Tourneau now has Exhibition ONLY Hot Rolex Models!

[mschafer]

I stopped by the Rolex/Wempe store on 5th yesterday during lunch. Empty on all accounts at 1pm. They couldn't have been less interested. The person who "dealt" with me was actually doing paper work on a sale, while handing me, after asking for a couple of models, a sheet to fill out my contact info and watches I'm looking for. And thats was the extend of that. Amazing salesman ship. Totally ready to drop some cash on some favs...but nothing. I travelled Germany in May/June and was also unsuccessful in Berlin and Frankfurt, btw, only lists of interest, but at least much nicer (which is usually the other way around).

[lis]

Originally Posted by mschafer

I stopped by the Rolex/Wempe store on 5th yesterday during lunch. Empty on all accounts at 1pm. They couldn't have been less interested. The person who "dealt" with me was actually doing paper work on a sale, while handing me, after asking for a couple of models, a sheet to fill out my contact info and watches I'm looking for. And thats was the extend of that. Amazing salesman ship. Totally ready to drop some cash on some favs...but nothing. I travelled Germany in May/June and was also unsuccessful in Berlin and Frankfurt, btw, only lists of interest, but at least much nicer (which is usually the other way around).

Same for me on Germany. I was in Berlin at KaDeWe and was able to try on a few; then in Cologne the Rolex dealer had everything stocked but nothing for sale, still he gave me lots of time and took my name and number for their "list"; finally, Frankfurt airport, where the Rolex saleswomen at the Wempe store were super nice, took my name, but somehow I doubt I'll ever get a call. But at least I got to try on the watches!

[LJubel328]

Originally Posted by lis

Same for me on Germany. I was in Berlin at KaDeWe and was able to try on a few; then in Cologne the Rolex dealer had everything stocked but nothing for sale, still he gave me lots of time and took my name and number for their "list"; finally, Frankfurt airport, where the Rolex saleswomen at the Wempe store were super nice, took my name, but somehow I doubt I'll ever get a call. But at least I got to try on the watches!

Was at the Frankfurt airport late last year—some of the worst customer service I’ve ever encountered.

On the topic of this thread, I dont see the point of having exhibition watches. Any potential clientele will simply be told “sorry this is by allocation only.” Unless Rolex simply wants to dangle eye candy in front of the public, I see no reason other than to claim display cases are no longer empty.

This whole watch collecting is getting absurd and taking the joy out of appreciating the art of horology. I’ve been extremely fortunate in being allocated many hard to get timepieces, yet I still think it would be nicer to see any joe blow walk in and have the opportunity to purchase the model he like best. Though that will likely never happen, sigh.

[zewill]

Originally Posted by mschafer

. Totally ready to drop some cash on some favs...but nothing

Everyone and their grandma are ready to drop cash on favs. Now it’s about dropping cash on stuff you don’t want (jewellery and watches)

[RDT-G23]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Not true. My Boutique is allegedly the 3rd highest volume dealer in the US and they are not participating.

D&D 3rd largest volume in US? C’Mon…

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by mschafer

I stopped by the Rolex/Wempe store on 5th yesterday during lunch. Empty on all accounts at 1pm. They couldn't have been less interested. The person who "dealt" with me was actually doing paper work on a sale, while handing me, after asking for a couple of models, a sheet to fill out my contact info and watches I'm looking for. And thats was the extend of that. Amazing salesman ship. Totally ready to drop some cash on some favs...but nothing. I travelled Germany in May/June and was also unsuccessful in Berlin and Frankfurt, btw, only lists of interest, but at least much nicer (which is usually the other way around).

1. What have you purchased from WEMPE previously?

2. Which two models did you mention?

[Pinchy]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Multiple signs that say “FOR EXHIBITION ONLY” and SAs tell you upfront they are for viewing and trying on only.

I'm not sure if this is worse... but I do appreciate being able to see a piece before i've committed to buy.

I think this would be much more acceptable if they had the corpse models....

