Interesting experience regarding authentication at AD

[wappinghigh]

What do Rolex AD's actually do anymore?
Given they have nothing to sell that anyone wants...
They dont service watches... (the RSC does that)..
They don't touch vintage (too hard)...
And now I'm hearing they don't authenticate watches...?
So other than have staff dust down blank display cases, and then hang around trying to look busy when the reality is they are totally bored... what do AD's actually do? ...
(other than maybe the manager negotiating with greys and flippers what price to onsell their next SS models..?...)
Why even have a physical store for that? Why not slash your costs?..(Couldn't this just be done from home via mobile....?)
Do AD's have anything to do with genuine future Rolex customers and watch enthusiasts anymore?
Seems they can't even put orders in for a Rolex watch?....
Maybe they are just giant Rolex Green signs with gold yellow crown marketing displays... but why have any staff?
You could just have giant 3D digital displays doing that at various airports, hotels, train stations and prominent up market sites around the world for that...
There is nothing to look at in an AD that's worth looking at, and certainly no way of buying anything you might desire from one anyway.....
So why even have them>?

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

What do Rolex AD's actually do anymore?
Given they have nothing to sell that anyone wants...
They dont service watches... (the RSC does that)..
They don't touch vintage (too hard)...
And now I'm hearing they don't authenticate watches...?
So other than have staff dust down blank display cases, and then hang around trying to look busy when the reality is they are totally bored... what do AD's actually do? ...
(other than maybe the manager negotiating with greys and flippers what price to onsell their next SS models...)
Why even have a physical store for that? Why not slash your costs?..(Couldn't this just be done from home via mobile....?)
Do AD's actually have anything to do with genuine future Rolex customers and watch enthusiasts anymore?

Rolex ADs sell plenty of Rolex watches. The professional models aren’t the only Rolex for sale.

To most non watch enthusiasts, the DJ and DD is what comes to mind where Rolex is concerned.

If the AD has a resident watchmaker on staff, they will service Rolex watches as long as it is within their capacity to do so. Anything complex gets sent to the main RSCs.

The owner of an AD can do whatever he/she wants with their stock. Their stock is their property.

Rolex insists on the physical experience of purchasing a Rolex. An online sales platform doesn’t fit their marketing philosophy.

Yep, ADs sell to genuine Rolex customers. Especially the ones they recognize as long time customers.

[RanHong]

It is not in an ADs best interest to authenticate watches, they are spending time and taking on risks for nothing. i think it was just their way of telling you that they dont want to do it.

[wappinghigh]

^Ah Ok (Nick)... must be different AD's you are talking about then...
The ones I just come across seem to be just Rolex only in Mals and Airports and casino complexes etc... they look like Rolex proprietary stores...
l clearly have the wrong impression on AD's then.. apols for that
So why is that? (I have the wrong impression)....
Why is it that the Rolex marketing machine hasn't got your message across?...
...ie that they really care about the genuine Rolex enthusiast and watch collector...
...or are you saying they couldn't care less?

[wappinghigh]

See my impression of what an up market boutique style luxury goods store should be like is the total retail "experience"...
This would include absolutely anything a genuine Rolex lover would want..
Watches they actually desire to see and touch..
Jewellers and Watch makers to talk stuff over..
People to authenticate and value their current pieces..
Staff to discuss trades..
History and memorabilia...
Finance arrangements etc..
Order processing and transparent after order tracking..
Day of purchase experience..
After market service
...etc etc
(kind of like an upmarket Apple Store I guess is what I'm thinking)...

I have walked into alot of AD's here, in Asia and US, (plus a couple in Europe) over the years and never seen any of that... my bad I guess...

If they were out there ?...a nut job like me (who loves watches and the Rolex brand) would have definitely found them....
So where are they?
Does Rolex have a flagship store like that?
...Say in London or NYC?

[wappinghigh]

Anyway... whatever... my "order" for two GMT's has "gone in""...or so it seems???.. to the only AD store I know around here (in a city of 4 Million)...branded "Rolex"...
Whether it has actually gone in?... well who knows??..... I really have no idea...
Is there a list? Am I on it?
I don't have a clue.... my request has not a shred of evidence of any transaction..

