A sad day

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

Officially retires 31 Dec. Family run business, something you don’t see so much these days, which was my main point in the post.

He's retiring - not being kicked out by Rolex. Why are you sad for folks retiring? What has Rolex gotta do with it? Why you don't want to buy another Rolex? You are sad not for that person but rather yourself that you can't get more Rolex served on the platter without much struggle!

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by 42itus

Absolutely agree with you on this point. It's not easy to find these days. Enjoy your watches in good health!

Thanks for the kind words

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by Maxy

He's retiring - not being kicked out by Rolex. Why are you sad for folks retiring? What has Rolex gotta do with it? Why you don't want to buy another Rolex? You are sad not for that person but rather yourself that you can't get more Rolex served on the platter without much struggle!

I certainly not sad for him, and I wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement. Well earned and deserved.

I read about guys here that have been asked to jump through hoops to buy watches, I just don’t want to go through that. No one needs a Rolex, but to me watches are a passion of mine since my first watch as a 5 year old boy, snoopy with a baby blue strap, watching with fascination as the hands move, I still get to this date when I wear an adult watch.

What I’m sad for is local retailers with ethics are a dying breed.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

What I’m sad for is local retailers with ethics are a dying breed.

Really that's what you're sad about? I think it's more above starting from scratch with AD relationship and not getting whatever Rolex you wanted.

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Really that's what you're sad about? I think it's more above starting from scratch with AD relationship and not getting whatever Rolex you wanted.

Of course you have your right to your opinion, which I respect. However it is. I started my career in retail as a cashier and see the demise of the high street to large chains that merge, or the Internet giants killing the retailer. To this day I will also make the effort to support the guys in the high street.

[fsprow]

Just a comment on "gray market" dealers. I have found those I have dealt with (web, Dubai, 47th Street NYC...) to be just as honest and fair dealing as the AD's I have a relationship with, most of which are also great folks. No fake watches, clean market pricing, quick delivery, good return policies.

[FlashinLeather]

Not sure what it up with all the hate.

His point is pretty simple - he had a great connection that allowed him to get the watches he wanted from an AD at MSRP. Now, that connection is gone. Sure, it's an "uptown problem" but this is a forum related to a luxury good - any Rolex problem is an uptown problem.

I'm pretty sure everyone on here would be disappointed if their main connection to actually get the watches they wanted at a reasonable price was gone.

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by FlashinLeather

Not sure what it up with all the hate.

His point is pretty simple - he had a great connection that allowed him to get the watches he wanted from an AD at MSRP. Now, that connection is gone. Sure, it's an "uptown problem" but this is a forum related to a luxury good - any Rolex problem is an uptown problem.

I'm pretty sure everyone on here would be disappointed if their main connection to actually get the watches they wanted at a reasonable price was gone.

I’m surprised with the hate too. Each to their own I guess.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

The AD was in Kenya. The only AD in that country.

What surprises me more is the negativity in this forum by certain members. Is it really necessary? Each to their own I guess.

No offense OP, but negativity often begets negativity. And, with respect, you may want to examine your original post which started this thread,

Your post starts by singing praises for an AD who served you well and expressing your understandable sadness at not being able to use the AD because the AD is retiring. Been there and with you so far.

However, it is the giant negative leap that your post takes that looses me - when your post links the fact that your great AD is retiring with a broad brush indictment of all other AD's and your refusal to ever buy a Rolex again.

Sadly, these types of posts have become the new normal. Ranting about Rolex or all AD's because... or because... or because... Just pick the reason.

• I could not find the luxury model I wanted this week.
  
  
• They were out of the color GMT wanted.
  
  
• The waitlist is too long.
  
  
• The AD sold to a long time customer instead of me.
  
  
• Rolex has not increased production to match my desires.
  
  
• I make more than 99% of the people in the world, but I might have to spend a couple thousand more on the Gray market.

The list is endless. But the tone and delivery is always the same - a negative rant.

And the logic (or lack) is always the same - taking some slight or minor life disappointment that many would give their eye teeth to be in a position to experience and using it to criticize all AD's and Rolex as a brand.

While these types of posts are becoming more frequent every day, the fact they they are being "normalized" does not make them "normal."

And more to the point - because audience is everything, to many of us who are here to discuss a hobby we enjoy and a brand we respect, these types of posts are perceived as overly negative dramatizations of minor inconveniences. Hence what you term the "negative responses" of "get a life" or "get therapy."

So, back to your post. While I can understand feeling sad at the loss of a good merchant, what I cannot not understand is why this provokes a negative rant against all other AD's and Rolex. Nor do I think it unreasonable that a post of this nature evokes what you call "negative responses."

No offense OP, but you might want to re-read your post.

Just my opinion.

[Randy63]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

I’m surprised with the hate too. Each to their own I guess.

Just the act of starting a new thread on the forum these days, no matter how innocuous, will open the original poster up to ridicule and scorn.

