Empty Cases, Getting Crazy Out There

[enjoythemusic]

This really is the best thing for the overall health of the industry, other brands are getting good sales.

[honuswagner13]

I wish that all ADs had a “display” model of most models they offer in the display cases. They wouldn’t be for sale, but at least the cases would be full, and if you are looking for a new watch, at least you can see some models in person and try on a few to see which one you really like.

Just my two cents.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by honuswagner13

I wish that all ADs had a “display” model of most models they offer in the display cases. They wouldn’t be for sale, but at least the cases would be full, and if you are looking for a new watch, at least you can see some models in person and try on a few to see which one you really like.

Just my two cents.

You want to see the Pepsi and Daytona you will never get???? They are not that stupid

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Look at the case in the background!!! Taken today in Boston!!!

FWIW, I picked up an OP41. Birthday present for June. I’ll try to sneak an early photo if there’s interest.

[eurican]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Look at the case in the background!!! Taken today in Boston!!!

Did you purchase anything?

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

They already are.

Consolidation of doors and new minimalist merchandisers featuring more point of sale graphics and less watch slots.

Displays will focus on TT and PM classic references with some professional sprinkled in. It is the way forward.

Right. When I spoke to my AD a while back he said Rolex displays will become smaller and have a more exclusive feel. He pointed to his Patek display/sales area.

[jhopes]

Most watches are sold before arrival. ADs are now more like those who take orders from customers.

[Robine]

What else should they do? Push a SS Daytona upon a customer who wants to buy a Cellini Turnograph TT?

[GeoffEff]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

FWIW, I picked up an OP41. Birthday present for June. I’ll try to sneak an early photo if there’s interest.

Who’d you work with there? I have an appointment setup with Matt for Tuesday. Looking forward to it!


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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by eurican

Did you purchase anything?

You likely say already but got a new Silver dial OP41. Only one in the store and held in the back.

Originally Posted by GeoffEff

Who’d you work with there? I have an appointment setup with Matt for Tuesday. Looking forward to it!


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Worked with Radwan who I've purchased four watches through. He's a decent sort and has been in the industry for a long time. He hasn't gotten me everything I've looked for and sometimes I need to be persistent with him. I do like him and he'll let me have what they have.

[GeoffEff]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Worked with Radwan who I've purchased four watches through. He's a decent sort and has been in the industry for a long time. He hasn't gotten me everything I've looked for and sometimes I need to be persistent with him. I do like him and he'll let me have what they have.

Thanks! They have a great team there for sure. Matt was able to get me a Explorer for my wedding a couple of years ago, hoping my wait for a Sub this year won’t be too long. Persistence is definitely key given how busy they are.


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[RoscoPico]

as much as i hate the state of affairs, i get it. business is business.
but i also am not playing along. i won't buy another watch as long as this madness continues.
would rather be content with my collection or even find a new hobby.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by RoscoPico

as much as i hate the state of affairs, i get it. business is business.
but i also am not playing along. i won't buy another watch as long as this madness continues.
would rather be content with my collection or even find a new hobby.

100%. I’m not chasing it. If I walk in and they have something of interest great. Otherwise I really don’t care that much. Happy and grateful for what I have.


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[sambb]

There are a lot of great brands out there. I have rolexes, but ive also liked everything from tudor to iwc to omega to lange. And when you keep them in safety deposit, then access is an issue. Second, although the emphasis is on rolex sport models, really for "sports" one could wear a g shock or even no watch at all, or an apple device. Omega has some really nice pieces in the 5-10k range, and tudor and IWC in the 4-7 range.

On the other hand, if rolex is the only thing that will provide one with satisfaction, my advice is to buy a sub from one of the gray dealers. It is a little higher in price, but the sub is one of those pieces that most rolex buyers can have in their collection for not too much of a premium. The bluesy in particular is available at comparable prices, and is a stunning piece.

