Avoid Shreve San Francisco

[sfnyc]

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]

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

[doboy007]

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

[Hx2]

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]

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

[jmrxtr]

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

[GB-man]

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

[sgarrity]

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

[2th_doc]

Originally Posted by subtona

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

Agree. Isn’t this against forum rules??


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[Nikrnic]

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

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[rgwrjs]

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

[Hx2]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

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

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Exactly this

[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.

[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.

[2nastie]

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.

[SWISSAHOLICS]

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

[jon_jon]

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.

[Seibei]

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

[ferrissteve11]

Originally Posted by GB-man

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

Thats hilarious

[DoctorA]

It’s teally disgusting what Some ADs do!!

[Seaborn]

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.

[2th_doc]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

It’s teally disgusting what Some ADs do!!

ADs are just playing the cards dealt to them by Rolex.


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[Burlington]

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.

[jstan9]

I’ve bought several watches from Shreve and they are top notch. Incredibly friendly and helpful and I’m no major high roller.

Perhaps something like this was in play. I went to a really great Tudor event at Shreve and they had all the new Tudor models available to try on but the staff made it clear that many of these were display pieces.

I know from talking with them that they’re as frustrated as we are with the lack of SS sports models (my BLNR bought in June 2017 was the last Batman I’ve ever seen in a case anywhere). They want to sell watches to anyone who wants one. But they don’t get enough to meet demand.

Also, San Fran is a major tourist and business travel destination and they have people in from all over the world scooping up what watches Shreve can get from Rolex.

I’d go a bit easier on them. I’m in there all the time just to ogle the watches and have yet to meet anyone at Shreve who hasn’t been helpful and respectful. Most of them are watch geeks, too, and fun to talk too.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Seibei

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

I think a title change would suffice to show it’s a personal thing to the OP, not as a general ‘warning’ to all and sundry.

He does clearly explain what happened, some may take issue, others not. It’s only really the title which overstates what occurred in my view.

[MinMay]

cause he can tell that you're a flipper :) j/k . just move on. You're lucky with an opportunity to test it on your wrist.

I like Shreve. It won't discourage me from visiting them.

[antoflo]

They just play like that till someone will buy a slow mover from the display case

[kauffee]

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]

Originally Posted by gb-man

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

this

[codecow]

My 5712 was in the case there briefly before I picked it up. They occasionally have stuff out if a known person comes by and they don’t put it back. It’s a great store with great owners from a great family.