Buying a Rolex in Paris

[RCorsa]

In Europe for three weeks. Heading to Paris for a week today. Left Amsterdam where AD had 12 watches for sale (all two tone or full PM, no SS) Paris has like 7 AD in a half mile. Anyone have any recs for someone there as I’m assuming they will have some watches. I have a good AD in the states and have no dilutions that they’ll have SS professional watches but who knows ?

[Number3]

Be careful, it’s a bit spicy in Paris at the moment!

[WILLIWALKER]

Originally Posted by Number3

Be careful, it’s a bit spicy in Paris at the moment!

Be careful, France has become a rathole. since years !

[Bozack90]

Originally Posted by WILLIWALKER

Be careful, France has become a rathole. since years !

Was just there for a week and it was so dirty, trash everywhere, and watch your step for the dog poop all over the place from owners who leave it, we were there right in the midst of the riots and while we didn’t see anything happen as it stays daylight until 10:30pm, the next morning saw plenty of smashed storefronts. Lots of unhoused people on the streets asking for money, and everywhere we went they warned of pick pockets. Glad I didn’t wear anything nice this trip.

Much different experience from when we went years ago

Only walked by one Rolex boutique on the Champs Elysées but no one was going in and the display cases outside only had PM models, not sure what was inside

And it’s amazingly crowded, I didn’t realize this was high season for Paris tourism, the Gallaries Lafayette felt like you had to crowdsurf to get around I. there and the likes for every luxury brand barring golden goose which was empty were crazy

[RCorsa]

Yeah I’ve heard there are riots right now from police shooting some kid. We will be doing day trips outside of the city and then heading to London for a week too

[Moondoggy]

Goodness me. I don’t know where to begin sometimes.

[dannyp]

If the goal is just to see (and you're ok with a look-don't-touch environment), the one on Champs Elysees has literally everything on display. First time seeing numerous models in person including the full-PM GRNR, DD 36 platinum, BLRO Jubilee, and Explorer 40 (some were just first I'd seen in an actual display case, but you get the point). I would assume however that it's just about the last place one would find inventory for sale.

There's a very nice Tudor boutique next door, though, that also had just about every model, and all but the new burgundy BB and BB54 were for sale (those were exhibition-only). Was a good opportunity to see some of the lines rarely/never seen stateside, such as the Style and Glamour, and also the newer watches that have yet to make it here like the new BB31/36/39/41.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by dannyp

If the goal is just to see (and you're ok with a look-don't-touch environment), the one on Champs Elysees has literally everything on display. First time seeing numerous models in person including the full-PM GRNR, DD 36 platinum, BLRO Jubilee, and Explorer 40 (some were just first I'd seen in an actual display case, but you get the point). I would assume however that it's just about the last place one would find inventory for sale.

There's a very nice Tudor boutique next door, though, that also had just about every model, and all but the new burgundy BB and BB54 were for sale (those were exhibition-only). Was a good opportunity to see some of the lines rarely/never seen stateside, such as the Style and Glamour, and also the newer watches that have yet to make it here like the new BB31/36/39/41.

I was at the Rolex store a couple of weeks ago and they had nothing for sale. But you are correct they have some great display models.

A SA asked if I was looking for anything in particular, I responded (in a friendly way) ‘what’s the difference, even if you have it to sell you aren’t going to sell it to me.’ He kind of chuckled and nodded his head.

I did ask if the had a green dial SkyD or the titanium YM and he said they had not received either. I didn’t ask to try anything on, just had the vibe that the answer was going to be no and that would’ve just frustrated me.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

I was at the Rolex store a couple of weeks ago and they had nothing for sale. But you are correct they have some great display models.

A SA asked if I was looking for anything in particular, I responded (in a friendly way) ‘what’s the difference, even if you have it to sell you aren’t going to sell it to me.’ He kind of chuckled and nodded his head.

I did ask if the had a green dial SkyD or the titanium YM and he said they had not received either. I didn’t ask to try anything on, just had the vibe that the answer was going to be no and that would’ve just frustrated me.

With display inventory like that, those can’t be an exhibition allocation - had to be the stuff destined for customers shortly. One shop, the one in Bon Marche, said an appointment was required for try-ons (even though there was no issue getting into the area and looking around).

Long story short, Rolex browsing in Paris largely disappointing but lots of brands that are harder to find here/take longer to receive inventory proved fun browsing (Tudor, Zenith, Tissot, even Baume et Mercier).

[LondonWatches]

Originally Posted by RCorsa

In Europe for three weeks. Heading to Paris for a week today. Left Amsterdam where AD had 12 watches for sale (all two tone or full PM, no SS) Paris has like 7 AD in a half mile. Anyone have any recs for someone there as I’m assuming they will have some watches. I have a good AD in the states and have no dilutions that they’ll have SS professional watches but who knows ?

What items were available in Amsterdam if you dont mind me asking....was that the airport?

[Lew_Ashby]

I’d try in Nice or Zegg & Cerlati‬ in Monaco but there’s absolutely no guarantees as to availability at those locations

[Toproll85]

This is not to be negative or alarmist, but walking around with a Rolex on your wrist in the big cities of Europe and more particularly Paris or London...is looking for trouble.
France becomes the third world, sorry to offend the susceptible.

[joli160]

Paris will be very dangerous right now, I’d cancel the trip

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by joli160

Paris will be very dangerous right now, I’d cancel the trip

Yes brilliant take

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by APWorldTour

Yes brilliant take

Yes Paris France is living hell

Edit: lovely shot

[garyk]

Originally Posted by APWorldTour

Yes brilliant take

Haha, that’s the Paris we love right there. Wonderful shot!!

