WoS group in UK

[rockysw]

Hello,

So I have read on various occasions on this forum about WoS group being quite awful when it comes to rolex allocations. And I have tried to steer away from them mostly.

Interestingly I was at the Omega boutique which is owned by WoS group (there are at least 3 2022 models which I am quite interested in). We were having a conversation and it turned in to Rolex allocations etc. And he was saying that WoS group actually have a better way of allocating rolex watches compared to other places in UK. He named Laings as a place where he had work in the past and said they keep the very high in demand models for their vip customers only (and said he is trying to be diplomatic). So essentially meaning customers with hugeee spend.

I always thought that WoS group will be the same but he implied otherwise (spend matters but relatively less than some other places).

Now he obviously has an incentive to say this as he does wants me to buy the omega from them. So I wanted to ask if people would agree that WoS group allocations for popular models are better (in terms of long term relationships rather than big relationships) than other places in UK (e.g. Laings or David M Robbinson or other UK ADs)?

[AmirudinAbduk]

bigger group , bigger allocation.

but those really really hot pieces like 116500 panda are still equally hard to get.

That's my take but ymmv

[gold&black]

As the above post confirms, wos group have the biggest allocation, but also a large customer base.

I can confirm that spend does matter, but it was the group where i got my foot in the door. My 116500 was tough to get, but I have now managed to secure it. I just don't think this would have happened at a smaller AD.

[OrangeSport]

I guy I know got the call for a GMT Pepsi last week. No previous spend (at least not recently). Had been onnthe lost for ages and didn't actually believe there was a lost, so had pretty much forgotten he jade asked for one.

Was a nice surprise

[fuzzy_panda]

Originally Posted by OrangeSport

I guy I know got the call for a GMT Pepsi last week. No previous spend (at least not recently). Had been onnthe lost for ages and didn't actually believe there was a lost, so had pretty much forgotten he jade asked for one.

Was a nice surprise

Wow that's lucky! I've been waiting for a pepsi since June. Have bought a Tudor BB58 and OP41, but really want a Pepsi as my grail

[TimepieceRPP]

WoS is not too bad... at least, spending history is stored in the system even though if the SA left, the record still can be tracked.

[MrMikee]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

WoS is not too bad... at least, spending history is stored in the system even though if the SA left, the record still can be tracked.

I agree. That is what I like as well. All of my information is stored on the system, regardless of SA. I know this because I’ve been to two different locations and they pulled up my information for me to see. I needed a link removed and walked into a WOS I have never been before. They brought up my account, mentioned my purchase history and the two watches I’m on the list for. I didn’t even mention the waitlist. Also remember you can only register for a Rolex at one store. Don’t try and register at multiple AD’s within the group..

I still connect with the same SA every time, but I like the idea that if she left, all is not lost.

[S.Explorer]

I think they are fine but it might be dependent on the individual store / salesperson.

Did manage to buy an OP without spending history recently, waiting for some other watches.

Never asked to buy jewellery, etc. though some interest lists may be closed now.

[kwingy]

I went to a Rolex lunch event recently hosted by my local AD part of the WoS group. Everyone in there big VIPS all competing for the same watch. At least 65+ in the room.
So even though I have been well looked after by my SA - I am diplomatic, I might never get the call for pieces I want and I am fine with that as there are people who spend way more then me.

[ManfredvonRichthofen]

Hi

I am fairly new to all this. I have a 1970s date just inherited from my late father. I wear it daily but am becoming paranoid about it being stolen - it is probably the only possession I have that I would be genuinely upset to lose.

I thought I might buy a modern date just to replace it for day to day wear and then discovered the current difficulties with buying a Rolex….

I think I will put my name down on a list anyway and just wondered if those in the know think WoS is as good as any place to try / whether I am just wasting my time?

I am London based and looking for a smooth bezel blue or black dial date just on an oyster bracelet. I am assuming this is not a highly sought after model but really have no idea. No spend history with WoS save that I had my current date just serviced through them a few years ago. I will only buy grey if it is a discount to MRSP. Otherwise I’ll just wait.

Thanks

[bestkepttime]

Originally Posted by rockysw

Hello,

So I have read on various occasions on this forum about WoS group being quite awful when it comes to rolex allocations. And I have tried to steer away from them mostly.

