“Real” Exhibition watches and new Rolex attitude?

[CoolD]

I recently saw that one of the ADs in my city (The hour glass) had some exhibition watches to try on. These turned out to be real watches with working movements. I’ve heard that these are owned by Rolex and given to ADs to show customers. Does anyone know if this is the case or if they are owned by the AD?

Interestingly enough as well the SA was encouraging us to put our names down and even offered us the new Rolex magazine issue 9. Very different behaviour than we normally see at this ad who are normally dismissive and unhelpful. I wonder if this is coming from Rolex?

[Koolpep]

Originally Posted by CoolD

I recently saw that one of the ADs in my city (The hour glass) had some exhibition watches to try on. These turned out to be real watches with working movements. I’ve heard that these are owned by Rolex and given to ADs to show customers. Does anyone know if this is the case or if they are owned by the AD?

Interestingly enough as well the SA was encouraging us to put our names down and even offered us the new Rolex magazine issue 9. Very different behaviour than we normally see at this ad who are normally dismissive and unhelpful. I wonder if this is coming from Rolex?

At least in the UK the AD owns these watches:

https://youtu.be/KLI8G5EXbZs

[Moondoggy]

Why do they bother, I mean are they seriously trying to find new customers.

[Danny83]

My buddy bought exhibition only watch green OP out of the case after he bought some 6k earrings. Some of them are real this was recently too.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Why do they bother, I mean are they seriously trying to find new customers.

It is hard enough to satisfy the demands of existing customers and their friends.

But of course all businesses still want new customers.

They just have no resources to spare for the ones that walk in wanting only the one thing that every other walk in also wants.


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[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by teck21

It is hard enough to satisfy the demands of existing customers and their friends.

But of course all businesses still want new customers.

They just have no resources to spare for the ones that walk in wanting only the one thing that every other walk in also wants.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They are keeping the “pipe open” to the general public when the sh*t hits the fan, the walk ins etc will be offered them like old days at MRSP and possibly a discount there after…….l

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

They are keeping the “pipe open” to the general public when the sh*t hits the fan, the walk ins etc will be offered them like old days at MRSP and possibly a discount there after…….l

[Ny325]

The Rolex boutique on 53rd and Madison Ave in NYC, has “ exhibition watches,” on display.
Very sought out models too. SS Submariner Date, Rootbeer, Blue dial Sky Dweller, green dial OP, and other desirable models, that you probably have to buy grey market, at a over inflated price.

[grimps]

It's a good idea.
What idiot would spend thousands on an item they've never even seen ?
The AD's are giving their customers the chance to try and be sure before ordering or joining a wait list (If it's still open)
Plus the customer wont be able to say that they didn't like the colour or size when they're caught flipping it the next day

[Laszlo]

What a very, very dumb idea — you do realize that they’re basically helping online gray dealers sell more watches right? A percentage of online shoppers will put off a purchase because they’re not sure if the watch will work or not. Thank you Rolex for providing no watches but a new program called; ‘try before you buy from your favorite gray dealer.’ Brilliant!

[Harry-57]

Unknown. In the UK it would be unusual for a franchised dealer to be given exhibition stock by a distributor. The dealer buys the exhibition stock at a discount. Serial numbers are logged. The dealer may not sell the display item for an agreed period of time. What the dealer does with it after that is their business. They might sell it as ex dem for a discount, sell it second hand at market price, sell it within the trade, keep it for themselves, or sell it to themselves or their staff. It's their property.

[Rado63]

I feel the exhibition watches are an excellent idea. It creates the illusion that you will get one if you wait. It allows you to see and feel the watch so you know how it will look on your wrist. When you feel you are tired of waiting, you can go down to the shop and try the watch on again so you stay motivated to keep waiting. The AD gets increased security because there are no real working watches on display that can be stolen, the real ones are locked in the safe behind the wall.

[daOnlyBG]

Funny you should mention this.

There was an "exhibition model" blue Sky-Dweller at the AD the other day. I made a comment about it, and the salesman said "You know, it's as expensive as the real one."

I paused.

The time wasn't set to 10:10 or 1:50 or whatever, like the others were. And the price tag said "Not for sale" but there was a serial number on it. It wound and ran.

"You sure this isn't the real deal?"

"I'm sure- It's not."

Uh, OK.