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nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:16 AM

I've heard price. Why pay full price if you can get X amount cheaper from X on the forum. When I bought my first Rolex, it was all about the experience. I went into Wempe. Was offered chocolates and Pellegrino. I didn't make a purchase that day -- didn't feel pressured. Came back another weekend, tried on a few watches. Some not even Rolex. Then finally when I was about to make my purchase, the sales person insisted I take my time. No rush. When I finally pulled the trigger, I was offered Veuve Clicquot and even had the watch boxed and gift wrapped. Now, THATs a luxury experience. When you think Rolex, don't you just think luxury and luxury experience? About building a rapport with a salesperson? Or am I just old fashioned? And, has it all just come down to the absolute lowest price?

beshannon · 24 March 2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygo

Or am I just old fashioned? And, has it all just come down to the absolute lowest price?

I guess that depends on what each person wants

Old Expat Beast · 24 March 2014, 10:18 AM

Depends if you can afford it. 20% of a Rolex buys a lot of chocolates and champagne. For me, its all about the watch.

codecow · 24 March 2014, 10:20 AM

Nygo, I agree price isn't everything. I buy my pieces from a single salesperson at Shreve & Co. and even though I'm not getting the best price I like my salesperson, I like the store, I like the treatment I get, and I love the special events. Last year I went to two Panerai events, a Wellendorff event at the Ritz in downtown SF, and an awesome Rolex event for America's Cup.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Depends if you can afford it. 20% of a Rolex buys a lot of chocolates and champagne. For me, its all about the watch.

I suppose I see the watch... and the acquiring the watch as one in the same. well the whole experience as one.

unclesallie · 24 March 2014, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Depends if you can afford it. 20% of a Rolex buys a lot of chocolates and champagne. For me, its all about the watch.

yep.

jjnd08 · 24 March 2014, 10:22 AM

To me it's about customer service and price. I get great customer service from my grey dealer, and I don't have to drive anywhere. I tell him what I want, and it arrives sized at my front door. To me, that's a great experience.

I can buy chocolates and champagne on my own.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:26 AM

well you don't necessarily have to drive anywhere for an AD either. You can phone them up, right?
AND have it shipped...

And, I mean, it's not literally about chocolates and champagne. Obviously.
But, about customer service and selection. Besides, I'll bet most people go to ADs to try on watches anyway.

jjnd08 · 24 March 2014, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygo

well you don't necessarily have to drive anywhere for an AD either. You can phone them up, right?
AND have it shipped...

And, I mean, it's not literally about chocolates and champagne. Obviously.
But, about customer service and selection. Besides, I'll bet most people go to ADs to try on watches anyway.

Taking this path eliminates the luxury experience you mentioned. I can develop a great relationship with my grey dealer, and do it for a better price.

Also, a fair amount of people on this site, like myself, tend to do a lot of flipping. If I bought new every time, I would take a financial bath.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:31 AM

fair enough. good point.

Urosfan · 24 March 2014, 10:34 AM

I agree I rather have customer service and price I'm lucky my AD takes care of me so I have no worries when it comes down to price

Old Expat Beast · 24 March 2014, 10:34 AM

Not that it really matters, but I do believe that ADs are not allowed to sell over the phone or online. Rolex policy.

eteokles · 24 March 2014, 10:35 AM

I agree that it's a great experience for the first purchase - I bought my current watch from an AD. For subsequent purchases, price may come into play more since the experience has already been had.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Not that it really matters, but I do believe that ADs are not allowed to sell over the phone or online. Rolex policy.

oh didn't know that. but that's a good point too.

honestly, i'm just curious. not trying to ruffle anyone's feathers.

thomaspp · 24 March 2014, 10:38 AM

I have a good relationship with my grey market dealer. Great customer service too. True he doesn't provide champagne, but will respond to my emails and calls almost 24/7 and will ship pretty much instantly upon my confirmation. Hard to justify buying from and AD with additional margin and tax...

ronricks · 24 March 2014, 10:39 AM

I like saving money and having a positive experience using the Trusted Sellers here. This is a great community why not support it? I can buy a van full of chocolate and champaign with my savings.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:42 AM

ok ok.. imagine no chocolate and champaign. sheesh. haha

Spartacus · 24 March 2014, 10:43 AM

I went to an AD to purchase my Rolex, it was a great experience. One of many things that the AD allows me to do that online or third party retailers are unable to provide is the ability to handle any and all the watches I want. The ability to hold two watches you are deciding between, let them rest on your wrist and then decide is priceless to me.

Even further, the AD perfectly sized my the bracelet. All things considered, the service, the pre-sale exploration element is what I value the most.

I am sure I am in the minority, but I find the constant discussion of discounting to be cheapening the brand and the value of our watches. The more the forums support discounting, third party resellers, the further the value of Rolex and our watches depreciate.

