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Mort · 8 May 2009, 05:28 AM

Today I had a customer in looking at Mont Blanc pens and a few other ones and he was a pretty nice customer. He liked several models of the Mont Blanc's I was showing him including a couple of the Writers Series.

We got on the discusion of why MB seems to be so popular and be able to come out with a limited edition of 17000 pens and sell out of each edition. We also discussed how most of these hold their value or go up.

He was in agreement about MB and said "yea kind of like Rolex which are junk". I had to think about it for a second to see if that is what he just said. In my business I meet a lot of watch people many who have super watch collections that I could dream of owning, so I get to have a good bit of watch talk amoug my pen sales. So after he said that, I expected him to say something like Rolex's are junk compaired to my Patek or give a compairison to his very untrue statement which he did not.

Most of the time with customers, I would not argue such a statement, just for the fact that he is a customer and is not here for my watch opinion but to buy a pen. Still I had to say something, so I asked why he would make such a statement. He said he had a GMT and it kept horrible time and thought they were not good watches. I then told him my experience was just the opposite and kind of let him know I like Rolex and why. He could see my point, but felt that Rolex were over priced and he was turned off to the brand.

While I was ringing him up and he was telling me he had a hard time finding a watch he liked.So I said maybe he should look at Omega or similar if he likes a GMT functions. He told me he likes very simple watches. He then lifted up his cuff and showed me his watch, it was not a VC, PAM, Omega or any other watch WIS's like us would know or respect after a Rolex dissing. It was a Mont Blanc Star model. I couldnt tell if it was an auto or quartz as I was too busy finishing up the transaction.

I did not to act like a watch snob and chalked it up to not everyone is a Rolex person, nor should you try to convert someone that just does not get the attraction.

watchnut · 8 May 2009, 05:36 AM

You can't antagonize a customer but you were wise to at least find out where he was coming from. Obviously Rolex is not everyones cup of tea, but I can't see how anyone who has handled one could call it junk. They feel like quality so much more than a run of the mill watch. I have seen a Mont Blanc watch in an ad that was cool looking though. Wonder what price range they are? I believe the one I saw was a chrono and had a great dial.

Yume-sama · 8 May 2009, 05:37 AM

In the scheme of things, Mont Blanc must be junk, too.

Tools · 8 May 2009, 05:41 AM

Let me think..........

The guy drops a couple of Benjamin's on a Mont Blanc Pen when a Bic will do just fine... But he dissed a Rolex because they might be overpriced....

Is that about right...........

Yume-sama · 8 May 2009, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Let me think..........

The guy drops a couple of Benjamin's on a Mont Blanc Pen when a Bic will do just fine... But he dissed a Rolex because they might be overpriced....

Is that about right...........

And mass produced, too.

rkot07 · 8 May 2009, 05:41 AM

Interesting story, and your right some people aren’t Rolex fans (probably most). I had a person who sold watches (not Rolex) tell me Rolex watches were only for drug dealers... (geeze what a statement saying I was in there with my Rolex on)

Anyways about Mont Blanc pens interesting you said "We also discussed how most of these hold their value or go up."
I own a BP Starwalker (Metal and Rubber) use it every day and love it, I wanted the Black Starwalker Fine liner but thought it was just too light.
Do you suppose these hold their value?

rajurama · 8 May 2009, 05:49 AM

well im also into sales and apparently I also get many clients who would look at my watch and make comments, usually i have only received positive. you handled the situation well.. every individuals have their point of views n likes...

Mort · 8 May 2009, 05:49 AM

The model he was wearing sells for 2000 if it was the Auntomatic and 1700 if it was quartz and MB does make some really high dollar stuff. But from what the jewelers have told me that sell them, they are hard to move compaired to say Tag or Omega.

rajurama · 8 May 2009, 05:54 AM

yep i own a mont blanc quartz its with a black bezel... gets no wrist time at all ;) I just bought it on an impulse as it looks good...

Mort · 8 May 2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkot07

Interesting story, and your right some people aren’t Rolex fans (probably most). I had a person who sold watches (not Rolex) tell me Rolex watches were only for drug dealers... (geeze what a statement saying I was in there with my Rolex on)

Anyways about Mont Blanc pens interesting you said "We also discussed how most of these hold their value or go up."
I own a BP Starwalker (Metal and Rubber) use it every day and love it, I wanted the Black Starwalker Fine liner but thought it was just too light.
Do you suppose these hold their value?

