Rolex at Costco?

[jasonbellevue]

I was looking at some electronics, online at Costco.com, and stumbled on some Breitling and Cartier watches there (strange place to sell them but NICE nevertheless, then I went to check out the Canadian site and WTF?? They're selling Rolex watches there!

See the picture of a TOG below.

[jasonbellevue]

Here's the Breitling Bentley Motors Limited Edition watch at Costco.com (US based)

[Gaijin]

Unbelievable.

[Ronnie Rolex]

I guess my Rolexes just went down by 20%...

[BiG JeEzY]

Wow, to me thats big news. I stop by Costco a lot too.

[chris_nor_cal]

ive never seen rolex at costco. lots of omega

[watchloverdave]

So, will you now have a 17 year old "sales associate" as your authorized dealer? I'll bet they will be very knowledgeable and can take care of all your service needs. Yea, right. As picky as Rolex is with their dealer network, I can't imagine them doing this, but I guess they have to get rid of those 900,000 watches they produce each year.

I guess I'll just wait a bit and see if I can pick up a new Porsche at Costco too. And I thought it was bad when Schwinn went to Wal-Mart. Oh, the humanity!!!

[jasonbellevue]

Originally Posted by watchloverdave

As picky as Rolex is with their dealer network, I can't imagine them doing this, but I guess they have to get rid of those 900,000 watches they produce each year.

I'm not sure about Costco's buying policies nor am I clear on how Rolex sells watches via Rolex ADs, but my hunch is, Costco is getting these Rolex watches through a Rolex wholesaler (if there is such a thing).

I just can't imagine that Rolex is OFFICIALLY behind the sale of their watches at Costco.

[chris_nor_cal]

id be thrilled if costco sold rolex. the term "authorized dealer" is a joke. they frequently don't know any more about what they sell then costco would about their products. costco has a warranty for longer than Rolex service center offers on their new watches. you guys that are so happy to pay msrp are the reason Rolex's price artificially inflates every year

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

id be thrilled if costco sold rolex. the term "authorized dealer" is a joke. they frequently don't know any more about what they sell then costco would about their products. costco has a warranty for longer than Rolex service center offers on their new watches. you guys that are so happy to pay msrp are the reason Rolex's price artificially inflates every year

I also think the term authorized dealer is a joke. However, Im not sure about seeing Rolex being sold at Costco. I think it takes away from the prestige of a brand like Rolex to see it sold in a small glass case at the jewelry section of Costco.

Just my $0.02

[Superlative]

I trough my Rolex stock was going to take a dive!

[ezmoney46]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

id be thrilled if costco sold rolex. the term "authorized dealer" is a joke. they frequently don't know any more about what they sell then costco would about their products. costco has a warranty for longer than Rolex service center offers on their new watches. you guys that are so happy to pay msrp are the reason Rolex's price artificially inflates every year

Agree

[Superlative]

WTF!!you got to be kidding me! How could Rolex degrade their self like this!!! next thing you'll know walmart will be selling Rolex!

[Superlative]

I just read this at the botton on the page! Costco is NOT an AD for ROLEX! Costco is selling it gray market without factory warrenty!!!

Shipping & Terms

Since Costco is not an authorized dealer for this product, the manufacturer’s warranty does not apply. In place of the manufacturer’s warranty, Costco will refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied with this product.

[Arturo]

And Not At American Costcos. That Looks Like The Tog To Me With The Red Hand, And The Bezel Off Center.

[watchloverdave]

My former AD was an extremely knowledgeable man with a watchmaking background and could answer ALL of your questions in a friendly, accurate manner. His jewelry store was a family owned one that he inherited from his father and grandfather. He closed his store when competition from the internet and large chains, such as Costco, became too intense, and younger customers were only interested in the lowest price regardless of the lack of service before or after the sale. He had some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world and would spend hours with you picking out the perfect one(s) for your intended purpose, but the younger customers would just as soon pick one up off of e-bay than pay a small premium for his personal attention and service. He continues to operate a custom jewelry business as well as a watch repair business, and I would trust him with any watch made now or any time in the past.

My current AD is an owner of a jewelry store that has been in business for 149 years. He and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and I feel fortunate that they are only about 35 miles away.