[Submaster1675]

In France, in Paris, since the last delivery by Rolex a week ago, the windows are filling up with hot models, all functional, with the indication "exhibition model".
Before, the watches were not visible, now we can try them on, see them in detail, and say that, yes, I want one !!! And there, the seller will answer you: I take note of your desire .... but you may never have it.
I find it even more frustrating, sadistic limit.

[ROBERT1183]

I guess we can try them on and decide what we want to buy from the grey dealers lol. Its crazy when they tell you there's no inventory and then you go on Chrono24 and there's over 250 brand new unworn 2021 subs listed. Over 200 explorer II 2021 unworn. I stopped after checking those two models lol.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by ROBERT1183

Its crazy when they tell you there's no inventory and then you go on Chrono24 and there's over 250 brand new unworn 2021 subs listed.

And after rigorously applying the filters to determine a more realistic number, I came up with 59 units. That’s absolutely nothing for a model with annual production probably over 80,000. Dealers get thousands of Subs every month. There is plenty of production. Everything is sold within a week of being received — except for a few units kept in the back for impromptu sales. Perceived scarcity. Overwhelming demand.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by vh2k

And after rigorously applying the filters to determine a more realistic number, I came up with 59 units. That’s absolutely nothing for a model with annual production probably over 80,000. Dealers get thousands of Subs every month. There is plenty of production. Everything is sold within a week of being received — except for a few units kept in the back for impromptu sales. Perceived scarcity. Overwhelming demand.

Do you really think that nearly 10% of annual production is the Sub? I guess, if you're talking all versions, but still seems a bit generous.

[russ86]

I been in NY few weeks ago, I saw watches on display and was like wtf? Apparently its showpiece only, watches have no movement in them.

[10klakes]

Originally Posted by russ86

I been in NY few weeks ago, I saw watches on display and was like wtf? Apparently its showpiece only, watches have no movement in them.

The pics I posted above are fully functional, not exhibition pieces. This was confirmed by the AD, but you can tell by looking at the time displayed, the exhibition pieces with no movement show the time 10:10.

[Driver8]

I can understand ADs have exhibition (i.e. no movement) pieces in as it fills up display cabinets and it gives people a chance to actually try on pieces before going on the list.

But to have full functional watches sitting there that the AD can't sell.... Well, that's a real head-scratcher to me...

[Schnaps]

Exhibiton model = Already sold unit (they will use the ”waiting list”) but first dealer is just keeping them for 10-14 days to show of.

[10klakes]

Originally Posted by Schnaps

Exhibiton model = Already sold unit (they will use the ”waiting list”) but first dealer is just keeping them for 10-14 days to show of.

Do you work for an AD or Rolex?

[Francist]

I don’t know which is worse, having nothing to sell or having nothing to sell and dangling a carrot to your customers telling them “No you dogs u cannot have them”

What’s the point of trying them on? I can easily walk to the grey dealers shop (which is usually just a few meters around every Rolex AD on the island), and try them on. The whole distribution system is geared towards the flippers & grey dealers. They don’t even write ur name anymore on the warranty cards.

A quick search on Carousel (our local ebay), and u can find over 300 hulks, almost 400 pepsis and more than 1000 daytonas. So it’s never a supply issue, everyone knows most of these watches end up in the wrong “hands” (or display cases).

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by RDT-G23

D&D 3rd largest volume in US? C’Mon…

Have heard it from a couple sources. 1st NYC Wempe Boutique, 2nd Geary’s Santa Monica Boutique, 3rd Houston Boutique.
Not sure why that’s hard to believe, they have lots of both local and international clients and judging by my experience they get LOTS of inventory.
That said, like anything Rolex related, there is always lots of conjecture and rumor. Believe it or not.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Driver8

I can understand ADs have exhibition (i.e. no movement) pieces in as it fills up display cabinets and it gives people a chance to actually try on pieces before going on the list.

But to have full functional watches sitting there that the AD can't sell.... Well, that's a real head-scratcher to me...

