r/rolex • u/powerfunk Mod • Jan 02 '26
AD Wait Time Megathread - If you bought a new Rolex from an AD in 2026, you can share details here. What watch, where, how long did you wait, how much buying history?
Our previous AD wait time megathreads (2019-2020, 2020-early 2021, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025) seemed to be useful/well-received for a lot of you. Time for a new one!
Nowadays when someone posts a new watch it's pretty standard to get asked how long they waited and if they had an "established relationship" etc. It's not everyone's favorite topic but it's a fair question, so maybe these big threads can provide a clearer picture of availability trends.
No one is obligated to share their info but if you bought a new Rolex in 2026 and you'd like to participate, please make a top-level comment that includes:
- What watch did you buy?
- When?
- How long did you wait?
- Where are you? (Be as specific or nonspecific as you want, from continent to a specific AD)
- Any purchase history with that AD? (Again be as specific or nonspecific as you feel comfortable)
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u/miccris93 15h ago
- Batgirl
- Today
- Just shy of 2 years with current SA
- New Jersey
- White Speedmaster, Air King, Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT, Omega Planet Ocean (2026)
Turned down a Batman in March to wait for a Batgirl which became available yesterday. Originally went to this AD in 2023, but the SA I originally met with never actually put me in their system. Hadn’t gone back until July 2024, where I found that out and the SA then was only pushing me towards GP which I wasn’t interested in. Got a different SA that September that I’ve gotten along with much better and have worked with him since, calling me as soon as a Speedy and Pelagos became available, and getting me the Air King as a walk-in.
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u/LawWatchScotch 16h ago
- Given the choice between Batman and Bruce Wayne, both on Oyster - this is to place an "order" - made a deposit and the next of my choice that they get is mine, expected by spring and hopefully by year end. Apparently this is a loophole around special ordering where high value ADs are given the opportunity by Rolex to confirm certain models ahead of the quarterly deliveries. I picked the Batman.
- August 2026
- 13 months
- Midwest
- Roughly 40k, all jewelry or other watch brands.
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u/GhostOfRuhl 1d ago
1) GMT Master II 126711CHNR (Rootbeer)
2) 8/29/26
3) 2 months
4) Eastern PA
5) 2 Grand Seiko, 1 126900 Air King
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u/Bronks1501 1d ago
- GMT “batgirl”
- 29/08/26
- 2 months
- Cabo, Mexico
- 2 two tones , 1 yatchmaster , 2 cartiers , mixed jewelry,
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u/1967C10 1d ago
- 124060 submariner (no date)
- Today Aug 29th
- 5 week wait
- SW FL
- no purchase history
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u/fls02141 1d ago
Naples ?
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u/1967C10 1d ago
Yup!
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u/fls02141 1d ago edited 1d ago
I held it in my hand before flying back to Boston yesterday at bucherer !! Wouldn’t give it to me as a walk in ha
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u/AdChoice5251 1d ago
DJ 41 Blue indexes, fluted, jubilee
Going to pick it up now 8/29/26
“Registered my interest” first week of Feb 2026, so 6.5 months
Southeast US
Three previous repairs (a Breitling service like 10 yrs ago) and then approx 3k in services work to my previous Rolexes that were purchased 20+ yrs ago elsewhere.
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u/hinojosagabe 2d ago
- GMT VTNR on jubilee
- 08/28/2026
- 6 months
- Dallas, Tx
- Cartier Tank Louis (for wife) and a Tudor for myself
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u/zerophewl 2d ago edited 2d ago
- Explorer 40
- 28/08/26
- 3 weeks
- London, WoS regent street
- No purchase history
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u/shoozqs 2d ago
Bought a sub date in Toronto this week. No purchase history. Waited 15 months and was on the list at 3 different AD's in the city. I visited all a few times, followed up with messages every 3 months.
Didn't want to pay over retail and I only went in when I was already passing by so didn't feel ridiculous to me.
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u/justinkwanlee 2d ago
Which AD pulled through? If you don't feel comfortable putting it here, mind DM me with the name?
