AD dissapointment.

[shedlock2000]

So, Im in calagry, looking at expencive things for christmas, and after trauling around The Range Rover dealership, i wandered off to a Rolex and Omega dealership in downtown Calgary.

The store was nicely laid out, and plesant, it also had lots of sparkely twinkely things! MMmmmm.

My purpose, to look originally at the omega speedmaster GMT. They didnt have one, but they did have a few speedmaster examples which i did like. They even had the classic space watch now called 'patch' Very nice, and as I tried it on, I was very pleased with the feel. It was light and comfortable, and looked smart. They also had the new version, with the co-axial movement, and ceramic dial. (though at $12,000) However, it held no usability for me, as it had neither date, nor GMT function, and was not automatic. Though i have recently considered the watch, as a 'dress watch'

The reason for my dissapointment, was not the lack of the GMT, I had been searching for, nor my dissapointment with the GMT IIc in relation to the other Rolex watches in the cabinet (Just not as classy or sharp, and reconfirms my desire to return to the GMT II). I was rather dissapointed with the lack of knowledge by the staff, and a surely attitude at first to my interest in watches I felt they considered i could not afford.

I was greated friendly enough, and assistance was offered straight away, and by several very attractive shop assistance, but sadly they had little or no knowledge of the watches, or their movements.

Shortly after I was finding no answers to my questions, a gentleman joined me, he must have been a senior partner or salesperson. He attended to my questions, but even he knew little about the watches, and their functions, but was happy to promote glashute flyback watches even though they were not really what i was looking for (interesting to handle them though). He also flitted about the store, and wandered off whilst i was comparing the various speedmasters, rather than staying to confirm the deal. Wether this was done due to the salesperson originaly attending to me was entitled to her sales commision or not, i am not sure.

I was also very surprised that they were offering 20% discounts on omegas, and 15% on rolex's, which shocked me, as i thought they held their prices firm all over the world. They mentioned this was a christmas sale, but did under value my GMT IIc by a considerable ammount!

I was very dissapointed with the lack of information, and knowlege, also the dissapearing sales person, and (though this is purely a function) the lack of usability of the GMT complication in the omegas.

I was also not really considered as a serious purchaser until I took of my rolex GMT and put it on the counter to try on the speedmaster. As soon as they saw the watch I had, their attitude changed. I would rather have had their respect in the first place, rather than to earn it with pedigree from my watch and crediting me with knowlege of watches when i asked questions.

All in all, not a plesant experiance. Though i have been able to decide upon a second watch, if ever i choose to own one. I am recently interested in retraining, and if i come out of the transport industry, then i would certainly consider a speedmaster 'patch' as a wonderful time piece. That or a sub.

I just wanted to share this experiance with you all, and wondered if you have any similar of your own?

[jmsrolls]

Unfortunately, Steve, your experience has become more the rule rather than the exception.

Fortunately for me, I found an Omega AD many years ago who knew his product and considered his customers to be family. Although I check out Omegas at local stores, I always do business with my out-of-state Omega AD.

When I ventured back into Rolex-land last spring after a 20+ year hiatus, it was a rude awakening, literally and figuratively. After being poorly (even rudely) treated, mislead, and even lied to by nine Rolex ADs in five states, I went gray market. The GM dealer wanted my business, knew his business, and treated me as a valued customer.

Fr. John†

[lotuseater05]

I've too had a bad experience with a young assistant in an authorised dealer in Birmingham, UK - Watches of Switzerland for anyone who's interested. I'd gone it to look at a Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic that caught my eye in the Window.
I took off my '86 GMT II 16760 to try on the Panerai and the young assistant picked it up. He informed me that Rolex had never made a GMT II on a jubilee bracelet and was I aware that as a 'messed with model' Rolex probably wouldn't even service it. At this point I took off the Panerai and took back my GMT before pointing out to him that the watch had been serviced by Rolex every 5 years from new and that perhaps he should read up a bit more on his Rolex history before making such statements.
He didn't get the Panerai sale. I like my dealers to be a little better informed - and shaving.

