Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has
Discussion
Louis Balfour said:
Lord Marylebone said:
I was just trying to suggest that he should bomb Rolex off and buy something else, as it doesn't seem worth the anguish to continue going into Rolex AD's and made to feel worthless because they still haven't sold him what he wants.
If people can be made to feel worthless, because a shop assistant won’t sell them a mass produced wrist watch, they have issues that a watch won’t fix.Some people can be naturally quite sensitive, and something like a rejection, a hurtful comment, or a refusal of service/sale for whatever reason can have them questioning themselves or feeling a little hurt by it for some time.
With reference to the poster in question, everything else might be totally fine in their life, and all is well, but it is the repeated ‘rejection’ by an AD, combined with the thinly veiled suggestion that the posters money isn’t good enough, whilst others walk out of the shop with watches in a regular basis, is more than enough to set them off.
That sort of treatment would would be annoying or offensive to many people. It was certainly offensive to Chris Harris when Porsche were rude and dismissive to him, told him they had no interest in selling him a car, and then went straight back to selling GT models to the usual suspects who buy 4 Cayennes for the wife, 2 Boxster’s for the daughter, a Panamera for their brother, and a 911S for their uncle, then ask for a GT3.
I do take the point made by others that befriending and regularly visiting an AD might possibly have a bearing on being sold the watch you want, or being sold anything, but I suspect it is more to do with how much money the AD can milk out if you. Watches for the wife, the kids, jewellery for the wife, and so on.
If you are ordinary bloke who just wants one nice watch as a special gift to himself, you will probably be ignored until the day the the money runs out from the big spenders, or the day that there is no longer any money in flipping watches to grey dealers.
I was suggesting buying a different brand to eliminate one of the potential sources of stress and upset in his life. all posting and discussing watches is one thing, but life is too short to waste even a second feeling sad about the treatment you received from an AD, so best just to move on, and enjoy a ‘normal’ buying experience elsewhere.
I’m too soft to be an AD. I would but posters like Octoposse (and other first time Rolex buyers) to the front of the queue and make sure he got what he wanted, whilst those who had already enjoyed 2 or 3 purchases would be politely asked to wait until the first time buyers had been served.
I would rather sell 1000 watches to 1000 different people, than sell 1000 watches to the same 250-300 people.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 29th March 20:11
Wheelspinning said:
Harry Flashman said:
I actually go into the AD quite regularly but it's very near my office, and I like to look at watches and try stuff on. I also enjoy talking to people, and as such do always end up having a chat with the people who have sold me various watches.
As for cars, I also like to go into Joe Macari, near my home, quite about and perve at cars. I frequently have at least one child with me as this stop is often in the way to my mother's house on a Saturday morning.
These are hobbies. Indulge them!
Stop this immediately Harry...they shall be out with their pitchforks and glib comments if you keep posting stuff like this...As for cars, I also like to go into Joe Macari, near my home, quite about and perve at cars. I frequently have at least one child with me as this stop is often in the way to my mother's house on a Saturday morning.
These are hobbies. Indulge them!
Make of that what you will. I paid for my Rolex and received a very fun (to me) gift. Sort of the opposite of the dynamics in the US Rolex forums.
And let's be clear. I'm not some sort of high roller that they are desperate to sell things to. Sometimes, people just get on with each other.
Lord Marylebone said:
Whilst I understand where you are coming from, I think that assessment is a bit simplistic.
Some people can be naturally quite sensitive, and something like a rejection, a hurtful comment, or a refusal of service/sale for whatever reason can have them questioning themselves or feeling a little hurt by it for some time.
With reference to the poster in question, everything else might be totally fine in their life, and all is well, but it is the repeated ‘rejection’ by an AD, combined with the thinly veiled suggestion that the posters money isn’t good enough, whilst others walk out of the shop with watches in a regular basis, is more than enough to set them off.
That sort of treatment would would be annoying or offensive to many people. It was certainly offensive to Chris Harris when Porsche were rude and dismissive to him, told him they had no interest in selling him a car, and then went straight back to selling GT models to the usual suspects who buy 4 Cayennes for the wife, 2 Boxster’s for the daughter, a Panamera for their brother, and a 911S for their uncle, then ask for a GT3.
I do take the point made by others that befriending and regularly visiting an AD might possibly have a bearing on being sold the watch you want, or being sold anything, but I suspect it is more to do with how much money the AD can milk out if you. Watches for the wife, the kids, jewellery for the wife, and so on.
If you are ordinary bloke who just wants one nice watch as a special gift to himself, you will probably be ignored until the day the the money runs out from the big spenders, or the day that there is no longer any money in flipping watches to grey dealers.
