Ask An Insider - Round 2

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by AK797

Well I decided asking an AD over the internet wasn't enough, so I walked into my local AD and guess who was there... only the man himself!

It was great to meet you Chris and have a little chat about watches and this forum, all while he was giving me the hard hard sell, haha joking of course, and all much to the amusement of his rather attractive blonde colleague, who I hope joins this forum too. Cheers, mate!

PICS!!!!!

(of the co-worker!)

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

PICS!!!!!

(of the co-worker!)

X2 for wis purposes only of course

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by ciang63

Chris,
Thanks for the reply. When you get a chance to check the master catalogue let me know if the 41mm comes in plain black. How soon do you think the 41mm blue will hit the shops?
On a separate note, reading your posts over a long period proves you are a gent. Good to see one of the good guys getting a job.

I had a quick look at the master catalogue, only one "dark" dial option for the 41mm, and I think it's just the grey. As for the blue, I haven't heard anything yet on its ETA

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Suzy Cruisy

Hmmm chocolate floral. I'll look forward to admiring one of those, although it won't be on my dream list. Not enough brown and beige in my wardrobe! Wonder if they're making it with contrasting hands of some sort? Love the floral dials, but hate that they all have hands that are exactly the same as the dial color, so I consider them challenging to read the time!

So, since ciang is asking more questions about the master catelog, I'll continue and be more specific.

I am not interested in a new dial, I'm interested in a rare old dial. Are they offering 36mm DJ "Blue Waves arabic diamond 6 & 9" dial in any combination for 2013-2014? Trying to decide if I can wait to order it in some combo later this year or strive harder to snare a used one I saw.

Thanks for your time, as always!

Suzy

Hi Suzy,

It isn't listed in this year's catalogue, although the pink, rhodium and chocolate variants are there. However, it is always worth speaking to Rolex directly and seeing if they have any of the dial left in stock, they can sometimes find an old dial for you, as long as it was on a model on which it was originally offered

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by LightOnAHill

I love this thread and these like it - serving other members in such a way is highly valuable and honorable, in my opinion. Thank you, I am very grateful.

Thanks for your kind words Bryan

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by kultschar

Hi Chris,

Congrats on the new job at Omega, enjoy reading your threads!!

Quick daft question (now your working for Omega) - do you ever get sick of the Bond / Omega connection??

I was over in the UK last Nov for a few weeks and Skyfall was plastered everywhere in the Omega boutiques and partner jewellers etc. Fast forward 6 months, I pop over for another visit and Daniel Craig is still in the window lol. Then again I guess it was the same with Brosnan.

Obviously the Bond thing is huge for Omega (poss more then we could imagine.) I guess a large amount of people walk into an Omega store every day purely on the back of Bond e.g. wanting to browse at or requesting a "Bond" watch etc. I guess its fair to say Bond did his fair share to get the Planet Ocean lineup launched / rolling back in 2005 (Casino Royale) and highlights how powerful product placement / endorsement is to a particular brand.

As long as it's getting people interested in watches and helping to sell them, I have no problem with the Bond connection - whenever there is a Bond film, there is a noticeable rise in sales, so it really does have a big impact. With Daniel Craig, he is fulfilling two ambassador roles - one in character as Bond (promoting Planet Ocean and Aqua Terra), and one as himself for the ORBIS flying eye hospital charity (promoting the De Ville Hour Vision). I don't think Pierce Brosnan was an ambassador as himself but I could be wrong, it was a bit before my time

There is a fair proportion of customers who are introduced to the brand via the Bond connection, and some who specifically buy a SMP 300m or Planet Ocean because of it, but they are in a minority right now. The one thing you can guarantee is whenever a film tie in Limited Edition comes out, it sells out quickly - both the Quantum of Solace and Skyfall Planet Oceans went out as quickly as they arrived. Bond is extremely valuable to Omega, that's a certainty

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by AK797

Well I decided asking an AD over the internet wasn't enough, so I walked into my local AD and guess who was there... only the man himself!

It was great to meet you Chris and have a little chat about watches and this forum, all while he was giving me the hard hard sell, haha joking of course, and all much to the amusement of his rather attractive blonde colleague, who I hope joins this forum too. Cheers, mate!

It was a nice surprise meeting you, Neil! Always good to meet a fellow forum member, although it did make me realise how much we use our own terminology on here! My colleague seemed to enjoy us geeking out though As always, drop me a line here or in store, and I'll be happy to help out

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

PICS!!!!!

(of the co-worker!)

Originally Posted by SUBversive

X2 for wis purposes only of course

Now now gents, behave

[The Prodigy]

Hi Chris,

so now that you're an Omega employee I want to ask you something.

How come that you chose Omega instead of another watch brand (for example: Rolex etc.) to work for.

Was it more like a brand move, because you really believe in the things Omega did lately or more of a move because other conditions were more fitting. (location, working hours. etc.)