[charliec]

Although my knowledge of watches is only a micro-nisim of most of you guys on this forum, I was offered a job on the spot whilst talking to the AD manager about Rolex in general a few weeks back. The AD was fascinated that so many people have real depth about watches that aren't necessarily in the watch (sales) business. He also pointed out that due to time constraints etc training and product knowledge was a thing of the past somewhat and that now sales staff were now mere glorified meet and greet people!!!

[Troy]

I know the dealer you were at I believe have to go upstairs to view the watches?

[toph]

good read Steve. Thanks.

There are 3 AD's that a regularly haunt in Glasgow. One is outsanding, one is quite good and one is hopeless... The sales assistant tried to tell me the sea dweller had no date and that the submariner only came with a date!!

[Quicksilver]

It's touch and go weather or not you get a sales person who knows what they are talking about. Despite that I have always had courteous service but it would be nice to be served by an expert.

With some of us that's never going to happen - I certainly don't count myself in this group but there are many on this forum who are leagues ahead in knowledge and could probably beat most AD's easily in terms of expertise. Serving a guy like that is always going to be difficult.

[Mike B]

The only AD near where I live here in CT (well, locally, within a 80 mile radius lol) is Lux Bond and Green. They are OK. I looked at a SD a little while back (about 5 months ago), and when I noticed it was a model with the green hologram on the back, I asked the lady what the letter of the serial the watch was. She had no clue, but got me an answer in 3 minutes. When I go into these AD's, I don't expect them to know everything, but a *little* knowledge at least of the products, and thier history would be a plus :)

[Atlanta]

Good story - goes to show the value of buying from someone that treats you with respect.

[BTSinAustin]

We were in Nassau 2 weeks ago and wandered into the AD downtown. I was amazed at the aggression. The staff new very little about the watches but knew a lot about commission. One woman asked me about 30 times in 2 minutes if I wanted to take a bluesy home.

[Kokyuryoku]

Last week at my local AD I asked the assistant to show me a SS Sub date, as she was taking it out of the display case she said "I think you can dive with this watch, but I'm not sure". I just smiled.

[CanuckRolex]

The one thing we need to realise is that most watch buyer know nothing about the watches they are buying and thus, most salesman have the same amoutn of knowledge.

Not every salesman can be a watch professional. But you guys are right, saying a customer's watch is not legit or them lacking basic watch knowledge is not right.

[The GMT Master]

I still think it's poor that the salesman can't be bothered to learn about the product they are selling. It's insulting to the customer and the brand, and wholly unprofessional. When I sell Rolexes, I make sure I know everything I possibly can, so I can talk to the greatest watch enthusiast or the complete knowledge - it makes me a more rounded salesman. Fine brands deserve fine salesmen, all you can ever do is strive to know as much as possible.

[Nakow]

A seasoned salesperson always stays calm and cooperative all the way ,regardless of knowing your buying intentions ,since he or she always considers you as a would be customer at any date and time .From my personal experience with new ADs never been so pleasant as ever because of their stupid curiousities regarding the instant purchase ,thats why I never bother dealing with unknown or new ADs .I have few stores where I visit more often and they have been nice to me always and they know when and what would be my next purchase sooner or later!

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Kokyuryoku

Last week at my local AD I asked the assistant to show me a SS Sub date, as she was taking it out of the display case she said "I think you can dive with this watch, but I'm not sure". I just smiled.

