A Christmas Story at Tourneau

[NYG1121]

Strolling through mall and walk into tourneau.

Saleswoman; “Sir, the watches are display models only. Nothing for sale”

Me: “well hello and very nice to meet you. I know and I wasn’t expecting anything for sale but was just hoping to check out some models in real life since you don’t get to see them anymore. Do you mind if I try on the explorer II?”

Saleswoman: “sure”. Opens catalog to look for what an explorer II looks like “it is 42mm one I think. Here you go”

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

Shouldn’t really affect your love of watch collecting. That passion comes from within.

In any case. I avoid Tourneau like the plague unless I am trying something on in their well stocked used watch display to get an idea of fit.

[yuk0nxl1]

Wow! Not sure if I should laugh or cry.

Feels like watch salespersons are either beyond knowledgeable or the exact opposite. Either way this NOT how you treat customers.


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[mpatel1080]

Lol probably some low level salesperson who knows nothing about watches and thought your AP was "beneath" Rolex standards.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Strolling through mall and walk into tourneau.

Saleswoman; “Sir, the watches are display models only. Nothing for sale”

Me: “well hello and very nice to meet you. I know and I wasn’t expecting anything for sale but was just hoping to check out some models in real life since you don’t get to see them anymore. Do you mind if I try on the explorer II?”

Saleswoman: “sure”. Opens catalog to look for what an explorer II looks like “it is 42mm one I think. Here you go”

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

Like the hobby...dislike Tourneau.

[enjoythemusic]

I wouldn't judge the hobby from only one store salesperson.

[TimeAZ]

Sad that this is almost certainly true down to the very word. Reads like a scene from a comedy.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Strolling through mall and walk into tourneau.

Saleswoman; “Sir, the watches are display models only. Nothing for sale”

Me: “well hello and very nice to meet you. I know and I wasn’t expecting anything for sale but was just hoping to check out some models in real life since you don’t get to see them anymore. Do you mind if I try on the explorer II?”

Saleswoman: “sure”. Opens catalog to look for what an explorer II looks like “it is 42mm one I think. Here you go”

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

More of the same. To be expected at Tourneau.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

[Bxtek]

I went to one particular AD in December 2020, walked up to the front door where they had a rope blocking the door. SA came out and asked what I was looking for. I mentioned that I was looking for a Rolex to commemorate a milestone birthday for me that was upcoming. The SA says they have absolutely nothing in stock. I asked if I could come in and browse anyway, but since they were restrictive during the height of COVID, they wouldn't let me inside of the store. The SA says to check back with them next year, maybe February or March 2021. I wasn't getting a good vibe from the SA, but okay I give them a pass since it's the height of COVID.

Fast forward to September 2021 and I decided to take a trip out to this AD again. It's a little bit of a drive for me. I get there, same rope in front of the door with a security guard there. I ask the guard if I can come into the store and browse, and he says he'll get a SA to help me. As luck would have it, the same SA as back in December 2020 walks out. The SA asks what I am looking for and I tell them the same thing.....A Rolex to commemorate an upcoming milestone birthday. I get the same response which is we don't have anything, check back with us in a few months. I then ask if I would be able to come inside and browse some of the other brands of watches as I might see something else I like. The SA asks what else I might be interested in and I mention a Tudor 925, "nope, nothing" is the response. A Pepsi Tudor?...."nope". The SA just says check back with us later and won't let me in.

WTH!?? Am I supposed to ask for every single model that I might be interested in off the top of my head? If I name something that you have in stock, that is my lucky answer to gain me access?? I might see something that I don't know about that I'd like to buy. The worse part of it is when I was walking away from the front door, a couple walks up right behind me and asks that SA if they can come in the store and browse. The SA immediately unhooks the rope and says....Sure, please come right in! and lets them into the store. WTF!!??

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Bxtek

The SA immediately unhooks the rope and says....Sure, please come right in! and lets them into the store. WTF!!??

They don't need your business and they don't want it. They couldn't make it any more clear. Rude but not lacking in certainty, so at least you know.

[dcash0615]

You lost me as soon as you said Tourneau

[SpeakWithMichael]

I can't even get my local Torneau to call me so I can come by just to try on a 41mm Sub. Not asking to be on a list or asking them to do me the favor of selling me one ahead of their prized VIPs, just want to try it on. I'm an existing Rolex customer. Christ, what's it take these days to even sniff one.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Strolling through mall and walk into tourneau.

