AD Shop Wear Starting To Be A Concern

[DCGuy1965]

So I've been browsing as of late assisting my friend looking at a PT Yachtmaster 16622 prior to the new bracelet (and yes another increase ) and have noticed a disturbing trend. Each time we enter the AD I've noticed slight "nicks" if you will in a lot of the display pieces. As for the 16622 almost EVERY ONE we checked had some sort of scratch (shop wear as it's called) on the frosted part of the bezel.

I do not feel this is acceptable when these places are holding firm on discounts and let's be real Rolexes are not cheap these days. Has anyone else noticed this? I understand the general public will handle them and try them on, etc but still what causes this to occur? All my pieces were "rare" at the time so they were never on display but if I were in the market I'm damn sure going to go over it with the loupe to make sure it's all good.

[honeybear]

I always cringe a bit when I see a sales representative with a bundle of keys on their wrist handling a watch, I imagine that causes a fair share of the nicks and scratches.

[jphj012]

Originally Posted by honeybear

I always cringe a bit when I see a sales representative with a bundle of keys on their wrist handling a watch, I imagine that causes a fair share of the nicks and scratches.

It could be that but most likely from customers who tries on watches. I mean cmon, at a AD Rolex store, there will always be customers who want to try on a Rolex watch.

[ralfcom]

I have seen the same at many different AD's

[bycrom]

I have seen this too, it was a super fine DDII Platinum. It had an eye visible scratch at 12 on the super shiny smooth bezel... I cringed. I did not say anything, just noticed it. It really is up to the sales rep from what I can see. Some have handed me a watch to try on, and I am super careful but that does leave it to me to be careful. Others open the watch and place it upon my wrist carefully.

I suspected I might be purchasing in Hawaii so I brought a loop with me, and the two watches I was considering I went over with a fine tooth comb, they had no issue I could see.

BTW, viewing "The Hulk's" green surface with a loop is awesomely cool... what a watch, I am still hurting from not buying it but the other half of my money could not be convinced.

[DJJon]

While it does happen, it is not common. ADs wouldn't sell much if patrons couldn't try them on, and of course they very often have another copy of what is in the display case in thieir vault in the back, so you ask for another 'with stickers' or for them to order it just for you if you have a week or so to wait.

[Longhorn]

All ADs I've been to have kept stickers on the watch. Rolex does a pretty good job with it, and allowing it to still be wearable for the customer. Unlike Audemars Piguet's masking job on their Royal Oaks.

[Chewbacca]

i bought a rolex exp 39mm with shop wear in alberta last xmas... got 30% off. i now ask for rolexes with shop wear...

[jolimont]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

i bought a rolex exp 39mm with shop wear in alberta last xmas... got 30% off. i now ask for rolexes with shop wear...

Wow nice discount, I'd take that! Then you don't need to worry about the first scratch either!

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by jolimont

Wow nice discount, I'd take that! Then you don't need to worry about the first scratch either!

yup.

[1Daytona]

I agree with DJJon. I always get a fresh, "unmolested" watch with all stickers in place from my AD. I am the first one to try on the watch. My AD also gives me the clear plastic storage case that the watch is shipped in. I have seen some pretty "used" new watches in the display case. Can't imagine buying one with shop wear...

[wokafu]

hmmm...interesting findings....should these trends continue will AD have a new one in stock and 1 as a display/demo just like cars??

[travisb]

You see it all the time.
More so in the larger chain ADs.
I've seen some serious nicks and dings and lots of scratches.
My small private owned AD is super careful with their inventory and everything is always pristine.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by travisb

You see it all the time.
More so in the larger chain ADs.
I've seen some serious nicks and dings and lots of scratches.
My small private owned AD is super careful with their inventory and everything is always pristine.