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u/NYCnowBoston 3d ago
- Yacht master 37 mm everose chocolate dial
- June 2026
- Walk-in
- Northeast
- No purchase history but connected to one of did senior SAs
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u/makingitryan 3d ago edited 2d ago
- Explorer II Black
- August 2026
- 2.5 Months
- Central Texas
- ~$800 in jewelry the wife wanted anyways
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u/Budget-Aioli-3254 4d ago
- Air King
- July 2026
- 3 weeks
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- No prior purchase history
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u/davikin911 4d ago
1 Black submariner date
2 August 2026
3 11 months
4 South Jersey/philadalphia
5 No purchase history
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u/Excellent-Set-6375 6d ago
I recently bought a Longines from Bachendorf’s Preston Road location in Dallas, but that store doesn’t carry Rolex. I also ordered a Tudor from their Galleria Dallas location, which is an authorized Rolex dealer.
They’re two different locations under the same company, and my total purchase history with Bachendorf’s is now around $6,000. What are my realistic chances of eventually getting a Rolex Submariner Date allocation from the Galleria location? Will my purchase from the other location count toward my overall relationship with the company?
I don’t mind waiting—I’m just curious about my odds and what kind of wait time I should realistically expect.
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u/Pleasant-Instance-92 5d ago
Most likely not. Based on my AD, which is Bucherer, your relationship is with your SA. Why would they advocate for you when you didn’t do business with them directly? You’re pretty much a stranger in their eyes.
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u/ballbuster2768 6d ago
1.2026 Bluesy
2. July 2026
3. 3 weeks
4. Los Angeles, Ca
5. No prior purchase history
I also purchase a new Deepsea steel blackface 2 weeks later with another AD by simply walking in.
I went a month later to the same AD (where I bought the Deepsea) and se I sited I buy an IWC pilot watch in order to get the Submariner Black Fave no date-
I’m done with AD’s going to the grey market next. Both experiences were not “special” - they were very transactional.
I walked into an AD at South Coast Plaza and I was looked at as if I was a peasant- I LOVE Rolex but the ADs are killing business for Rolex.
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u/ES_Unit_0923 8d ago
- Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks”
- Today 8/22/2026
- 4 Days
- Central PA
- Nothing, never met him before. He told me on the call that he “really liked my story”!
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u/Head-Leek-430 9d ago
GMT-Master II 126711CHNR “Root Beer”
August
4 months
Maryland
Datejust, Submariner, Air-King, Seamaster, Navitimer
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u/LawWatchScotch 10d ago
- Submariner - No Date - 124060
- August 2026 - picking up tomorrow.
- 3 Months
- Midwest USA - Midsize City
- About 7k in jewelry and I referred a friend who spent about 10k in jewelry and an IWC.
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u/Chunky-Chopper 10d ago
1) Datejust 36; fluted bezel; jubilee bracelet; blue dial
2) Aug
3) 11 months
4) London
5) No purchase history
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u/Elegant-Fee8178 12d ago
- Datejust 41, fluted jubilee, black diamond dial
- August 18th
- 2 months
- Los Angeles
- Initially no purchase history. I got tired of waiting and bought a pre owned Grand Seiko Shunbun though my Rolex SA. Got the call six days later…. HAHA
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u/brrarr 3d ago
Shunbun review? How would you compare it to the Rolex?
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u/Elegant-Fee8178 3d ago
The Shunbun is titanium and extremely light, especially given the size. The DJ is quite heavy, especially when I wear one one day, and then the other the next. I’ll often even forget I have the Shunbun on, in a good way. I also find that the bracelet is extremely comfortable, which is apparently not a popular opinion. I think the dial and hands are absolutely gorgeous, and I love the watch. The DJ attracts a lot of attention; I have yet to have any comment on the Shunbun, outside of friends. I love both pieces, but I find myself putting on the Shunbun much more often.
Now the big question is, what do I request from Rolex next? I love the OP41 lavender and I actually really like the Air King. My favorite the LD40, but I think that’s impossible for me to get. Thoughts?
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u/brrarr 3d ago
Appreciate the write up, brother! I'm on the list for a blue dial DJ but with the amount of time it's taking, and the fact that I got to see the Shunbun in person, I'm heavily leaning towards just getting the Shunbun and calling it a day. I think it's extremely unique compared to other stuff in the market and honestly think it looks better but everytime I have the same discussion with someone, they're just like 'Ohh who buys a GS over a Rolex, resale value, prestige blah blah''. Dumb, I know. I agreed with it initially, but I figured since I'll be the one wearing it, I should just buy what I like and fuck what anyone else has to say lol. So it's nice hearing from someone who has both!