Other than a reply email "We have noted your expression of interest for these watches and will inform you if an opportunity arises to place an order" (or words to that effect)...

And they call this the "Rolex retail experience"... is it? For a premium brand? Products with a combined value of over 25K AUD?

Who knows??

(I've had a way better time at a dealer in Toyota)....

Cheers...

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Anyway... whatever... my "order" for two GMT's has "gone in""...or so it seems???.. to the only AD store I know around here (in a city of 4 Million)...branded "Rolex"...
Whether it has actually gone in?... well knows??..... I really have no idea...
Is there a list? Am I on it?
I don't have a clue.... my request has not a shred of evidence of any transaction..

Other than a reply email "We have noted your expression of interest for these watches and will inform you if an opportunity arises to place an order" (or words to that effect)...

And they call this the "Rolex retail experience"... is it? For a premium brand? Products with a combined value of over 20 AUD?

Who knows??

(I've had a way better time at a dealer in Toyota)....

Cheers...

Based on the information above, it is highly unlikely you will be able to purchase those references from that AD.

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Based on the information above, it is highly unlikely you will be able to purchase those references from that AD.

Sure.. fair enough (they are marketed by Rolex all over the world..) Lots' of high glossy adds in magazines and on the web and on the Rolex internet page itself..

So where can I order them?

[Fleetlord]

AD should not offer Rolex authentication services. Not worth the hassle.

AD should never allow a third party sales transaction to take place in their stores.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Sure.. fair enough (they are marketed by Rolex all over the world..) Lots' of high glossy adds in magazines and on the web and on the Rolex internet page itself..

So where can I order them?

Without a meaningful prior purchase history establishing you as a valued customer with that particular AD, there will not be a placement on the list.

There is no way to order. The watches come in to the AD and are distributed throughout their client list as the store sees fit. Having a prior purchase history with the store and a relationship with a salesperson who will act as an advocate to plead your case to ownership/management as to why you should be able to purchase one is necessary. If you don’t have this in place already and are not interested in establishing a relationship by purchasing other references, then you are wasting your time.

The AD needs to control who gets these references as they are not receiving them in abundance so they need to make the most it when they get one...selling to repeat customers keeps that pipeline open..they will always get first dibs.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

AD should not offer Rolex authentication services. Not worth the hassle.

AD should never allow a third party sales transaction to take place in their stores.

Totally agree.

This does not happen in Singapore.

Used to be anyone wanting to have their watch authenticated would have to go to RSC and pay the S$107 fee. I'm not sure if Rolex Singapore still offer this service.

[daOnlyBG]

I like how everyone assumed the transaction would be held at the authorized dealer, as opposed to simply having the watch authenticated- something that all ADs in question had done in the past (and continue to do so today). Read the OP once again.

Originally Posted by TurboTim14

That's probably just their way of telling you they don't want to do it.

One problem with this response: it's far easier (and more honest) to just say "Sorry, we don't offer that service." Apparently other ADs (i.e., Tourneau's boutique) have no problem saying so. Apparently neither do others:

Originally Posted by train-time

The last time I called a local AD regarding authenticating a watch for sale and meeting a perspective buyer at their location, they said that they would not do any authentication of the watch and would not allow a transfer or sale to take place on their premises.

It's not as though said ADs don't have a willingness to disappoint their clientele, no?

[SLWoodster]

I shop at CD Peacock regularly. $4-500 really is their way of telling you to F off. They’ll do it for a regular for free. But there’s too many franken watches, too many joe schmos off the street asking for daytonas, batmans, pepsis as their first watch... or authenticating their recent craigslist deals... if you really care just pay it. Your value just went up. Or send it to an actual Rolex Service Center.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

I like how everyone assumed the transaction would be held at the authorized dealer, as opposed to simply having the watch authenticated- something that all ADs in question had done in the past (and continue to do so today).

It seems as if they have come to their senses and stopped involving themselves in risky and unnecessary undertakings.

I would suggest calling the management of that chain and express your concerns over their policy changes.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by SLWoodster

I shop at CD Peacock regularly. $4-500 really is their way of telling you to F off. They’ll do it for a regular for free.

