Is CH Premier opening a standalone Patek Boutique in Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clar

[bay_area_kid]

Originally Posted by chimp98

That's just their regular store being remodeled. Definitely no PP boutique - confirmed with Jenny, their store manager.

Just checked their website and it actually says:

To further enhance the shopping experience, our new space will feature four new mono-brand boutiques: Patek Philippe, Omega, Tudor, and Hublot. Each boutique will showcase its brand's distinctive identity and rich heritage, presenting a comprehensive range of collections, including limited edition and exclusive boutique models.

[bay_area_kid]

Originally Posted by codecow

It’s funny that their go to line is, “It’s for VVIP”.

Yup, I've heard that when I inquired about the Tudor Pelagos 39 and the FXD. Two year wait for those, they said.

Meanwhile, HQ Milton has a Pelagos FXD listed for $3,750 right now. Topper in Burlingame had one just recently for about $4,200 out the door.

They love to play up the "scarcity", they'll try to make a Black Bay Pro seem like a Rolex Explorer II or the green dial Seamaster Diver 300M seem like a Submariner and how you're so lucky they have one available right now.

And don't even get me started on the Omega Summer Blue models. "Very limited", "We've never seen one, ever!", blah blah blah. It's like they're completely unaware you can order one directly from the Omega website nowadays or you can get one with a decent discount on the pre-owned market (OC Watch Guy has one for $5,795 right now).

[chimp98]

Originally Posted by bay_area_kid

Just checked their website and it actually says:

Lol, now that's just twisting words! Boutiques within a boutique.

[mooty]

when u buy enough watches through enough stores, you know CH is full of it...

[Crazywis]

Kerns website says theirs will be the third mono-brand boutique in the US. So this one will be the fourth? Or is this different from Kerns and the one in BH?

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Lol, now that's just twisting words! Boutiques within a boutique.

Topper has an Omega boutique that is attached to, but kinda separate from their main sales floor. Not sure if this is what CH means. How they will shove 4 lines into "separate" areas, I don't know....and I'm just assuming.

BUT, what do I care. I want to go to CH as much as I want to go get a colonoscopy.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Topper has an Omega boutique that is attached to, but kinda separate from their main sales floor. Not sure if this is what CH means. How they will shove 4 lines into "separate" areas, I don't know....and I'm just assuming.

BUT, what do I care. I want to go to CH as much as I want to go get a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy was not that bad. At least you get a good nap

Please don’t make it sounds worse than it is

[GK12345EMAIL]

Originally Posted by norcalgt3

The problem is this CH premier location offers bundling but then renegs leaving you on the hook

Exactly.

And they are supposed to have a PP boutique. Was told so a few months back. About PP and VC boutiques.

[James84]

New to this forum but been a watch enthusiast for years.

I thought I would break the ice with this as I recall a rather uncomfortable experience visiting this boutique my last time in CA.

It was at their location in the mall and I was interested in Patek and asked what it would take to get into the brand on an entry level.

The lady asked very specific questions relative to what i do for living, where exactly do I live, own or rent, what other brands do I collect and which pieces I have in collection, what I do for fun etc…

I understand the boutique wants to truly understand the client before allocating them something from one of the most in demand brands in the world. But the line of questioning got a bit uncomfortable and almost too personal for me. It didn’t feel right, almost felt like they were screening me in a caste system process.

I simply walked and still trying to find the right boutique.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by James84

New to this forum but been a watch enthusiast for years.

I thought I would break the ice with this as I recall a rather uncomfortable experience visiting this boutique my last time in CA.

It was at their location in the mall and I was interested in Patek and asked what it would take to get into the brand on an entry level.

The lady asked very specific questions relative to what i do for living, where exactly do I live, own or rent, what other brands do I collect and which pieces I have in collection, what I do for fun etc…

I understand the boutique wants to truly understand the client before allocating them something from one of the most in demand brands in the world. But the line of questioning got a bit uncomfortable and almost too personal for me. It didn’t feel right, almost felt like they were screening me in a caste system process.

I simply walked and still trying to find the right boutique.

So is there anyone that ever actually buys something from CH- seems like everyone has the same horrible relationship who do they sell watches to?


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[mooty]

^ I know 2 ppl who bought watches from them. but the feed rate is slow. and even they are not pleased despite getting watches from CHP

[mooty]

Originally Posted by GK12345EMAIL

Exactly.

And they are supposed to have a PP boutique. Was told so a few months back. About PP and VC boutiques.

for VC it's an EXTERNAL boutique. it's collab. it is nOT a boutique....

PP they are definite nOT a boutique.

[mooty]

Originally Posted by James84

New to this forum but been a watch enthusiast for years.

I thought I would break the ice with this as I recall a rather uncomfortable experience visiting this boutique my last time in CA.

It was at their location in the mall and I was interested in Patek and asked what it would take to get into the brand on an entry level.