I'm an old geezer, aged 66, and still believe in personal service by locally owned business men and women. I am careful with my money, but I do not support the large chain retailers who have driven out many, many smaller, customer oriented businesses and have contributed to the demise of many previously functional down town business areas.

I still buy my groceries from a small locally owned grocer and can still go in and tell the butcher exactly what I want and walk out with a beautiful cut of meat that I know is superior to anything I could buy at Wal-Mart or Target.

I wear a Rolex because it makes me feel good, and I don't feel good shopping at a big box retailer. I'd never ever buy a Rolex at Costco or any other similar retailer regardless of price. Price isn't everything and personal customer service still counts in my opinion.

I am very disappointed that Rolex is being sold in Costco, and hope that they will consider this a marketing experiment that they abandon in short order.

If I want a watch in a plastic blister pack or sold by a 16 year old teenager, I'll buy a Timex thank you.

[chris_nor_cal]

Originally Posted by watchloverdave

My former AD was an extremely knowledgeable man with a watchmaking background and could answer ALL of your questions in a friendly, accurate manner. His jewelry store was a family owned one that he inherited from his father and grandfather. He closed his store when competition from the internet and large chains, such as Costco, became too intense, and younger customers were only interested in the lowest price regardless of the lack of service before or after the sale. He had some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world and would spend hours with you picking out the perfect one(s) for your intended purpose, but the younger customers would just as soon pick one up off of e-bay than pay a small premium for his personal attention and service. He continues to operate a custom jewelry business as well as a watch repair business, and I would trust him with any watch made now or any time in the past.

My current AD is an owner of a jewelry store that has been in business for 149 years. He and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and I feel fortunate that they are only about 35 miles away.

I'm an old geezer, aged 66, and still believe in personal service by locally owned business men and women. I am careful with my money, but I do not support the large chain retailers who have driven out many, many smaller, customer oriented businesses and have contributed to the demise of many previously functional down town business areas.

I still buy my groceries from a small locally owned grocer and can still go in and tell the butcher exactly what I want and walk out with a beautiful cut of meat that I know is superior to anything I could buy at Wal-Mart or Target.

I wear a Rolex because it makes me feel good, and I don't feel good shopping at a big box retailer. I'd never ever buy a Rolex at Costco or any other similar retailer regardless of price. Price isn't everything and personal customer service still counts in my opinion.

I am very disappointed that Rolex is being sold in Costco, and hope that they will consider this a marketing experiment that they abandon in short order.

If I want a watch in a plastic blister pack or sold by a 16 year old teenager, I'll buy a Timex thank you.

I appreciate your nostalgia. I'd still choose to save $ personally. To each his own.

Originally Posted by Superlative

WTF!!you got to be kidding me! How could Rolex degrade their self like this!!! next thing you'll know walmart will be selling Rolex!

remember this quote the next time we have a poll about "why you wear a rolex" and people claim its because of the "history" and not the name lol.

[Floridadogg]

Originally Posted by watchloverdave

My former AD was an extremely knowledgeable man with a watchmaking background and could answer ALL of your questions in a friendly, accurate manner. His jewelry store was a family owned one that he inherited from his father and grandfather. He closed his store when competition from the internet and large chains, such as Costco, became too intense, and younger customers were only interested in the lowest price regardless of the lack of service before or after the sale. He had some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world and would spend hours with you picking out the perfect one(s) for your intended purpose, but the younger customers would just as soon pick one up off of e-bay than pay a small premium for his personal attention and service. He continues to operate a custom jewelry business as well as a watch repair business, and I would trust him with any watch made now or any time in the past.

My current AD is an owner of a jewelry store that has been in business for 149 years. He and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and I feel fortunate that they are only about 35 miles away.

I'm an old geezer, aged 66, and still believe in personal service by locally owned business men and women. I am careful with my money, but I do not support the large chain retailers who have driven out many, many smaller, customer oriented businesses and have contributed to the demise of many previously functional down town business areas.

I still buy my groceries from a small locally owned grocer and can still go in and tell the butcher exactly what I want and walk out with a beautiful cut of meat that I know is superior to anything I could buy at Wal-Mart or Target.

I wear a Rolex because it makes me feel good, and I don't feel good shopping at a big box retailer. I'd never ever buy a Rolex at Costco or any other similar retailer regardless of price. Price isn't everything and personal customer service still counts in my opinion.