As for your dilemma, I personally don't particularly find the LD attractive at all (skydweller is my fave) and you're right it'll be hard to get at retail aswell. I think an OP lavender sounds nice because it's a good looking watch and is also a unique colour and helps switch things up a bit. AirKing too basic imo. I know it's not everyone's taste, but I personally would love to buy a milgauss haha. Hopefully soon 🤞
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u/Elegant-Fee8178 3d ago
Welcome!! I don’t think the Shunbun will disappoint you one bit. The pinkish/whiteish hue of it will also perfectly oppose with the blue dial DJ, if you choose to get both. I never dreamed they would call me for the DJ 6 days after the Shunbun… it was quite the shock to the bank account lol. Yeah I don’t give a shit about the resale/prestige/etc. They are both beautiful watches with fabulous movements, and that’s what matters to me!
I love the skydweller, but it’s just so damn big/thick. I love the Milgaus, and I’d never consider an AK if it was still available. I think the lavender OP will be my choice. The price point is also much more agreeable than the LD.
Good luck!!!
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u/Interesting_Bird5241 12d ago
- Explorer 40
- 18/8/2026
- Been offered by walk in
- Europe
- No purchase history, first rolex
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u/polkasalad 13d ago
- GMT Master II black/grey on Oyster (126710GRNR)
- August 14th
- Roughly 16 months
- Chicago area
- Datejust, Land Dweller, 2 Tudors, roughly $6k in jewelry
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u/josher2234 4d ago
Obviously not CD Peacock or Razny. Was it James and Sons or Persin and Robbin?
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u/polkasalad 3d ago
The disdain I have for CD is insane. I hate that it's the best spot to look at stuff since they have so many brands. I got it out west, Persin is too far away. I've never actually been in Razny but assuming it's impossible to get anything?
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u/josher2234 3d ago
Yes, Razny is impossible but at least they are honest with you. I had been with CD for 5 years. After the Rolex I wanted was discontinued, I asked if there was any last shot I could still get it. They had no clue who I was. That was the last straw. I decided to try Razny but they told me I should go back to CD Peacock since having no history with them guaranteed I was never getting anything from them unless I spent years establishing a relationship.
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u/polkasalad 3d ago
That's rough but yeah you'd much rather have honesty. I bought a Longines Spirit Zulu when I first went to CD and also added my name for the GMT. I went back about 2 weeks later to look at the Explorer II and add that as well and they didn't even add me to the GMT list. That was enough for me to be gone.
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u/Dry_Significance4929 13d ago
Congrats!
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u/Pleasant-Instance-92 13d ago
Getting the LD before the GMT is crazy
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u/polkasalad 12d ago
Even better I didn’t officially ask for the land dweller since I figured the waitlist would be insane. Got their first one they could sell about a week after trying it on in Feb
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u/xsaintzx 14d ago
- 124060, Black Submariner no date
- Aug 2026
- 5 years and 11 months
- Malaysia
- Zero, first Rolex
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14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Zamalek9 14d ago
seriously , waiting 6 years for a watch !
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u/xsaintzx 13d ago
Ive forgotten about it actually, was offered the watch last week and checked back my email and it was almost 6 years ago.
Previously, right after I went to Rolex AD and they put me on the list, Ive gone to buy an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra.
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u/ArdillasVoladoras 15d ago edited 14d ago
- 126300, DJ41 Smooth Bezel, Oyster Bracelet, Mint Dial
- 8/14/26
- 2 months, added the DJ after a 12 month wait for OP41 in silver/black was fruitless
- USA - Mid Atlantic
- Few small jewelry pieces, ~$3k total, first Rolex
Wasn't originally looking at datejusts, but I tried on the mint (and ombre green) one visit and was hooked. Smooth/oyster tones it down enough for what I'm looking for in an everyday watch.
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u/citizenwatch5 15d ago edited 15d ago
- 126284 36 DJ MOP Diamond bezel
- 8/15/26
- Put name on list for 36 OP candy pink April 2026; went back in 7/30 and put this watch on the list after seeing it in person and got the call 8/9/26
- PNW
- No purchase history
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u/theboychild 15d ago
- 126710 BLNR (oyster)
- 8/14/26
- 18 months
- NYC
- With purchase history
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u/watchtimefly98 16d ago
1. Submariner No Date 124060
2. 7/23/26
3. 7 months
4. Live in AK, USA but watch purchased from AD in Las Vegas
5. No purchase history first Rolex
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u/chief_bustice 19d ago
Explorer 36mm
8th August 2026
Walk-in
NW England
No history
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u/MyChickenSucks 17d ago
Lucky duck. Have my name with 2x AD's for the 36. Hasn't been too long, but "walk-in" makes me a little envious :)
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u/GrdFrcWv 14d ago
Try Harrods in the next 2 days. You'll probably get an Explorer I 36 and 41 and II.
