Ever been asked to show ID to try on a Rolex?

[Perpetuator]

I've been somewhat enchanted with the blue-faced DJ Turn-O-Graph and swung by an AD at the local mall today. After briefly chatting with the sales rep about how I got a Z series 14060M last summer and may be in the market for a DJ, I noticed a s/s blue dial TOG in the case. I took off my Sub, laid it on the counter and asked to try it on. As he was opening the case he said "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but we will be required to hold your ID." I provided it without hesitation and casually asked if that was a new policy. He didn't seem to have much to say about it. The funny thing was that he handed me the TOG, then put my ID in the display case . I tried to joke with him and said that I would gladly let him keep my ID if he let me keep the watch (..."I'm going to be famous someday, so that ID is going to be worth something!"). At best, he was mildly amused.

I tried to chat a bit more, but he wasn't really having it, at least not as much as some reps. So I put my Sub back on, thanked him for his time, and walked the 50 yards to the other AD (where I wasn't asked to show ID).

Has this happened to any of you? I've visited ADs dozens of times and have not once been asked to show any ID before this. I just thought it was interesting.

BTW, the blue-faced TOG didn't quite smile back at me...

[Numismatist]

The AD in Maine has a sign on the case stating this; however, I've never been asked to comply with it.

Interestingly, this AD has a fellow run out of the store with a DD and they're still looking for him. So I suppose it's a reasonable precaution.

I guess I didn't look like the running kind...

[frostie]

Never happened to me even though i am a young guy

I 've heard of AD's asking for ID's but only when it comes at really expensive models.

At least you found another AD that's good

I don't know why but this thing would make me feel like i am a criminal

[f16570]

No, and if they did I would ask to see his ID before I let him hold mine.

[gg922]

I never had that happen. The last time I was at the local AD which is an hour away from me I had three out at one time. He even went to talk
to the owner and left me standing there with them on the counter.

[Scarface]

Never...

[cbrenthus]

Never happened to me, but I can understand it with the possibility of a snatch and grab, though. I can't blame them. But I can't stand it when the sales person won't smile and laugh a little. Uptight sales people piss me off.

[Terry Newton]

The good ones will always act cautiously and maybe not have more than one on the counter at a time due to their insurance requirements. I have never been asked to have my I.D. held. I would be offended if I already laid mine down on the counter, which is a $10K watch now, and then he asked to hold my ID. I would not be trying on the watch if I was not interested and that would run me right out of the store. I don't blame them for being cautious but this borders on stupidity and offensiveness when you already laid an expensive watch on his counter. He didn't seem like he wanted to sell you a watch.

Terry Newton

[DSJ]

No, but maybe their insurance policy requires it. Perhaps they have had a loss...

[Norm]

I have not but I doubt highly it's a personal thing. I wouldn't be put off too much since they did let you try it on. Each dealer must decide how they will deal with the fact that complete strangers will be asking to play with their multi-thousand dollar watches, hoping they don't scratch them, drop them, or run with them. If that makes them feel better it's only a minor inconvenience and as you say, a fair trade of personal items.

[JJ Irani]

When I walk into my AD's, I ask THEM for THEIR IDs!!

[davor]

well here in zagreb (croatia) theyhave a security guard in front of the AD and they never let more than three people inside(its a very small ad) so more than three people would really be too much,oh and they lock the door when they show u the watch...
never been asked to show my id though...no need i suppose.

[jimbo1mcm]

Maybe he was considering that yours was a fake? ( sorry!!!!) I would not have even offered him my ID.

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

When I walk into my AD's, I ask THEM for THEIR IDs!!

BOTH id's...

[Perpetuator]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

The good ones will always act cautiously and maybe not have more than one on the counter at a time due to their insurance requirements. I have never been asked to have my I.D. held. I would be offended if I already laid mine down on the counter, which is a $10K watch now, and then he asked to hold my ID. I would not be trying on the watch if I was not interested and that would run me right out of the store. I don't blame them for being cautious but this borders on stupidity and offensiveness when you already laid an expensive watch on his counter. He didn't seem like he wanted to sell you a watch.

Terry Newton

Some interesting responses so far, but I agree with this. By laying down my $5000 watch, I felt like I was proving my "credibility" in a sense. If it is a company policy (it was Reeds Jewelers), it certainly is not a well-established or routinely-enforced rule. I say this because I was in the same exact store a couple months ago and tried on a t/t GMT IIc and something else, no questions asked - and I didn't even have my Sub on me! I don't know, I was dressed fine today, but I am a youngish-looking guy (I'm 32 but could probably pass for 25 ). Nonetheless, I figured my 14060M was enough to quell any possible questions as to my worthiness for the "privilege" of touching their watches. To the man's credit, though, he did offer me 7% off on the TOG after looking it up on the computer.