Makes me want to start a few new threads. Not.



Randy

[Beauregard]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

Now I am done with Rolex I think, I don’t want to play games to get anything else, my appetite has gone I’m sorry to say. I did walk past a AD today and thought shall I go in, to which I walked past.

100% my experience. My AD was sold to Tourneau and I lost my relationship with the store's manager. Without that personal connection I gave up on the brand because of the monkey business.

[Freespeach]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

No offense OP, but negativity often begets negativity. And, with respect, you may want to examine your original post which started this thread,

Your post starts by singing praises for an AD who served you well and expressing your understandable sadness at not being able to use the AD because the AD is retiring. Been there and with you so far.

However, it is the giant negative leap that your post takes that looses me - when your post links the fact that your great AD is retiring with a broad brush indictment of all other AD's and your refusal to ever buy a Rolex again.

Sadly, these types of posts have become the new normal. Ranting about Rolex or all AD's because... or because... or because... Just pick the reason.

• I could not find the luxury model I wanted this week.
  
  
• They were out of the color GMT wanted.
  
  
• The waitlist is too long.
  
  
• The AD sold to a long time customer instead of me.
  
  
• Rolex has not increased production to match my desires.
  
  
• I make more than 99% of the people in the world, but I might have to spend a couple thousand more on the Gray market.

The list is endless. But the tone and delivery is always the same - a negative rant.

And the logic (or lack) is always the same - taking some slight or minor life disappointment that many would give their eye teeth to be in a position to experience and using it to criticize all AD's and Rolex as a brand.

While these types of posts are becoming more frequent every day, the fact they they are being "normalized" does not make them "normal."

And more to the point - because audience is everything, to many of us who are here to discuss a hobby we enjoy and a brand we respect, these types of posts are perceived as overly negative dramatizations of minor inconveniences. Hence what you term the "negative responses" of "get a life" or "get therapy."

So, back to your post. While I can understand feeling sad at the loss of a good merchant, what I cannot not understand is why this provokes a negative rant against all other AD's and Rolex. Nor do I think it unreasonable that a post of this nature evokes what you call "negative responses."

No offense OP, but you might want to re-read your post.

Just my opinion.

Well... since you start out with ..."no offense..." the proceed to offend.


Everyone is a critic.
Can we not all get a long and spread just love and food tidings?

" I LIKE TO THE WORLD TO SING IN PERFECT HARMONY..."

[Bigsoftee]

Everyone has a right to their opinion and I respect that. Maybe things get lost in words, or misread.

Maybe I should not have posted about not buying a Rolex again as I don’t want play games. Either way, thanks for all the comments, both positive and negative, may you all enjoy your watches in good health.

[colpol]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

The AD was in Kenya. The only AD in that country.

What surprises me more is the negativity in this forum by certain members. Is it really necessary? Each to their own I guess.

Seems to be the new norm
Not even surprised anymore at some of the feedback

[brandrea]

Change is tough, I feel for you OP. My local AD was exactly the same ... small family owned independent etc. they were decommissioned about 15 years ago or so.

On the bright side, there are wonderful ADs to explore and work with. I luckily found an awesome AD and consider the owner more of a friend just luck before.

I’m sure this won’t be your last

[77T]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

A day tinged with sadness for me....



Now I am done with Rolex I think, I don’t want to play games to get anything else, my appetite has gone I’m sorry to say. I did walk past a AD today and thought shall I go in, to which I walked past.

Not just Rolex, you can now choose to stop buying any highly sought Swiss or other brands. The distribution channels are swamped with demand.

We are all fortunate compared to the other changes the future holds.

E.G. - like what you would face if your oncologist suddenly stopped taking your insurance. (Not a real case - just a dramatization.) Nowthat induces pain.

But I get your disappointment - we sometimes get wrapped up in a luxury brand relationship and the loss of connectivity



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[Blansky]

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

What I’m sad for is local retailers with ethics are a dying breed.

I think what the OP is feeling is the continuing trend of ethics being a dying concept in the name of profit.

Corporate ethics is an oxymoron, that has overtaken society in the last 20-30 years where EVERYTHING is about profit. We've seen it in healthcare, higher education, financial meltdown, layoffs, massive bonuses for execs, bribed politicians for outcomes that only benefit corporations, etc etc.

Lots of it is out there but doesn't affect us, but something as simple as a relationship with a store owner, or sudden lousy product or service from a newly acquired company, and what was, is no longer.

Every day we are seeing the corporate world affect our lives in a negative manner and it's getting worse.

I get his angst and depression at what the future holds for ordinary people. Change sucks but in the last while it's NEVER for the better.

There is a helplessness that is taking hold the world over that everything is spinning out of our control. Playing by the rules is no longer working because the people that are getting ahead don't play by the rules.

[Bigsoftee]

Originally Posted by Blansky

I think what the OP is feeling is the continuing trend of ethics being a dying concept in the name of profit.

