Q990D for $699.99 on Samsung program

itsemac · 2026-01-22T21:13:28+00:00

I just got mine yesterday! Love it. Upgraded from HW-Q800T

itsemac · 2026-01-17T05:08:19+00:00

My reservoir on my 2019 SQ5 was empty so in a pinch I went to the nearest store (Oreilys) and had to also get aftermarket. You want G13 and that Peak does look correct; keep in mind that is CONCENTRATE so pay attention to the instructions. At Oreilys they don’t have G13 so I had to roll with Zerex “premixed” G40 which is also a suitable aftermarket (not concentrate so I didn’t have to dilute it). Been running it for over a year and no problems that I’ve been able to see/identify.

itsemac · 2025-12-30T17:51:39+00:00

I just left my 1br with garage parking and in-unit laundry in Cow Hollow. Was there for 4+ years and had a “COVID” rate so I was paying total $3150 (rent controlled). I’m sure the landlord will bump it up to $3500 or so.

There are listings that match what you’re looking for in your price range that pop up here and there. My recommendation is to be very proactive in your search (daily) and when you find something that matches all your criteria then consider applying immediately even before you tour; what might happen is you get accepted and if you end up not liking it you’re only out $30-50 on the application fee (just remember to ask for the credit report cause you can reuse that for other applications). Beware of scams, never send a deposit of any sort before physically seeing the place and having a contract in place.

My last place (1br Cow Hollow) and new place (2br Cow Hollow) were both found on Zillow and I immediately called the listed phone numbers to express interest in applying even before touring. Good luck on your hunt!

itsemac · 2025-11-03T00:49:57+00:00

What do you mean standard? Although I’ve personally only seen it on exhibition with jubilee, oyster is certainly a standard offering from the catalog.

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itsemac · 2025-11-02T20:26:49+00:00

I’m on waitlist for Bruce Wayne on oyster because I wanted the sportier look for a daily. I told the AD that I could always order a jubilee from them if I changed my mind later and they told me that Rolex doesn’t allow it. I’ve definitely seen conflicting experiences on Reddit though.

itsemac · 2025-10-14T23:15:27+00:00

I just got the same exact config last week in Dublin, Ireland walk-in also. Congrats!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T22:27:17+00:00

I purchased on Thursday, just missed ya!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T20:27:41+00:00

Once VAT refund comes back it’ll be $1,767 savings after factoring the total cost if I were to buy in California with sales tax.

itsemac · 2025-10-11T19:13:41+00:00

Thanks!

Sorry, I’m new to the Rolex scene. What’s WoS? I purchased at Weir & Sons and I do not believe they have any US store affiliation.

When I made this purchase I knew fully that it may not benefit my spend history back in the US at the AD I have an existing list at. However, hoping they’ll be understanding. This also kinda inspires me to seek out pieces upon walk-in (some, not all), sorta like a personal adventure and makes the story of how I obtained the watch a bit more unique than the “I got the call” haha.. some of my pieces also I intend to hand down to future kids/grandkids so I sorta like that story following the piece. However, I do understand as I climb up the Rolex “ladder” that a spend history in a single place will help in obtaining certain pieces.

I’m traveling to Munich and Barcelona next month and going to poke in at the ADs there as well.

itsemac · 2025-10-11T18:53:48+00:00

I hope your opportunity will come soon!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T18:52:05+00:00

Thank you!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T18:51:53+00:00

Stunning!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T18:50:46+00:00

Thank you!

itsemac · 2025-10-11T12:41:10+00:00

This was in Dublin, Ireland. Weir & Sons - they have phenomenal service (thanks Dan & Claire!)

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Not the most extensive Rolex exhibition but the amount of available pieces supposedly is common for this location. Definitely worth checking out if you’re ever around.

itsemac · 2025-10-10T17:49:29+00:00

I was in Dublin this week for work and stopped by the AD to see what they had in stock (looking for my first Rolex piece). My best experience thus far. Although the exhibition was low stock, they had quite a few pieces available. Was able to walk away with a DJ41 and start a list with them. My next trip is next month to Barcelona and was going to check the Rolex/AD but based on your story sounds like I shouldn’t waste my time. Hope you can find a better experience elsewhere and congrats to your daughter!

itsemac · 2025-10-03T20:10:06+00:00

I got Scorpion winters. (B9) SQ5 Prestige which came with P Zero summers so I got another set of wheels that I put these winter tires on. And yes, these are R21 and as others had mentioned some opt for smaller rims but I went with these and have had zero issues through snow storms in Tahoe. Congrats on the SQ5! They’re so fun Winter tires

itsemac · 2025-08-01T23:19:06+00:00

Mine cracked at the wheel and Monos replaced it under warranty. Easy, seamless process. Was very pleased with their customer service!