I was suggesting buying a different brand to eliminate one of the potential sources of stress and upset in his life. all posting and discussing watches is one thing, but life is too short to waste even a second feeling sad about the treatment you received from an AD, so best just to move on, and enjoy a ‘normal’ buying experience elsewhere.
I’m too soft to be an AD. I would but posters like Octoposse (and other first time Rolex buyers) to the front of the queue and make sure he got what he wanted, whilst those who had already enjoyed 2 or 3 purchases would be politely asked to wait until the first time buyers had been served.
I would rather sell 1000 watches to 1000 different people, than sell 1000 watches to the same 250-300 people.
Despite what we read they do sell watches to ordinary people who just want that one big special purchase.Some people can be naturally quite sensitive, and something like a rejection, a hurtful comment, or a refusal of service/sale for whatever reason can have them questioning themselves or feeling a little hurt by it for some time.
With reference to the poster in question, everything else might be totally fine in their life, and all is well, but it is the repeated ‘rejection’ by an AD, combined with the thinly veiled suggestion that the posters money isn’t good enough, whilst others walk out of the shop with watches in a regular basis, is more than enough to set them off.
That sort of treatment would would be annoying or offensive to many people. It was certainly offensive to Chris Harris when Porsche were rude and dismissive to him, told him they had no interest in selling him a car, and then went straight back to selling GT models to the usual suspects who buy 4 Cayennes for the wife, 2 Boxster’s for the daughter, a Panamera for their brother, and a 911S for their uncle, then ask for a GT3.
I do take the point made by others that befriending and regularly visiting an AD might possibly have a bearing on being sold the watch you want, or being sold anything, but I suspect it is more to do with how much money the AD can milk out if you. Watches for the wife, the kids, jewellery for the wife, and so on.
If you are ordinary bloke who just wants one nice watch as a special gift to himself, you will probably be ignored until the day the the money runs out from the big spenders, or the day that there is no longer any money in flipping watches to grey dealers.
I was suggesting buying a different brand to eliminate one of the potential sources of stress and upset in his life. all posting and discussing watches is one thing, but life is too short to waste even a second feeling sad about the treatment you received from an AD, so best just to move on, and enjoy a ‘normal’ buying experience elsewhere.
I’m too soft to be an AD. I would but posters like Octoposse (and other first time Rolex buyers) to the front of the queue and make sure he got what he wanted, whilst those who had already enjoyed 2 or 3 purchases would be politely asked to wait until the first time buyers had been served.
I would rather sell 1000 watches to 1000 different people, than sell 1000 watches to the same 250-300 people.
Edited by Lord Marylebone on Wednesday 29th March 20:11
I know a jobbing builder who used his cheeky chappy charm to get a sub within about 6 months and a nurse who got his datejust Wimbledon in even less time.
They don't sell a million plus watches by just selling to the same people over and over again
Lord Marylebone made some good points and wanted to throw some opinions in without replying to any comment specifically.
The whole process of buying a Rolex in 2023 is hugely frustrating. It would make me very happy indeed to walk in tomorrow and purchase a BLRO GMT II (on an Oyster, if anyone's curious).
But I accept that thanks to market forces (a combination of the general public with disposable income, conspicuous consumption, and a general increase in interest in watches) this is highly unlikely.
There are three options at this point:
1. Accept that I'm not going to get one as an ordinary consumer and refuse to play games. Walk past Rolex boutiques with my head held high.
2. Pay grey market prices and obtain one this way.
3. Play the game with 'my' AD.
Option 1:
This is the most financially sound option. There's no need to engage in the purchase of superfluous jewellery, Omegas etc. But I don't end up with a GMT II on my wrist.
b]Option 2: [/b]
This is the least financially sound option and it puts me in the position of having a watch on my wrist that's worth less than I paid for it. I'm man enough to admit that whilst I'm quite fond of the brand, part of the fun of expensive watches is that they're a good place to store money. Bona fides, I dive in my Sub + Seamaster, climb in my EXP II, and my poor Aqua Terra is covered in scratches from daily wear - but I quite like the fact that, unlike a car, their value stays pretty intact.
b]Option 3 :[/b]
This is the middle ground. Again, whilst it might seem distasteful for some, I really don't mind jumping through hoops to put something on my wrist that's worth more than I paid for it. The hoops in question? Patience. Building a genuine relationship with the guy who works in the boutique/jewellery group... popping in for a coffee (I've never been offered a cupping but it's 2023, I'm not saying I wouldn't).
Does this seem a bit like I'm debasing myself for my next purchase? No.
As another poster pointed out, if you're a reasonably social chap, you build these relationships up. I know my vet's new car and what she thinks of it, that the woman who is usually serving on a Sunday in Sainsbury's has just managed her first mortgage and how my window cleaner's dad is doing out of the hospital.
And as for 'popping in' - I love watches. I use this as an opportunity to try on models I can't afford, get a nice coffee, talk nerdy things and enjoy being in a luxury environment.
