Ernest Jones Portsmouth running down their Rolex stock

[456GT]

Just been to the EJ branch here and noticed that their formally prominent Rolex display had gone. They informed me that Breitling had taken over as the main brand there and they were just selling off the last bit of stock.

They had a diamond versions of DJs, several ladies' watches, solid gold Day-Date and a white gold Daytona on a brown strap. All at the usual RRPs but perhaps a deal to be made...?

Just thought I'd let you guys know!

[bobbybee]

You have to love the positive AD spin on the deal.
"Breitling has taken over as their main brand"
Read
"Rolex has dropped us as an AD, and we need something, anything to fill the void"

[ecain63]

bobbybee said:

You have to love the positive AD spin on the deal.
"Breitling has taken over as their main brand"
Read
"Rolex has dropped us as an AD, and we need something, anything to fill the void"

This!

EJ have lost loads of watch contracts of late, largely due to them handing out too many 'manager discounts' to staff and friends. Easy to replace with high mark up brands like Breitling.

[hilly10]

The one EJ in the Bull Ring sells mainly designer tat

[bristolbaron]

456GT said:

All at the usual RRPs but perhaps a deal to be made...?

Everything will get inter branch transferred or returned to head office. Rolex are fast pulling out of underperforming branches.. They do seem to be doing well at sticking by independant jewellers though, which in current market is good news.

[JRewing]

I thought that they lost Rolex a year ago or more?

[Dominic H]

JRewing said:

I thought that they lost Rolex a year ago or more?

As a company they lost the Rolex Agency around August last year. The stock from all their stores has been rounded up into six or so stores, these stores are selling through EJ's remaining stocks.

[alfaman]

ecain63 said:

This!

EJ have lost loads of watch contracts of late, largely due to them handing out too many 'manager discounts' to staff and friends. Easy to replace with high mark up brands like Breitling.

which might explain why I seem to be offered nearly 25% off Breitling list prices in many stores here ... but much less off Omega or Tudor ( some shops offer nil off Tudor, others 10% )

..and why Breitling residuals are weak (?)

[Miguel Alvarez]

bobbybee said:

You have to love the positive AD spin on the deal.
"Breitling has taken over as their main brand"
Read
"Rolex has dropped us as an AD, and we need something, anything to fill the void"

Lol.