Underwhelmed by Rolex packaging

[btrue]

Originally Posted by dooder202

Well the watches are actually sent in a much smaller package around styrofoam and a plastic casing. Then the dealer jsut puts it in the box for you to take home....

Thank you! I did not know that. It is possible then that mine has never been in its box.

Now I feel duped!

[DolphinV8]

A better box might make us feel better, but I am sure they would pass the cost down to consumers which is something we don't want to see.

[P2725TMB]

As I said earlier, its all about customer expectation and experience. Whilst some members here might not care, most, including myself, having spent £7k or more on a brand new watch would rather like to feel the purchase of such a piece merits the entire high end purchasing experience. Yes, ultimately the watch is the most important element but its nice to receive it initially in suitable quality presentation, surely. If I was buying a £25 Casio I'd expect to receive it in a cardboard box, but not a £7k Rolex.

[jimbones43]

I agree but don't really care, the watches are already expensive enough. I don't need to spend more for a wood box etc. Enjoy your new sub!!!

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by jimbones43

I agree but don't really care, the watches are already expensive enough. I don't need to spend more for a wood box etc. Enjoy your new sub!!!

But that's the thing, you wouldn't - bought in volume it would be just a few pounds (or dollars) more on a multi-thousands product, such that Rolex could easily eat the cost anyway. In my view, the extra feel good feel factor it would give the purchaser/customer would be worth their investment.

[Cyberintercept]

Good topic, just finished the Steve Jobs biography and read all about the user experience with Apple products and how the packaging is an exciting part of that experience. Rolex doesn't do it like that, but I was still super excited to open the box.

[john333]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

My box and packaging has been sitting in a drawer since I bought it... I couldn't care less what it looks like because I never look at it. To each their own though

Completely agree. When I first started collecting watches I took in the entire experience, and looked forward to seeing what the presentation would be from each brand. Now I realize that the boxes go directly up to the cedar closet on the top floor of my house, and the only time I go up there is if I sell at watch and need to get the boxes for it. I will say that the one thing Rolex can improve on is make a better slot for the paperwork to fit into. I recently purchased my 1st Rolex, and the paperwork would not even fit into the slot in the box that it was supposed to go into. Not a big deal as I just put it in a bag and then put it loose in the box, but it could be engineered a little better.

Originally Posted by Cyberintercept

Good topic, just finished the Steve Jobs biography and read all about the user experience with Apple products and how the packaging is an exciting part of that experience. Rolex doesn't do it like that, but I was still super excited to open the box.

Interesting. I wouldn't say that Apple's packaging is bad, but I don't think it's anything to write home about either. Have you purchased a newer version of the iPod Nano?

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by john333

I recently purchased my 1st Rolex, and the paperwork would not even fit into the slot in the box that it was supposed to go into. Not a big deal as I just put it in a bag and then put it loose in the box, but it could be engineered a little better.

Now, that is a good point.

[Shikar]

I threw out my first Rolex box 12 years ago as the box and papers and extra link didn't really mean much to me.....idiot !!!
Now I keep my watch boxes, and the Patek and Panerai boxes put Rolex to shame.
I still wear Rolex more than all others.

Regards.

[Danand]

Originally Posted by btrue

Thank you! I did not know that. It is possible then that mine has never been in its box.

Now I feel duped!

Yes, very possible. When I bought mine the AD brought it out of the safe , unopened in it's "plastic coffin". It looks a lot like an iPod touch or nano case, but with more interior protective packaging. The box, etc came out of a drawer. The watch was sized and went on my wrist, warranty filled out and put in the green box, and the green box, etc went in a bag to be brought home and tucked high up in a closet. The watch has NEVER been in the box. (although it has been in a Rolex service box a couple of times-they are in the closet too).

I'm in the camp of I couldn't care less if the packaging was different. If it increased the price at all I definitely wouldn't want anything else. The ONLY exception would be if the box was also a winder then perhaps I might be willing to pay more.

[Rags]

Rolex boxes are really cheesy. I think an upgrade is long over due.

[eric23]

I don't really care about the box, I never used them. I just store them on a shelf.

But I must say out of all the watches I got the Panerai boxes are the nicest ones.

[cody p]

I'm ok with the green Rolex box. I like it. Wouldn't really want a fancy wooden box, as I have no use for such things.

[DG123]

I like the current Rolex box and don't think it looks "cheap".
The old wood ones are too old fashioned for today.

Originally Posted by Archie Irish

I know this is major nit picking and I realise you don't wear the packaging you wear the watch but.......

I am now one week in with my new Sub - love it.

This is my second Rolex - Exp1 being my first purchase.
Both watches were supplied to me in the green "shiny" boxes - now, whilst the cushion and insides are fine - I've got to say that the box outer itself actually looks a bit "cheap"! Bizarre to even contemplate that word anywhere near the Rolex brand but frankly I think it lets itself down here. I would expect more from a £4k purchase.

