What's the best deal you've gotten on a Rolex?

[gouverneur]

I'm talking a new purchase from an authorized dealer. I realize Rolexes tend to get less of a markdown than other brands, but what's the best deal you've gotten?

[Split Second]

I'm talking a new purchase from an authorized dealer. I realize Rolexes tend to get less of a markdown than other brands, but what's the best deal you've gotten?

6% discount - roughly the equivalent of our state tax in MA.

Regards,

Mike.

[gaijin]

I'm talking a new purchase from an authorized dealer. I realize Rolexes tend to get less of a markdown than other brands, but what's the best deal you've gotten?

$750 brand new from an AD:



... in 1978.

[heb]

I got two good deals on the only two Rolex watches I have (both were BNIB from authorized dealers):

1. $350 GMT Master, Emperor Watch Shop, Kowloon (Hong Kong), 1976
2. $276 Explorer I, Landstrom's Jewelers, Rapid City, SD, 1978

Prices have gone up a lot.

heb

[Dr.Brian]

I got 20% off my then discontinued Sea Dweller a few years ago, and no tax as there was no state tax. I played four ADs against eachother for their one remaining 16600. A couple ADs implied they were rare gems that I should be happy to pay full MSRP for, one just wanted to make the sale and clear out a spot in his safe that day. Guess who I chose.
Of course that was a few years ago. Since then, that jeweler has closed as have three more, and at least one other area store is no longer an AD for Rolex. Decreased supply yields increased demand and more sales per store. That translates to decreased availability of discounts.
Full gold and platinum discounts are still the norm from what I hear around the water cooler. However it's worth noting that they've gone up dramatically over the last few years. Also the folks in the know on another forum reported that Rolex increased the cost of their watches to the dealer by 5% this year. More incentive to decrease or eliminate discounts going forward.

[blokejoneserd]

3% and no tax on a GV.
Also threw in extra year warranty and a $200 Wolf winder.

[Kawika]

A Stainless Steel Date model...I paid full retail...$245...shipped from Switzerland in 1973. Kicking myself, they offered to sell me that years version of the Exp II..for $450.

[Smaug]

All the more reason to buy used. Price would be dicated almost solely by supply and demand.

[gouverneur]

Thanks for the helpful responses! I'm not thinking of an immediate acquisition, but Father's Day has me thinking of my dad's retirement in a few years, and a Rolex seems like an ideal gift for the occasion. Even just knocking off the tax on it would be quite helpful.

[Hoppyjr]

bummer, that leaves out my Craigslist/Pawn Shop story of the 14060M for $1200.

That means my best was 15% on a 14270 Explorer 1, back in 2000. Unfortunately it was a one time deal, as that AD hasn't budged on more recent purchases. I guess they got me hooked and now no more discounts :)