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sfnyc · 2 September 2018, 04:41 AM

I was out in SF recently, going to a number of shops to try some pieces on, see what was new, etc.

When I arrived at Shreve, I felt like it must have been my lucky day - they had a white 116500 in stock. I tried it on and fell in love immediately. However, when I told the salesperson I'd purchase it, they replied it's "for display only" (?!). Knowing there isn't an allocation for "display pieces", I pushed a bit, but they stuck by their story.

While many pieces are hard to get, and there are always those mystery "lists" we all get on, I've never before seen a situation where you can try something on that's right there in front of you, but be refused a sale with a bogus reason.

It's hard enough for us to get watches from ADs as it is, but when you can go into a shop, try something on and still not be allowed to make a purchase, what's the point in even going to somewhere like Shreve in the first place?

Danny83 · 2 September 2018, 04:43 AM

I doubt anywhere in America will have a 116500 on display ....well thats for sale at msrp. Especially in San Francisco

doboy007 · 2 September 2018, 04:46 AM

I'm sure they'll let you buy it with a purchase of a platinum piece

Hx2 · 2 September 2018, 04:55 AM

It’s clear it’s just a ‘display item’, until you commit to buying a pm watch.
It’s their polite way of bundling, without actually saying it. I’m sure it’d be offered to you, should you show interest, whilst purchasing, say a Day Date.

They’re well aware of the possible repercussions, of flat out saying they’ll only sell it to you as part of a package.

subtona · 2 September 2018, 05:15 AM

based on this i wouldn't trash talk the place.

2th_doc · 2 September 2018, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subtona

based on this i wouldn't trash talk the place.

Agree. Isn’t this against forum rules??

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WJGESQ · 2 September 2018, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2th_doc

Agree. Isn’t this against forum rules??

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OP didn't bash.

Told a presumably factual account.

Far cry from bashing.

travisb · 2 September 2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subtona

based on this i wouldn't trash talk the place.

I agree with Gus. It is poor form on their part but not something worthy of trashing them.

jmrxtr · 2 September 2018, 05:18 AM

hard to find pieces - i always ask if it's available before i get my hopes up

GB-man · 2 September 2018, 05:21 AM

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

ferrissteve11 · 2 September 2018, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-man

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

Thats hilarious

Seaborn · 2 September 2018, 06:43 AM

I don’t know Shreve. I’m glad they are reputable as you say. I’m purely commenting on the practice.

IF the piece was listed as “display only” and NOT for sale then I would agree that it is dealers prerogative to keep a piece for the wow factor.

However, if the piece is for sale and is found open in a case then I’m not sure hey able to to pick and choose to whom the piece is sold. Again, it is my understanding that this is why dealers keep piece out of the case so that they can negotiate them and/or keep them for selected customers.

To not sell a piece that is open to the public - in a case - based on hair style, eye color, or reputation with the AD can and may be considered by some to be discriminatory.

Again, as they are reputable, I’m sure the fine folks at Shreve are not practicing this way and the piece is solely for display.

Frank McKay · 2 September 2018, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrissteve11

Thats hilarious

Genius! ROFL

kauffee · 2 September 2018, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-man

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

This is actually not a bad idea. “Oh god I’m so sorry I damaged the watch. Well I guess I’ll just have to pay you for it then and get it repaired on my own dime. Here’s a check for $12,400. Again, so sorry about that.”

jkim1027 · 2 September 2018, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb-man

you should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

this

SG56 · 2 September 2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subtona

based on this i wouldn't trash talk the place.

Agreed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-man

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

Lol

You know, I actually wish they all had display pieces so you can at least try the damn thing on, before making a deposit for an unknown period.

To this day I haven't tried on the black one, and the only reason I tried the white, is because of people that I met who let me try on their watch.

JimSnyder · 2 September 2018, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-man

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

That made me smile

SearChart · 2 September 2018, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-man

You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol

Genius!

GB-man · 2 September 2018, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SearChart

Genius!

