Rolex store displaying watches not for sale

[Wuzagoodtime]

Originally Posted by dmash

I actually think this could potentially be Rolex’s future business model once hype dies down. Have a dummy watch of each model in store. Catalog with different dial options. Client wants something, it’s tried on and ordered, store receives within a couple weeks, client is happy.

This is actually pretty smart, also reduces liability of stores housing so many watches on the premises (UK comes to mind as one of the first to adopt this as they had a lot of theft issues).

Just my 2c

Agreed! And I think this is a good idea to keep their exclusivity and hype at this insane level.

[Pimpsy]

My dealer told me this was coming.
They were told that they would be receiving "display watches" that customers can see and try on but not buy. They don't have movements.
Makes sense...my dealer had 7 watches total in stock, virtually all cases empty. That can't continue.

[GreatHarry]

Yes, we saw this in one of the boutiques in Busan, S. Korea.
A buddy and myself had some time off work and had planned on a trip to visit some watch boutiques/AD's in Busan. He is/was interested in getting an OP Red dial.
The first Rolex boutique we visited was in the Shinsegae Mall, the largest shopping mall in Asia. Anyway as we entered the boutique, I was amazed to see that the displays were in fact full of watches.......however, it turned out that all the watches that were on display were actually, just that. In all of the display boxes, windows, etc. there were little signs advising that the watches on display were only for "Exhibition Only". As we were looking around, one of the SA's approaches us and explains to us that in this particular boutique, they didn't have any watches for sale, not a one, nothing, nada!
He went on to explain that he didn't even know when they were getting anything in store, and without even drawing breathe, he added, "and no!" there isn't a list to add your names to. We hadn't even asked!
Feeling a little dejected, we left and had a look-see in the other boutiques/AD's around the mall, until we decided to leave and get some dinner.
The following day, we decided upon visiting the Lotte Mall, just 20 minutes away, by driving.
Again, the first boutique we tried to enter was Rolex, only this time we didn't even enter it. We were told by one of the SA's that there was a 4-5 hour waiting time before we could enter. We had to get a numbered ticket and wait our turn! A little weird, I thought. But ok, if that's the rules. So I ask the SA, that before we do take a ticket to get in line, is there anything available inside. The reply was "yes, but only white gold". I didn't get a ticket to wait in line.
I knew things were dire, but this had taken a turn for the worse. I think the last time that I visited either of the Rolex boutiques, it would have been 18-24 months ago. At that time both had stock for sale (ok, no professional watches) and I was allowed into both of them, without having to wait my turn. Oh yes and the SA at that time also complimented me on my Sky Dweller. None of the SA's on our recent visit even batted an eyelid at the CHNR or Sky Dweller, we were wearing.
Anyway, this little story doesn't end in a whiney, pissed off way. As i mentioned at the top of this, erm, rant, I guess. That my buddy & I had spent some time wandering around the other boutiques and AD's. He, my buddy, had taken a shine to a Breguet Marine Chronograph, blue. Ref 5527.

So he bought one! Good for him!

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by 1William

Don't show me what I can not buy and don't let my watch be handled by hundreds of people before I get it. If you let me qualify to buy it. Just another AD game that will cause hard feelings and require that the AD's explain why you can not have it. Most people are not good with being told no to start with much less being told no on a watch that is sitting in the case for an unknow VIP. Just keep the watch in the back and continue to tell people you do not have one.

What, you make no sense. This is actually a good thing.

[brucethemanlee]

Tourneau (Bryant Park), NYC (working models on display but not for sale)

and

Watches of Switzerland (Hudson Yards), NYC (non-working models on display)

I've been to both and yes you can try on a lot of watches, especially the sought after ones. They may not have every style and color but it is a good sampling

[Bizcut1]

Are their actual movements in them?

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Ok, so you don’t like a sales approach that seems to find favor with a lot of people.

Your alternative is the status quo, empty cases, preferential treatment of established customers with AD’s unable to expand their customer base.

Thanks, you’re a real marketing whiz.

other than empty cases, how does this improve anything ? AD's going to ditch their prior tactics ?
No, no they're not.
It doesn't actually get anyone closer to getting a watch who wasn't getting one before... It is just a tease for better optics...


If you haven't noticed, whiz, effective marketing or lack thereof, hasn't been the issue.

[Sprezzatura!,]

The demos have moments, but with a significant part missing.

[inadeje]

Was this Mayors by any chance?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=814425

[TC86]

Originally Posted by Brockenbrough

Where? Not the Galleria boutique?

Memorial City

[Scottosan]

Kind a like going to a restaurant and only being able to smell the food