I'm asking, because I like watches in general. I'm not a fan of Rolex, Omega, Jaeger etc. I like a lot of watches of different brands. But I would be pretty impressed, considering that you know a lot about watches, that there's a brand that really managed to impress you.

Cheers!!

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

Hi Chris,

so now that you're an Omega employee I want to ask you something.

How come that you chose Omega instead of another watch brand (for example: Rolex etc.) to work for.

Was it more like a brand move, because you really believe in the things Omega did lately or more of a move because other conditions were more fitting. (location, working hours. etc.)

I'm asking, because I like watches in general. I'm not a fan of Rolex, Omega, Jaeger etc. I like a lot of watches of different brands. But I would be pretty impressed, considering that you know a lot about watches, that there's a brand that really managed to impress you.

Cheers!!

Technically speaking, I'm not working directly for Omega - I work for an Omega boutique which is owned and run by a major jewellery chain here in the UK. However, I chose this job for three reasons - firstly, I wanted to get back into sales in an environment where I could really prove myself as a salesman. London is the perfect opportunity for that, it's busier than pretty much anywhere else in the country, and with the localised wealth, I get the opportunity to sell higher value items than I have been able to previously on a regular basis.

Secondly, the company I work for is huge, and that means long term career prospects. They have a great training scheme in place, and opportunities to progress are there - they reward hard work. I want to be the best I can be, and I believe this company is the place to make that happen

Thirdly, I wanted to work with a product I believe in - I believe that Omega are making the finest watches on the market, but public perceptions and their market share do not reflect this. I believe, in my own small way, I can help make a difference to this. Plus, it's more of a challenge selling Omega than Rolex, and I like to be kept on my toes. I can get more into the technical side of things, there just isn't the same intrigue for me with other brands (with the exception of haute horology brands)

The overriding reason for my move, though, was that I was really unhappy with my old job. In the two weeks I've been working there, I already feel more accepted, comfortable and happy than I did in a year in my previous job. I think everyone has a calling in life, and mine is selling beautiful items, not being stuck behind a desk

I hope this explains my thought process,

Chris

[The Prodigy]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Technically speaking, I'm not working directly for Omega - I work for an Omega boutique which is owned and run by a major jewellery chain here in the UK. However, I chose this job for three reasons - firstly, I wanted to get back into sales in an environment where I could really prove myself as a salesman. London is the perfect opportunity for that, it's busier than pretty much anywhere else in the country, and with the localised wealth, I get the opportunity to sell higher value items than I have been able to previously on a regular basis.

Secondly, the company I work for is huge, and that means long term career prospects. They have a great training scheme in place, and opportunities to progress are there - they reward hard work. I want to be the best I can be, and I believe this company is the place to make that happen

Thirdly, I wanted to work with a product I believe in - I believe that Omega are making the finest watches on the market, but public perceptions and their market share do not reflect this. I believe, in my own small way, I can help make a difference to this. Plus, it's more of a challenge selling Omega than Rolex, and I like to be kept on my toes. I can get more into the technical side of things, there just isn't the same intrigue for me with other brands (with the exception of haute horology brands)

The overriding reason for my move, though, was that I was really unhappy with my old job. In the two weeks I've been working there, I already feel more accepted, comfortable and happy than I did in a year in my previous job. I think everyone has a calling in life, and mine is selling beautiful items, not being stuck behind a desk

I hope this explains my thought process,

Chris

Wow!!

Thank you very much for your answer! I really appreciate it!

Hope you will be very happy long term with your job!!

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

Wow!!

Thank you very much for your answer! I really appreciate it!

Hope you will be very happy long term with your job!!

Thankyou, I hope so too!

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by goldrolielove

Hi Chris,


Why does Rolex require the original sales receipt of the watch during service ? Ive heard stories of people being turned away because they did not have the original receipt with them .



Nick

Is this really necessary?

What if you don't have it after 30 years?

[Tri-National-Man]

Hi Chris, quick question from a UK member;
Can I have my crown o-ring seal replaced on my 3/4 year old 16610LV while I wait at the St. James's Rolex headquarters workshop?
Thanks in advance Chris,
Shaun

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Tri-National-Man

Hi Chris, quick question from a UK member;
Can I have my crown o-ring seal replaced on my 3/4 year old 16610LV while I wait at the St. James's Rolex headquarters workshop?
Thanks in advance Chris,
Shaun

Hi Shaun,

To my knowledge, no, but it would be worth ringing them up and asking the question

Chris

[terrywoods]

Have you ever sold a watch to a celebrity if so who?

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

Have you ever sold a watch to a celebrity if so who?

Not one that I recognised

[SUBversive]

Hi Chris I have a speedmaster pro and I've noticed that if I push the first pusher slowly the stop watch hand jumps out to the 5 second mark and the runs normally. It's fairly recently back from a very lengthy service for moisture under the crystal so I really don't want to send it out again. Have you heard of this issue before? Other than to not push the pusher slowly I'm wondering if there is an issue. Thanks.