:chuck le:

[Perdu]

When Rolex pick the big chains over the small expert watch makers this is what happens. On another point in your post, yes, Omega need a new GMT, hopefully they will produce it with the new in house movement.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by lotuseater05

I've too had a bad experience with a young assistant in an authorised dealer in Birmingham, UK - Watches of Switzerland for anyone who's interested. I'd gone it to look at a Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic that caught my eye in the Window.
I took off my '86 GMT II 16760 to try on the Panerai and the young assistant picked it up. He informed me that Rolex had never made a GMT II on a jubilee bracelet and was I aware that as a 'messed with model' Rolex probably wouldn't even service it. At this point I took off the Panerai and took back my GMT before pointing out to him that the watch had been serviced by Rolex every 5 years from new and that perhaps he should read up a bit more on his Rolex history before making such statements.
He didn't get the Panerai sale. I like my dealers to be a little better informed - and shaving.

This is interesting as we recently bought a TT Datejust midsize from the same shop for my wife. This was a second hand watch. Both help and knowledge of the lady sales assistant were top notch. I would assume that this person was different to the person you saw as she definitely did not need a shave!!!!
It is a shame when one rotten apple spoils the barrel as I always go for a look here when in town.

PeterT

[Dan471]

I am in the same boat Steve. My local AD is terrible, I know I would have at least one or two more watches in my collection if they weren't downright awful.

[chazha]

In my world the best AD is the one who offer the highest discount. :-D

[shedlock2000]

Any one tell me if the 'xmas discount' is a normal thing?

[carbon6]

That's a great story that happens everywhere from buying electronics to cars. There are some good sales people, but oftentimes you'll get a sales person that's not too knowledgeable about the product they're selling. I had this guy once tell me to search about it on the internet. Wait, isn't that their job? My goal has always been to do the research first and if the sales person tells me something I don't know then he'll get my attention and possibly business. Otherwise this attitude of judging you by what you're wearing is poor business and sales practice on their part.

[ballain]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

Any one tell me if the 'xmas discount' is a normal thing?

Well my local AD had a 1 day sale the other day,
30% off everything in the store, including ALL the Rolexes;)

So theres nothing wrong with knocking 15%

[GradyPhilpott]

I think that it is best to just accept that we live in a WalMart world.

I love WalMart, but the only thing I really expect from the help is the location of the products.

I do copious research before I buy anything more complicated than a can of mixed vegetables and I don't expect any sales person in any venue to know more than where stuff is and what it cost--well, and how to ring up a sale, unless there are cashiers on staff.

This is a sad state of affairs, but it is the way it is.

[Beecher]

Originally Posted by BTSinAustin

We were in Nassau 2 weeks ago and wandered into the AD downtown. I was amazed at the aggression. The staff new very little about the watches but knew a lot about commission. One woman asked me about 30 times in 2 minutes if I wanted to take a bluesy home.

one of my locals is like that. Or I should say, can be like that. I went to the one clossest to me first, and already decided I would probably buy there, because i really liked the guy, and he had about 40 watches on display (he is also the owner, and sole employee).

I went to the other one, that is a bit further away, and in the opposite direction. The saleswomen asked me every 30seconds if i was buying today (I was trying on a SDDS), and then she asked about half a dozzen times if I wanted her to get the SD out of the safe, and I kept saying no because I had already tried one on, and would probably be the one i got, I was only there to see the SDDS). She was rather rude, but had no problem letting me try on a couple watches.

A couple days later I went back there (I worked just down the street), but just to look at Subs and SDs, side by side in the case. This time, I was in work cloths, dirty, wet, hair a mess, and i thought "this might be interesting." The women that came over this time, was as friendly as could be. we talked about numerous things, and went I went to leave, she gave me a Rolex catalog and pricelist.

I find it interesting the range of attitudes you can get, even at one AD (ive had that at car dealerships as well).

I guess that just means we al need to work at being informed buyers, which I suppose most of us are, and these people that work at these places are used to people that are just buying an expensive watch, not WISers. hahah

I wish us all the best of luck in finding ADs that we like!

Actually, what about starting some kind of thread, maybe inthe reference section, or maybe a whole new sub heading, about AD revues? I know one of my MINI cooper forums has that, and it is quite handy, most people dont have a choice in where they shop, but for those that do, it is really nice to check to see what AD is the best, and most deserving of your purchase. Just a thought

Beecher