The Watch Buying Experience
Discussion
I tried to buy my Grand Seiko in a local Watches of Switzerland. There was a lot of waiting around for a salesman; then managed to get one and got sat down with a cup of coffee in a fine china cup, fondled the watch and said great, what discounts are available. What followed was a lot of hushed conversations, pointing at laptop screens I couldn't see between two salesman, a clearly mouthed "that's the lowest you can go" between them, then a sorry sir we need to wait until the manager is free until we can authorise a discount. Twenty minutes later I left and said I'll come back later. Phoned round a few other ADs - several said they wouldn't negotiate on the phone, one said sure got one in stock and will give you a 17% discount. Great, let me quickly double check with WoS then I'll call you back. Went back to WoS, waited a bit longer to get the 'manager', who said I'll give you what I think was about 4%. Wouldn't match what I'd got so walked out, called the AD, paid over the phone, and after less than two minutes on the phone to them had the watch.
Amateur hour by WoS - if they'd been able to offer the 4% discount in the first conversation, we would have probably negotiated a bit and I've walked out with it ...
Amateur hour by WoS - if they'd been able to offer the 4% discount in the first conversation, we would have probably negotiated a bit and I've walked out with it ...
A pleasant and informal experience at the Breitling Boutique in Newcastle this weekend.
I’ve been thinking about an Endurance Pro for a while and wanted to try one on and look at the colours in the real world, not online.
I was welcomed in. A glass of red wine and a pleasant 45 minute chat about watches with a very knowledgeable lady. I told her I’d have a think and return on Saturday.
I was welcomed back, remembered by one of the other staff who knew which watch I was after, and even the glass of red. The lady was off that day, but they knew I wanted an alternative strap thrown in.
All in all a positive and fun experience and I now have a watch that I am absolutely delighted with.
My first expensive watch and a present to myself after a year of hard work developing my business.
I’ll return when I can afford a Superocean.
I’ve been thinking about an Endurance Pro for a while and wanted to try one on and look at the colours in the real world, not online.
I was welcomed in. A glass of red wine and a pleasant 45 minute chat about watches with a very knowledgeable lady. I told her I’d have a think and return on Saturday.
I was welcomed back, remembered by one of the other staff who knew which watch I was after, and even the glass of red. The lady was off that day, but they knew I wanted an alternative strap thrown in.
All in all a positive and fun experience and I now have a watch that I am absolutely delighted with.
My first expensive watch and a present to myself after a year of hard work developing my business.
I’ll return when I can afford a Superocean.
Thinking about it, I've bought all my watches online! That includes Chisholm Hunter too! Dominic Hackett on here is an excellent chap to deal with regarding new and second hand watches ... 
ETA: I honestly dislike the security guards that stand at the entrances to some stores/boutiques. I understand why they're there, but it's not a friendly first impression and personally speaking, it makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable. I'd rather not bother them, so back online for me!
ETA: I honestly dislike the security guards that stand at the entrances to some stores/boutiques. I understand why they're there, but it's not a friendly first impression and personally speaking, it makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable. I'd rather not bother them, so back online for me!
Edited by Ikemi on Monday 29th January 12:49
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