Horrible experience at Wempes NYC

[ObscureLight]

Hi fellow TRF'ers,

It's been a while since I was active on the forums but I have checked every now and then. I had to run away to escape all the enablers here . Just kidding (well maybe a little but personal life was busy) Anyways I'd just like to share an appalling experience I've had at Wempes an AD in NYC that has gotten a few compliments from members here. Anyways here goes.

Just about a week ago I went to Wempes in NYC with my girlfriend to look for a Vacheron Constantin, because it seems that many on this forum has had good impressions of Wempes (reason why I went to them). The doorman gave me a weird look when he saw me and did not even open the door (they have a doorman letting people in because the door is always locked) I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it. I let myself in when the doorman was letting a customer leave.

After I walked into the store I immediately got down to business and told them the VC that I was looking for. The salesperson Melanie or Marie or some name similar to that helping me out was impatient and didn't look too happy. Taking a look at their selection of VCs, They did not have the model I was looking for in stock and I told them to check if they can order one for me. I would need it within a months time because I will be traveling soon. I left my name number and e-mail and she said she would contact me the next day to let me know of the availability.

I decided to just browse around a few more minutes before leaving just to see what they have. As I was leaving I smiled and shook the salespersons hand and thanked her for her time. I also smiled and thank the doorman and bid him good night at which he just open the door and said "mhm" without even looking at me.

Now a week later I have not heard a single peep. I would never bother visiting Wempes ever again because of that this experience. If I liked champagne I would also complain that everyone that came in was offered champagne except for my girlfriend and I (Just turned 21 a couple months ago ). Sure I am only 21 and probably not their average suit wearing mid age client base, but I felt really disrespected by the whole thing. At this point I feel that Tourneau NYC has given me much better treatment the few times I've visited them and you know how bad of a rep they have on this forum. I don't think I've been this disrespected at any high end store I've visited. I'm sure they will do great even without my business but coming from owning several establishments in the sales and service industry, if I received a complaint from a customer about with an experience like this no doubt the employees will be more or less disciplined or shown the door depending on the severity. (Maybe I have high standards for service? I don't know)

Thanks for reading and I know AD experiences are subjective but I just wanted to share mine. It was a good thing my girlfriend mentioned to me hey why don't you ask that guy that sold you Rolexes in the past and see if he has the Vacheron you are looking for. Boy was I glad when I heard that DavidSW also sell Vacherons too as I thought he mainly dealt Rolexes

[Art 1]

Sorry to hear. I have always been treated well at that location and have gone in wearing a hoodie.

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by Art 1

Sorry to hear. I have always been treated well at that location and have gone in wearing a hoodie.

Maybe it's an age thing? I am often told I look like I'm 16. I can't even buy lottery tickets without being IDed

[bottom of the ninth]

I would never return that is for sure! Stick DavidSW treats everyone with respect!

[FremStar]

Sorry to hear/read this... I am not affiliated with Wempe, however, I have passed your post on to the proper hands, expect this to get sorted out.

Similar to Art I have gone into that location wearing street clothes and it's always a great time there! It can't be an age thing since my brother and you are peers...

[NYCrussino]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Maybe it's an age thing? I am often told I look like I'm 16. I can't even buy lottery tickets without being IDed

Sadly, I've experienced the same thing. Im 23 and am never treated well in ADs until they see the money. Anyway, I'd rather give my money to one of the trusted sellers on here than give a rude salesperson a commission, hope all works out.

[pietermann]

Sorry to hear that. A time ago I also visited Wempe NYC and had a good experience. I'm also a young person, had a hoodie and jeans on, just like you.

I guess you caught them on the wrong time ;).

[Al1988]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I've been to that particular Wempe while on holiday in NYC and like you I am 21 and yet interestingly I had a completely different experience. Again, like you I was wearing jeans, t shirt and flip flop and if I remember correctly I was served by a chap called Federico. I'll be honest, in all of the ADs i've been to, none were as good as him - I honestly felt like he gave a damn. I think we ended up having a good half hour discussion about my Black Bay before I even told him what I had come into the store looking for!

I'd definitely recommend giving them another chance if I were you, perhaps they were having an off day? Besides in all the cities in the world, you'd think they'd be used to 20-somethings buying high end watches

[rolexperfect]

I've been in the HQ of Wempe in Germany many times and well they also have someone in the door. Sometimes they treat you good or bad. Last time it was great. I was asking for the IWC BP. Can't really say its because of wearing a hoodie or not. Maybe they just had some bad experience that day or I don't know. It's really relative.