If you want a discount, buy an Omega or Tag.

thomaspp · 24 March 2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygo

ok ok.. imagine no chocolate and champaign. sheesh. haha

He he. Still plenty of champagne, but just not at the AD!

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SaddleSC · 24 March 2014, 10:46 AM

I buy all of my Rolex from DavidSW and he offers impeccable customer service and his selection is as broad as any AD I have ever been to, not to mention the fact that he is available practically 24/7. The money saved is just the icing on the cake.

Nissanzx1 · 24 March 2014, 10:46 AM

I guess everyone thinks differently about this sort of thing. Personally, if I just purchased a watch and am offered chocolates and Champagne, I would think I just payed too much.

I don't care to help the sales person make his Audi payments. Or House payments, or child support payments, etc. Call me greedy or a cheapskate, but I want every dollar I spend to go toward the watches I love...

To each his own. It's your money, spend it how you like. Luxury at retail always comes with it's price.

-GH

BillA · 24 March 2014, 10:51 AM

If you wear the box of chocolates, champagne on your wrist, then it is a great deal. I personally leave the Rolex box in the drawer and put the watch in it when I am on vacation. Perhaps it looks good with a jubilee bracelet on it

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomaspp

He he. Still plenty of champagne, but just not at the AD!

Attachment 477335

i lol'd… touché

Onikage · 24 March 2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygo

When you think Rolex, don't you just think luxury and luxury experience? About building a rapport with a salesperson? Or am I just old fashioned? And, has it all just come down to the absolute lowest price?

Paying full price AD markup for "luxury experience" and salesperson patter doesn't interest me. I suppose they have to pay the bills somehow. I just want the watch. All the other stuff is more or less instantly forgettable to me. Admittedly I enjoy going into ADs and listening to salesperson patter for free sometimes.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillA

If you wear the box of chocolates, champagne on your wrist, then it is a great deal.

i don't even know what this means.. hahaha

i'm talking about customer service.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:56 AM

maybe this is more like getting a BMW. you can always do European Delivery for the "experience". interesting thoughts though. thanks guys.

superdog · 24 March 2014, 10:58 AM

Yes. I actually agree. I enjoy the luxury behind it.

But I'm one of this flippers mentioned above.

I'd get killed if I bought new from AD every time.

But in most cases, I agree with you completely.

BillA · 24 March 2014, 10:59 AM

When I go into Tourneau, I get great customer service:
1.. The salesman started yesterday and can't spell Rolex
2. Price increase coming next week, buy now routine.
3. List price plus sales tax, no problem here, I have a money tree in my backyard.
4. Wait list for a watch I can buy on TRF immediately.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 10:59 AM

i definitely see the flipping angle. I agree. you'd definitely get hosed with an AD.
maybe an AD makes sense for the first one.

nygo · 24 March 2014, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillA

When I go into Tourneau, I get great customer service:
1.. The salesman started yesterday and can't spell Rolex
2. Price increase coming next week, buy now routine.
3. List price plus sales tax, no problem here, I have a money tree in my backyard.
4. Wait list for a watch I can buy on TRF immediately.

ha maybe i should've said "except Tourneau" ha. I agree. they are pretty bad

24 March 2014, 10:16 AM	#1
nygo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York Watch: Milgauss Posts: 297	Why NOT go to the AD? I've heard price. Why pay full price if you can get X amount cheaper from X on the forum. When I bought my first Rolex, it was all about the experience. I went into Wempe. Was offered chocolates and Pellegrino. I didn't make a purchase that day -- didn't feel pressured. Came back another weekend, tried on a few watches. Some not even Rolex. Then finally when I was about to make my purchase, the sales person insisted I take my time. No rush. When I finally pulled the trigger, I was offered Veuve Clicquot and even had the watch boxed and gift wrapped. Now, THATs a luxury experience. When you think Rolex, don't you just think luxury and luxury experience? About building a rapport with a salesperson? Or am I just old fashioned? And, has it all just come down to the absolute lowest price?

24 March 2014, 10:38 AM	#15
thomaspp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 11,137	I have a good relationship with my grey market dealer. Great customer service too. True he doesn't provide champagne, but will respond to my emails and calls almost 24/7 and will ship pretty much instantly upon my confirmation. Hard to justify buying from and AD with additional margin and tax... __________________ Instagram: @watches_anonymous

24 March 2014, 10:46 AM	#20
SaddleSC "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Charles B Location: GMT -7 Watch: Hulk 116610LV Posts: 6,148	I buy all of my Rolex from DavidSW and he offers impeccable customer service and his selection is as broad as any AD I have ever been to, not to mention the fact that he is available practically 24/7. The money saved is just the icing on the cake. __________________ Hulk 116610LV + GMT II 126710 BLNR + Explorer 124270 + Air King 126900 + Submariner 16613LB

