Frustrating day in London

[zoenoadad]

I finally decided to take the plunge on a SeaDweller as a nice paring with my black DaytonaC. Stopped into an AD here in London yesterday just on a whim, with no expectation whatsoever that they would have one available. Left my name and email, and was told they'd be in touch. Fine. A few hours later I get a message that if I can commit the next day, the watch was mine. Needless to say I immediately responded "YES!" and even came to work today without my Daytona on my wrist, ready for the SD43 to take its new place. When I spoke to the salesman, I was told that actually, the SeaDweller is reserved for "special" customers who have spent more than 15,000 quid in the store this year. So I could spend the money for the privilege of then spending more on the SeaDweller, or I could wait and hope (though in fairness, he did offer me a Sub).

I know this happens all over these days, but to be told that I'd have the watch today only to have the rug pulled out from under me just feels...not right. No idea if this was a ploy to get me to buy a different watch the whole time or just an honest mistake, but either way leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Very seriously considering the TS route as prices have come down a bit on the SD though I do enjoy buying direct from an AD if possible. Everyone at work keeps asking me why I'm in a bad mood and when I try to explain, they are rather perplexed at the whole thing! Such is life in 2018 WIS world I guess...

[Trailboss516]

where is the barfing emoji when you need it...

[Psijason]

Awful business practice. So sorry!!

[jeffnnj]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

I finally decided to take the plunge on a SeaDweller as a nice paring with my black DaytonaC. Stopped into an AD here in London yesterday just on a whim, with no expectation whatsoever that they would have one available. Left my name and email, and was told they'd be in touch. Fine. A few hours later I get a message that if I can commit the next day, the watch was mine. Needless to say I immediately responded "YES!" and even came to work today without my Daytona on my wrist, ready for the SD43 to take its new place. When I spoke to the salesman, I was told that actually, the SeaDweller is reserved for "special" customers who have spent more than 15,000 quid in the store this year. So I could spend the money for the privilege of then spending more on the SeaDweller, or I could wait and hope (though in fairness, he did offer me a Sub).



I know this happens all over these days, but to be told that I'd have the watch today only to have the rug pulled out from under me just feels...not right. No idea if this was a ploy to get me to buy a different watch the whole time or just an honest mistake, but either way leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Very seriously considering the TS route as prices have come down a bit on the SD though I do enjoy buying direct from an AD if possible. Everyone at work keeps asking me why I'm in a bad mood and when I try to explain, they are rather perplexed at the whole thing! Such is life in 2018 WIS world I guess...

I would tell him that you need to pick up an anniversary gift for your wife and are looking for something square around 8 karats. Ask him to check his inventory, make a deal over the phone and block his number. I hate assholes like that. Pardon my French but really.


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[edingotham]

that's a lame AD

why don't you just get it from the AD that you got your Daytona C (black) - (assuming you got it at AD)

[jsausley]

That's a joke. I don't mind if ADs hold inventory back for VIPs, I realize that's necessary in today's economy with the supply the way it is, but for an AD to tell you that it's in stock but only to tell you that you have to spend more.. that's an insult, to me.

[zoenoadad]

Originally Posted by edingotham

that's a lame AD

why don't you just get it from the AD that you got your Daytona C (black) - (assuming you got it at AD)

I actually hadn't thought of that, since I got the Daytona at an AD in the Middle East but have since moved to London. But might be worth a shot (and a quick Christmas break trip)! Thanks for the advice, sending a WhatsApp now (oh wait, 02 is down)...

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

I finally decided to take the plunge on a SeaDweller as a nice paring with my black DaytonaC. Stopped into an AD here in London yesterday just on a whim, with no expectation whatsoever that they would have one available. Left my name and email, and was told they'd be in touch. Fine. A few hours later I get a message that if I can commit the next day, the watch was mine. Needless to say I immediately responded "YES!" and even came to work today without my Daytona on my wrist, ready for the SD43 to take its new place. When I spoke to the salesman, I was told that actually, the SeaDweller is reserved for "special" customers who have spent more than 15,000 quid in the store this year. So I could spend the money for the privilege of then spending more on the SeaDweller, or I could wait and hope (though in fairness, he did offer me a Sub).

I know this happens all over these days, but to be told that I'd have the watch today only to have the rug pulled out from under me just feels...not right. No idea if this was a ploy to get me to buy a different watch the whole time or just an honest mistake, but either way leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Very seriously considering the TS route as prices have come down a bit on the SD though I do enjoy buying direct from an AD if possible. Everyone at work keeps asking me why I'm in a bad mood and when I try to explain, they are rather perplexed at the whole thing! Such is life in 2018 WIS world I guess...

