"Exhibition Only" in Paris... on Tudor

[dannyp]

That's right, when there last week I stopped into a couple of Tudor dealers to see what was in and multiple boutiques had an "exhibition only" placard by the BB54. One even had it by the burgundy bezel BB 41mm.

Perhaps it's just its popularity in Europe, or perhaps a sign of things to come?

In any event, selection of other models was quite good; while there I got to try on all three non-diamond variants of the new BB36, as well as multiple Royal 34s.

Had a very interesting conversation with one of the salesmen, too, about how much demand shifted by market. He was telling me that watches that languished forever in Paris were impossible to get in Asia, how flocks of Chinese tourists came in search of the 1926 and Glamour, and how the Asian market never saw it as a "lesser Rolex" and always sought the marque in its own right. He also remarked on the "wanting what you can't have" and said that when Tudor announced that the Style wouldn't be sold in the Western Hemisphere any longer, everyone started wanting one.

[nickscaps]

We visited Switzerland last year and there were "Exhibition Only" signs by the 58s, the newly released Pro was in the back. I've never seen these signs for Tudor in America yet but it doesn't necessarily mean we won't! That being said I think it's better to have the inventory out front for new customers to try, even if they may not understand why that specific piece may not be for immediate sale.

[Pablito]

From my point of view, since the BB pro was released I felt like Tudor wanted to follow this route. I bough one at a multi brand AD in Sint Maarten, first in stock. Then when I wore it in a trip in Geneva, Bucherer guys were more attracted by my poor little BB than every Rolex they could get in their display .. this year when BB54 was announced, my wife got the crush. So I had to call my AD to secure one because this reference was already so in demand.
I had the chance to visit WW this year, and trust me the real star of the salon was the BB54! Anyway I hope things never become as ridiculous as their big brother..

[Lew_Ashby]

Is Rolex SA becoming the new De Beers?