Am I the only one that thinks these demo watches are dumb?

[golfsc]

Went to an AD today to look at watches. The had only four ladies watches for sale in the entire store, but they did have several demos of highly sought after watches including a Batman and Blue face Sky-Dweller. The AD explained these are the actual watches without the movement inside.

I guess Rolex is either trying to finally let us get to touch and feel these hard to get watches or they are tired of empty display cases.

Either way I think its silly to have watches on display that aren't real watches and watches you cant buy. They have really killed the watch shopping and buying experience

J

[Marcjvr]

Better than empty cases

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Better than empty cases

Agree.
How many times have we come across a post of someone asking about the fit, size and comfort of a particular Rolex reference only because he or she are unable to find one to try?

[fania123]

Went to a local AD to me and I asked him if he’ll be getting these demos to which he replied “I hope not.” He said he will have a flood of people come in for watches he knows he’ll never be able to get for them.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by fania123

Went to a local AD to me and I asked him if he’ll be getting these demos to which he replied “I hope not.” He said he will have a flood of people come in for watches he knows he’ll never be able to get for them.

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

I have to disagree. I moved a couple months ago but right before I left the “demo pieces” had just arrived at one AD in town. My AD, the highest volume AD and Rolex only Boutique, had at least at that point opted out. My SA who is anything but lazy and complacent also felt like demo pieces would just create more tension and hurt feelings. They move a lot of watches but just can’t have one for everyone.
Next time I hear from him I’ll ask if they ever got some and if he still feels the same.

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

If it’s an AD that sells a variety of brands, I agree. They would be wise to try and re-direct an interest in, say, a Submariner into a dive watch from Tudor/Omega/Panerai/etc. I’m sure many do try, and the good ones probably have some level of success.

On the other hand, I do feel bad for the SAs at Rolex boutiques. They sell their allotment of each shipment basically instantaneously and then have nothing more to do but open cases so that customers can try on watches that the SA will never be in a position to sell them.

[Bozack90]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

I wonder why you'd say that?

As for the op I am conflicted on it....

If you could actually place an order for one and have it arrive in some specified amount of time then I think the demo watches make sense as it ensures that you get a watch that isn't handled by countless people

But given the current state of things I agree that they aren't helpful, what is the point either for customers if they have nothing to sell you and can't add you to any kind of meaningful list.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

Exactly. That’s dozens of prospective jewelry buyers who’d never have come in otherwise. The other brands they sell should be eternally grateful as this is the type of exposure you can’t buy.

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by fania123

Went to a local AD to me and I asked him if he’ll be getting these demos to which he replied “I hope not.” He said he will have a flood of people come in for watches he knows he’ll never be able to get for them.

That’s an employee and not an owner. The business owner would welcome having the chance to get people into the store and spend time talking to them. Not everyone is a shifty flipper and there is plenty of other stuff to sell on the store, including watches. Good salespeople can generate interest in other watches, and there are many excellent ones made by other brands to at least try on. If it’s just a piker who is whining about a steel Daytona, then you can give him short shrift and spend time with people who are interesting to talk with and tell them about the JLC that you have in stock.

As for the display only watches, I like the idea of seeing how a watch will fit and look on the wrist before I buy it, even if it isn’t from that retailer. Nobody is forcing me to go in and try it on. Also, that Daytona wannabe might actually decide that he likes and wants a different Rolex model after trying it on.

[teck21]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

Nobody is forcing me to go in and try it on.

That’s right, it’s somewhat interesting how many people feel that they are being forced by their AD to do something or buy something.

ADs sure wish they had that kind of power.

I’m in the demo watches are good camp.


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[bellyen]

Seeing not one, but 5+ sports watches in a display case for the first time in at least a year and a half had my heart skip a beat when I first walked in.

I think it's a little silly, but it is still nice to have something to look at and try on.

[crew]

Originally Posted by bellyen

Seeing not one, but 5+ sports watches in a display case for the first time in at least a year and a half had my heart skip a beat when I first walked in.

I think it's a little silly, but it is still nice to have something to look at and try on.

I was in San Francisco last week and had the exact same reaction when I walked into Tourneau. I thought I had just gotten very lucky. Wrong. Display models only and no movement.
It was still nice to see though.