Saleswoman; “Sir, the watches are display models only. Nothing for sale”

Me: “well hello and very nice to meet you. I know and I wasn’t expecting anything for sale but was just hoping to check out some models in real life since you don’t get to see them anymore. Do you mind if I try on the explorer II?”

Saleswoman: “sure”. Opens catalog to look for what an explorer II looks like “it is 42mm one I think. Here you go”

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

[HJZS2K]

Similar story. My gf and I walk into store, immediately was told "we don't have anything". I'm baffled and clarify "what don't you have"? She goes, "rolexes, look at the empty case, we don't have anything". I laugh and say "but we aren't looking for rolexes.. and a hello wouldn't been nice".

Haven't gone back.

[Nairn1980]

I was visiting a different city, and thought I’d pop in to see the AD.

I was met by an associate at the door with an iPad asking when my appointment was for? It was early in the morning and i explained I didn’t have one. She explained they were too busy just now but could make me an appointment for later. (They we’re very quiet at that point).

Someone over her shoulder then shouted “no steel gents models at all”……

I was actually going in to look for something for my mum, but left…..

Sign of the times I guess.

[IR201]

I’ve found that people are oddly defensive of rude salespersons here. I don’t get it. I’m sorry that happened to you OP.


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[brandrea]

Hopefully your next AD interaction is a better one

[fskywalker]

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[stark1]

I visited the closest Toureau last weekend during a trip to the mall for my wife. My experience wasn't particularly great as the sales associate was totally despondent, low spirited and downright uninterested in talking with me.

Though, I think I get it. I'm not saying that this is the right way to treat a customer, but I can only imagine how many "typical" mall shoppers window shop in their store where they have to answer the same uninformed questions over and over every day. Honestly, I felt bad for the guy. I was checking out the NTTD SMP; I asked a few quick questions and noticed his total disinterest. I then cut the conversation short and left, because I could tell he wasn't enjoying it.

Not a great experience, but it's right before the holidays, and I'm sure he's burnt out.

[TomCarter]

Bucherer is currently cutting salaries and laying off many of the experienced long time Tourneau employees and replacing them with new inexperienced staff for the love of $.
AKA corporate restructuring. I guess when you have a product that sells itself customer service and taking care of loyal team members is not an important part of the business model.

[novae500]

I’m sort of at the point not to bother the 30min drive to already know /told nothing, scarce, everything already allocated


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[Recondope]

Tourneau, at least from my experience is one of the worst. I usually only go to the one locally to see their used display case but even then, their prices are typically a bit high.

[nachopc]

It’s simply unbelievable!


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[Cobar65]

Solution: Close all ADs and have Rolex just sell to grey dealers. Problem solved. No more worthless brick and mortar stores that are nothing but an empty shell full of women’s DJs that nobody buys anyway.

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Strolling through mall and walk into tourneau.

Saleswoman; “Sir, the watches are display models only. Nothing for sale”

Me: “well hello and very nice to meet you. I know and I wasn’t expecting anything for sale but was just hoping to check out some models in real life since you don’t get to see them anymore. Do you mind if I try on the explorer II?”

Saleswoman: “sure”. Opens catalog to look for what an explorer II looks like “it is 42mm one I think. Here you go”

Me: “is this the new reference? I like the proportions and the bracelet. ”

Saleswoman: “crickets..” “nice tudor you have on”

Me: “thank you! Its actually an AP royal oak chronograph”

Saleswoman: “oh well our waiting lists are years long so sorry I cant help you”

Me: “but I didnt even ask for anything”

Me: leaves store and contemplates why I still love this hobby…

Great story! No surprise. Not every salesperson is as passionate about our hobby. But you’d think they would have some basic training to interact with customers and identify brands, etc. In this market, I guess they don’t have to interact…. Not much to discuss.

I stop in my AD and find the enthusiasts like me for a visit monthly. We just love watches. Great folks!

[Robf52]

Ignorant sales people are the worst. You made the right move getting out of there.

[ks58]

Definitely tough to have a bad sales person, which I’ve had many times but gotta persevere.

[PVCC1]

That is hilarious, merry Christmas


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[amphr1]

I can't decide if I would laugh or feel angry if I were you.