[kilyung]

I've always had good service there. I've noticed that the mood is dark in NYC after Sandy. Maybe it's just a result of the aftermath?

[SirGrotius]

Sucks. You're right to be offended.

Lose the hoodie though, man. You're in NYC.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Hi fellow TRF'ers,

It's been a while since I was active on the forums but I have checked every now and then. I had to run away to escape all the enablers here . Just kidding (well maybe a little but personal life was busy) Anyways I'd just like to share an appalling experience I've had at Wempes an AD in NYC that has gotten a few compliments from members here. Anyways here goes.

Just about a week ago I went to Wempes in NYC with my girlfriend to look for a Vacheron Constantin, because it seems that many on this forum has had good impressions of Wempes (reason why I went to them). The doorman gave me a weird look when he saw me and did not even open the door (they have a doorman letting people in because the door is always locked) I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it. I let myself in when the doorman was letting a customer leave.

After I walked into the store I immediately got down to business and told them the VC that I was looking for. The salesperson Melanie or Marie or some name similar to that helping me out was impatient and didn't look too happy. Taking a look at their selection of VCs, They did not have the model I was looking for in stock and I told them to check if they can order one for me. I would need it within a months time because I will be traveling soon. I left my name number and e-mail and she said she would contact me the next day to let me know of the availability.

I decided to just browse around a few more minutes before leaving just to see what they have. As I was leaving I smiled and shook the salespersons hand and thanked her for her time. I also smiled and thank the doorman and bid him good night at which he just open the door and said "mhm" without even looking at me.

Now a week later I have not heard a single peep. I would never bother visiting Wempes ever again because of that this experience. If I liked champagne I would also complain that everyone that came in was offered champagne except for my girlfriend and I (Just turned 21 a couple months ago ). Sure I am only 21 and probably not their average suit wearing mid age client base, but I felt really disrespected by the whole thing. At this point I feel that Tourneau NYC has given me much better treatment the few times I've visited them and you know how bad of a rep they have on this forum. I don't think I've been this disrespected at any high end store I've visited. I'm sure they will do great even without my business but coming from owning several establishments in the sales and service industry, if I received a complaint from a customer about with an experience like this no doubt the employees will be more or less disciplined or shown the door depending on the severity. (Maybe I have high standards for service? I don't know)

Thanks for reading and I know AD experiences are subjective but I just wanted to share mine. It was a good thing my girlfriend mentioned to me hey why don't you ask that guy that sold you Rolexes in the past and see if he has the Vacheron you are looking for. Boy was I glad when I heard that DavidSW also sell Vacherons too as I thought he mainly dealt Rolexes

Ritchie,

My family and I are long time customers at Wempe, as soon as I read this post I brought it up with Mr. Ruediger Albers who is also a close personal friend.

Mr. Albers has sent me the video in which you (wearing an Aeropostale hoodie) and your Mrs. (wearing a white long sweater of some sort) entered Wempe from what I was able to see there were about 30+ customers in the shop at the time, within 8 minutes Melanie provided you with her undivided attention. I cannot vouch for why you did not receive a call back, however, keep in mind the storm we just had in NYC.

I tend to read all of these types of threads and must say after reviewing the video that this one is unwarranted...

Excerpt directly from Rudy...

"Melanie earns high praises and the perception of this client is very contrary to what I experienced in the almost 10 years with her.

She remembers him."

[Art 1]

Good work, Sam.

[nauticajoe]

Sorry to hear.

[brkanand]

Both the parties have shared their respective point of view here. Now put this incident behind and move on!

Please thank Fremstar for his splendid efforts to resolve this issue and place facts as near to truth as possible.

[artschool]

you could go back in with a nice new watch and say
“I was in here yesterday, you wouldn’t wait on me. You people work on commission, right?”
“Big mistake. Big. Huge.”

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by artschool

you could go back in with a nice new watch and say
“I was in here yesterday, you wouldn’t wait on me. You people work on commission, right?”
“Big mistake. Big. Huge.”

Even if this is a joke it is a foolish statement... Ritchie was waited on... The Vacheron he wanted was not in stock.

[Yoda]

Fair play Sam, you the man!