24 March 2014, 10:46 AM	#21
Nissanzx1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Grant Holthaus Location: Kansas Watch: Rolex Most Days... Posts: 237	I guess everyone thinks differently about this sort of thing. Personally, if I just purchased a watch and am offered chocolates and Champagne, I would think I just payed too much. I don't care to help the sales person make his Audi payments. Or House payments, or child support payments, etc. Call me greedy or a cheapskate, but I want every dollar I spend to go toward the watches I love... To each his own. It's your money, spend it how you like. Luxury at retail always comes with it's price. -GH __________________ 1501 in YG 1803 in YG Vintage BB, Patek 3646, JLC Res de Marche, 16700 15200, 16233, 16234, 16610, 16613, 16600, 16570, Omega Man On The Moon, Asst'd Vintage Chrono's

24 March 2014, 10:58 AM	#27
superdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,883	Yes. I actually agree. I enjoy the luxury behind it. But I'm one of this flippers mentioned above. I'd get killed if I bought new from AD every time. But in most cases, I agree with you completely. __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

24 March 2014, 10:18 AM	#3
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: MQ-24-7B2LLJF Posts: 28,988	Depends if you can afford it. 20% of a Rolex buys a lot of chocolates and champagne. For me, its all about the watch.

24 March 2014, 10:20 AM	#4
codecow 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Louis Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: Le Mans Posts: 5,499	Nygo, I agree price isn't everything. I buy my pieces from a single salesperson at Shreve & Co. and even though I'm not getting the best price I like my salesperson, I like the store, I like the treatment I get, and I love the special events. Last year I went to two Panerai events, a Wellendorff event at the Ritz in downtown SF, and an awesome Rolex event for America's Cup.

24 March 2014, 10:22 AM	#7
jjnd08 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: United States Posts: 8,615	To me it's about customer service and price. I get great customer service from my grey dealer, and I don't have to drive anywhere. I tell him what I want, and it arrives sized at my front door. To me, that's a great experience. I can buy chocolates and champagne on my own.

24 March 2014, 10:26 AM	#8
nygo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York Watch: Milgauss Posts: 297	well you don't necessarily have to drive anywhere for an AD either. You can phone them up, right? AND have it shipped... And, I mean, it's not literally about chocolates and champagne. Obviously. But, about customer service and selection. Besides, I'll bet most people go to ADs to try on watches anyway.

24 March 2014, 10:31 AM	#10
nygo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York Watch: Milgauss Posts: 297	fair enough. good point.

24 March 2014, 10:34 AM	#11
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,452	I agree I rather have customer service and price I'm lucky my AD takes care of me so I have no worries when it comes down to price

24 March 2014, 10:35 AM	#13
eteokles "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Matt Location: California Posts: 162	I agree that it's a great experience for the first purchase - I bought my current watch from an AD. For subsequent purchases, price may come into play more since the experience has already been had.

24 March 2014, 10:39 AM	#16
ronricks 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ATL Watch: 126610LV Posts: 2,797	I like saving money and having a positive experience using the Trusted Sellers here. This is a great community why not support it? I can buy a van full of chocolate and champaign with my savings.

24 March 2014, 10:42 AM	#17
nygo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York Watch: Milgauss Posts: 297	ok ok.. imagine no chocolate and champaign. sheesh. haha

24 March 2014, 10:43 AM	#18
Spartacus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: DC Watch: Daytona Posts: 2,755	I went to an AD to purchase my Rolex, it was a great experience. One of many things that the AD allows me to do that online or third party retailers are unable to provide is the ability to handle any and all the watches I want. The ability to hold two watches you are deciding between, let them rest on your wrist and then decide is priceless to me. Even further, the AD perfectly sized my the bracelet. All things considered, the service, the pre-sale exploration element is what I value the most. I am sure I am in the minority, but I find the constant discussion of discounting to be cheapening the brand and the value of our watches. The more the forums support discounting, third party resellers, the further the value of Rolex and our watches depreciate. If you want a discount, buy an Omega or Tag.

24 March 2014, 10:51 AM	#22
BillA 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,990	If you wear the box of chocolates, champagne on your wrist, then it is a great deal. I personally leave the Rolex box in the drawer and put the watch in it when I am on vacation. Perhaps it looks good with a jubilee bracelet on it

24 March 2014, 10:56 AM	#26
nygo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York Watch: Milgauss Posts: 297	maybe this is more like getting a BMW. you can always do European Delivery for the "experience". interesting thoughts though. thanks guys.

24 March 2014, 10:59 AM	#28
BillA 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,990	When I go into Tourneau, I get great customer service: 1.. The salesman started yesterday and can't spell Rolex 2. Price increase coming next week, buy now routine. 3. List price plus sales tax, no problem here, I have a money tree in my backyard. 4. Wait list for a watch I can buy on TRF immediately.

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