Corporate ethics is an oxymoron, that has overtaken society in the last 20-30 years where EVERYTHING is about profit. We've seen it in healthcare, higher education, financial meltdown, layoffs, massive bonuses for execs, bribed politicians for outcomes that only benefit corporations, etc etc.

Lots of it is out there but doesn't affect us, but something as simple as a relationship with a store owner, or sudden lousy product or service from a newly acquired company, and what was, is no longer.

Every day we are seeing the corporate world affect our lives in a negative manner and it's getting worse.

I get his angst and depression at what the future holds for ordinary people. Change sucks but in the last while it's NEVER for the better.

There is a helplessness that is taking hold the world over that everything is spinning out of our control. Playing by the rules is no longer working because the people that are getting ahead don't play by the rules.

Very well put

[77T]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Corporate ethics is an oxymoron, that has overtaken society in the last 20-30 years where EVERYTHING is about profit. We've seen it in healthcare, higher education, financial meltdown, layoffs, massive bonuses for execs, bribed politicians for outcomes that only benefit corporations, etc etc.

I selected just one of your thoughts to provide a clarifying opinion on the ethical aspect. Corporations are composed of people. Corrupt people exist In all walks of life. As a result of greed in some, the majority get painted with a broad brush.

Some of those industries have provided very bad examples. But corporate ethics does work - the whistleblowers use the very structure of the corporation to bring justice to the corrupt ones in their ranks.

Profit is required, but the vast majority pursue it ethically. Accomplished top companies achieve their profits without the skullduggery of the few in each industry that make headlines.

I know this from long experience so only sharing in the spirit of communication within our community. It’s too easy to villainize all associates for the actions of a few.


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[Blansky]

Originally Posted by 77T

I selected just one of your thoughts to provide a clarifying opinion on the ethical aspect. Corporations are composed of people. Corrupt people exist In all walks of life. As a result of greed in some, the majority get painted with a broad brush.

Some of those industries have provided very bad examples. But corporate ethics does work - the whistleblowers use the very structure of the corporation to bring justice to the corrupt ones in their ranks.

Profit is required, but the vast majority pursue it ethically. Accomplished top companies achieve their profits without the skullduggery of the few in each industry that make headlines.

I know this from long experience so only sharing in the spirit of communication within our community. It’s too easy to villainize all associates for the actions of a few.


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I have no doubt you believe this and some of is true. BUT while doing all this societal good you ascribe to, they are also employing lobbying firms to write laws and bribe politicians to achieve their financial goals which is definitely not done for the good of society. Just profit.

And I also realize profit is necessary but when a company in a city makes a profit it is spread throughout the community. When a multinational makes profits it is pulled out and spread god knows where. Public good is not and never has been the goal of a large corporation. It's profit. And when profit is your only god, everyone is in trouble.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Blansky

I have no doubt you believe this and some of is true. BUT while doing all this societal good you ascribe to, they are also employing lobbying firms to write laws and bribe politicians to achieve their financial goals which is definitely not done for the good of society. Just profit.



And I also realize profit is necessary but when a company in a city makes a profit it is spread throughout the community. When a multinational makes profits it is pulled out and spread god knows where. Public good is not and never has been the goal of a large corporation. It's profit. And when profit is your only god, everyone is in trouble.

I may have used ambiguous language - I didn’t mean corporations are aiming at societal good. The non-profits might, but the for-profit companies aim to achieve profits. Just that the majority aren’t corrupt as many people believe.

I don’t hold beliefs - the data shows the majority are not corrupt. I won’t attempt to sway your point of view on that. It’s your opinion and I respect that.

I agree that multi-national corporations often take more profit out of a zone than they put back. That imbalance is only corrected via economic measures or governmental controls. That is a very difficult area for nations to control effectively without becoming isolationists.


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[Dr.Brian]

I bought some jewelry and a Rolex from a local AD a few years back and they promptly went out of business. There’s a couple more but they get a lot of high dollar business from the affluent burbs so it’s not looking great to get on any lists.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by 77T

I may have used ambiguous language - I didn’t mean corporations are aiming at societal good. The non-profits might, but the for-profit companies aim to achieve profits. Just that the majority aren’t corrupt as many people believe.

I don’t hold beliefs - the data shows the majority are not corrupt. I won’t attempt to sway your point of view on that. It’s your opinion and I respect that.

I agree that multi-national corporations often take more profit out of a zone than they put back. That imbalance is only corrected via economic measures or governmental controls. That is a very difficult area for nations to control effectively without becoming isolationists.


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I respect your opinion as well and my wife is employed by a multinational.

But my issue is that while they have a great PR team and a pretty face they basically OWN the checks and balances that are there to protect the public. Namely the government.

Politicians need the public to be elected and will promise anything (some is actually sincere) but once they are in office everything is controlled by money. Basically all laws are written by lobbying firms. Everyday money changes hands and bribes are renamed "campaign contributions" and the checks and balances are moot.

Voting has become just theater.