I am very disappointed that Rolex is being sold in Costco, and hope that they will consider this a marketing experiment that they abandon in short order.

If I want a watch in a plastic blister pack or sold by a 16 year old teenager, I'll buy a Timex thank you.

Market forces always determine pricing through supply and demand. You can resist market forces all you want, but the reality still presents itself. I personally buy my watch at an AD and anything I can at Sams Warehouse.

[mcubed]

FYI Costco is not an AD for any of the brands that they sell. They are considered a grey market seller. So Rolex, Omega, Brietling, whoever have nothing to do with their watches being sold there.
I believe they get them like any grey market dealer does, from ADs who are dumping unsold stock, or closeouts or something.
Rolex is one brand that has never been there before....so this is interesting.

[cjj14u]

The prices look like they are higher than Alan Furman...

If I were to go Gray I would buy from Furman over Costco every day of the week.....

[supra2nv]

Please, Costco is known to carry high end items especially on their websites. Look at the clothing, art, watches, and diamonds they sell....even other items. They carry $100k+ paintings, $50k diamonds, $50k watches....they may not have them up on the site now, but they do come and go. Costco backs their product 100x better than an AD would. There was even a time where Costco found out a painting they sold to a customer was not an original. They contacted the Customer and told them, refunded their money, took the painting back. I would personally buy from Costco, not a problem for me.

p.s. comparing Costco to Walmart/Sams Club is ridiculous. Apples and oranges.

my 2 cents.

[astcell]

The watch should have the Costco logo, just like they had for Domino's Pizza and Comex. :-)

[Ronnie Rolex]

Originally Posted by mcubed

FYI Costco is not an AD for any of the brands that they sell. They are considered a grey market seller. So Rolex, Omega, Brietling, whoever have nothing to do with their watches being sold there.
I believe they get them like any grey market dealer does, from ADs who are dumping unsold stock, or closeouts or something.
Rolex is one brand that has never been there before....so this is interesting.

This is true. Costco is a grey but they do back their watches with a lifetime warranty. I would definitely buy one there if I found one to my liking. They have a lifetime return policy if you're not happy with the watch and they contract watch repair companies to do their lifetime repair service. I'm not sure if five year maintenance would be covered under their in-house warranty.

However, that being said, I do wear a Rolex partially for the "prestige." I do have human weaknesses even if no one notices the watch. I know that I'm wearing a Rolex and it means a lot to me.

[cjj14u]

If I need a 560 oz bottle of Ketchup...or a 7 pound tin of tuna...Costco is my place...

BUT for a $6,000 plus watch?

[Superlative]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Rolex

This is true. Costco is a grey but they do back their watches with a lifetime warranty. I would definitely buy one there if I found one to my liking. They have a lifetime return policy if you're not happy with the watch and they contract watch repair companies to do their lifetime repair service. I'm not sure if five year maintenance would be covered under their in-house warranty.

lifetime warranty and return policy on their watches? are you sure? If that was the case I would buy one and return it every 6mo for a new watch till the day I died lol! u better read the find print! sound to GOOD to be true!

[Ronnie Rolex]

Originally Posted by Superlative

lifetime warranty and return policy on their watches? are you sure? If that was the case I would buy one and return it every 6mo for a new watch till the day I died lol! u better read the find print! sound to GOOD to be true!

Mark,

I'm definitely sure about the lifetime repair. Costco includes a insert in the watch box that specifies their policy. In addition, they take all of their merchandise, except computers and cameras under a recent policy change, back at any time for any reason.

[Arby]

I'm not talking watches but the Diamond Jewelry at Costo is better than you can buy in many Jewellers. They guarantee that all diamonds supplied by Costco are as follows: Clarity to be "VS2" or better and color to be "I" or better as outlined on the industry grading guide.. Plus, If you EVER get tired of the jewelry you get 100% money back. My wife checks the jewelry counter at Costco religiously everytime she shops there.

[bwalkerVintage]

Not sure, but I thnk that I heard that watches from Costco have the serial #'s removed.

[katway]

I've always had good experiences with high-end purchases from Costco. As another poster mentioned, high-end items come and go from Costco from time to time and it is not unusual to find such items on their website. However, with respect to this particular watch, the price isn't that great (actually more than US retail of $6,175.00), so I'd go to an AD to purchase.

[pol]

That blows my mind...I like the small stores as well but am open to just about anything.