Does all of this seem like work to get the watch I want? Yes but if you think that this watch is going to be worth £4K more than I paid for it - I really don't mind.
In fact, my job requires me to work daily in exchange for money - and this is a lot less pleasant experience.
Of course, in a dream world where I could just walk in and purchase one... I still would enjoy this (albeit being able to get my hands on one sooner).
I like the theatre of a purchase because it makes the watch special. I don't need an Omega, Breitling, Rolex etc. - but they make me happy and I often buy them to mark life events.
I've tried to lay out the options above and why I am (broadly) pursuing option three. I don't begrudge anyone who goes down the other two routes.
It's not an essential item that anyone needs to own. When Tesco staff start asking for family members' names for toilet roll... I'll be the first one flying the revolutionary flag but I'm really not that bothered about how things are now.
Frustrating I can't get one of my 'dream' watches but I also appreciate the chase
The whole process of buying a Rolex in 2023 is hugely frustrating. It would make me very happy indeed to walk in tomorrow and purchase a BLRO GMT II (on an Oyster, if anyone's curious).
But I accept that thanks to market forces (a combination of the general public with disposable income, conspicuous consumption, and a general increase in interest in watches) this is highly unlikely.
There are three options at this point:
1. Accept that I'm not going to get one as an ordinary consumer and refuse to play games. Walk past Rolex boutiques with my head held high.
2. Pay grey market prices and obtain one this way.
3. Play the game with 'my' AD.
Option 1:
This is the most financially sound option. There's no need to engage in the purchase of superfluous jewellery, Omegas etc. But I don't end up with a GMT II on my wrist.
b]Option 2: [/b]
This is the least financially sound option and it puts me in the position of having a watch on my wrist that's worth less than I paid for it. I'm man enough to admit that whilst I'm quite fond of the brand, part of the fun of expensive watches is that they're a good place to store money. Bona fides, I dive in my Sub + Seamaster, climb in my EXP II, and my poor Aqua Terra is covered in scratches from daily wear - but I quite like the fact that, unlike a car, their value stays pretty intact.
b]Option 3 :[/b]
This is the middle ground. Again, whilst it might seem distasteful for some, I really don't mind jumping through hoops to put something on my wrist that's worth more than I paid for it. The hoops in question? Patience. Building a genuine relationship with the guy who works in the boutique/jewellery group... popping in for a coffee (I've never been offered a cupping but it's 2023, I'm not saying I wouldn't).
Does this seem a bit like I'm debasing myself for my next purchase? No.
As another poster pointed out, if you're a reasonably social chap, you build these relationships up. I know my vet's new car and what she thinks of it, that the woman who is usually serving on a Sunday in Sainsbury's has just managed her first mortgage and how my window cleaner's dad is doing out of the hospital.
And as for 'popping in' - I love watches. I use this as an opportunity to try on models I can't afford, get a nice coffee, talk nerdy things and enjoy being in a luxury environment.
Does all of this seem like work to get the watch I want? Yes but if you think that this watch is going to be worth £4K more than I paid for it - I really don't mind.
In fact, my job requires me to work daily in exchange for money - and this is a lot less pleasant experience.
Of course, in a dream world where I could just walk in and purchase one... I still would enjoy this (albeit being able to get my hands on one sooner).
I like the theatre of a purchase because it makes the watch special. I don't need an Omega, Breitling, Rolex etc. - but they make me happy and I often buy them to mark life events.
I've tried to lay out the options above and why I am (broadly) pursuing option three. I don't begrudge anyone who goes down the other two routes.
It's not an essential item that anyone needs to own. When Tesco staff start asking for family members' names for toilet roll... I'll be the first one flying the revolutionary flag but I'm really not that bothered about how things are now.
Frustrating I can't get one of my 'dream' watches but I also appreciate the chase
Edited by TWW on Thursday 30th March 03:00
Richard-390a0 said:
okgo said:
Paid £1750 for one 14 years ago 
I wish they'd return to that price point!. 
Must be said it has all gone made, I have my two receipts in front of me now.
Submariner bought feb 2010 £3600 with a bit of discount!
GMTII Jul 2011 5250
Nightmare insuring them now at RRP when I know I could never replace them.
I wonder whether people will look back on this madness one day and wonder why they got the "fever". It isn't as if you can't live without one or as if Rolex have stopped making them, now is it? As the old adage goes, there's nothing like telling someone they can't have something they never even knew they wanted to make them want it more. Classic cars are just the same, but while more modern cars are rocketing 1960's cars are falling off the shelf. I know, I have several!
SirAlan (sic) doesn’t schmooze ADs they schmooze him
https://twitter.com/lord_sugar/status/164161845745...
https://twitter.com/lord_sugar/status/164161845745...
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