Rolex in Myanmar

[ecdc]

I was just in Myanmar for a couple weeks. Last Friday afternoon I went for a run while in Yangon (the former Rangoon), and came across Rolex's official service center. So of course I had to take a picture. And then I went inside. They wouldn't let me in the back to see the service center proper -- no surprise there -- but they did let me get a picture with the lovely receptionist.

It's an odd city and even an odd country for Rolex to maintain an official presence. It's relatively poor and underdeveloped, and I only saw two Sub Dates my whole time there, well those plus a fake Daytona. No other watches of interest.

Great people and great food all throughout Myanmar, though!

Anyway, here are the pictures.
Cheers!

[whysleep]

That is a weird location indeed...... I hope some one can chime in on why. Awesome pictures!!

[Old Expat Beast]

Interesting. Rolex had a lot of ADs in Burma before WWII and it was one of the main target markets for the first Rolex Oyster, when the Oyster case was sold more for its humidity and dust protection than for its usefulness to swimmers. Did you ask how long they have been back in business in the country?

[ecdc]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Interesting. Rolex had a lot of ADs in Burma before WWII and it was one of the main target markets for the first Rolex Oyster, when the Oyster case was sold more for its humidity and dust protection than for its usefulness to swimmers. Did you ask how long they have been back in business in the country?

I did not think to ask that. But if I had to guess, I'd say since 2011, when the country kind of opened back up.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by ecdc

I did not think to ask that. But if I had to guess, I'd say since 2011, when the country kind of opened back up.

Yes, I would expect around that time. Not sure if they went back in right after the war at all.

[greggsiam]

Myanmar is the last frontier in SE Asia. Everyone wants a foothold there for when it inevitability opens up. Better to have a presence now than later.

I guess all the generals driving a Mercedes could afford one, or the 2 million tourists that go through each year.

or this http://www.wsj.com/articles/meet-the...mar-1409756369

[TheBluePrince]

Running in Rangoon......good effort, the pavements are terrible! I like to jog around the block that houses the Secretariat a few times, always something new to notice on it.

I like Burma and have spent a good deal of time there. Rangoon is developing at a pace now and seems to be quite quickly sadly losing it's character. Just the increase in traffic in the last four years is incredible, it's gridlock most of the day now. If you go to some of the bars and clubs where the rich kids of the regime hang out there are plenty of expensive watches.

[zama]

I am tipping their is not an FPJ service centre there....... Rolex is everywhere, I am sure the service costs are reasonable as well.

[ecdc]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Running in Rangoon......good effort, the pavements are terrible! I like to jog around the block that houses the Secretariat a few times, always something new to notice on it.

I like Burma and have spent a good deal of time there. Rangoon is developing at a pace now and seems to be quite quickly sadly losing it's character. Just the increase in traffic in the last four years is incredible, it's gridlock most of the day now. If you go to some of the bars and clubs where the rich kids of the regime hang out there are plenty of expensive watches.

Agreed, the pavements are a bit rough. And running in 33-degree heat and high humidity is not the most fun thing in the world, either. But yes, most over there agree that Myanmar is poised for huge growth, at least if the NLD party wins the elections on 8 November. If the military wins, no one's sure what will happen. Fascinating country, and an exciting time to visit.

[capote]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Interesting. Rolex had a lot of ADs in Burma before WWII and it was one of the main target markets for the first Rolex Oyster, when the Oyster case was sold more for its humidity and dust protection than for its usefulness to swimmers. Did you ask how long they have been back in business in the country?

Interesting

[RACER_X]

I'm from Burma, parents brought us to the US 42+yrs ago.

I have a few family members there, most are stateside now.

Never been back myself, my parents went back a few yrs ago, before 2011. they didn't recommend I go back, being as outspoken as I am, they feared I'd be in jail rather quickly.

Maybe 1 day I'll Make it back

OP what took you Burma, work or holiday? What line of work if that's the reason

sent from the batcloset in the batcave on the batphone

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by ecdc

Agreed, the pavements are a bit rough. And running in 33-degree heat and high humidity is not the most fun thing in the world, either. But yes, most over there agree that Myanmar is poised for huge growth, at least if the NLD party wins the elections on 8 November. If the military wins, no one's sure what will happen. Fascinating country, and an exciting time to visit.

Yes, I am watching closely, hoping to move quickly in the telecoms area if things really open up.

OT - Have they taken all the scaffolding and covers off the Schwedagon Pagoda now after cleaning and re-gilding it?

[ecdc]

Originally Posted by RACER_X

I'm from Burma, parents brought us to the US 42+yrs ago.

I have a few family members there, most are stateside now.

Never been back myself, my parents went back a few yrs ago, before 2011. they didn't recommend I go back, being as outspoken as I am, they feared I'd be in jail rather quickly.

Maybe 1 day I'll Make it back

OP what took you Burma, work or holiday? What line of work if that's the reason

sent from the batcloset in the batcave on the batphone

Hi. I went on holiday. My wife and I wanted to see it before it changed. Send me a PM, and I'll send you a link to some of my photos from my trip.

[ecdc]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Yes, I am watching closely, hoping to move quickly in the telecoms area if things really open up.

OT - Have they taken all the scaffolding and covers off the Schwedagon Pagoda now after cleaning and re-gilding it?

Yes, Schwedagon Pagoda is de-scaffolded and gorgeous.

[RACER_X]

Beautiful pic! Forwarded it to my parents, devout Buddhist.

sent from the batcloset in the batcave on the batphone

[TheBluePrince]

Cool, I took my Mum last year and it was all covered up...not happy! Will have to take her again now it's back to it's best and all clean and shiny.

[sea-dweller]

Nice photos!

[GerardoG]

Interesting! Thank you for sharing!!!

[sickened1]

Yah, nice pics!

[Maxy]

Interesting.. thanks for sharing!

[Koala]

that's a fantastic shot! Beautiful!

[malnik]

Originally Posted by ecdc

It's an odd city and even an odd country for Rolex to maintain an official presence. It's relatively poor and underdeveloped, and I only saw two Sub Dates my whole time there, well those plus a fake Daytona. No other watches of interest.

My taxi driver in Yangon told me there are still a lot of old money floating around in Yangon. By that he meant opium money. Most of the money is laundered in real estate. That is why homes cost a much as Los Angeles in Yangon.