Flying off the shelves...

[dcmachead]

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

[greekbum]

Its different everywhere but I do think in general heavily discounting ad's are low on stock

[dcmachead]

Good point. I should have noted that I got 20% off on the model we purchased.

[therolexguy]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Its different everywhere but I do think in general heavily discounting ad's are low on stock

Was in a few ADs today and unfortunately for them, they haven't been very busy. Hoping it will turn around soon.

[rolexsubdate]

At even 20% off, people are thinking and rethinking .... I seriouusly doubt luxury items are flying off the shelves because one of the great things about this global recession is that it has taught people to rethink luxuries ....and learn to be without them ...

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by dcmachead

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

Unfortunatley its the exception and not the rule as many ADs are sitting on TONS of unsold stock.

[bcacncnc]

I am going to GUESS, that with the economy relatively depressed now in the USA the ADs are giving more generous discounts. In Hong Kong, where our big neighbour China is having double digit GDP growth still and who many come to Hong Kong to buy high end watches, we are seeing very minimal discounting from the ADs. I also noticed that there are a lot of US based online watch retailers with great prices... I dare say with even better rates than in Hong Kong. I just think its the US economy not in as great shape as what it used to be, and secondly, we are talking about luxury items here, so its stands to reason that you may be seeing better discounting.

Great for you guys who have saved up for a rainy day.

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by dcmachead

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

Is it bonus season over there?

[larrysb]

Originally Posted by dcmachead

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

Washington DC is one of the few places in the USA where the economy is growing. Government jobs are pretty good these days.

Even in affluent and seemingly recession proof Silicon Valley, the AD's are open to discounting and inventory isn't moving all that fast, especially not the expensive stuff. I've had my eye on YG GMT's, and they haven't moved, cause the serial numbers are the same.

I just got a smokin' deal on a Day Date in Vegas.

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by dcmachead

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

DC may be a bit different. Fair amount of money and TONS of diplomats who seems to have unlimited buying power (not to mention FREE PARKING).

[Tombstone]

I don't know what to think about the "times". Some ADs have tons of Rolex product in the case some don't. This I do know the DateJust II is present in all cases I have seen. The ADs advise the DJ II has not taken off. Subs (supplys are drying up big time), GMT II, YM, and Daytonas are the order of the day. Everyone wants em.

[Smokeytreats]

I was at a Large Retailer AD here in TX last weekend and they finally had a DJII in the case. I asked to see it and before I could get it on my wrist the saleslady said.."I can do a very good price on that watch right now, and if you want it in white we can get that one too." I did not inquire to the exact discount but I have a feeling the AD's are trying very hard to make numbers this quarter.

[novae500]

Originally Posted by dcmachead

This past Sunday I went to my suburban Washington, DC AD to pick up a 31mm Datejust for my wife's sister. While we were getting the watch sized, I saw 3 Rolexes sell--a gold Daytona, a spiffy Milgaus and the watch we bought.

Looking at the display case, there weren't a lot of watches to pick from--they've normally got quite a selection. I asked the dealer why and he said people are buying Rolexes with "both hands". It was definitely startling to see 3 watches like that sell in 20 minutes.

Anyone else noticed dealers running light on inventory?

which AD was this? i was at lenkedorfer couple sundays ago and the SA wouldn't really discount at all. they had maybe a dozen or so rolexes in the showcase.. 6 Daytons, 2 subs, 2 gmtIIc and a couple yachtmasters

[Salmosalar]

Originally Posted by rolexsubdate

At even 20% off, people are thinking and rethinking .... I seriouusly doubt luxury items are flying off the shelves because one of the great things about this global recession is that it has taught people to rethink luxuries ....and learn to be without them ...

I agree.

There have been a number of articles in the main stream media about how consumers at all income levels are being frugal.

Frugality is one of the ways by which this country will realign it's finances and gain back economic health.

For example, as of Friday the rural county in which I reside will only have one new auto dealer handling both GM and Ford. Within the last ten years we had as many as five new car dealerships.

[novae500]

the only place i see where economy really hasn't affected people is at the Louis Vuitton boutiques around here....

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by novae500

the only place i see where economy really hasn't affected people is at the Louis Vuitton boutiques around here....

In SoCal at South Coast Plaza there is a rope corridor to navigate before you can even be assisted at the Tiffany & Co. store, Chanel Boutique is full in the purse and cosmetic section, the Louis Vuitton store is at least 3 deep at the purse counter, etc. etc. etc.

The OC Register this morning reported home prices up 8.1% in OC. So, it appears things are turning around to some extent at least in this area.

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

In SoCal at South Coast Plaza there is a rope corridor to navigate before you can even be assisted at the Tiffany & Co. store, Chanel Boutique is full in the purse and cosmetic section, the Louis Vuitton store is at least 3 deep at the purse counter, etc. etc. etc.

The OC Register this morning reported home prices up 8.1% in OC. So, it appears things are turning around to some extent at least in this area.

Interesting, I'm going to have to check that article on home prices out. On the face of it it's hard to reconcile that statistic with the OC unemployment rate (9.6% compared to 5.9% a year ago). . .

[dcmachead]

Originally Posted by novae500

which AD was this? i was at lenkedorfer couple sundays ago and the SA wouldn't really discount at all. they had maybe a dozen or so rolexes in the showcase.. 6 Daytons, 2 subs, 2 gmtIIc and a couple yachtmasters

Fink's.

My first interest in Rolex was when I was in Lenkersdorfer and I saw a silver-colored Daytona. I thought, "NICE WATCH! I WANT ONE!" I asked to see it, the salesman pulled it out and I saw the pricetag on it was $30k+ (White Gold with meteorite dial). I told the salesman that's more than I wanted to spend, but I had an interest in something more inexpensive. He looked at me and said sternly, "you shouldn't be looking at Rolex if that's your concern." I walked out.

My next dealing with that company was when the salesman from Lillenquist & Beckstead (same company, different name due to close geographic proximity) b*tched at me for pitting him against Lenkersdorfer when pricing out a watch.

Anyway, Finks is very customer service oriented and they take good care of their customers.

[DanP]

Originally Posted by scottschoe

Is it bonus season over there?

[DanP]

All Vancouvers Ad's are quite well stocked lately