Opinions on Demo Watches

[Ferdelious]

With the current market the way it is, would it be beneficial for AD's to have demo watches like the ones used for Basel release parties? I don't know how most of the forum feels but I like to see the watch on my wrist before purchasing.

How much business are AD's losing because the display case is void of certain models?

[Snow-Dweller]

I agree. This is what Patek does.

[RHIII]

Personally. I don’t care to see a watch in a case that I can’t buy.

Just my .02


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[jsausley]

I think it's a good idea. It's important to try the watches on before you buy it, I think. Perhaps they could etch something onto the caseback or the side so that the customer is aware that he CANNOT buy the watch, and then Rolex can destroy it after it has set for so long.

Otherwise they'll end up on the gray market for even more than the regular ones, lol.

[yxc145]

I don't think it will matter much. all the SS sport models are so hot now. Even if you don't see the watch in person, most people put a deposit down and wait for them anyway. Most dealers have full refund policy because if you don't end up liking/taking the watch, they will sell it within days.

[yxc145]

Originally Posted by jsausley

I think it's a good idea. It's important to try the watches on before you buy it, I think. Perhaps they could etch something onto the caseback or the side so that the customer is aware that he CANNOT buy the watch, and then Rolex can destroy it after it has set for so long.

Otherwise they'll end up on the gray market for even more than the regular ones, lol.

Demo watches have no real movement inside.

[Shakini]

It's frustrating that Rolex don't insist on this approach. I would love to walk into an AD and compare the Sub and SD43 to make a decision. Unfortunately, the only place I can do that right now is by walking into Watchfinder (UK) or another GD.

When all everyone talks about is building relationships with ADs, going in and trying a piece before buying seems like the perfect way to approach that task.

[jsausley]

Originally Posted by yxc145

Demo watches have no real movement inside.

Oh, that's interesting. Still, that wouldn't give you an exact sense of how it feels, since it'll be a lot lighter -- unless it has a weight in it, lol.

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by jsausley

Oh, that's interesting. Still, that wouldn't give you an exact sense of how it feels, since it'll be a lot lighter -- unless it has a weight in it, lol.

Yes, they are the exact weight.

[greanie]

Yeah . . Hadn’t thought about this. For the watches I have sought out that were not in case I just tried on a comparable model and did some in-head photoshopping with colors and such. (TT vs Green and so forth)


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[ppforme]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

I agree. This is what Patek does.

Really? A recent visit to my AD showed an almost empty display resembling someone going out of business.

Still, they virtually laugh you out of the store when you ask to try particular steel models.

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[coralfarmer84]

I get what your saying but I don’t think it makes business sense for the AD. It would promote more grey market buying with the AD becoming the showroom. Kinda like before when half the forum bragged about using the AD to try on then getting a grey to sell them at a discount.

[SLS]

Up until recently, supply was not an issue. I think it would be a great idea to have demo models to try on and keep the actual models in the back. There would be less smash and grabs, a full display case and a truly BNIB watch still in its coffin. On the flip side, it would cost AD’s or Rolex a small fortune to buy display watches for each location throughout the world.

[Stupot]

Yes, that would be a great idea having a demo fleet, exactly like a car dealer where they should run an example of each model.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Ferdelious

With the current market the way it is, would it be beneficial for AD's to have demo watches like the ones used for Basel release parties? I don't know how most of the forum feels but I like to see the watch on my wrist before purchasing.

How much business are AD's losing because the display case is void of certain models?

Having non-functioning watches in a case doesn't seem very cost effective. Rolex has demonstrated little concern about the watch buying public. I find it hard to believe that they spend money trying to make the public happy.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Ferdelious

With the current market the way it is, would it be beneficial for AD's to have demo watches like the ones used for Basel release parties? I don't know how most of the forum feels but I like to see the watch on my wrist before purchasing.



How much business are AD's losing because the display case is void of certain models?

If you are suggesting permanent demo models consider the fact many AD’s have had one or none of this years hot release (BLRO) so making thousands of demo models and then no one would have a real one yet


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[AK797]

No point as the idea is to get people interested, whereas now there is just too damn much interest.

[Seibei]

I think it is a great idea. It would save people from buying watches that are not suitable.

[R!$]

Whats to demo? All Rolex do is change the dial a little bit or make it fatter? Along with that engraved rehaut make it look so sleazy

Only high end brands do demo units so you can notice the subtle intricacies

[GradyPhilpott]

I would imagine that Rolex ADs have little interest in being the showrooms for gray dealers, which is what a showcase full of demos would amount to.

[ferrissteve11]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I would imagine that Rolex ADs have little interest in being the showrooms for gray dealers, which is what a showcase full of demos would amount to.

Spot on right there.

[UnicoJG]

I don’t think that it hurts ADs not having watches in stock or demos. But I think it would be beneficial to try on a demo and find out if you truly like the watch.