[TimeOnMyHands]

Did ROLEX ever acknowledge that the green sapphire crystals on the GV's were brittle and prone to cracking/chipping - more so - than the standard clear crystals?

Is ROLEX testing any other color of crystals to be used on future models?

Thank you.

[DiamondJack]

Congrats on the new job Chris..... nothing quite like doing a job you're good at and you enjoy.....Best of both worlds and bodes very well for the future.........

All the best .

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Hi Chris I have a speedmaster pro and I've noticed that if I push the first pusher slowly the stop watch hand jumps out to the 5 second mark and the runs normally. It's fairly recently back from a very lengthy service for moisture under the crystal so I really don't want to send it out again. Have you heard of this issue before? Other than to not push the pusher slowly I'm wondering if there is an issue. Thanks.

I've not heard of this before, however, I just pressed the pusher slowly, and mine did exactly the same before running normally - looks weird!
As long as it's timing correctly and resetting correctly, I think it should be fine

All the best,

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by TimeOnMyHands

Did ROLEX ever acknowledge that the green sapphire crystals on the GV's were brittle and prone to cracking/chipping - more so - than the standard clear crystals?

Is ROLEX testing any other color of crystals to be used on future models?

Thank you.

I don't think it was ever confirmed as anything more than a rumour, it's not the kind of thing that Rolex would own up to either. As for any other coloured crystals, I've heard nothing, but you should never rule it out

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Congrats on the new job Chris..... nothing quite like doing a job you're good at and you enjoy.....Best of both worlds and bodes very well for the future.........

All the best .

Thanks Steve, I'm hoping it'll stand me in good stead!

Chris

[TimeOnMyHands]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

I don't think it was ever confirmed as anything more than a rumour, it's not the kind of thing that Rolex would own up to either. As for any other coloured crystals, I've heard nothing, but you should never rule it out

Chris

Thank you.

[ACURATL]

Hi Chris,
Have you ever heard of an Authorized Dealer having to close shop because their lease ended or that another developer came in and bought the land to build something else on it, resulting in the closure? What happens to the store?

I read on one of the posts here that they generally try to liquidate their inventory at discounted prices. If this is true, what would be the average discounted price for a Rolex?

Thank you.

[77T]

Congrats on the Omega boutique position Chris.

[darwin1992]

You sound just like me Chris. I was working in my local Ad for a few months P/T but, like you I needed a full time position so am working in another retail sector until I can get back to my first love, watches.

At my AD there was a Rolex-trained watchmaker so I was able to get my Explorer II serviced for £180 instead of around £500. A great guy. What was funny was that I brought the Rolex a few years before from another local AD and when my watchmaker opened it he told me had already serviced the watch once before! He did a lot of work around the area for the local AD's.

[darwin1992]

Oh and great to hear you are back in the trade at Omega, I should pop up to London to have my Speedy moon serviced by you :) I lived in Hillingdon most of my life so not too far away.

I think if I had to make a choice, as much as I love my Explorer II and it has been the most amazing watch for me. I would always choose the Speedy Moon watch. Just something special about that baby when I put it on.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Technically speaking, I'm not working directly for Omega - I work for an Omega boutique which is owned and run by a major jewellery chain here in the UK. However, I chose this job for three reasons - firstly, I wanted to get back into sales in an environment where I could really prove myself as a salesman. London is the perfect opportunity for that, it's busier than pretty much anywhere else in the country, and with the localised wealth, I get the opportunity to sell higher value items than I have been able to previously on a regular basis.

Secondly, the company I work for is huge, and that means long term career prospects. They have a great training scheme in place, and opportunities to progress are there - they reward hard work. I want to be the best I can be, and I believe this company is the place to make that happen

Thirdly, I wanted to work with a product I believe in - I believe that Omega are making the finest watches on the market, but public perceptions and their market share do not reflect this. I believe, in my own small way, I can help make a difference to this. Plus, it's more of a challenge selling Omega than Rolex, and I like to be kept on my toes. I can get more into the technical side of things, there just isn't the same intrigue for me with other brands (with the exception of haute horology brands)

The overriding reason for my move, though, was that I was really unhappy with my old job. In the two weeks I've been working there, I already feel more accepted, comfortable and happy than I did in a year in my previous job. I think everyone has a calling in life, and mine is selling beautiful items, not being stuck behind a desk

I hope this explains my thought process,

Chris

Chris

I am happy for you! You have to love your job or it becomes a chore - not a profession.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Chris

Thanks for all the great information. I've really enjoyed reading this thread and learned a lot.

My wife gave me a black dial SS Daytona as a gift about a month ago, so I'm new to Rolex and TRF. I just wanted to say that this is a great forum and that all the folks on here seem to be first class people, which I appreciate and is a refreshing change from other forums I've seen.

Cheers.