Yea, I had my DD under my cuff at the time. As far as MB holding their value. The regular stuff meaning the non limiteds hold their value better compaired to a Parker or Cross does. If you paid $350 of a new MB you could get about $225 for it used for a non limited edition. Some other pens really loose value similar to resale of a used Rolex vs a used Omega.

PalmSpringsCaVault · 8 May 2009, 05:59 AM

(1 John 2:19) 19 They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But [they went out] that it might be shown up that not all are of our sort.

2th Dr · 8 May 2009, 06:14 AM

I had a saleman at a Mont Blanc Boutique try to sell me a gold Mont Blanc Watch on an Alligator strap. I told him I was holding out for a Rolex, but hadn't decided on which one I wanted (I got the Yacht-Master). He told me "Look at what you can get for a lot less than a Rolex". I thought "Dude! You just don't get it!", but I didn't say anything, and instead just bought a few refills for my rollerballs.

charliec · 8 May 2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Let me think..........

The guy drops a couple of Benjamin's on a Mont Blanc Pen when a Bic will do just fine... But he dissed a Rolex because they might be overpriced....

Is that about right...........

Tools · 8 May 2009, 06:19 AM

I almost got a Mont Blanc Chronograph at a half off sale..

But I just dragged my feet too long and it was gone... However, I don't kick myself for missing out where I might have it it was a Daytona at half off.

watchnut · 8 May 2009, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PalmSpringsCaVault

(1 John 2:19) 19*They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But [they went out] that it might be shown up that not all are of our sort.

Yea, verily!

landroverking · 8 May 2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Let me think..........

The guy drops a couple of Benjamin's on a Mont Blanc Pen when a Bic will do just fine... But he dissed a Rolex because they might be overpriced....

Is that about right...........

Right on Larry ....All I can add is well "flip my Bic"

allanofcalifornia · 8 May 2009, 06:52 AM

I think some people think that the Rolex watch is a lousy watch and is only expensive because it represents a status symbol and not because it is a good watch. Some people think that the only reason anyone buys a Rolex is to show off.

Allan

Bebot · 8 May 2009, 08:05 AM

WOW!!! Coincident?

A buddy of mine and I was shopping for his watch just this past weekend. And he decided to pull a trigger on a MB Auto. Sports Chrono with rubber strap. I told him that for a few more dollars he could have a Rolex or Panerai. He said naaaah!!! They're for status symbol people.

He also said that I already have Rolex.

johnswatch · 8 May 2009, 08:15 AM

Interesting.

I was blown away by the new MB models when I viewed them at a local AD. The case and bracelet quality were certainly superior to Rolex.

The product really was exceptional. At that price point you can't go wrong.

GerardoG · 8 May 2009, 08:40 AM

Mort: You are a gentleman. Most of us would just have punched him in the face. (kidding.....or not

)

diablojota · 8 May 2009, 08:45 AM

I have to admit. Mont Blanc watches are just not my thing. I personally find them to be overpriced for what they are. No offense to anyone who has one. Mont Blanc to me means a PEN company, not a watch or leather maker, even though they have entered these lines of business. Yes, their pens are fabulous, but give a Rolex any day over one of the MB lines of watches.

GoldenBear · 8 May 2009, 08:48 AM

The customer is always right. As the employee you can't speak your mind. Clearly, the guy had issues.

Wildwing · 8 May 2009, 11:58 AM

I've also heard the Mont Blanc pens break rather easily. Go figure.

camfam · 8 May 2009, 01:12 PM

Just another Luxury "brand" coming up with a way to exploit their name. they should partner with Rolex for a MB special edition or something like that. At least they would keep integrity.

Cam

diablojota · 8 May 2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildwing

I've also heard the Mont Blanc pens break rather easily. Go figure.

I guess it depends. I've abused the crap out of mine without issue.

bodybump · 8 May 2009, 02:14 PM

Speaking of Mont Blanc Pen...somebody drop a Meisterstuck where i work..it was a small like ladies type kind of pen..so i gave it to my wife...2 days ago we went to orlando after the water park we hit the mall...and my wife told me i need refill on the MB pen..so i bought a refill and saw the exact pen on the store ..when i ask the lady how much was it it was a Whooping $350....Oh my..and the one that caught my eye was the Starwalker rubber...Mort you think you would be able to give me a discount??

Imtiaz · 8 May 2009, 03:06 PM

Mort, as we say "One swallow does not make Spring".

One guy saying Rolex is junk does not mean the whole world thinks Rolex is junk.