Good to know- thanks.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

Wherever you go, make sure there is some kind of security measure in place that will prevent a prospective "buyer" from grabbing it and dashing out the door.

This is actually a pretty good point. The CD Peacock in question is located inside a mall, and to be quite honest, their lack of robust security is noticeable.

But my plan wasn't to have the transaction there. The buyer just wanted to see the result straight from the AD (they argue that I, a stranger, could theoretically "fake" any authentication documents).

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

First and foremost, that is not our job. Can't stress that enough.

Fair enough, but try to see that as general consumers, we're getting fed a lot of mixed signals from the ADs themselves.

We go to Rolex's website and they insist that if we have any questions, we should go to our "authorized Rolex retailer."

Fine.

We go to the Rolex AD and some will say "sorry, we don't do that here, we'll have to send in to RSC" and then charge the nominal shipping fee or whatever. But then others say "Yes, we charge $500" instead of the more honest and straightforward former response.

So what are we supposed to think, especially since those very same ADs used to charge a much smaller, nominal fee beforehand?

[iTreelex]

It's crazy how hostile AD's have been for Rolex watches. I understand their skill should not be for free but $500 for a 15 minute inspection? They are not surgeons. This is first world problems out here where you have to get on your knees and beg for some pretentious salesman to bat an eye. There have been better times. Makes me want to quit the hobby sometimes.

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Without a meaningful prior purchase history establishing you as a valued customer with that particular AD, there will not be a placement on the list.

There is no way to order. The watches come in to the AD and are distributed throughout their client list as the store sees fit. Having a prior purchase history with the store and a relationship with a salesperson who will act as an advocate to plead your case to ownership/management as to why you should be able to purchase one is necessary. If you don’t have this in place already and are not interested in establishing a relationship by purchasing other references, then you are wasting your time.

The AD needs to control who gets these references as they are not receiving them in abundance so they need to make the most it when they get one...selling to repeat customers keeps that pipeline open..they will always get first dibs.

Ok...

Sure.

How then do I get "A prior purchase history" from an AD, if first up, If can't actually "purchase" anything I want?

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by iTreelex

It's crazy how hostile AD's have been for Rolex watches. I understand their skill should not be for free but $500 for a 15 minute inspection? They are not surgeons. This is first world problems out here where you have to get on your knees and beg for some pretentious salesman to bat an eye. There have been better times. Makes me want to quit the hobby sometimes.

Yep. Agree.. I call BS on AD's on this as well....

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

Fair enough, but try to see that as general consumers, we're getting fed a lot of mixed signals from the ADs themselves.

We go to Rolex's website and they insist that if we have any questions, we should go to our "authorized Rolex retailer."

Fine.

We go to the Rolex AD and some will say "sorry, we don't do that here, we'll have to send in to RSC" and then charge the nominal shipping fee or whatever. But then others say "Yes, we charge $500" instead of the more honest and straightforward former response.

So what are we supposed to think, especially since those very same ADs used to charge a much smaller, nominal fee beforehand?

Yep ....the whole Rolex/AD thing is a total marketing shambles

[Godfather111]

RSC seems the proper forum.

$100 sounds reasonable. $500 is pure robbery.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Ok...

Sure.

How then do I get "A prior purchase history" from an AD, if first up, If can't actually "purchase" anything I want?

YOU just happen to want among the hottest watches on the market.

Dealer only gets so many.

They have repeat customers who have purchased a lotta stuff (they wanted more stuff than YOU and bought it) and will continue to do so..if the AD gives the priority in regards to distribution of these references, they will continue to buy more stuff.

The AD doesn’t know you and you have no relationship. It’s not worth it to them to “waste” the sale because they can use that to sell more and through the VIP pipelines.

At this point, you will not be able to establish the necessary purchase history solely off of hot watches. The AD will focus on supplying those to customers who buy lots of stuff. If you don’t want anything else they carry, then you will get shutout.

Your best option is to buy on the secondary market and enjoy the watch.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Yep ....the whole Rolex/AD thing is a total marketing shambles

Far from it. Rolex is completely dominating the luxury watch market.

Only AP, Patek and RM offer any sort of competition.

In fact Rolex is so dominant that it could put other brands, whose marketing actually are a shambles, out of business.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

Fair enough, but try to see that as general consumers, we're getting fed a lot of mixed signals from the ADs themselves.

