Rolex being a little over-protective?

[stusrt]

this is just a funny story I thought I would share.

I was at a local AD here in Michigan last weekend, they are an AD for Rolex and Breilting (and a few others).

The Rolex case has always been at the back wall, taking the entire length of the space.

A couple month ago, they moved Breilting from the middle of the side case, to a space right next to the Rolex display.
The Rolex Rep came to the store and told them they had to move Breitling far away from the Rolex case.
And HE TOOK THEIR ROLEX CLOCK as punishment.


I have no reason to think they were BS'ing me. And the Breilting display had been moved again. And they now have a round circle in the wall where you can tell there used to be a clock.

I think it's funny.

And IMHO, I really don't think someone coming in to buy a Rolex is going to look at the Breiltings and change their minds. And someone buying a huge Breilting isn't going to change over to the more expensive and smaller Rolex at the last second.

One other AD here was told by Rolex last year that IWC shouldn't be right next to Rolex, so they put Bell & Ross in there, and that made Rolex happy.

So this just seems so silly.
Has anyone else heard of such things?

[The GMT Master]

It's standard Rolex policy. They want to be the flagship brand in the store, so it's natural they want their own space to put on an impressive display

[ParisDakarBmw]

Basic competition.

[46and2]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

It's standard Rolex policy. They want to be the flagship brand in the store, so it's natural they want their own space to put on an impressive display

So Rolex won't be sold in a store that sells Patek, Vacheron, A. Lange & Sohne, etc?

[seadubs]

I have heard of things like this happening as well..

[DDG]

"you have been a naughty boy. Very, very naughty, and now you must be spanked". We will simulate the spanking by taking your clock"

[rolexsubdate]

If that's the case, then all the BB stores in malls should be getting whacked ... BB has all kinds of crap next to their Rolex watches ....

[wcl884]

My AD has Patek / Omega / and others...Rolex is still presented as the flagship or the largest. Omega has 2 cases next to Rolex.

By size, it is certain the biggest display with 3 cases. Patek only has 1 case with 1 back shelf.

For people that knows what they want, people just pass by the Rolex display anyways.

Not really a big deal in my opinion.

[Squash]

Here in japan you have everything under the sun in one shop.

Of course depending on the store, but at my closest ad (15mins) frank muller and Piaget have the prime real estate.

[stusrt]

maybe Patek or AP should have the AD's move the Rolex displays out of their way?

If I was Rolex, I would worry much more about Omega then Breilting. I could actual see a novice watch buyer checking out a Deep Sea for $10k, then seeing a Planet Ocean for $3k.
Someone looking at a 40mm Sub is not going to switch to a 48mm Super Avenger

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by 46and2

So Rolex won't be sold in a store that sells Patek, Vacheron, A. Lange & Sohne, etc?

I suppose in cases like that, the high end manufacturers aren't really in competition with Rolex. I think it's more the mass luxury market that bothers Rolex, so you'll often find them wanting preference over Breitling, Omega etc.

[Mystro]

If Rolex is so confident with their product, they shouldnt care which watch is next to their watches. Kinda make you wonder why they would be so nervous about competing with other brands.

[tkc324]

Taking away the clock is just too much... funny at the same time...