase history so I couldn't even believe it. This AD is further from my home so I called my rep back and asked her if she can hold the piece till the weekend. No prob.... Basically got allocated a sub date in only 7 weeks and zero purchase history!!

Last Friday, I went back to the same AD/rep and told her I want to get the BLNR for my 50th next year and she said no prob and she'll make it happen. Once u get allocated a piece, its much much easier to get something else from the same AD/rep. Good luck with your watch!!

 

Cast a big net and see what happens......

For me, I hit 3 AD's within a 100 mile radius of my city. This was when I was shopping for a sub date. One AD flat out told me I'd have to buy a Tudor to get on the waitlist !!! The other 2 AD's took my name down but said it will take up till 2 years. After 30 days, I did stop in both ADs ...I was a field engineer back then so I'd drive all over NorCal.

Then in 7 weeks, I got a unexpected text from one of the ADs...."hey, u around cos I have your submariner waiting in the store"!! Zero purchase history so I couldn't even believe it. This AD is further from my home so I called my rep back and asked her if she can hold the piece till the weekend. No prob.... Basically got allocated a sub date in only 7 weeks and zero purchase history!!

Last Friday, I went back to the same AD/rep and told her I want to get the BLNR for my 50th next year and she said no prob and she'll make it happen. Once u get allocated a piece, its much much easier to get something else from the same AD/rep. Good luck with your watch!!
View attachment 18733929

I am on lists at 3 different places. It has been 1 month at first place and just entered at other 2 places.

I am guessing at least one of the 3 dealers should get a Yachtmaster within 6 months time and then it is a matter if they want to sell it to me or give priority to someone else.

 

Want to get my 1st Rolex. I live in NYC and there are many AD's in the area.

All my non Rolex watches were purchased from manufacturer boutiques, so I have no spend history with Rolex dealers.

I went to the NYC Tourneau/Bucherer dealer that only sells Rolex. Tried on a bunch and decided on a Yachtmaster. AD said wait should not be too long. It has been a month.

Curious, when people have no spend history, do they go to multiple dealers to get on more than 1 interest list ?

I went to the same location today. I didn't get the best vibes. The sales person put my name in their phone, but she basically said it might be difficult with out a purchase history from Tourneau. I also stopped by Wempe. When I expressed interest the sales lady took out a big stack of papers with people's names/addresses etc. and then grabbed a blank one for me to fill out. It was quite hilarious. She had that big stack ready to go. This was for a no date sub.

 

Although we want different watches, it will be interesting to see how each of us make out since we are both in NYC. From what I read, a Yachtmaster and Sub have similar wait times.

 

I went to four AD's. I've been waiting for over a year, getting sick of it. I think it's time to move on.

 

Which watch ? My watch is low demand. If the wait goes that long, I will definitely move on and be turned off from the brand/process and AD's.

So many nice watches from other brands that I already intend to buy.

 

Cast a big net and see what happens......

For me, I hit 3 AD's within a 100 mile radius of my city. This was when I was shopping for a sub date. One AD flat out told me I'd have to buy a Tudor to get on the waitlist !!! The other 2 AD's took my name down but said it will take up till 2 years. After 30 days, I did stop in both ADs ...I was a field engineer back then so I'd drive all over NorCal.

Then in 7 weeks, I got a unexpected text from one of the ADs...."hey, u around cos I have your submariner waiting in the store"!! Zero purchase history so I couldn't even believe it. This AD is further from my home so I called my rep back and asked her if she can hold the piece till the weekend. No prob.... Basically got allocated a sub date in only 7 weeks and zero purchase history!!

Last Friday, I went back to the same AD/rep and told her I want to get the BLNR for my 50th next year and she said no prob and she'll make it happen. Once u get allocated a piece, its much much easier to get something else from the same AD/rep. Good luck with your watch!!
View attachment 18733929

I LOVE this story. The fact that you went back to both ADs,
even after they said no way or up to 2 years is the KEY.
You showed real interest and made yourself stand out as a real buyer.
Then, luck was on your side and one became available (maybe someone backed out),
and she gave you a call.
And NOW that you really showed yourself to be a good buyer,
she has no problem committing to getting you another for your big 50th birthday in a year.
That's the way to do it!
---

I am a good customer and will buy again from stores that treat me well.

That's the message you have to convey to an AD.
---
My situation is worse/more complicated since I am not 100% sure I want to spend all the money for the Bluesy, at least not just yet...all the money is not just off to the side and waiting. So, it's kind of hard/impossible for the AD to take me totally seriously...
even though I too will be a good loyal customer buying for years.
I'm just about at this level in my journey, but not quite there yet.
I thought to get myself on the list, if it will anyway take about a year.
He took my details down, but said to come/check back and let him know
when I am actually ready to purchase it and he will make it happen within a few months.
He said that it can happen quickly and sometimes be even in a few weeks,
so I have to be totally in/ready.
That made sense and seemed fair, and hopefully, I will have the money to contact him soon,
and get that beauty on my wrist.
(I've been wearing in rotation the Steinhart premium ceramic Bluesy look-alike,
which is quite nice, but it is obviously NOT the same).

 

I guess I don’t get to shocked by wait times for popular commodities, including watches. I’ve had a pocket watch at RGM for 9 months to be repaired & serviced. They told me it’d be at least a year. Rolex never promises anything but a wait for their watches. If a person can’t wait, then buy from a gray dealer. Simple.🤷‍♂️

 

I've been waiting for black dial Explorer II since June this year (almost 6 months). When I asked how long it'll take, they only told me it won't take as long as it used to (whatever that means). There is a thread on Reddit about waiting times. Some people get Explorer II in weeks to months time these days, without purchase history. In the meantime I've been looking at other models and started liking Sea-Dweller a lot. Few days ago I put my name on Sea-Dweller list at another AD in another country. I was told they should have one for me in the 2nd half of 2025, so 7 - 12 months I guess.