The GMT master is a fine machine. Testing if it is keeping good time takes about 3 or 4 minutes to do at any good watch makers.

Shame the chap has a fine watch but does not want to maintain it.

8 May 2009, 05:28 AM	#1
Mort "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,001	Rolex is Junk? what the... Today I had a customer in looking at Mont Blanc pens and a few other ones and he was a pretty nice customer. He liked several models of the Mont Blanc's I was showing him including a couple of the Writers Series. We got on the discusion of why MB seems to be so popular and be able to come out with a limited edition of 17000 pens and sell out of each edition. We also discussed how most of these hold their value or go up. He was in agreement about MB and said "yea kind of like Rolex which are junk". I had to think about it for a second to see if that is what he just said. In my business I meet a lot of watch people many who have super watch collections that I could dream of owning, so I get to have a good bit of watch talk amoug my pen sales. So after he said that, I expected him to say something like Rolex's are junk compaired to my Patek or give a compairison to his very untrue statement which he did not. Most of the time with customers, I would not argue such a statement, just for the fact that he is a customer and is not here for my watch opinion but to buy a pen. Still I had to say something, so I asked why he would make such a statement. He said he had a GMT and it kept horrible time and thought they were not good watches. I then told him my experience was just the opposite and kind of let him know I like Rolex and why. He could see my point, but felt that Rolex were over priced and he was turned off to the brand. While I was ringing him up and he was telling me he had a hard time finding a watch he liked.So I said maybe he should look at Omega or similar if he likes a GMT functions. He told me he likes very simple watches. He then lifted up his cuff and showed me his watch, it was not a VC, PAM, Omega or any other watch WIS's like us would know or respect after a Rolex dissing. It was a Mont Blanc Star model. I couldnt tell if it was an auto or quartz as I was too busy finishing up the transaction. I did not to act like a watch snob and chalked it up to not everyone is a Rolex person, nor should you try to convert someone that just does not get the attraction. __________________ Collection Stainless DJ II Rhodium with Arabic Dial 116334, Longines RG Master Collection Chronograph Triple Date Moon, Maurice Lacroix TT Masterpiece Triple Date Moon, Vintage Gallet SS Flying Officer Chronograph

8 May 2009, 05:36 AM	#2
watchnut "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: David Location: SW Fla Watch: SS Daytona & TT DJ Posts: 1,430	You can't antagonize a customer but you were wise to at least find out where he was coming from. Obviously Rolex is not everyones cup of tea, but I can't see how anyone who has handled one could call it junk. They feel like quality so much more than a run of the mill watch. I have seen a Mont Blanc watch in an ad that was cool looking though. Wonder what price range they are? I believe the one I saw was a chrono and had a great dial. __________________ "Ever higher. Ever better": Patrick Heiniger

8 May 2009, 05:41 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	Let me think.......... The guy drops a couple of Benjamin's on a Mont Blanc Pen when a Bic will do just fine... But he dissed a Rolex because they might be overpriced.... Is that about right........... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

8 May 2009, 05:49 AM	#8
Mort "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,001	The model he was wearing sells for 2000 if it was the Auntomatic and 1700 if it was quartz and MB does make some really high dollar stuff. But from what the jewelers have told me that sell them, they are hard to move compaired to say Tag or Omega. __________________ Collection Stainless DJ II Rhodium with Arabic Dial 116334, Longines RG Master Collection Chronograph Triple Date Moon, Maurice Lacroix TT Masterpiece Triple Date Moon, Vintage Gallet SS Flying Officer Chronograph

8 May 2009, 06:19 AM	#14
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	I almost got a Mont Blanc Chronograph at a half off sale.. But I just dragged my feet too long and it was gone... However, I don't kick myself for missing out where I might have it it was a Daytona at half off. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

8 May 2009, 05:37 AM	#3
Yume-sama "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: CAN / SIN Watch: Plat. Masterpiece Posts: 1,959	In the scheme of things, Mont Blanc must be junk, too.

8 May 2009, 05:41 AM	#6
rkot07 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Rick Location: California Watch: GMT II, DD, DJ II Posts: 591	Interesting story, and your right some people aren’t Rolex fans (probably most). I had a person who sold watches (not Rolex) tell me Rolex watches were only for drug dealers... (geeze what a statement saying I was in there with my Rolex on) Anyways about Mont Blanc pens interesting you said "We also discussed how most of these hold their value or go up." I own a BP Starwalker (Metal and Rubber) use it every day and love it, I wanted the Black Starwalker Fine liner but thought it was just too light. Do you suppose these hold their value?