Occasionally I have seen other photos from members on this fine forum where their watch is presented in a case which looks like it's made from some sort of wood - that looks far more premium and distinguished to me.

Come on Rolex. Don't let your excellent attention to detail stop at the watch - think about the whole owner experience!!

It's all about the watch i know but the quality should be high whatever touchpoint you have with Rolex and for me the packaging just doesn't cut it.

Anyone else agree?

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by Archie Irish

I know this is major nit picking and I realise you don't wear the packaging you wear the watch but.......

I am now one week in with my new Sub - love it.

This is my second Rolex - Exp1 being my first purchase.
Both watches were supplied to me in the green "shiny" boxes - now, whilst the cushion and insides are fine - I've got to say that the box outer itself actually looks a bit "cheap"! Bizarre to even contemplate that word anywhere near the Rolex brand but frankly I think it lets itself down here. I would expect more from a £4k purchase.

Occasionally I have seen other photos from members on this fine forum where their watch is presented in a case which looks like it's made from some sort of wood - that looks far more premium and distinguished to me.

Come on Rolex. Don't let your excellent attention to detail stop at the watch - think about the whole owner experience!!

It's all about the watch i know but the quality should be high whatever touchpoint you have with Rolex and for me the packaging just doesn't cut it.

Anyone else agree?

You said it yourself "... you don't wear the packaging, you wear the watch."

[Saxon007]

Originally Posted by Jakey

You only have to look at the presentation Omega offers. IMO it puts Rolex to shame.

Yep.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

I personally think suitable packaging on high end luxury goods is vital as it’s all part of the buying experience.

I have a small London based luxury brand producing high end, handmade cufflinks. Our links vary in price but the more expensive ones come in handmade ultra - high quality leather (real leather!) cases, these also made in England. When you receive a pair of my cufflinks it’s all about that wow factor of opening the outer presentation box to reveal the inner case with its smell of leather and tactility that leads, temptingly, to the inaugural handling of the actual cufflinks within. Ok, so most of the links will then likely be housed elsewhere, but to me, that initial experience is vital and I think it’s essential to present expensive (circa £2k to £3k links) in suitable "packaging".

FYI my cases, which are quite big, cost about £60 each to buy in - made in England - and I only buy in relatively small numbers. For a company like Rolex buying in volume it would cost perhaps £30 to £40 max each to have ultra high quality leather cases made. My entire reasoning for my company is customer loyalty and future sales. If I ran Rolex, not only would every watch be perfect (and I know they are not) the packaging would reflect suitably the brand value and price one is paying for the watch and the overall buying experience.

Very well said.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Archie Irish

I am now one week in with my new Sub - love it.

May we see a picture?

By the way, I do not agree with your argument.

[Z-Sub]

Well my Rolex rarely spends time in the box so it doesn't bother me. It's good enough for me

[Saminla]

When my sister bought her date just recently from the AD... She just wore the watch out of the store. She took the warranty card but left EVERYTHING else... She said it would just be more clutter if she took the box home.

[Saminla]

I like the idea of picking your own box... So that consumers have a choice. An environmentally friendly packaging (minimum waste) or a premium wood or leather presentation case. Would be nice if it was a special gift like a graduation, anniversary or birthday to have a custom case. Obviously the customer will have to pay for the upgraded box.

[dddrees]

Although it might be nice, I never wear the watch box. All my watch boxes even the nice ones are sitting in a closet.

[Dominicwarren]

It is a bit underwhelming.

I bought the watch not the box, true, but I do think for stuff that's expensive and special the whole experience should be also special.

So yes the cheapo green box didnt really do it for me!

[Dr. Robert]

I prefer the older boxes, leather/wood, that Rolex used.

[316lad]

Apparently, when you buy an Aston Martin the keys are handed over in a brown envelope - or at least, they used to be.
I want what's in the box - a posher box is going to make the contents more expensive - and that's bad.

[springbar]

A lot of false dichotomies in this thread. A better box doesn't require a price hike or a reduction in product quality. Rolex, like any manufacturer of luxury goods, isn't a cost-plus operation.

My old Datejust came in a cardboard box, which I prefer to the modern green boxes. Something about a small, quality cardboard box seems more honest than an oversized would-be presentation case.

[chicfarmer1]

Vastly more expensive luxury goods than Rolex come in vastly simpler packaging than Rolex's. Maybe there's something to be said for directing the dollar emphasis where it belongs.

[goldminer]

The box is well designed and quite nice in my opinion

[Yoda]

My PP and AP boxes are on display in my home and when I rotate my watches they go back in the boxes. Some of my watches come with a watch winder box supplied by the manufacturer. It's a shame Rolex have the same plastic look box in two sizes no matter which model you purchase.

[MortgageGuy]

Agree as well, cheap little plastic box with cardboard inside... Quite disappointing however it is the watch we are after and not the box so I understand both sides.

My boxes sit in a safe anyway so it doesnt much matter to me