Tried that at the Lange boutique with a Dato up down Pt unfortunately I caught it :

sgarrity · 2 September 2018, 05:26 AM

It will be interesting to see how this strategy ultimately works for Rolex and the ADs. They’re certainly not building any brand goodwill....

Nikrnic · 2 September 2018, 05:34 AM

Most hot pieces are kept in the back, not on display. It seems like it was out there as bait.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

rgwrjs · 2 September 2018, 05:38 AM

I do not think the OP qualifies of trash talking. He/she was commenting on their experience.

Seaborn · 2 September 2018, 05:58 AM

This is interesting.

I was under the impression that sought after pieces are not kept in the display case because if they were then the dealer is obligated to sell the piece regardless of the buyer’s standing with said dealer.

I was informed of the above by an AD.

Again, just what I heard... I am not attempting to quote laws, etc.

jon_jon · 2 September 2018, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaborn

This is interesting.

I was under the impression that sought after pieces are not kept in the display case because if they were then the dealer is obligated to sell the piece regardless of the buyer’s standing with said dealer.

I was informed of the above by an AD.

Again, just what I heard... I am not attempting to quote laws, etc.

I doubt any dealer is "obligated to sell" any piece they have on display. They often keep the watch in the back because the VIP buyers that the watch is saved for don't want the watch tried on by 100s of people. It is also to prevent people like OP being not only disappointed, but very upset the dealer won't sell this specific watch to him.

AFAIK Shreve SF is a very reputable AD and many forum members are clients of the AD.

Hx2 · 2 September 2018, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Most hot pieces are kept in the back, not on display. It seems like it was out there as bait.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Exactly this

AK797 · 2 September 2018, 06:05 AM

If you actually had the cash and put it on the table, and then ran out with the watch is that actually theft? Would the police care? It would be such a weird case.

SWISSAHOLICS · 2 September 2018, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK797

If you actually had the cash and put it on the table, and then ran out with the watch is that actually theft? Would the police care? It would be such a weird case.

Neil, he would have to come back for the box and papers

Burlington · 2 September 2018, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK797

If you actually had the cash and put it on the table, and then ran out with the watch is that actually theft? Would the police care? It would be such a weird case.

I think technically yes it would be theft as there was no contract of sale. Particularly as the ‘value’ of said piece is so far over MSRP.

2nastie · 2 September 2018, 06:07 AM

I’m sorry but I don’t think “trash talking” or “avoiding” this particular AD based on what you said is warranted.

If they didn’t advertise it as a for sale item at any point (while some are only speculating that they are requesting a PM purchase first) then the watch is not available. The haven’t gone off the books based on the information given by saying it’s display only. It could’ve been an owner’s watch who left it in store for customers to see and try.

It’s no different then going to a Basel preview at an AD a requesting a display watch then and there (be it the watches have no movement anyways). Or walking into a car showroom and have a model that can be test driven or sat in but not available. Watch is not available, don’t get worked up about.

Seibei · 2 September 2018, 06:09 AM

I am not sure what part of "for display only" the OP did not understand. I suggest this entire thread be removed.

2 September 2018, 04:41 AM	#1
sfnyc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SF Watch: JLC Deep Sea Chron Posts: 14	Avoid Shreve San Francisco I was out in SF recently, going to a number of shops to try some pieces on, see what was new, etc. When I arrived at Shreve, I felt like it must have been my lucky day - they had a white 116500 in stock. I tried it on and fell in love immediately. However, when I told the salesperson I'd purchase it, they replied it's "for display only" (?!). Knowing there isn't an allocation for "display pieces", I pushed a bit, but they stuck by their story. While many pieces are hard to get, and there are always those mystery "lists" we all get on, I've never before seen a situation where you can try something on that's right there in front of you, but be refused a sale with a bogus reason. It's hard enough for us to get watches from ADs as it is, but when you can go into a shop, try something on and still not be allowed to make a purchase, what's the point in even going to somewhere like Shreve in the first place?