8 May 2009, 05:49 AM	#7
rajurama "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: Wakanda Watch: amacallit Posts: 2,088	well im also into sales and apparently I also get many clients who would look at my watch and make comments, usually i have only received positive. you handled the situation well.. every individuals have their point of views n likes...

8 May 2009, 05:54 AM	#9
rajurama "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: Wakanda Watch: amacallit Posts: 2,088	yep i own a mont blanc quartz its with a black bezel... gets no wrist time at all ;) I just bought it on an impulse as it looks good...

8 May 2009, 05:59 AM	#11
PalmSpringsCaVault Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: palm springs CA Watch: Plat.118296DayDate Posts: 192	(1 John 2:19) 19 They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But [they went out] that it might be shown up that not all are of our sort.

8 May 2009, 06:14 AM	#12
2th Dr Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Mark-O! Location: Arlington, TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 12,714	I had a saleman at a Mont Blanc Boutique try to sell me a gold Mont Blanc Watch on an Alligator strap. I told him I was holding out for a Rolex, but hadn't decided on which one I wanted (I got the Yacht-Master). He told me "Look at what you can get for a lot less than a Rolex". I thought "Dude! You just don't get it!", but I didn't say anything, and instead just bought a few refills for my rollerballs.

8 May 2009, 06:52 AM	#17
allanofcalifornia "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Allan Location: California Posts: 3,210	I think some people think that the Rolex watch is a lousy watch and is only expensive because it represents a status symbol and not because it is a good watch. Some people think that the only reason anyone buys a Rolex is to show off. Allan

8 May 2009, 08:05 AM	#18
Bebot "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Emil Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: U macallit Posts: 2,645	WOW!!! Coincident? A buddy of mine and I was shopping for his watch just this past weekend. And he decided to pull a trigger on a MB Auto. Sports Chrono with rubber strap. I told him that for a few more dollars he could have a Rolex or Panerai. He said naaaah!!! They're for status symbol people. He also said that I already have Rolex.

8 May 2009, 08:15 AM	#19
johnswatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a dream world Posts: 488	Interesting. I was blown away by the new MB models when I viewed them at a local AD. The case and bracelet quality were certainly superior to Rolex. The product really was exceptional. At that price point you can't go wrong.

8 May 2009, 08:40 AM	#20
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Mort: You are a gentleman. Most of us would just have punched him in the face. (kidding.....or not )

8 May 2009, 08:45 AM	#21
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	I have to admit. Mont Blanc watches are just not my thing. I personally find them to be overpriced for what they are. No offense to anyone who has one. Mont Blanc to me means a PEN company, not a watch or leather maker, even though they have entered these lines of business. Yes, their pens are fabulous, but give a Rolex any day over one of the MB lines of watches. __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

8 May 2009, 08:48 AM	#22
GoldenBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,480	The customer is always right. As the employee you can't speak your mind. Clearly, the guy had issues. __________________ ____________________________________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner Rolex SS Submariner Breitling Emergency Mission They are just watches, wear 'em. ____________________________________________

8 May 2009, 11:58 AM	#23
Wildwing "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 593	I've also heard the Mont Blanc pens break rather easily. Go figure.

8 May 2009, 01:12 PM	#24
camfam Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 21	Mont Blanc Watches are a joke. Just another Luxury "brand" coming up with a way to exploit their name. they should partner with Rolex for a MB special edition or something like that. At least they would keep integrity. Cam

8 May 2009, 02:14 PM	#26
bodybump ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Oscar Location: Florida Watch: Me!!! Posts: 23,233	Speaking of Mont Blanc Pen...somebody drop a Meisterstuck where i work..it was a small like ladies type kind of pen..so i gave it to my wife...2 days ago we went to orlando after the water park we hit the mall...and my wife told me i need refill on the MB pen..so i bought a refill and saw the exact pen on the store ..when i ask the lady how much was it it was a Whooping $350....Oh my..and the one that caught my eye was the Starwalker rubber...Mort you think you would be able to give me a discount?? __________________

8 May 2009, 03:06 PM	#27
Imtiaz Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: De Location: Tokyo Watch: Daytona, Sub, DS, Posts: 1,046	Mort, as we say "One swallow does not make Spring". One guy saying Rolex is junk does not mean the whole world thinks Rolex is junk. The GMT master is a fine machine. Testing if it is keeping good time takes about 3 or 4 minutes to do at any good watch makers. Shame the chap has a fine watch but does not want to maintain it.

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