trip to Italy

[Dimas24]

Hello everyone,
For this summer I am planning a month-long trip through the whole Italy, including large cities like Rome, Venice or Milan. Do you think that there is a chance of getting Starbucks from AD there... I am even thinking of contacting local ADs a couple of months beforehand.
It looks like I am not getting a call from my AD in the near future, so I am now thinking about other options.

[chris242]

Highly doubtful


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[Kiddodoc]

Nope.

[sys999]

BTDT last year. Just enjoy the food, crowds, and rude locals lol.

[RolexAwaytheDew]

Italy is the best. I would much prefer to return home with a Panerai from Firenze. (Somehow, I missed visiting the flagship store while I was there.)

[996marty]

Maybe a stupid question but why would you have more of a chance whilst abroad than your own country? Watches of the Rolex variety are popular everywhere.
I’d just enjoy your holiday Italy is a fabulous country maybe try Florence if you can

[Hulkhunter]

You are less likely. They aren’t going to sell a desirable watch to a walk in tourist.

If you haven’t got a decent relationship at an AD you are probably best going grey for the green sub. The premiums aren’t that much now, considering they are quite difficult to get.

[joli160]

You really think a foreign AD will give preference to a one time buyer instead of making their regular clientele happy ?

[jb335]

Zero chance

I’d be more interested in visiting vintage shops


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[Carlazzo]

Zero chance. But why not? You can try.... contact ADs ...
Who knows ?? Good luck !

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Dimas24

Hello everyone,
For this summer I am planning a month-long trip through the whole Italy, including large cities like Rome, Venice or Milan. Do you think that there is a chance of getting Starbucks from AD there... I am even thinking of contacting local ADs a couple of months beforehand.
It looks like I am not getting a call from my AD in the near future, so I am now thinking about other options.

Zero chance. Don’t even try and annoy yourself on your travels.
Enjoy your trip

[sinkholeninja]

I live in Milan and can tell you there is no chance to buy any SS at retail as a walk-in customer. Enjoy your stay in Italy, there’s plenty to see and experience besides watch shops

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Zero chance. Don’t even try and annoy yourself on your travels.
Enjoy your trip

This. Have an awesome trip - it sounds fabulous!

[brandrea]

Have an amazing trip. We’ve been to Italy too many times to count and it’s easily our favourite country to visit.

You’re unlikely to land that reference at an AD, but I guess you never know.

It’s a beautiful country, rich in history and culture with friendly locals IMO

[ozwatchguy]

I wouldn’t waste your time calling ahead they’ve already got lists they can’t fulfil

Enjoy your holiday and if you happen to walk past a shop try your luck


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[Dimas24]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

I live in Milan and can tell you there is no chance to buy any SS at retail as a walk-in customer. Enjoy your stay in Italy, there’s plenty to see and experience besides watch shops

this is what I was thinking as well.

[Danny271]

Originally Posted by RolexAwaytheDew

Italy is the best. I would much prefer to return home with a Panerai from Firenze. (Somehow, I missed visiting the flagship store while I was there.)

Yes, this! It’s a great boutique.

I’ve had a couple of friends leave there very happy with a few pieces unique to the flagship store.


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[Actor07]

Hi:

I occasionally go to Venice every few months. The AD at San Marco Square only has Exhibition Models. Additionally, the AD at Milan airport has mainly exhibition models as well. So, you will probably not be able to purchase a Starbucks or any hot model in either place. Enjoy Italy, it will be crowded this time of year. Plus Venice instituted a day traveler tax recently (9 Euros).

[DavidSB]

I believe prices are slightly higher than in the US (don't know about Canada but you can check on a TRF sticky) and there's 22% VAT some of which, after processing and currency conversion fees, you might get back.

[Harry-57]

Italy rocks. I hope Florence is on the itinerary. The boutique on the bridge is a fascinating curiosity but I suspect you will return empty handed.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Italy rocks. I hope Florence is on the itinerary. The boutique on the bridge is a fascinating curiosity but I suspect you will return empty handed.

I’ve been to that AD many times. They have really friendly staff and our last visit my wife got to try on a 36 mm DD. Thankfully, I left my wallet back at the hotel

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Dimas24

Hello everyone,
For this summer I am planning a month-long trip through the whole Italy, including large cities like Rome, Venice or Milan. Do you think that there is a chance of getting Starbucks from AD there... I am even thinking of contacting local ADs a couple of months beforehand.
It looks like I am not getting a call from my AD in the near future, so I am now thinking about other options.

I mean you can try, but you'll be up against every local client they already serve, and probably have done for years - why bother selling one to a wondering traveller who will never darken their door again?

You have more of a chance of getting one at the airport on the way there.

[variety]

I'm probably one of the rare lucky people but I was able to pick up day date olive rose gold as walk in at the Florence AD earlier this year. This model is pretty difficult anywhere in the world as most shops get 1-3 a year if that. They initially told me they had nothing but a datejust two tone and yellow gold day date but I had my italian friend with us and somehow we had a long friendly chat and was offered this last minute as original owner could not pick it up for weeks. I was wearing my pepsi but not sure what it was that led to the offer, probably a combination of everything (luck, having local with us, wearing rolex, being friendly, etc).

I'll echo what most people are saying that a stainless sport model is pretty much impossible and I would not go out of your way to drop by all the ADs unless you're literally in the area walking by which is what I did. Some AD's like the one in Rome won't even let you try on exhibition models saying you might scratch them! The AD inside Rome airport had a couple models like OP, datejust but they were straight up like you must bundle this with jewelry next door which the store was connected to (at least they were honest). Enjoy Italy it's one of my favorite countries to visit but I would go in with no expectations on walking away with a watch unless maybe it's a two tone datejust or something like that. Good luck and have a nice trip!

[Dimas24]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Italy rocks. I hope Florence is on the itinerary. The boutique on the bridge is a fascinating curiosity but I suspect you will return empty handed.

It is on my wife's list

[Dimas24]

Appreciate all the replies. I love Italy as well. Probably, will not bother with ADs, unless they are exactly on my way or at the airport.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve been to that AD many times. They have really friendly staff and our last visit my wife got to try on a 36 mm DD. Thankfully, I left my wallet back at the hotel

That was a close call.

While I was putting my Explorer II in for a service yesterday my wife was racking up some numbers on jewelry. I can't take her anywhere! Still, it won't hurt our buying history.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

That was a close call.

While I was putting my Explorer II in for a service yesterday my wife was racking up some numbers on jewelry. I can't take her anywhere! Still, it won't hurt our buying history.

:chuckle;


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