The lady asked very specific questions relative to what i do for living, where exactly do I live, own or rent, what other brands do I collect and which pieces I have in collection, what I do for fun etc…

I understand the boutique wants to truly understand the client before allocating them something from one of the most in demand brands in the world. But the line of questioning got a bit uncomfortable and almost too personal for me. It didn’t feel right, almost felt like they were screening me in a caste system process.

I simply walked and still trying to find the right boutique.

they asked me the same.
but no result.
if they want to know client. find out ...
many will not disclose where, how, why... their wealth came to be....

[mooty]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Lol, now that's just twisting words! Boutiques within a boutique.

you are correct...

for PP, kerns will be a BOUTIQUE and Polachek is also a BOUTIQUE. I am not sure which is the one at BH.

[mooty]

Originally Posted by llngoc

A friend who was already a CH client but not with big spending history was invited to the VC boutique opening. He saw a Fifty-Six and was interested but his SA told him that the watch was reserved for a VVIP and just stopped at that. She did not even bother to offer to order another one for him. He was quite upset but felt much better when another friend showed him that he can get the exact watch for 30% off in grey market.

Another friend went it and asked about a 5712/1a and was shown a JLC diamond bracelet watch for $135000. The sales implied that he may get a 5712/1a within a few months if he is interested in the bracelet watch. I told him to just get the 5712 at grey for less than the price of the bracelet watch and save some money and headache.

The few times I went in to look at even jewelry with my wife, the SA always tried to push and up sell something which was not even what we inquired and showed interests on. It is very obvious that the SAs there were trained in a very special way by ignoring what the customer wants and only focus on what he/she needs to sell.

56... how many you need. they are everywhere.
now see if they can get
222
6000V in either ti or RG
traditionelle green dial plat toubillon
skeleton perpetual
all within 12 month

[Crazywis]

Originally Posted by mooty

you are correct...

for PP, kerns will be a BOUTIQUE and Polachek is also a BOUTIQUE. I am not sure which is the one at BH.

Gearys?

[Crazywis]

It appears CH lost their SoCal status with Patek. Could their NorCal location be next? Or perhaps they get to consolidate all their allocations into NorCal when the boutique opens?

[mooty]

Originally Posted by norcalgt3

the problem is this ch premier location offers bundling but then renegs leaving you on the hook

6

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Crazywis

It appears CH lost their SoCal status with Patek. Could their NorCal location be next? Or perhaps they get to consolidate all their allocations into NorCal when the boutique opens?

They are building a new Patek boutique in NorCal at Westfield valley fair pretty sure they will stay in the mix


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[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by dauster

They are building a new Patek boutique in NorCal at Westfield valley fair pretty sure they will stay in the mix


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Right now scheduled to open around May 2024.

[Teammccalla]

I think all the deeeeep pockets and new tech money makes the Valley Fair experience kinda unpleasant. They don’t have to offer any customer service at all! The next rich clown to walk through the door will just slap down their credit card. CH is not horrible, but they themselves will acknowledge the phenomenon. Their selection of PP is very thin, and they say that the “phenomenon” is the reason — too much money floating around. The Breitling / JLC boutique is slightly better, and Cartier is always helpful. The Licht Rolex place is truly horrible. I would NEVER buy anything there. Incredibly snobby and knowledge is so poor.

I hope the CH “boutiques” are better, but I am not expecting much.

I limit my interactions to a quick browse for entertainment.

[hbu]

I bought several watches from CH (both Valley Fair and Palo Alto locations), spending over $90,000 there including PP and VC. While CH isn’t horrible, they are definitely not a good Authorized Dealer (AD). I've been trying to get a second PP for over 2-3 years, but all they do is note down my name and wishlist without any follow-up. Even after speaking with the manager, I was told I need to spend another $30,000 on jewelry or other watches to reserve the PP. When I discussed this with the store owner, I was told that the watch is only reserved for their special customers.

There used to be some good Sales Associates (SA) in the past, but they are no longer there. Additionally, for purchases over $20,000, they only accept personal checks, wire transfers, or cash—no credit cards. Based on their business practices, I wouldn't be surprised if CH loses the PP brand in the future. If you're looking for an AD to start your watch collecting journey, I suggest going somewhere else. This is not the AD to build a relationship with.

[4reRlxGuy]

CH lost the PP account earlier this year at their socal location.

[Gebbeth]

I've been to the CH location in Valley Fair several times, and to be fair, I didn't have an immediate interest in buying a watch there during those times. So their treatment of me was immaterial to an actual purchase.

That being the case, I did find the sales associates there extremely unhelpful, unfriendly, and generally disinterested.

I did happen to go to the IWC boutique in VF, which I think is run by CH(?). There, I was very interested in getting the BP Monopusher chrono, Le Petite Prince. I was also going to get my BP regulated. So I wore my Spitfire Chrono, took my BP in the travel case, and also requested to see the Monopusher, and let them know I was interested in buying that model.

The lead SA was very snooty. She first said "that's a limited edition"......no sh*t Sherlock.....and then quoted the list price.....again, no sh*t Sherlock, and then basically told me that it would be impossible, but that she would put my name in the interest book. Of course, she had another junior sales associate write down my info.

I knew then and there, I would never get any phone call or email or text.