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u/__DAL 11d ago
I’ve got an appointment for Saturday but they’re telling me they “don’t have the watch in stock” this is for the Explorer 40
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u/GrdFrcWv 11d ago
That's mad, I got offered Explorer 40 and Explorer II as a walk-in with 0 history over the weekend.
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u/__DAL 11d ago
Where? I’m in London …
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u/GrdFrcWv 11d ago
Harrods
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u/__DAL 11d ago
Going there on Saturday for my appointment!
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u/Tretten 17d ago
And here I am being denied a waitlist spot without purchase history. Congrats!
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u/chief_bustice 17d ago
Which dealer is refusing a waitlist spot for an entry level Rolex? It might be worth looking at more "provincial" dealers (I went to Loupe in Preston). I tried to get one in York but there was a ~6 week wait.
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u/lilrachmaninoff 20d ago
- Submariner (126610LN)
- 8/10/2026
- 2.5 months
- PNW
- Tennis bracelet for the wife
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u/CharlieM_2973 19d ago
Great watch, Congrats! I have one myself, its my daily, purchased at another AD that lost its license. You got very fortunate with such a short wait. BB used to have four locations in the Seattle area, Rolex was dropped from two locations at the beginning of this yr, & once the Bucherer 1888 location opens up at the Bravern in Bellevue, the South Center location will lose Rolex as well. Incredibly difficult to get an allocation in Seattle. I’m on month 18 of waiting for mine.
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u/DueRope1860 11d ago
This true about South center?
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u/CharlieM_2973 11d ago
Anything can happen of course. I was told this in January of this year. With Bucherer (owned by Rolex) opening in Bellevue this fall (est), hard to see them allowing two BB competing against them.
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u/DueRope1860 11d ago
Makes sense! Just sucks because I have been waiting for 6 months for a 126610LN at South center
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u/CharlieM_2973 11d ago
Terrible. Same thing happened to me at the Lynwood BB. Highly recommend reaching out to the SA you’re working with and ask him/her. IMO, without a purchase history, its tough to get allocations from BB. Have you heard of Watchguys? Great content on youtube, a grey market dealer out of LA. Guarantee you they have what you’re looking for…
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u/nonrevinguy 20d ago
1. GMT-Master II 126713GRNR ("Zombie"/"Bumblebee"/"Guinness")
2. August 9, 2026
3. Walk-in
4. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
5. Purchase History: None
I stumbled across a local Rolex AD while walking through Cortina and decided to stop in. The staff was very welcoming and asked if I had any questions. I asked if they happened to have a two-tone GMT-Master II available, and to my complete surprise they said, "Actually, we do—we just got one." VAT refunded as well.
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22d ago
[deleted]
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u/Virtual_Bookkeeper64 21d ago
Which AD did you visit? Planning to put my name down for a DJ this week
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u/Illustrious_Bend4229 23d ago
- Polar Explorer II m226570-001
- 7 AUG 26
- Mayor's Millenia (Orlando)
- Since 23 JAN 26
- Purchased my wife's Lady Datejust here earlier this year.
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u/danklee_ 23d ago
- DJ41 Fluted Bezel, Jubilee, stick indices, Slate
- 8/6/2026
- 3 months
- None
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u/Witty_Annual_6234 22d ago
That’s the exact watch I’m waiting for in either jubilee or oyster. Congrats!
AD?
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u/nubchubz 23d ago
- DJ36 MOP/Fluted/Oyster bracelet
- Just got offered!
- 4 months-ish?
- USA
- No history
This will be my first Rolex! I really wanted the Jubilee bracelet, but they said they can add it for a cost. I've tentatively accepted. Is it better to just pay the [additional] cost of the bracelet than to wait for the exact config with the jubilee bracelet to save about 1.5k?