Not really, serves the same purpose and they’re still useable watches after their display period. Makes more sense than non working models IMO.

[McinRolex]

I checked out the Rolex boutique in South Coast Plaza (run by Tourneau) yesterday and it looks like they removed all the exhibition models and displayed only 5-6 ladies pearl masters.

I have heard feedbacks from other ADs who were NOT doing the exhibition pilot program and all they heard was negative about this pilot program. I wonder if Wempe, Mayors and Tourneau in NYC are still doing this.

[Doood]

Interesting. I walked by South Coast Plaza last Saturday, and the cases were filled with exhibition models. Was in a hurry, and the associates were all pretty busy, but it was nice to see watches for a change.

Maybe there is more to it, but I like the idea of being able to try on models, even if not for sale. Being able to try on them might save everyone a lot of time. It also removes a lot of pressure to buy, since there is no salable inventory.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by McinRolex

I checked out the Rolex boutique in South Coast Plaza (run by Tourneau) yesterday and it looks like they all removed the exhibition models and displayed only 5-6 ladies pearl masters.

I have heard feedbacks from other ADs who were NOT doing the exhibition pilot program and all they heard was negative things about this pilot program.

ADs who do NOT have exhibition models heard negative feedback… and ADs who DO have them love it!

Hmmm… whom do we believe? Sounds like ADs are jealous of Tourneau and WOS. No surprise. The big ADs get all the perks, watches, and attention.

[HankScorpio]

Originally Posted by RealMadrid1988

We landed on the moon.

I'm going to hang by the display cases...put out the vibe.

[Big Tex Rolex]

The sign says it all !!!


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[Mifune]

F*ckers...

sorry... it's how frustrated I feel

[MJ EXPLORER]

Well this explains why my new Pepsi has been stuck on 10:10 for days on end....

[brandog]

As frustrating as this is its actually pretty smart in my opinion from a business standpoint for Rolex. It allows them to continue their scarcity illusion all while still displaying their products to the public. It also allows people to finally try on watches that they've only been able to admire in pictures and now maybe push them over the edge to now pull the trigger on the second hand market, thus driving prices up higher for Rolex. Also when someone walks into Torneau or another store instead of spending 5 seconds walking by an empty display case they will now STOP at the Rolex case and steal time away or a possible sale from another brand. Maybe the salesmen will even convince them to purchase a Datejust or something actually available. I think the empty display cases was a smart marketing move for awhile but wasn't their longterm plan.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Mifune

F*ckers...

sorry... it's how frustrated I feel

Calm down, they’re just watches

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Do you really think that nearly 10% of annual production is the Sub? I guess, if you're talking all versions, but still seems a bit generous.

I was thinking the same…

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by brandog

As frustrating as this is its actually pretty smart in my opinion from a business standpoint for Rolex. It allows them to continue their scarcity illusion all while still displaying their products to the public. It also allows people to finally try on watches that they've only been able to admire in pictures and now maybe push them over the edge to now pull the trigger on the second hand market, thus driving prices up higher for Rolex. Also when someone walks into Torneau or another store instead of spending 5 seconds walking by an empty display case they will now STOP at the Rolex case and steal time away or a possible sale from another brand. Maybe the salesmen will even convince them to purchase a Datejust or something actually available. I think the empty display cases was a smart marketing move for awhile but wasn't their longterm plan.

Speaking from experience, it is genius. While there is obviously “hype” around Rolex sports models, Rolex is also making some of the best watches in its history. Displaying them for more people to see that will drive more interest.

Rolex boutiques in Asia started using “Display Only” in the summer of 2019. These were real working watches. I am sure that instead of a new watch going straight to a VIP, it would sit as display only for 2-4 weeks and then go.

In 2018-19 I thought the 126710BLRO was cool, but I had only read about it. I was content with my 16710. Then, while in Seoul I cam across a “display only” version. I tried it on at least 2-3 times over a couple days. After that, I absolutely had to have it!!! And shortly thereafter I got one.