Questions on Buying Rolex from Grey Dealers (BNIB)

[erin8817]

Hi fellow forumers/Gurus,

I'm about to pull the trigger on my 1st Rolex (SubC date) BNIB.
I'm planning to get it from a grey dealer (it's listed as a merchant in MWF). The grey dealer seems to be a reputable dealer but I just want to take some precautions and hear your comments/advice.

I have some questions:
1)  The warranty card shows the watch is bought in Milano, Italy. Italy the land of Mafia, so I'm taking some precautions here. I thought grey dealers normally buy it from HK. What are your thoughts if it's from Italy?
2) Will RSC (Menara Dion) reject servicing the watch if they found out it's from a grey dealer.
3) Can I request the merchant to remove the watch bracelet so I view the Rolex S/N?
4) How much does RSC charge for doing validation?
5) I've no luck getting discount for SubC date from ADs (All claim its a hot model). Other models, I could get up to 10%.  If anyone got better luck, appreciate if you could send me a PM.
(Mod -please remove this statement if it violates our forum rules on discounts).

[wshiong]

Normally if you buy from grey dealer, they have more discount and the warranty is international.

Grey dealer have more special edition then AD. Validation is rm 300

[j0shua]

I doubt you'll have issues with MWF merchants.

1) Doesn't matter if it's from Italy or HK or wherever, RSC will honour international warranty.
2) RSC will not reject. After servicing, they will also give a 2 year warranty extension on a separate card.
3) Why not? But if it's new, you should be able to see the serial on the rehaut.
4) RSC verification is about RM270+, and is verbal confirmation of case, movement and bracelet. You should get a little green faux leather pouch and polish cloth, both Rolex signed, afterwards.
5) I'd think it would be quite difficult for a local AD to top a grey dealer, unless you have some serious jalan.

[tonykpk]

 No problem so far , the exchange rate has gone up way to high against the weak RM and the coming gst. Very soon we will not be getting cheaper watch from the grey due to the exchange rate. Before the issue of the random serial, the EU ad are always getting the latest serial alphabets compare to local ad.,

[erin8817]

Hi All,

Thanks for the comments.
I'm transiting Tokyo (24 hour stopover). I heard the Rolex prices are even cheaper in Japan due to the weak currency. I will check out their prices and maybe buy it in Japan.
Found out this list from the Rolex forum on reputable Japan stores. The prices seems cheaper.

(No links to commercial sites: Mods Team)

Anyone got experience buying Rolex in Japan, please share your comments and thoughts.

[Yoda]

erin8817

Milano has authorised AD that you can confirm from the Rolex website. I think the grey AD selling you the Rolex could be genuine as you mentioned he is a listed MWF merchant. In Italy for Rolex watches could claim the VAT of up to 15%. In addition in the past not current the Euro is relatively cheap hence the grey AD could bring in at a lower cost.  Therefore with these information it make sense.

As for Japan some slow moving stock may be cheaper. But those fast moving ones may not be as when they replenish from Swiss they have to buy it at a higher Yen as their currency weaken. So depends on your luck. You could try your luck in the grey AD in Japan though and they will give you a 5% VAT.

There is one famous chain that gives 3 years to 12 years guarantee (of course higher price for the longer years). Try also 2 popular shops at Nakano if you in Tokyo.

Goodluck

[erin8817]

Thanks for all your comments and feedback.

Since buying my 1st IWC in 2011, I've being eyeing the Rolex SubC-date as my next grail.
I pulled the trigger a few days ago, and bought it from our forum's merchant dealer @ 23,xxx
Visited his shop in Subang and inspected the goods 1st hand. The watch is BNIB from Roma, Italy.
Only downside is that the user manual is in Italian.

Here's the pics of my 1st ever Rollie....





Lume shots. Tissot PRS200 (since 2004) vs SubC Date (2014)

[desean]

Nice watch

[Yoda]

Congrats. A watch you will never regret.

 

[contender]

Congrats and nice one.

Erin, you mention you're in Japan for a stopover and would check out the Rolex prices, how is the pricing in jap ?

[sypuah]

Thanks for all your comments and feedback.

Since buying my 1st IWC in 2011, I've being eyeing the Rolex SubC-date as my next grail.
I pulled the trigger a few days ago, and bought it from our forum's merchant dealer @ [discounted price deleted by mod]
Visited his shop in Subang and inspected the goods 1st hand. The watch is BNIB from Roma, Italy.
Only downside is that the user manual is in Italian.

Here's the pics of my 1st ever Rollie....





Lume shots. Tissot PRS200 (since 2004) vs SubC Date (2014)

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

[erin8817]

Congrats and nice one.

Erin, you mention you're in Japan for a stopover and would check out the Rolex prices, how is the pricing in jap ?

My business trip got cancelled, but the prices are cheaper in Japan.
Here's the prices after doing some online research.
You can try to google for jackroad or housekihiroba to view Japan Rolex prices.

I've also emailed them and apparently they are out of stock for the SubC date model.
Do make sure you email/contact them in advance to check on their stock levels.


