Local Singapore AD had the guts to do this - What a joke

[rcb]

Strange.

[ROLEXster]

I am going to ask to try on the DayC white dial.
Then leave a bank draft for MSRP + taxes on the counter and run.
That’s not stealing right ?
And my hearing aid batteries are dead, so I couldn’t hear them yelling stop.

I’ll call later for the box & papers.

[penguinrolex]

Disagree with everyone saying Rolex will be mad. Here's how that conversation goes:
Rolex rep: youre spitting in our face. Only display watches that are for sale.
AD manager: sure! Give me some watches to sell! Here's a list of the watches my customers want, in case you didn't see the display case with loaners from private collection. Until you do that I'm obligated to market as best as I can and this is better than empty slots.
Rolex rep: uh... Did I give you any of our new blank inserts to fill the empty watch slots in a Rolex display case? Want some. More two-tone datejust with diamonds?

[GentleMonster]

Nothing wrong with the display. It’s better than admiring only on YouTube or pictures.

Seeing and trying out at the shop allows one to make an important decision whether to acquire the hype pieces. You may decide that it’s not suitable after all.

As for tier spendings at ADs to acquire hype pieces, isn’t this a common practise now in most places? I supposed being a long time customer pre-2017 is paying dividends.

I agree that it’s a sad state these days, but we have to be realistic in this current market. Singapore, being a small city state has many affluent individuals. It’s population is comparable to New York, London and Hong Kong. What’s Rolex’s demand at these cities? I bet we know the answer.

[BakerView]

Two can play that game...

"This is not for use in your store. If you'd like to hold it and think about what it can buy here that would be fine."

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[csaltphoto]

Meh, I don't have a problem with it. Lots of places have "Display copies only". At least it lets you see one and maybe check it out. That was the problem with trying to find a SS sub. There weren't any to try on.

[JePro]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I'll take honestly over lies and games, even if it means "look but don't touch". Those watches aren't for sale, but at least you get to have a peak at them.

Agreed! Its a free market, they can sell it to whomever they want.

[ROLEX MAN]

Maybe one day the tables will have turn and “nobody” is interested in Rolex!


The average person wouldn’t give a hoot especially when they are so pricey!

[TswaneNguni]

Consumer protection act !! Use it

[Dovman]

I was just at this AD a week ago. I had the impression that these watches belonged to the owner of the AD and were thus put on display. But i could be wrong.

However, i have been to many of the outlets of this particular AD and the staff were mostly not keen on entertaining non regulars, with the exception of one outlet and one staff.

Decided to get a watch from harrods london instead.

[LittlePud]

If these were truly “dummy” watches with no movements and intended to be display / try-on only, that would be fine. However, to my knowledge Rolex only provides dummy watches for special post-Basel VIP launch events. Those events at invitation-only, Rolex reps are present during such events, and Rolex removes the dummy models once the event is over.

If these are not dummy models but real merchandise, I would be VERY interested in seeing what happens to the AD if Rolex HQ found out about this practice.

[yOyOYoo]

An AD in Taiwan told me they had several DaytonaCs in the safe, just need to spend at least 50K in merchandise to be able to buy one.

[Dovman]

Originally Posted by LittlePud

If these were truly “dummy” watches with no movements and intended to be display / try-on only, that would be fine. However, to my knowledge Rolex only provides dummy watches for special post-Basel VIP launch events. Those events at invitation-only, Rolex reps are present during such events, and Rolex removes the dummy models once the event is over.

If these are not dummy models but real merchandise, I would be VERY interested in seeing what happens to the AD if Rolex HQ found out about this practice.

Didnt seem like dummies to me. Salesperson just said they were for display only and not for sale.

[benlee]

Not very sure why everyone is so upset about. . Surely it is better to be able to at least see and try the watch then not being able to at all?

As for AD’s BS, its been going on for a long time. Solution, walk away or buy another brand.

[rolex01]

More and more ADs are having such display.

[aleeboy]

Singapore AD?

They only go to the big boss' friends and acquaintances.

If not, you need to politely and subtly off above premium.

[Cru Jones]

At least you can see and try them on, and then place your order if you had any doubts.

I think this is good customer service, actually. Better than an empty case.

[faimag]

I don't think it's bad practice. I like to see them on display, even if not for sale. At least you can try them on!?

Incidentally, Hour Glass is a well-established AD and all the people who work there have been really nice (in my experience with them, anyway).

[gaoxing84]

i am not sure if they're available for try on.

but that's lousy move. it's telling me that hey i have the stock but i aint selling to you.
you want to buy such models, yes there's terms and condition to it.

would be better if you give me the same old story since 2016 that it's out of stock because there's a long waiting list - which i believe.
even vip had to queue for it. - had friends who are vip, queue for it and got it.

for some, they spend 6-7 figures buying other stuff a year - these daytona etc are given to such people at retail

Take hour glass as a AD example.
1. People who are spending way above 6-7 figures wouldn't give 2 sh1t about a rolex.

2. Hour glass or any AD, sells say a Urwek at price with less than usual discount. And hour glass offers a rolex daytona ceramic at retail.

3. The customer can flip the daytona and get the profit - as discount given.

4. So Hour glass can report back to urwerk and says, hey man, i sold your watch at less than usual discount. Then hour glass can report back to rolex, your watch was sold to a customer at retail.

5. Hour glass get to report good numbers to both brands and get into their good books.

[Frank McKay]

Even the Air King is not for sale.

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

In all seriousness it does allow you to see the watch, maybe even handle it and make a decision on whether or not to go with a grey dealer.

You can go to a grey dealer and try on any Rolex model you fancy. To me it’s teasing from Rolex and I don’t like it.

It’s the first time i caught myself thinking about purposely not buying rolex anymore.


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[Brew]

How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie's for sale

[scheneider]

saw a similar AD in Singapore also displays some popular SS watches last weekend (also says display only not for sale). personally as a local i dont agree with this business practice. it basically says , ITS IS AVAILABLE but u r not worthy to buy from the AD.

[Bosbevok]

Interesting. It’s actually a very poor reflection on Rolex itself.


See me at Bosbevok on YouTube

[yongkun]

Was at Raffles City Singapore, I believe to be cortina - saw a root beer, deep sea and DaytonaC of course with the label “not for sale”


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[ajas]

RSC on Orchard is Singapore also has several SS models as display only.

[crowncollection]

I am not against this practice, at least I can see one on in the flesh and maybe try it on before purchase


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[ccaballero]

I like the honesty of it.

[Luke@TRF]

Same as Hermes. No biggie

[Shamorai]

Try them all on, take wrist shots, drink their free water, waste an hour of their time, then on the way out tell them that you’re going to buy one online.