2 September 2018, 04:55 AM	#4
Hx2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Isle of Man Posts: 103	It’s clear it’s just a ‘display item’, until you commit to buying a pm watch. It’s their polite way of bundling, without actually saying it. I’m sure it’d be offered to you, should you show interest, whilst purchasing, say a Day Date. They’re well aware of the possible repercussions, of flat out saying they’ll only sell it to you as part of a package. __________________ ♛ 116520 (W) ♛ 116500 (B)

2 September 2018, 05:15 AM	#5
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,601	based on this i wouldn't trash talk the place. __________________

2 September 2018, 05:21 AM	#10
GB-man 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,355	You should have dropped it on the floor. You break you buy! Lol __________________

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2 September 2018, 04:43 AM	#2
Danny83 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: Danny Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Yellow Gold Posts: 20,314	I doubt anywhere in America will have a 116500 on display ....well thats for sale at msrp. Especially in San Francisco

2 September 2018, 04:46 AM	#3
doboy007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: SD, CA Watch: BLNR/LVc/SkyD/ND41 Posts: 2,519	I'm sure they'll let you buy it with a purchase of a platinum piece

2 September 2018, 05:18 AM	#9
jmrxtr "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Real Name: Jon Location: Portland, OR Watch: PamRolexIWC Posts: 649	hard to find pieces - i always ask if it's available before i get my hopes up

2 September 2018, 06:43 AM	#12
Seaborn "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: US Watch: BLNR Posts: 400	I don’t know Shreve. I’m glad they are reputable as you say. I’m purely commenting on the practice. IF the piece was listed as “display only” and NOT for sale then I would agree that it is dealers prerogative to keep a piece for the wow factor. However, if the piece is for sale and is found open in a case then I’m not sure hey able to to pick and choose to whom the piece is sold. Again, it is my understanding that this is why dealers keep piece out of the case so that they can negotiate them and/or keep them for selected customers. To not sell a piece that is open to the public - in a case - based on hair style, eye color, or reputation with the AD can and may be considered by some to be discriminatory. Again, as they are reputable, I’m sure the fine folks at Shreve are not practicing this way and the piece is solely for display.

2 September 2018, 05:26 AM	#20
sgarrity "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Explorer Posts: 258	It will be interesting to see how this strategy ultimately works for Rolex and the ADs. They’re certainly not building any brand goodwill....

2 September 2018, 05:34 AM	#21
Nikrnic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: Louis Nick Ric Location: Michigan, USA Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs, Posts: 10,172	Most hot pieces are kept in the back, not on display. It seems like it was out there as bait. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

2 September 2018, 05:38 AM	#22
rgwrjs "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: DMV Watch: Platinum DD 40 Posts: 18	I do not think the OP qualifies of trash talking. He/she was commenting on their experience.

2 September 2018, 05:58 AM	#23
Seaborn "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: US Watch: BLNR Posts: 400	This is interesting. I was under the impression that sought after pieces are not kept in the display case because if they were then the dealer is obligated to sell the piece regardless of the buyer’s standing with said dealer. I was informed of the above by an AD. Again, just what I heard... I am not attempting to quote laws, etc.

2 September 2018, 06:05 AM	#26
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	If you actually had the cash and put it on the table, and then ran out with the watch is that actually theft? Would the police care? It would be such a weird case.

2 September 2018, 06:07 AM	#29
2nastie "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: YVR Watch: Time Only Posts: 2,332	I’m sorry but I don’t think “trash talking” or “avoiding” this particular AD based on what you said is warranted. If they didn’t advertise it as a for sale item at any point (while some are only speculating that they are requesting a PM purchase first) then the watch is not available. The haven’t gone off the books based on the information given by saying it’s display only. It could’ve been an owner’s watch who left it in store for customers to see and try. It’s no different then going to a Basel preview at an AD a requesting a display watch then and there (be it the watches have no movement anyways). Or walking into a car showroom and have a model that can be test driven or sat in but not available. Watch is not available, don’t get worked up about.

2 September 2018, 06:09 AM	#30
Seibei Banned Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: New Zealand Watch: 114060 Posts: 2,630	I am not sure what part of "for display only" the OP did not understand. I suggest this entire thread be removed.

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