I believe that the grat majority of shop wear is caused by personnel and not customers, because Rolex customers I assume act the same everywhere; so, if small dealer watches are more pristine than large dealer watches, it's the help (which at the small dealers are more likely owners). I can imagine how many dings can occur taking watches in and out of display cases if you are not careful.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by alanc

I believe that the grat majority of shop wear is caused by personnel and not customers, because Rolex customers I assume act the same everywhere; so, if small dealer watches are more pristine than large dealer watches, it's the help (which at the small dealers are more likely owners). I can imagine how many dings can occur taking watches in and out of display cases if you are not careful.

I agree, that and paking and unpacking to the vaults every day. Seen them bunch up handfulls myself to bring em out and take em back. Makes you cringe when they are so careless. It is much more due to the employees IMO as well. Not so much from trying on.

[koshiru]

Well at least you did not have a SA who tried to demonstrate the scratch proof capability of the Blue Sub I was looking to buy using the bunch of keys! I was horrified to the max and I pity the buyer who got that bluesy!

[tkc324]

I have seen this at a few AD as well, but I am sure you can almost always get some sort of discount due to these wears. If not, the AD can always order a brand new one for you.

[The GMT Master]

Well, a very simple solution to the problem is to have dummy display models (sans movement), where people can try the watch on to their heart's content, and then order a shiny, fresh one from Rolex. Your watch would arrive to you in perfect condition, you could see a variety of dial and bracelet combinations, and it would infinitely reduce the risk of criminal action against dealerships. However, having stock physically in the window means that for items that have been there for a while can have room for manoevre on the price, plus those ones with marks on can be a springboard to get a "shop soiled" price

The question is, folks, do you prefer to get your discounts, or do you want to always get a pristine watch? Because you won't get one without the other

[superdog]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Well, a very simple solution to the problem is to have dummy display models (sans movement), where people can try the watch on to their heart's content, and then order a shiny, fresh one from Rolex. Your watch would arrive to you in perfect condition, you could see a variety of dial and bracelet combinations, and it would infinitely reduce the risk of criminal action against dealerships. However, having stock physically in the window means that for items that have been there for a while can have room for manoevre on the price, plus those ones with marks on can be a springboard to get a "shop soiled" price

The question is, folks, do you prefer to get your discounts, or do you want to always get a pristine watch? Because you won't get one without the other

And, most people really prefer to go home with their purchase. If an AD had to order the piece, they would make much less sales.

[winston]

I saw an M serial 116619 in Mappin and Web in Manchester town centre, it was in the window, being sold as BNIB yet had no stickers on it and was an M serial.... I was offered 20% off.... But decided against it as it looked used and sourced one elsewhere with an even better discount. Many shop worn precious metal pieces can be poorly looked after and have scratches etc so best to get a fresh piece direct from Rolex BNIB.

[77T]

For the AD, it is just a cost of doing business. People want to see the piece on their wrist, play with the features/complications, etc. For the wise WIS, this makes an opportunity to negotiate if you want to be the first owner. 30% off is a nice value point for some shop wear (that would be easily inflicted on a pristine one anyway).

[joe100]

I saw a beautiful Aqua Terra recently, brand new at the AD, with a huge scratch on the bezel. It looked awful

[yemenmocha]

I'd wager the scratches and dings are mostly from employee wear, and not the occasional viewing and trying it on by customers. Maybe I shouldn't take it so personally but I resent the employees wearing a "new" watch for 8 hours a day that isn't theirs.

[Mickey®]

You don't have to buy "that" one...

[Andad]

I looked at a nice Omega gold GMT on a brown strap at an Omega Boutique last weekend.
I clearly saw two dents on the case - real pity.

An AUD25k watch over here.

[Vincent65]

It's the staff - not the customers. A client would not dare, nor have the chance in a few small moments, and while being watched intently, to scuff or scratch a watch. It's the careless staff who likely wear and often handle, but don't have to pay for them.

[The GMT Master]

I don't know of any shop that allows staff to wear new stock. Try on briefly, yes, but not actively wear. Damage comes from transferring stock from the safe to the window and back again - even wearing gloves and being extra careful, marks will happen. Necessary evil