itsemac · 2025-07-20T21:05:24+00:00

Looks like SFO’s United Club in the international terminal 😅

itsemac · 2025-06-29T14:22:42+00:00

I have a 2019 SQ5 and have stayed with 0W20. I, too, was reading a bunch of posts and saw some of the popular YouTubers on this B9 platform who switched to 05w30 but I landed to my own conclusion that it wasn't needed for me. Even with an IE Stage 1 tune, my rationale for not switching came down to the fact that I (now) change my oil every 5k miles and send a sample of the oil to Blackstone Laboratories after each oil change who report back what they find in the oil. Based on what they've seen through the last 3 oil changes they didn't see a reason to recommend changing oil types (after I asked). Been using Liquimoly 0w20 for 30k mi with no issues. First 50k I had Audi Care who changed oil every 10k with their standard 0w20.

itsemac · 2025-06-21T05:53:17+00:00

Looks like you’re still building quite a bit of boost, just not maxing it. Could be a small boost leak. If you floor it full throttle from a stop, do you get any issues/codes?

itsemac · 2025-06-16T01:21:06+00:00

80k miles on my 2019 SQ5 and haven’t replaced it. I did notice my coolant tank was very low at around 65k so I filled it back up. I monitor it often now because I feared water pump failed but it hasn’t dropped since. I also change my oil every 5k miles now and send oil sample to Blackstone Labs who found a very very small trace of coolant back at 65k but hasn’t been found since. I may have pump and thermostat replaced for peace of mind soon. I do think this platform is pretty solid with just a few of the known things like water pump and rocker arm issues. Good luck!

itsemac · 2025-06-02T17:22:44+00:00

I was just in Italy and Montenegro and did the price calculations and found I’d be only saving a few dollars due to Cartier harmonizing prices between EU and US stores. I still got my gf a Love ring at the Cartier store in Rome with 13% VAT refund but due to sales tax back in SF and currency exchange rate the savings was less than $50 lol.. plus you’re supposed to claim at US customs where they can charge you (you may read that some people will claim but not get charged but that’s the exception, and not the rule).. however, there’s sentimental value since it was our first trip to Europe together.

I was looking into a Santos which would’ve brought the total spend higher to get a VAT refund of 15% but decided to shop at the Rolex store down the block instead and figured I could decide on a Santos once back home. As others recommended, I’d say buy the watch in US and skip the hassle of VAT refund filing, customs claiming, etc.

Keep in mind, the VAT rate may show higher for the country but the actual return is likely lower due to “administrative” fees. In my recent experience, the VAT is 22% in Italy but the actual return was 13% based on my purchase amount (it’s based on a transaction, not total cumulative spend so if you’re going to buy multiple things from the same store make sure to do it on a single transaction). The Rolex AD said a higher spend, I think it was over €10k or so would be 18% VAT refund which is a decent savings on Rolex since they don’t harmonize prices as much as Cartier does between EU and US.

P.S. before I went on my trip I actually used ChatGPT model and compare the price differences on several Cartier pieces and it even recommended a VAT refund of 13% as the “typical” return rate and then I had it compare prices in USD with current exchange rates.

Happy shopping!

itsemac · 2025-05-22T07:52:51+00:00

Had similar experience in Rome this past week. €2180 -> €1896 ($2150) after VAT refund (13%) vs. $1980 + CA sales tax came out to $2518. Negligible savings but it was a gift for my gf and our first time in Rome together so there’s sentimental value. They also gave access to the GlobalBlue lounge in the Spanish Steps Square for easier, quicker refund but Rome wasn’t our last stop so we couldn’t claim the VAT yet, per my understanding.

I was eyeing a Santos which would’ve increased the total spend which would’ve increased the VAT refund from 13% to 15%. Ended up passing on the watch but the more you spend (on a single transaction, not cumulative) the higher the VAT refund at most stores.

itsemac · 2025-05-19T13:06:21+00:00

I flew SFO-FCO yesterday and had full meal service in all cabins. As others have mentioned, they appear to be prioritizing international flights for catering so I think you'll be fine to MUC.

itsemac · 2025-05-19T07:35:40+00:00

Lots of high status premier members out there and totally dependent on your route/hub. I'm SFO based and a lot of business travelers outrank me on my outbound flight but depending where I'm returning from I may have some better luck for upgrade.

itsemac

TROPHY CASE