[artschool]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Even if this is a joke it is a foolish statement... Ritchie was waited on... The Vacheron he wanted was not in stock.

well it was obviously a joke.

but setting that aside you are coming across as very defensive for something you are not affiliated with.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by artschool

well it was obviously a joke.

but setting that aside you are coming across as very defensive for something you are not affiliated with.

ok... Not even sure why I am responding to you, however, here you go my friend... Defensive? Not sure if you properly read my response as I know what you said was a joke, however, one thing I despise is injustice, especially when it is about folks in my inner circle... be well artschool

[kilyung]

I learned a long time ago that no two people will tell the tale the same way. Suffice it to say that something caused the OP to experience his visit differently than the store. Nothing good comes from arguing this further does it?

[Gundam]

So does the video show whether he was offered champagne or not?

[NYCrussino]

Good to know one of our own is looking out for us @Fremstar

[Art 1]

For some reason, don't know why. I am always treated very, very well when I am in a high end watch store. And I try to treat all that I encounter with respect.

[Wllnv19]

FremStar you're the man.Your always on top of everything. Truly impressed, thanks for sharing this info.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Gundam

So does the video show whether he was offered champagne or not?

[incontrol]

Ver interesting thread! I was in Wempe NYC a couple of months ago and had a blast! Spent an hour and a half trying on watches. They had no VC at that time!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Ritchie,

My family and I are long time customers at Wempe, as soon as I read this post I brought it up with Mr. Ruediger Albers who is also a close personal friend.

Mr. Albers has sent me the video in which you (wearing an Aeropostale hoodie) and your Mrs. (wearing a white long sweater of some sort) entered Wempe from what I was able to see there were about 30+ customers in the shop at the time, within 8 minutes Melanie provided you with her undivided attention. I cannot vouch for why you did not receive a call back, however, keep in mind the storm we just had in NYC.

I tend to read all of these types of threads and must say after reviewing the video that this one is unwarranted...

Excerpt directly from Rudy...

"Melanie earns high praises and the perception of this client is very contrary to what I experienced in the almost 10 years with her.

She remembers him."

I also saw the video and agree with Sam 100%. I watched him open the door for you as well and watched Melanie help you. I think your thread is way off base!

[Ravager135]

Look I am just an amateur on these forums but you guys are reviewing video surveillance tapes? I don't know anyone's associations nor am I any type of watch expert, maybe this is normal but it just seems surprising.

Look I have no dog in this fight but I made a post a little while back (1-2 months) stating that I felt things were a little off at the Wempe site. I had a much more pleasurable experience at Tourneau (a chain I normally dislike). I also had a decent experience at the Rolex Boutique but from what I understand this is managed by Wempe as well.

I do not see the motivation for anyone to trash a place. Maybe it was something subtle like the vibe he got. I don't think the original poster ever denied being helped at some point which is obviously evident in the footage. There could be confusion as to why he was not contacted as well.

Just a perspective. I apologize to FremStar in advance if there is a big piece of evidence or association I do not understand other than the owner being a friend. I just thought it a tad strange to go ahead and pull up tape. Perception is reality to the perceiver and think that's all the best lens to view his comments. I got an indifferent vibe when I was there as well.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

Look I am just an amateur on these forums but you guys are reviewing video surveillance tapes? I don't know anyone's associations nor am I any type of watch expert, maybe this is normal but it just seems surprising.

Look I have no dog in this fight but I made a post a little while back (1-2 months) stating that I felt things were a little off at the Wempe site. I had a much more pleasurable experience at Tourneau (a chain I normally dislike). I also had a decent experience at the Rolex Boutique but from what I understand this is managed by Wempe as well.

I do not see the motivation for anyone to trash a place. Maybe it was something subtle like the vibe he got. I don't think the original poster ever denied being helped at some point which is obviously evident in the footage. There could be confusion as to why he was not contacted as well.

Just a perspective. I apologize to FremStar in advance if there is a big piece of evidence or association I do not understand other than the owner being a friend. I just thought it a tad strange to go ahead and pull up tape. Perception is reality to the perceiver and think that's all the best lens to view his comments. I got an indifferent vibe when I was there as well.

I have ZERO association with Wempe nor have I ever bought from them. I did watch the video and the OP says he got a weird look from doorman who didn't open door for him--FALSE. As for Sales person helping him--sure looked like it on the video too. Again--Not my store and no association but from what he wrote and what I saw--makes no sense at all.

PS--I certainly can't speak to vibe or lack of follow up of course.