Interestingly I was at the Omega boutique which is owned by WoS group (there are at least 3 2022 models which I am quite interested in). We were having a conversation and it turned in to Rolex allocations etc. And he was saying that WoS group actually have a better way of allocating rolex watches compared to other places in UK. He named Laings as a place where he had work in the past and said they keep the very high in demand models for their vip customers only (and said he is trying to be diplomatic). So essentially meaning customers with hugeee spend.

I always thought that WoS group will be the same but he implied otherwise (spend matters but relatively less than some other places).

Now he obviously has an incentive to say this as he does wants me to buy the omega from them. So I wanted to ask if people would agree that WoS group allocations for popular models are better (in terms of long term relationships rather than big relationships) than other places in UK (e.g. Laings or David M Robbinson or other UK ADs)?

WOS goup have sorted me out multiple times over the last 6 years - Laings on the other hand were just rude and not wanting business from new clients.

[enjoythemusic]

imho Wos / Mayors has been very diplomatic and excellent with their distribution / sales to us timepiece enthusiasts. Yes this shortage is a new-ish thing over the past few years, yet it'll all sort itself out in the coming years as things get back to some semblance of normalcy. Be patient is my advice.

[ratty]

I contacted Goldsmiths in Newcastle at 10.15 the day the current Daytona was released in, I think 2015. I had previous history with them including a WG Daytona and other bits. I was told that I was second on the list!

Guess what, I'm still waiting!!!

I'm not a fan of WOS. I have no doubt that foreign 'regulars' have had numerous watches since I put my name down.

If anyone from Goldsmiths / WOS is reading this I would LOVE to hear your comments if you want to pm me!

[ArtNouveau]

My only experience with WOS is in their two stores in NYC. Both shops made for great browsing with courteous SA’s and lots of candy in the cases. But then again I wasn’t in them fishing for a Rolex.
Kind of the same with Tourneau/Bucherer stores.

[Oxfordian]

I've had nothing but good dealings with WoS stores whether buying Rolex or Omega, my issues have been when buying the like of Seiko, Oris or Tissot, the dealers there have been awful.

[sinkholeninja]

Today I popped into two WOS shops in London (Regent Street & New Bond Street) and to my surprise was told that in order to talk to a Rolex sales rep, I'd first have to book an appointment online!? We've gone from empty shelves, to exhibition only models and now appointment-only visits. I feel like the purchasing experience continues to deteriorate.

[Ubiquitous1984]

WoS have always been very fair and honest with me. I highly recommend them. No complaints whatsoever.

[PIL]

There are people with good/bad encounters with all ADs. For me WoS is the worst I have ever dealt with (multiple stores across Yorkshire).

[russ86]

WOS is not bad but its all about the money there, I have an account with them and its pure business. More you spend, better pieces you will get. They are very pushy so be prepared. Demand what you want and dont settle for less.

[rockysw]

hmmm very interesting and diverse views. thank you everyone.

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by russ86

WOS is not bad but its all about the money there, I have an account with them and its pure business. More you spend, better pieces you will get. They are very pushy so be prepared. Demand what you want and dont settle for less.

good advice and thanks for the heads up :)

[Buckhurst Hill]

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

I think they are fine but it might be dependent on the individual store / salesperson.

Did manage to buy an OP without spending history recently, waiting for some other watches.

Never asked to buy jewellery, etc. though some interest lists may be closed now.

This.

Bought my first 12 weeks ago. Despite the list being closed, I got the call and bought a Sub fews days ago.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Today I popped into two WOS shops in London (Regent Street & New Bond Street) and to my surprise was told that in order to talk to a Rolex sales rep, I'd first have to book an appointment online!? We've gone from empty shelves, to exhibition only models and now appointment-only visits. I feel like the purchasing experience continues to deteriorate.

Yeh these stores don’t even want you to go in tbh lol

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by ratty

I contacted Goldsmiths in Newcastle at 10.15 the day the current Daytona was released in, I think 2015. I had previous history with them including a WG Daytona and other bits. I was told that I was second on the list!

Guess what, I'm still waiting!!!