Oh well, no big deal, I just thought it was interesting. The lady at the other AD (Fink's) was very pleasant and even asked me if I would like my oyster bracelet polished (to which I respectfully declined after reading some of the horror stories on here).

[hienpham04]

I would not buy from an AD if asked for my ID, just rediculous.

[Peter Hightower]

The AD's in Toronto either have man trap doors to allow customers in after they have been buzzed in, or armed security officers, or both. They then feel comfortable with having several pieces out at once I guess.
But with the way crime is you cannot fault AD's for being cautious. Would any of you let some stranger test drive your car without you going with him or her ? I don't think so. Kinda the same thing.
If any saleperson is uptight or they think I am beneath them they do not get my business. If I am spending thousands on a watch, a suit or a vehicle. If the salesperson cracks off about something I think is over the line, I take my cash elsewhere.
There are plenty of good AD's out there. Glad you walked away and across the road. Hopefully the salesperson saw you, and your cash, walking away.

[Green Sub]

My AD has an armed guard at the door.

But this is Kennesaw, Georgia, USA and we are all required by law to own a firearm. Kinda like Switzerland, I guess

http://www.kennesaw.ga.us/index.asp?nid=36

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by eq2675

My AD has an armed guard at the door.

But this is Kennesaw, Georgia, USA and we are all required by law to own a firearm. Kinda like Switzerland, I guess

http://www.kennesaw.ga.us/index.asp?nid=36

OUTSTANDING!

[Bobareno]

Never, would I give it to them? No!

[ocdocman]

i wonder if they would have asked for your house keys if you wanted to see a pearlmaster

[Jimbits76]

I would never go into an AD and try on a watch I didn't intend to buy anyway...although I would have them take it out of the case and handle it. Old fat wrists here needs two extra links so I wouldn't be able to try one on anyway.

Anyhow, the only AD's I would buy from both have my credit card and bank details on file so if I scarpered with the watch I would still get the bill...or at least a nice visit from the Norfolk Constabulary!!!!!

J

[n9zez]

Hey, I ask people for their ID's all day long!

Joking aside, I can kinda understand why they do it but it won't even come close to preventing a criminal from stealing a watch. Did he actually look over your ID or just kinda accept the fact that you handed it to him? It would be easy to hand over a fake ID or a stolen ID.

[Chozn1]

I'd give them my ID and try it on. If I liked it I'd tell them I had to go, because I've found the right watch but I'm not going to buy it from someone that doesn't have enough sense to figure out I'm already wearing one and am a legitimate buyer. I'm sure there are times where this seems like a good idea, but when someone's already wearing one?

[mdx77]

Only happened once when I wanted to take a peak at the YG 50th GMT all blinged out......had to give ID and a Major Credit Card.

[Triple Black 88]

I was asked at JE Caldwell in the King of Prussia Mall (Plaza) when I went in to try on the Day-Date's. They took my license and put it under the glass where the watches are. On top of that they have a security guard that was breathing down my neck.
Can't blame them for protecting their merchandise, but I must say pretty uncomfortable

[mdx77]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

I was asked at JE Caldwell in the King of Prussia Mall (Plaza) when I went in to try on the Day-Date's. They took my license and put it under the glass where the watches are. On top of that they have a security guard that was breathing down my neck.
Can't blame them for protecting their merchandise, but I must say pretty uncomfortable

Have you been to the redesigned one in the Plaza yet?

[Defiancekofb]

It would depend, if they already have a security guard at the door, then why would you need to pull the ID's in the even someone tried to run off with the watch? If there was no security guard, then I would say it is a sound safety precaution.

[Mrdi]

At some ADs in California they do a cavity search first.
I think the place is called San Francisco.

[seantk]

Originally Posted by Mrdi

At some ADs in California they do a cavity search first.
I think the place is called San Francisco.

I have never been asked for my ID

The are several AD chains here in Tampa, but I prefer the atmosphere of a locally owned/operated AD. The person that I deal with is very professional and knowledgeable and is a personal collector of Rolex and Panerai. It is nice when you can call your AD and they are just as excited about Basel as you are. They also were very courteous to Robert (astcell) when he was here in Tampa last month and sold him his Victorinox Dive Master LE watch at a discount

Sean