Has anyone bought from an actual Rolex boutique?

[SubGunner]

So a few years ago Rolex opened an official boutique shop in my city. From those who have purchased from them instead of their regular AD, what was the experience like? I assume there is absolutely no negotiation of any kind? What about any freebies you got with a purchase?

[Old Expat Beast]

Haven't bought, but have shopped around (there are a few Rolex Boutiques here in HK). They offer 5% discount on all (except perhaps the most sought-after) watches the same as all the ADs here. They are also managed by ADs.

[kilyung]

At the end of the day, the watch on my wrist vs a boutique purchased watch is identical so it doesn't matter much... except the extra cash in my pocket.

[SubGunner]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Haven't bought, but have shopped around (there are a few Rolex Boutiques here in HK). They offer 5% discount on all (except perhaps the most sought-after) watches the same as all the ADs here. They are also managed by ADs.

Last time I was in, I tried on the SubC and DSSD. No interest in the DSSD, but am slowly getting interested in the Hulk. Also want to try on a DJ. They were very friendly when they saw my 16610 in action. I even got a free Rolex history hardcase magazine.

[SubGunner]

Originally Posted by kilyung

At the end of the day, the watch on my wrist vs a boutique purchased watch is identical so it doesn't matter much... except the extra cash in my pocket.

I agree, and would rather just buy from the boutique. I'd prefer not getting laughed out of the store if the word "discount" is mentioned though.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by SubGunner

I agree, and would rather just buy from the boutique. I'd prefer not getting laughed out of the store if the word "discount" is mentioned though.

Never hurts to ask but it'll be "no".

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Just out of interest, why is that? (no discount)

[iazrollie]

Never and probably never will.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by anderl712000

Just out of interest, why is that? (no discount)

It's a clearance sale.

Clearing all the money out of your wallet.

[coralfarmer84]

Originally Posted by anderl712000

Just out of interest, why is that? (no discount)

Because what's the point of setting a price on something if you are just going to undermine it by selling it for less. Grey market and online dealers discount because they have too and they don't care as long as they are making some sort of profit, preserving the Msrp means little to them.

[DG123]

A Rolex boutique is not owned by Rolex Corporation. As far as I know Rolex Corporation does not own or operate any retail stores.
The boutiques are simply established long time Rolex Authorized Distributors who have opened up separate storefronts to sell the Rolex brand. Here in San Francisco Tourneau owns and operates the Rolex Boutique.

Originally Posted by SubGunner

So a few years ago Rolex opened an official boutique shop in my city. From those who have purchased from them instead of their regular AD, what was the experience like? I assume there is absolutely no negotiation of any kind? What about any freebies you got with a purchase?

[shnxx]

My wife bought at the rodeo drive boutique.
No discount.
It was a gift so I couldn't turn it down lol.

[RolexJNJ]

Yes, the Chicago boutique is also owned and operated by Tourneau.

[Rolex57]

I purchased my BLNR last month from a Rolex Boutique in Toronto. Got me 18% discount.

Dude, always ask for a discount. Buying these things is like shopping for a new car. Never pay the sticker price.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by DG123

A Rolex boutique is not owned by Rolex Corporation. As far as I know Rolex Corporation does not own or operate any retail stores.

The boutiques are simply established long time Rolex Authorized Distributors who have opened up separate storefronts to sell the Rolex brand. Here in San Francisco Tourneau owns and operates the Rolex Boutique.

The same is true with the NYC "boutique." It's owned and operated by Wempe Jewelers, I believe.

Conveniently located around the corner from the entrance to the RSC....clever really.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by kilyung

At the end of the day, the watch on my wrist vs a boutique purchased watch is identical so it doesn't matter much... except the extra cash in my pocket.

Agree! Great place to try on just about an model in the lineup but purchase from the Boutique? Not for me, I stick with TRF trusted sellers and save a ton of $$$

[Dr. Robert]

I prefer to shop in the nude at the TRF boutique.

[Vanquish1551]

I'm interested in purchasing a Daytona and am seriously considering TRF vendors. As a newbie here, I'm trying to evaluate the TRF vendors, but it does take work to vet them. Feedback ratings would be nice. Some have feedback ratings on ebay and the search function does help. Would appreciate thoughts from TRF members that purchase from TRF vendors.

[teqp]

Originally Posted by SubGunner

So a few years ago Rolex opened an official boutique shop in my city. From those who have purchased from them instead of their regular AD, what was the experience like? I assume there is absolutely no negotiation of any kind? What about any freebies you got with a purchase?

You don't ask, you don't get. Just because it's a boutique, doesn't mean they will not give discounts. I bought my TT SubC and received over 20% at my boutique.

Good luck in your decision.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by ec51

The same is true with the NYC "boutique." It's owned and operated by Wempe Jewelers, I believe.

Conveniently located around the corner from the entrance to the RSC....clever really.

And the boutique in LA and in Beverly Hills are operated by Geary's...

Rolex, I'm told, does not operate its own retail stores...they contract with established ADs...

[braty]

I always buy from a Rolex Boutique. :)

[nameIess]

I went to two before getting my watch... the first one was at a mall and the salesmen appeared to be really fed up with people who walk in just to ask questions and try on the watches without buying any. So I got very little attention from them and I didn't like the atmosphere. I walked out.

I was talking to my friends about this experience and they directed me towards another more quiet boutique at old market area. The salesmen were more attentive, and of the four other people who walked in with me two walked away with watches.

Anyway, I did negotiate the price with them and I did get them down on the price (though its still much higher than what you get in the US). Those salesmen were really cheeky, they would say there is no discount or that they had already offered you discount. But if they feel that you're serious buyer they would drop the price... happened with me and the other people who did buy watches that day. Those who appeared to be only looking around and asked about the same model I was getting (DJII) did not get the same discount I was offered.

I didn't get any freebies, I didn't want any and never really crossed my mind that they'd be giving anything. However on another occasion my brother walked away from them with a catalog containing all their model range and different options offered... nice thing to get, but makes you want one more Rolex ;/

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

It's a clearance sale.

Clearing all the money out of your wallet.

[nameIess]

Originally Posted by SubGunner

I agree, and would rather just buy from the boutique. I'd prefer not getting laughed out of the store if the word "discount" is mentioned though.

You do realize that the people who work there are just human beings? They probably know more than you about how hard it is to make a living... so there is no shame in seeking the best deal. Beside, you don't have to say the word discount... ask them to price match another boutique or whatever. For me... I always sawy Oooh it offered for $$$ less in Vienna or London or wherever... I should have gotten it from there! But I thought I should wait till I get home and get it from this boutique which comes highly recommended from friends/family/colleagues etc... which is true btw ;p anyway im sure u get what i mean :)

[superdog]

I was offered dinner if I bought the platinum dd2.

[520Matt]

Originally Posted by Vanquish1551

I'm interested in purchasing a Daytona and am seriously considering TRF vendors. As a newbie here, I'm trying to evaluate the TRF vendors, but it does take work to vet them. Feedback ratings would be nice. Some have feedback ratings on ebay and the search function does help. Would appreciate thoughts from TRF members that purchase from TRF vendors.

Go to the who's who section and start reading reviews and you will see. PM me if you would like specifics. Matt

[beshannon]

Yes

[RolexDivers]

Originally Posted by superdog

I was offered dinner if I bought the platinum dd2.

Dinner for a day? or Dinner for a year? Make a difference!

[Cesium133]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I prefer to shop in the nude at the TRF boutique.

[KBM]

DavidSW should be offered to open a Rolex boutique. That one I would shop in.