[PureCoconut]

...yawn

[JonaG]

Originally Posted by travisb

I don't even bother going into the ADs anymore.
I just text or call and go in just to pick up once delivered.

Just this. Last two occasions I’ve entered an AD were pick ups in 2019 and 2020. Nothing to go in for otherwise.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by PureCoconut

...yawn

Sorry we're keeping you up; feel free to head upstairs.

Originally Posted by JonaG

Just this. Last two occasions I’ve entered an AD were pick ups in 2019 and 2020. Nothing to go in for otherwise.

My last two visits have ended up with unexpected purchases. Otherwise likely no purchases whatsoever. Both times mentioned something I was looking for and was pleasantly surprised.

[Oystersteel92]

Visiting an AD used to be a lot of fun, but I think I'm out until economic conditions change. What that will take I have no idea. Maybe the bite of inflation in other areas, or spending on long held off vacations. No idea, but if I never get another Rolex I'd very, very happy with the two I have.

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Sorry we're keeping you up; feel free to head upstairs.

[dnpina]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Just seems funny that Rolex recently (within the last 2 yrs) required ADs to re do and upgrade their Rolex display areas..

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True. My AD display is new and absolutely bare. She did source a 31 mm turquoise OP for my wife a few months ago. It never saw the case.

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[chloebear]

Isn’t it really just a price increase? A few years ago you’d get 10% off of everything. I got 10% off of a black GMT in April of 2018.

But now if you see a steel sports watch you just buy it on the spot thankful they even had one. There are never discount conversations any more.



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[fixinbones]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Well all the people here on TRF still wanted and bought them in the days when cases were stacked…

Yes I agree. When you could walk into an AD 5 years ago and basically purchase any Rolex except a SS Daytona they were still hot and everyone wanted one.

[Ensign]

The Los Angeles AD I frequent always has ONE men’s watch, too.

I’m getting the impression that putting out ONE men’s watch keeps the dealer relevant to the general public. All the other watches are saved for private clients.

[eurican]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

You likely say already but got a new Silver dial OP41. Only one in the store and held in the back.



Worked with Radwan who I've purchased four watches through. He's a decent sort and has been in the industry for a long time. He hasn't gotten me everything I've looked for and sometimes I need to be persistent with him. I do like him and he'll let me have what they have.

Congrats sir! You can't go wrong with a silver dial!

[rustyyas]

That's just a bad look. Why have operating costs of empty stores?

[Nikrnic]

Crazy I know... I've heard and seen worse.

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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by eurican

Congrats sir! You can't go wrong with a silver dial!

Thank you!! I'm looking forward to wearing it in a few more weeks!!!

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

I was by my AD last weekend. Nothing in the case. I asked him about it and he told me that they have about 10 in the vault. They don't put the only watches they have on display to avoid unnecessary handling. But if someone's interested, then they will present that particular model to a customer they think is willing to buy. They had a GMT, SUB, Sub date and 41DJ'S in stock. All received last week.
Interesting concept I think. Non serious buyers may just look at the empty case and leave. He told me if the feel the prospective buyer is not wanting the piece for them selves, then they play the "this piece is spoken for" card. But he also said, despite the internet rumors, that sales have slowed. Last year they were begging for new watches. Not so much anymore.

Sadly this isn’t the case. Well, at least it isn’t here in South Florida. I have visited numerous ADs, and I always ask if they have any pieces in the safe. I always have a Rolex on my risk too. I am always told that there are not watches in the safe either.

[42itus]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Sadly this isn’t the case. Well, at least it isn’t here in South Florida. I have visited numerous ADs, and I always ask if they have any pieces in the safe. I always have a Rolex on my risk too. I am always told that there are not watches in the safe either.

Hey Steve! Long time!

I agree. My AD have stuff in the safe but nothing for sale. They will show me all kinds of hot models as we all rare diamond crusted stuff, but it’s all spoken for.


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