[leisen]

Originally Posted by Toproll85

This is not to be negative or alarmist, but walking around with a Rolex on your wrist in the big cities of Europe and more particularly Paris or London...is looking for trouble.
France becomes the third world, sorry to offend the susceptible.

I absolutely agree. And is the same for almost the entire UE, except Poland and Hungary.

[RCorsa]

Amsterdam had all gold President and skydweller available but I didn’t care for the dial color (both black). Had they had the green dial President or the blue/green rose gold skydwelller I would have purchased them as I like both. This was the main AD in the city center.

Regarding crime etc, I left all my nice watches home as I’d heard wearing them in the big city in the EU is asking for trouble. I’ve lived in London before so I’m pretty familiar with the EU although it was 2 decades ago and I’m Sure it’s changed a lot. Amsterdam was about the same as I recall.

I can’t imagine Paris is any worse than the big cities in the states (Chicago, NYC, SF or even Seattle) all of which now have a fairly big drug, crime, and homeless issues especially post Covid. Most of these cities have decriminalized “petty crime” under $1000 USD which has really made things bad and open use drugs (mostly meth and heroin) and homelessness is rampant everywhere.

Regarding two tone I didn’t ask about two tone models as I don't like them.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by RCorsa

I can’t imagine Paris is any worse than the big cities in the states

Normally I would agree and don’t want to be the smart one, but seems like you missed the news. Check out you tube ‘paris riots’ and realize that these are the filtered videos suitable for all ages.
It’s really been a war zone the last few days.

[dba]

Originally Posted by RCorsa

I can’t imagine Paris is any worse than the big cities in the states (Chicago, NYC, SF or even Seattle) all of which now have a fairly big drug, crime, and homeless issues especially post Covid.

You seen any news lately? France has mobilized 45,000 police officers to quell the riots in Paris and its suburbs. I'm not a big proponent of the "Is it safe" threads whether or not you're wearing an expensive watch, but I'd skip Paris on this trip.

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by dba

You seen any news lately? France has mobilized 45,000 police officers to quell the riots in Paris and its suburbs. I'm not a big proponent of the "Is it safe" threads whether or not you're wearing an expensive watch, but I'd skip Paris on this trip.

Maybe you shouldn’t watch the news

[RCorsa]

Look up the George Floyd/BLM/defund the police Riots in Seattle from 18 months ago. I doubt it was worse than this? At the time we were building a new home in the suburbs and I lived a few miles from the epicenter where rioters actually took over a police station and section of the city. Gun shots and flash bangs were going off all night for a couple days until the national guard cleared the area.

[amh]

Could be an ideal time to go shopping. Most people will stay home, you'll have the entire store to yourself.

But here's how it will go
"Would you like to try on an exhibition model? Oh you're from out of town? Go back to your country and buy there."

Saved you a plane ticket OP. Thank me later.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by joli160

Normally I would agree and don’t want to be the smart one, but seems like you missed the news. Check out you tube ‘paris riots’ and realize that these are the filtered videos suitable for all ages.
It’s really been a war zone the last few days.

The current situation in Paris seems to have little to do with street crime and theft. Yes, seems dangerous at the moment but for an entirely different reason.

Originally Posted by RCorsa

Look up the George Floyd/BLM/defund the police Riots in Seattle from 18 months ago. I doubt it was worse than this? At the time we were building a new home in the suburbs and I lived a few miles from the epicenter where rioters actually took over a police station and section of the city. Gun shots and flash bangs were going off all night for a couple days until the national guard cleared the area.

But at least initially it seems like it was vandalism and property damage, not robbery from individuals, wasn’t it?

[Calatrava r]

Stay safe on your trip and forget about buying Rolex at ADs. You best bet is to locate some nicer used watch shops and scope them out. Big cities have lots of them. You never know what gems you will find.

[alphadweller]

Not the best time to visit France.
Situation so far after 4 days of rioting (following Nahel's death):

79 police officers were injured
1,350 vehicles burnt
234 buildings burnt or damaged (including police HQs and townhalls)
2,560 fires on the streets
More than 1,300 rioters arrested.

Looting, pyrotechnics, some heavy weapons, chaos all over the country. Special police forces were summoned.

Things seem to have calmed down a bit in the last 24h.

[Gourdman]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Not the best time to visit France.
Situation so far after 4 days of rioting (following Nahel's death):

79 police officers were injured
1,350 vehicules burnt
234 buildings burnt or damaged (including police hqs and townhalls)
2,560 fires on the streets
More than 1,300 rioters arrested.

Looting, pyrotechnics, some heavy weapons, chaos all over the country. Special police forces were summoned.

Things seem to have calmed down a bit in the last 24h.

Is that happening in Paris proper?


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[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Gourdman

Is that happening in Paris proper?


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Nationwide

[Bozack90]

Originally Posted by Gourdman

Is that happening in Paris proper?


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We were right in the city and you’d see the smashed windows and heavily armed police presence

I also think it depends on where you are, as when we were near the tourist spots and the shopping areas things were relatively clean, but the other parts of the city it was common to see trash piled up all over the sidewalks and people sleeping on the street, saw a few people just relieving themselves while out early in the night and a larger than expected number of sex workers…. I remember going to the Arc and then walking down the Champs and thinking this is way different than Paris center

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by Gourdman

Is that happening in Paris proper?


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Don’t listen to the FUD. The rioting has been happening mostly at night in certain suburbs but I haven’t seen a single thing inside the city.