Then she looked at my BP and said "Oh, the crystal is scratched." I said "Oh, really?" And she gave me a loupe to look. I saw nothing but a smudge, which wiped off.

Then she remarked "Oh, you can use a loupe." Uh....yes.

Anyway, it was really not fun. It also wasn't terribly reassuring that I was giving my watch to them to regulate (it was running very fast). I should have just taken it back and gone somewhere else.

2 months later, I get the watch back, and it's still running fast.

Will never buy anything from this AD....ever.

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by Crazywis

This thread brings back old memories. I got my Omega Aqua Terra from CH a long time ago (~2010) - they punched in an unbeatable price on that calculator of theirs

With the bundling practices and the CH owned standalone boutiques, it appears like a lot has changed since then. The vibe that I got was that someone like them would always find a way to be competitive on pricing, one way or another, directly or indirectly.....

do they still love their calculators at CH? every time they whip that thing out i just imagine Thierry Stern walking in and passing out at the site of them negotiating prices like we're in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

[hbu]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

I've been to the CH location in Valley Fair several times, and to be fair, I didn't have an immediate interest in buying a watch there during those times. So their treatment of me was immaterial to an actual purchase.

That being the case, I did find the sales associates there extremely unhelpful, unfriendly, and generally disinterested.

I did happen to go to the IWC boutique in VF, which I think is run by CH(?). There, I was very interested in getting the BP Monopusher chrono, Le Petite Prince. I was also going to get my BP regulated. So I wore my Spitfire Chrono, took my BP in the travel case, and also requested to see the Monopusher, and let them know I was interested in buying that model.

The lead SA was very snooty. She first said "that's a limited edition"......no sh*t Sherlock.....and then quoted the list price.....again, no sh*t Sherlock, and then basically told me that it would be impossible, but that she would put my name in the interest book. Of course, she had another junior sales associate write down my info.

I knew then and there, I would never get any phone call or email or text.

Then she looked at my BP and said "Oh, the crystal is scratched." I said "Oh, really?" And she gave me a loupe to look. I saw nothing but a smudge, which wiped off.

Then she remarked "Oh, you can use a loupe." Uh....yes.

Anyway, it was really not fun. It also wasn't terribly reassuring that I was giving my watch to them to regulate (it was running very fast). I should have just taken it back and gone somewhere else.

2 months later, I get the watch back, and it's still running fast.

Will never buy anything from this AD....ever.

The IWC boutique in VF is run by CH. I am sorry to hear about your experience. If you go there again in the future, ask for Jamie, David, or Dimitri. Jamie is very knowledgeable about IWC and JLC; he is very patient and friendly—one of the best salespeople in my book.

For watch service, I suggest reaching out to IWC directly instead of an AD if possible. I have serviced a few watches in the past (not IWC but other brands), and I found that the best way is to work with the company service center instead of an AD. Usually, the AD is just a middleman and doesn't do much to service the watch.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by cbalster

do they still love their calculators at CH? every time they whip that thing out i just imagine Thierry Stern walking in and passing out at the site of them negotiating prices like we're in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

To be honest when they whipped out their calculator the price was a lot lower than what anyone else would offer. Then again they had no shame saying what other purchases were needed to get a nautilus or aquanaut. At least they are blunt about this vs some vague arbitrary journey you have to go on...

[MP777]

What kind of jewelry store in the US doesn’t take credit card. Someone should tip the IRS

Originally Posted by hbu

I bought several watches from CH (both Valley Fair and Palo Alto locations), spending over $90,000 there including PP and VC. While CH isn’t horrible, they are definitely not a good Authorized Dealer (AD). I've been trying to get a second PP for over 2-3 years, but all they do is note down my name and wishlist without any follow-up. Even after speaking with the manager, I was told I need to spend another $30,000 on jewelry or other watches to reserve the PP. When I discussed this with the store owner, I was told that the watch is only reserved for their special customers.

There used to be some good Sales Associates (SA) in the past, but they are no longer there. Additionally, for purchases over $20,000, they only accept personal checks, wire transfers, or cash—no credit cards. Based on their business practices, I wouldn't be surprised if CH loses the PP brand in the future. If you're looking for an AD to start your watch collecting journey, I suggest going somewhere else. This is not the AD to build a relationship with.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by MP777

What kind of jewelry store in the US doesn’t take credit card. Someone should tip the IRS

I can attest to this practice. I was going to get a ladies Patek for my wife during a Sunday visit. Mostly an impulse buy. But as I was pulling out my CC, I was told that I need to do a wire transfer for the purchase so I need to wait for Monday to close the deal. By Monday afternoon, we decided that we don’t want it anymore. Not sure if the 3% CC charge is worth losing a deal on a not highly sought after ladies watch. But saved me some
$$$.

I doubt the wire transfer can be used to hide from the IRS as it is as traceable as a CC transaction. Even cash probably will still need to be reported otherwise they need to explain how an inventory just disappeared.

[mooty]

^ as I said MANY times. they are shady.
the 3% is cost of doing business.
they know it.