Conversion rate, 1 Yen = 0.0371 RM (as of 9th Jan 2014)

List Price: Yen 787,500 (RM24,964)  This should be the AD price in Japan.
[ MOD :  no discussion on discount ]

Tourist can get 5% VAT/tax discount directly off the above prices. You need to carry your passport with you to enjoy the 5% tax discount.
If you use credit card, Banks will normally charge you around additional 2.5% for overseas transaction fee.
Use this online calculator to calculate your CC damage when shopping overseas.
http://corporate.visa.com/pd/consumer_services/consumer_ex_rates.jsp

Even without negotiating for discounts (whether AD or grey dealer), the weaker Yen definitely make buying Rolex cheaper in Japan.

[erin8817]

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

Its 116610LN -ceramic model. The lume is blue on the SubC ceramic model. Although it's not a very bright blue.
In my case, when the lume is not fully charge it looks a bit greenish, but when it's fully charged- its a clear blue.

[TheWatchMan]

I have the same model without date. The lume on photo is blue but on my naked eyes is green. I got colour blind 

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

Its 116610LN -ceramic model. The lume is blue on the SubC ceramic model. Although it's not a very bright blue.
In my case, when the lume is not fully charge it looks a bit greenish, but when it's fully charged- its a clear blue.

[erin8817]

I have the same model without date. The lume on photo is blue but on my naked eyes is green. I got colour blind 

Did you charge the lume fully before viewing it?
I had the same problem, I was seeing green, until I give it a full charge. Put the watch under direct fluorescent light for a few minutes, go to a dark room, and you'll see blue.

[dpkong]

I have the same model without date. The lume on photo is blue but on my naked eyes is green. I got colour blind 

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

Its 116610LN -ceramic model. The lume is blue on the SubC ceramic model. Although it's not a very bright blue.
In my case, when the lume is not fully charge it looks a bit greenish, but when it's fully charged- its a clear blue.

Some were green. The latest models are now blue. Your eyesight might be alright.. 

[TheWatchMan]

I have the same model without date. The lume on photo is blue but on my naked eyes is green. I got colour blind 

Did you charge the lume fully before viewing it?
I had the same problem, I was seeing green, until I give it a full charge. Put the watch under direct fluorescent light for a few minutes, go to a dark room, and you'll see blue.

I put on my desk for 3hr under fluorescent light and it shows green. Tried to shine with an LED torchlight for couple of minutes and it shows brighter green but still not really blue.  maybe I really can't see blue properly.

[TheWatchMan]

I have the same model without date. The lume on photo is blue but on my naked eyes is green. I got colour blind 

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

Its 116610LN -ceramic model. The lume is blue on the SubC ceramic model. Although it's not a very bright blue.
In my case, when the lume is not fully charge it looks a bit greenish, but when it's fully charged- its a clear blue.

Some were green. The latest models are now blue. Your eyesight might be alright.. 

Mine is 114060 ceramic it mentioned blue chromalight.

[TheWatchMan]

Thanks for all your comments and feedback.

Since buying my 1st IWC in 2011, I've being eyeing the Rolex SubC-date as my next grail.
I pulled the trigger a few days ago, and bought it from our forum's merchant dealer @ [discounted price deleted by mod]
Visited his shop in Subang and inspected the goods 1st hand. The watch is BNIB from Roma, Italy.
Only downside is that the user manual is in Italian.

Here's the pics of my 1st ever Rollie....





Lume shots. Tissot PRS200 (since 2004) vs SubC Date (2014)

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

I believe this is the ceramic model

[rnsm1979]

Thanks for all your comments and feedback.

Since buying my 1st IWC in 2011, I've being eyeing the Rolex SubC-date as my next grail.
I pulled the trigger a few days ago, and bought it from our forum's merchant dealer @ 23,xxx
Visited his shop in Subang and inspected the goods 1st hand. The watch is BNIB from Roma, Italy.
Only downside is that the user manual is in Italian.

Here's the pics of my 1st ever Rollie....





Lume shots. Tissot PRS200 (since 2004) vs SubC Date (2014)

RM 23,000 for non ceramic model?

I believe this is the ceramic model

if i m not mistaken, only the new ceramic will be in blue, while the older version is on green, correct me if i were wrong

[ndtaan]

"if i m not mistaken, only the new ceramic will be in blue, while the older version is on green, correct me if i were wrong"

my new 116713 halfgold is green lume.

[hanz079]

"if i m not mistaken, only the new ceramic will be in blue, while the older version is on green, correct me if i were wrong"

my new 116713 halfgold is green lume.

For the ceramic GMT... lume is green.
Have read in some forums that the latest serials for the GMTIIc have been changed to blue lume.

[ndtaan]

"if i m not mistaken, only the new ceramic will be in blue, while the older version is on green, correct me if i were wrong"

my new 116713 halfgold is green lume.

For the ceramic GMT... lume is green.
Have read in some forums that the latest serials for the GMTIIc have been changed to blue lume.

seriously,I prefer the blue lume cos green has been around for a long,long time

[panlex]

Blue is special and unique... Nice watch by the way.

[kukujiao]

I think you paid 23,800 for the sub