I'm not a fan of WOS. I have no doubt that foreign 'regulars' have had numerous watches since I put my name down.

If anyone from Goldsmiths / WOS is reading this I would LOVE to hear your comments if you want to pm me!

Sadly the answer will be that they have much much bigger spenders. Lists are note of interest lists, and not chronological. Preferred clients will always jump ahead.

If you must have a 116500 (I assume this is the one you mean?), then grey really is your best chance

[thesultan57]

I just picked up a Submariner Date yesterday around 3 weeks after first registering my interest (for a no date) which was surprisingly quick.

Factors which I think contributed where :

- Brand new store
- I’m very very local (same building)
- My wife and I (both early 30s) are interested in watches so in theory are an ideal ‘long term’ client for them
- I have bought 1 watch with WoS back in 2014 …
- My friend knows the manager of the store so put in a good word ( I’m not sure if this helped as they must get this daily)

Store experience was exceptional- they couldn’t stop given me Champagne

They said only 2 watches per account per year and payment card MUST be on the same name. Not an issue for most but potentially difficult if buying a gift for a significant other off their wish list for example.

Also got to try on the Deepsea Challenge which I can only describe as ‘comically big’.







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MrMikee]

Originally Posted by thesultan57

I just picked up a Submariner Date yesterday around 3 weeks after first registering my interest (for a no date) which was surprisingly quick.

Factors which I think contributed where :

- Brand new store
- I’m very very local (same building)
- My wife and I (both early 30s) are interested in watches so in theory are an ideal ‘long term’ client for them
- I have bought 1 watch with WoS back in 2014 …
- My friend knows the manager of the store so put in a good word ( I’m not sure if this helped as they must get this daily)

Store experience was exceptional- they couldn’t stop given me Champagne

They said only 2 watches per account per year and payment card MUST be on the same name. Not an issue for most but potentially difficult if buying a gift for a significant other off their wish list for example.

Also got to try on the Deepsea Challenge which I can only describe as ‘comically big’.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congratulations!

Like most other industries, this proves, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know..

[Rickkk]

Originally Posted by ratty

I contacted Goldsmiths in Newcastle at 10.15 the day the current Daytona was released in, I think 2015. I had previous history with them including a WG Daytona and other bits. I was told that I was second on the list!

Guess what, I'm still waiting!!!

I'm not a fan of WOS. I have no doubt that foreign 'regulars' have had numerous watches since I put my name down.

If anyone from Goldsmiths / WOS is reading this I would LOVE to hear your comments if you want to pm me!

I’m guessing they have other things they’d rather be doing by the experience you’ve mentioned….?

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by thesultan57

I just picked up a Submariner Date yesterday around 3 weeks after first registering my interest (for a no date) which was surprisingly quick.

Congrats, looks great on your wrist!

[Buckhurst Hill]

Huge Congrats.

Originally Posted by thesultan57

I just picked up a Submariner Date yesterday around 3 weeks after first registering my interest (for a no date) which was surprisingly quick.

Factors which I think contributed where :

- Brand new store
- I’m very very local (same building)
- My wife and I (both early 30s) are interested in watches so in theory are an ideal ‘long term’ client for them
- I have bought 1 watch with WoS back in 2014 …
- My friend knows the manager of the store so put in a good word ( I’m not sure if this helped as they must get this daily)

Store experience was exceptional- they couldn’t stop given me Champagne

They said only 2 watches per account per year and payment card MUST be on the same name. Not an issue for most but potentially difficult if buying a gift for a significant other off their wish list for example.

Also got to try on the Deepsea Challenge which I can only describe as ‘comically big’.







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by ratty

I contacted Goldsmiths in Newcastle at 10.15 the day the current Daytona was released in, I think 2015. I had previous history with them including a WG Daytona and other bits. I was told that I was second on the list!

Guess what, I'm still waiting!!!

I'm not a fan of WOS. I have no doubt that foreign 'regulars' have had numerous watches since I put my name down.

If anyone from Goldsmiths / WOS is reading this I would LOVE to hear your comments if you want to pm me!

I heard WOS UK stopped selling Rolex for foreigners living temporarily in UK, and tourists. Call them because this will definitely affect demand.