Am I the only one that thinks these demo watches are dumb?

[golfsc]

Went to an AD today to look at watches. The had only four ladies watches for sale in the entire store, but they did have several demos of highly sought after watches including a Batman and Blue face Sky-Dweller. The AD explained these are the actual watches without the movement inside.

I guess Rolex is either trying to finally let us get to touch and feel these hard to get watches or they are tired of empty display cases.

Either way I think its silly to have watches on display that aren't real watches and watches you cant buy. They have really killed the watch shopping and buying experience

J

[Marcjvr]

Better than empty cases

[fania123]

Went to a local AD to me and I asked him if he’ll be getting these demos to which he replied “I hope not.” He said he will have a flood of people come in for watches he knows he’ll never be able to get for them.

[bellyen]

Seeing not one, but 5+ sports watches in a display case for the first time in at least a year and a half had my heart skip a beat when I first walked in.

I think it's a little silly, but it is still nice to have something to look at and try on.

[crew]

Originally Posted by bellyen

Seeing not one, but 5+ sports watches in a display case for the first time in at least a year and a half had my heart skip a beat when I first walked in.

I think it's a little silly, but it is still nice to have something to look at and try on.

I was in San Francisco last week and had the exact same reaction when I walked into Tourneau. I thought I had just gotten very lucky. Wrong. Display models only and no movement.
It was still nice to see though.

[SWS65SM]

There's definitely no pleasing everybody in this world we live in today

[doboy007]

Yes. I was able to see some of the watches I may be interested in so better than nothing

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by fania123

Went to a local AD to me and I asked him if he’ll be getting these demos to which he replied “I hope not.” He said he will have a flood of people come in for watches he knows he’ll never be able to get for them.

Sounds like a lazy and complacent SA.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

There's definitely no pleasing everybody in this world we live in today

For sure. Endless whining and complaining about Rolex and ADs.

The exhibition model program is great and kudos to Rolex and the ADs for rolling it out so flawlessly.

[Dsmith1974]

I think it’s only silly they don’t have movements inside. You should be able to try them on for look and feel, including weight. Wind it, set it, watch the seconds hand sweep, and then add your name to a waiting list.


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[RollieNZ]

I think it's dumb to have display watches and then have to tell customers 'sorry none of these watches are actually available to buy' IMO this could only increase anger and frustration in the buyer.

[RollieNZ]

.

[Kinagoo]

Very pleased with the demo models, really helped me have an idea of size, fit and color on my wrist. Thumbs up from me!


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[RollieNZ]

Originally Posted by vh2k

For sure. Endless whining and complaining about Rolex and ADs.

The exhibition model program is great and kudos to Rolex and the ADs for rolling it out so flawlessly.

I wouldn't class the OP as 'endless whining'

Isn't he just asking others opinions?

Should he not be allowed to do this?

Is his opinion any less valid than anyone else's?

[seabreeze60]

Demo products are very common in a number of industries. A good move in my opinion.

[shredder]

maybe they should just buy some real ones from davidsw.

[SWS65SM]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I think it’s only silly they don’t have movements inside. You should be able to try them on for look and feel, including weight. Wind it, set it, watch the seconds hand sweep, and then add your name to a waiting list.


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Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

[enjoythemusic]

Yes, in the world filled with many millions........ it's only you.

Am sure Rolex and the AD are deeply sorry if you got triggered by the utterly horrific sight of display-only merchandise. Might I suggest you visit the Hublot dealer, they have an abundance of working timepieces in stock.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

I wouldn't class the OP as 'endless whining'

Not directed at the OP specifically. Aimed at the crowd that wants to go back to the days of full display cases.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

Ah I see, thanks for clarifying. In that case I think I it’s a good idea all round. Seeing in the flesh before ordering has to make some sense.


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[JoseR]

Originally Posted by shredder

maybe they should just buy some real ones from davidsw.

They'll go bankrupt at those prices..

[Son Goku]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

I think it's dumb to have display watches and then have to tell customers 'sorry none of these watches are actually available to buy' IMO this could only increase anger and frustration in the buyer.

Agreed. I don't get how this wouldn't be anything but off-putting to the average consumer.

[seabreeze60]

Originally Posted by Son Goku

Agreed. I don't get how this wouldn't be anything but off-putting to the average consumer.

Rolex is not interested in the “average consumer.” However, I am the “average consumer.”

[Son Goku]

Originally Posted by seabreeze60

Rolex is not interested in the “average consumer.” However, I am the “average consumer.”

Historically I think most consumers viewed Rolexes as something aspirational but also obtainable. No one knows how long the current market will continue. History has proven that many trends come and go even if it takes a while and there's no reason to assume the current explosion in watches is any different or is immune from this.

If Rolex sets itself up to only be supported by whales where every single desirable piece goes to a whale then it may be alienating entire generations of customers.

[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

Actually from what I remembered, my AD's explanation was these exhibition pieces do have movements inside but just not complete - something like certain springs were removed to prevent the movement from running. In terms of weight/feel these exhibition pieces being rolled out at many ADs should be nearly identical to actual watches being sold - they have serial numbers on the rehaut and all.... Again, I think that's what I was told.

I just had a mental image of a bunch of jerks going into Rolex ADs and doing smash and grabs and making off with a bunch of watches that won't tell time...

[shaunylw]

Demo is certainly better than real pieces. If an AD had 10-15 real hot pieces just sitting in the case and don’t let their VIP customers buy them, it would be a nightmare. This is much easier.


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[Jack T]

It doesn’t make sense to me.

How many thousands of watches must they produce as demos, minus key components, then ship them all over the world, have them handled by countless customers, wear and tear however light, then what?

Ship them back to the RSC’s for installation of missing parts, refurbishing, cleaning, resticker, then ship back to AD’s and sold as new?

Maybe someone can explain the rationale.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Maybe someone can explain the rationale.

One display model can be shown to thousands of hopefuls. Empty cases do no one any good.

[Danny83]

Its kinda like going to a strip club, Just look pay to play

[amphr1]

I think exhibition only watch makes a lot of sense, even supply demand issues aside. As a security measure it's great. I mean imagine Apple store has exhibition only laptop and iphones, they wouldn't be able to steal them like they do now in malls with like a dozen teenages.