That's ridiculous get it from one of our trusted sellers and you'll be far better off than being extorted by the AD.

[Jonnyj]

Wow that not right at all ! So sorry!

[liu_watch]

If they made a verbal offer, though not binding, they should honor it. I’ll be p/$$ed too!


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[DP63]

Atrocious .... thats the only word I can put to that sales technique.

[Ravager135]

This is the epitome of everything that is wrong with this particular market these days. You were intentionally misled; end of story. If an AD wants to state their policy up front to you regarding who they offer stainless steel Rolex watches to, that's their business; even if I think it is a stupid one. To call you back and tell you they have one waiting only to tell you that you need to spend 15k in the store to have the "privilege" to buy it (waiting intentionally for you to arrive in the store), is absurd. Good on you for walking out.

[Number3]

That would make me mad. Who was the AD?

[Andygmt2]

Terrible and ridiculous !!

Which AD is this in London so we can avoid !

[harvey]

Jason, that's rather an underhand practice. I would look elsewhere. Good luck...

[zoenoadad]

Watches of Switzerland, Oxford Street branch. Again, not sure if this was intentional or if the guy just made a mistake (I tend to assume the best in people, which may not be wise in this business). And I don't even begrudge the ADs who hold the hot pieces for long-time customers. It's more the raising of expectations, only to be told "sorry, no sale" 12 hours later that stings.

Originally Posted by Andygmt2

Terrible and ridiculous !!

Which AD is this in London so we can avoid !

[Raku]

Unfortunately it's a seller's (AD) market at the moment and they can get away with anything.
It's so sad to see...

[ALF61]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

Watches of Switzerland, Oxford Street branch. Again, not sure if this was intentional or if the guy just made a mistake (I tend to assume the best in people, which may not be wise in this business). And I don't even begrudge the ADs who hold the hot pieces for long-time customers. It's more the raising of expectations, only to be told "sorry, no sale" 12 hours later that stings.

No, he did not make a mistake. He admitedly told you about that privilege. Some ADs are taking advantage of the situation to bundle Rolex SS models or binding them to other purchases. They are using Rolex watches and Rolex end consumers are getting righfully pissed off about it. I would file a complaint with Rolex and hopefully they will be reprimended or their dealership withdrawn.

[dylan0024]

that is messed up. i would have told the AD to f themselves and take my business elsewhere.

[avidflyer]

Seems to be a lot of complaints about the greys (in general), lately I think they should look into the AD's

[ltmgeller]

Terrible business practice on their part. I'd avoid them in the future.

[Mystro]

This is what AD’s do. This is also why you don’t owe them anything buy not going grey market. At least the grey market sellers are honest and you know exactly what you get going in.

[klenboy]

That is unfortunate that they have to resort to such methods. Whether if they are honest telling you that such high demand pieces are reserved for their VIP's, or if they resort to the "pull under the rug" tactic the end result would be the same to them: you will walk out without a watch disappointed.

Of course the honest route would not leave such a bitter taste in your mouth and there's a chance that you may actually go back. Not all salesmen/ladies are created equal.

For such disappointments I just think about it this way: I'm given more time to save more money and look elsewhere. It's not a bad thing to keep your money while waiting.

[Stevec14]

I would have gone straight to watch finder and picked one up for 11 grand and paraded it in front of him and told home to stick his 15 grand where the sun doesn’t shine.


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[zoenoadad]

Ha! I'm in the process of buying one from a TRF member as we speak. And you can bet your bum I'll be going back in there to show them once it's on my wrist.

Originally Posted by Stevec14

I would have gone straight to watch finder and picked one up for 11 grand and paraded it in front of him and told home to stick his 15 grand where the sun doesn’t shine.


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[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

Ha! I'm in the process of buying one from a TRF member as we speak. And you can bet your bum I'll be going back in there to show them once it's on my wrist.

Good man!


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[Number3]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

Ha! I'm in the process of buying one from a TRF member as we speak. And you can bet your bum I'll be going back in there to show them once it's on my wrist.

Love it, good for you mate.

P.S. make sure you post some pics when you get - I am seriously considering the same as I want something a little bigger than my Subs. Cheers.

[timedate]

in the old days prior to cctv he may have been given a slap,

i dont like cocky, smarmy, lying types.

[Number3]

Originally Posted by timedate

in the old days prior to cctv he may have been given a slap,

i dont like cocky, smarmy, lying types.

[marcusp23]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

If they made a verbal offer, though not binding, they should honor it. I’ll be p/$$ed too!


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In the US, with certain exceptions, verbal offers are binding and can be accepted - just as binding as written offers (though harder to prove obviously)