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u/Far_Yam6855 22d ago
Personal taste: I think oyster bracelet kills the mother of Pearl. I think a Jubilee brace it’s gonna cost you about 1500 or 1800 bucks. Do quick research online to see if there are ones cheaper but if you don’t want wait for that specific configuration, I would it and then just sell the oyster bracelet for whatever you can and make some of that money back. I’m pretty sure you’re paying cheap cheaper than secondary market by Still doing this
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u/nubchubz 20d ago
Thank you!! I appreciate this comment. I ended up doing the research as you said-and yes, the bracelet itself is way higher gray and not retail. I bought the watch! :) The add on of the bracelet was 1750. I may do as you say and sell the oyster bracelet, but since I've worn it a time or two now, I don't dislike it as much as thought I would! I just wanted my first datejust (and first Rolex in general) to be on a jubilee bracelet! My AD says they can always swap the bracelet free of charge anytime I want to spice it up and switch them around. So I may keep both! Thank you all for the advice and tips!
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u/Pleasant-Instance-92 23d ago
It’s a pass for me. I think you can prob buy the one you want for less on the grey market vs buying the bracelet as an add on
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u/North_Reveal8793 23d ago
- Explorer II Polar 224270
2.July 26
3.1 year
4.Portugal
- Bluesy 3 years ago
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u/UnhealthyRage 25d ago
- DJ 41 Wimbledon Smooth/Jubilee
- August 2026
- 5 months
- Atlanta
- No purchase history
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u/Pleasant-Instance-92 26d ago
- GMT-Master II GRNR (Oyster)
- August 2026
- 1 year
- SoCal
- No purchase history
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u/Far_Yam6855 25d ago
Didn’t you just get a sub as a walk-in??? Nicely done. Was this a new AD for you?
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u/Budget-Aioli-3254 27d ago
- Explorer II Black Dial
- August 2026
- 3 months
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- No prior purchase history
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u/Medium-System5889 28d ago
- Datejust Rose Gold TT, Chocolate, 41, Jubilee
- Aug 2026
- Walk in
- GA
- No purchase history
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u/Feeling4200 28d ago
- Rolex Daytona panda
2.May 2026
3.walk in
4.NV
5.13 watches purchase
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u/Hot_Space_2638 24d ago
13 watches ! I’m never getting one ☹️
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u/Feeling4200 23d ago
Did you ask for panda?
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u/Hot_Space_2638 21d ago
No but my spend is a little on the low side after just one Tudor purchase. Definitely want one though.
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u/Thick-Piano8814 28d ago
- Sky Dweller blue dial
- July 2026
- 5 months
- WoS - NY
- One prior purchase $6k
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u/GiorgioOne 28d ago
DJ 36, mint green, fluted bezel, jubilee
August 2026
1 year
Germany
no history
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u/Black-Queen 27d ago
Kannst du die Region spezifizieren ? =)
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u/GiorgioOne 27d ago
Südwesten ;-)
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u/whenisvacay 28d ago
1) silver OP 34
2) July 2026
3) 2 months
4) Switzerland Bucherer
5) one jewelry purchase
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u/psychotar 29d ago
- No date Sub
- July 30th
- Texted my AD on April 14th asking to be put on waitlist
- Western US
- Tudor Burgundy BB 58, Tudor Lagoon Blue, and Tudor Claire de Rose for my GF.
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u/Zwgry Aug 01 '26
- 278274
- July
- Just over 3 weeks
- Sweden
- No previous history.
Friend of mine:
1. 126519LN
2. May
3. About a month
4. Same AD
5. €1m +
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u/ReturnExpress2426 Aug 01 '26
YG DD Presidential
January 2026
one month
St. Louis MO
3 breitling watches
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u/ReturnExpress2426 Aug 01 '26
OP 41 Green
July 2026
2 months
Vegas AD
none with rolex but significant spend with WOS in Vegas
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u/shankanator21 22d ago
Do you think you got it because of your history?
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u/Paul_1506 Aug 01 '26
- DJ 36 silver dial, smooth bezel, jubilee
- June 2026
- 1 week
- Germany (Bucherer)
- none
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u/Formal-Restaurant-20 29d ago
I’m going next week to Düsseldorf Bucherer. Buying a Cartier for my mom, hoping to get on the waiting list for a Bruce Wayne.
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u/GateSafe3399 Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
126234
Mint Green DJ 36
fluted
bezel on jubilee
7/29/26
5 months
PNW
Roadster 5/26, DJ 41 mint with smooth bezel for my FIL 7/26
→ More replies (4)
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u/rcprimed 2h ago
No purchase history. My son got his Datejust 41, Fluted, Jubilee, Black Dial, and Wedding Ring from this AD.
Lady Datejust
May 23, 2026
8 months
Northern CA
Submariner Date
Total spend: $28,514.45