[SWS65SM]

There's definitely no pleasing everybody in this world we live in today

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

There's definitely no pleasing everybody in this world we live in today

For sure. Endless whining and complaining about Rolex and ADs.

The exhibition model program is great and kudos to Rolex and the ADs for rolling it out so flawlessly.

[RollieNZ]

.

[RollieNZ]

Originally Posted by vh2k

For sure. Endless whining and complaining about Rolex and ADs.

The exhibition model program is great and kudos to Rolex and the ADs for rolling it out so flawlessly.

I wouldn't class the OP as 'endless whining'

Isn't he just asking others opinions?

Should he not be allowed to do this?

Is his opinion any less valid than anyone else's?

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

I wouldn't class the OP as 'endless whining'

Not directed at the OP specifically. Aimed at the crowd that wants to go back to the days of full display cases.

[doboy007]

Yes. I was able to see some of the watches I may be interested in so better than nothing

[Dsmith1974]

I think it’s only silly they don’t have movements inside. You should be able to try them on for look and feel, including weight. Wind it, set it, watch the seconds hand sweep, and then add your name to a waiting list.


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[SWS65SM]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I think it’s only silly they don’t have movements inside. You should be able to try them on for look and feel, including weight. Wind it, set it, watch the seconds hand sweep, and then add your name to a waiting list.


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Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

Ah I see, thanks for clarifying. In that case I think I it’s a good idea all round. Seeing in the flesh before ordering has to make some sense.


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[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

I just had a mental image of a bunch of jerks going into Rolex ADs and doing smash and grabs and making off with a bunch of watches that won't tell time...

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

Yes, my AD confirmed your comments last weekend. The watches do have movements but they are stopped with some type of internal plate to impide the movement. I am sure that said plate could be removed, but not by the AD.

[TomLou]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I think it’s only silly they don’t have movements inside. You should be able to try them on for look and feel, including weight. Wind it, set it, watch the seconds hand sweep, and then add your name to a waiting list.
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Rolex says shortages of materials is the problem of supply
Also their immaculate quality control assembly it takes time to finish.

I wonder - How come they have the materials and time
to create and exhibit the “dummies” ?

I have seen in the past jewelry salesmen carrying alloy dummies
in their traveling cases. in case of a robbery - you look at the design
and you order the precious metal you prefer to buy….
such funny business lately

[grimps]

Originally Posted by TomLou

Rolex says shortages of materials is the problem of supply
Also their immaculate quality control assembly it takes time to finish.

I wonder - How come they have the materials and time
to create and exhibit the “dummies” ?

I have seen in the past jewelry salesmen carrying alloy dummies
in their traveling cases. in case of a robbery - you look at the design
and you order the precious metal you prefer to buy….
such funny business lately

I would guess that the movement is the most difficult part of a watch to produce.
Giving serious buyers a chance to try and wear something before they buy is a good idea.
Only an idiot would order something costing 1000s that might be too big or too small for them.
The thing with a sports model Rolex is that people know that even if it is too big they can flip for a quick profit

[RollieNZ]

I think it's dumb to have display watches and then have to tell customers 'sorry none of these watches are actually available to buy' IMO this could only increase anger and frustration in the buyer.

[Son Goku]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

I think it's dumb to have display watches and then have to tell customers 'sorry none of these watches are actually available to buy' IMO this could only increase anger and frustration in the buyer.

Agreed. I don't get how this wouldn't be anything but off-putting to the average consumer.

[seabreeze60]

Originally Posted by Son Goku

Agreed. I don't get how this wouldn't be anything but off-putting to the average consumer.

Rolex is not interested in the “average consumer.” However, I am the “average consumer.”

[Son Goku]

Originally Posted by seabreeze60

Rolex is not interested in the “average consumer.” However, I am the “average consumer.”

Historically I think most consumers viewed Rolexes as something aspirational but also obtainable. No one knows how long the current market will continue. History has proven that many trends come and go even if it takes a while and there's no reason to assume the current explosion in watches is any different or is immune from this.

If Rolex sets itself up to only be supported by whales where every single desirable piece goes to a whale then it may be alienating entire generations of customers.