We go to Rolex's website and they insist that if we have any questions, we should go to our "authorized Rolex retailer."

Fine.

We go to the Rolex AD and some will say "sorry, we don't do that here, we'll have to send in to RSC" and then charge the nominal shipping fee or whatever. But then others say "Yes, we charge $500" instead of the more honest and straightforward former response.

So what are we supposed to think, especially since those very same ADs used to charge a much smaller, nominal fee beforehand?

I completely disagree. By and large the mixed signals are born out of forums like this - most ADs are unwaveringly consistent with the services they provide (whether the specific store meets the needs of a specific customer is another matter). It becomes problematic when people from across one hundred different countries share experiences and expect the same thing to happen for them as happened 4000 miles away. Each AD is it’s own business with it’s own identity, and it’s own mission.

If you don’t like the service or services from a specific AD, find another one. It’s that simple. People have no right to demand every store offers the exact services that they require just because it suits the customer to be in that store. Authentications and buying/selling used watches are a good example of this since many ADs don’t touch these with a barge pole.

It’s easy to have grand ideas about how other people should run their business. How many here have gone out and put their ideas in to action, spent the millions required to set up a watch store that carries Rolex, just so they can achieve the ultimate goal of doing little jobs for free to ‘enthusiasts’...anyone?

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Far from it. Rolex is completely dominating the luxury watch market.

Only AP, Patek and RM offer any sort of competition.

In fact Rolex is so dominant that it could put other brands, whose marketing actually are a shambles, out of business.

..

You have entirely missed the point..

I agree Rolex marketing is dominant.. marketing of their watches..
I am referring to the Rolex marketing of their AD's...

AD's are finished... if enthusiasts turn on them the AD is finished.. and my guess is this has already begun...

It will only take a turn around in the market (a cool down) and the AD (as it currently exists aka bricks and mortar etc.)..will be out of business...holding all the shitters, and with business and staff cost etc etc... whether Rolex likes it or not... fact is the AD's are running an old business model...

It's like a game of musical chairs ATM.. when the music stops... a ponzi scheme is always a ponzi scheme....

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

..

You have entirely missed the point..

I agree Rolex marketing is dominant.. marketing of their watches..
I am referring to the Rolex marketing of their AD's...

AD's are finished... if enthusiasts turn on them the AD is finished.. and my guess is this has already begun...

It will only take a turn around in the market (a cool down) and the AD (as it currently exists aka bricks and mortar etc.)..will be out of business...holding all the shitters... whether Rolex likes it or not...

I think you are overestimating the importance of ‘enthusiasts’.

Rolex, nor it’s ADs need ‘enthusiasts’ whose only purchases are the highly desirable steel professional models, to stay in business. The ‘shitters’ you speak of are the core collection that Rolex, and it’s ADs sell hundreds of thousands of units per year.

I’m pretty certain Rolex and ADs could stay in business selling TT lady datejusts alone.

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I completely disagree. By and large the mixed signals are born out of forums like this - most ADs are unwaveringly consistent with the services they provide (whether the specific store meets the needs of a specific customer is another matter). It becomes problematic when people from across one hundred different countries share experiences and expect the same thing to happen for them as happened 4000 miles away. Each AD is it’s own business with it’s own identity, and it’s own mission.

If you don’t like the service or services from a specific AD, find another one. It’s that simple. People have no right to demand every store offers the exact services that they require just because it suits the customer to be in that store. Authentications and buying/selling used watches are a good example of this since many ADs don’t touch these with a barge pole.

It’s easy to have grand ideas about how other people should run their business. How many here have gone out and put their ideas in to action, spent the millions required to set up a watch store that carries Rolex, just so they can achieve the ultimate goal of doing little jobs for free to ‘enthusiasts’...anyone?

What retailer ever stayed in business not looking after 100% their enthusiast clientele?

The arrogance of your post is amazing..

SO you think this AD/Grey market flipper thing is going to go on forever eh??

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

..

You have entirely missed the point..

I agree Rolex marketing is dominant.. marketing of their watches..
I am referring to the Rolex marketing of their AD's...

AD's are finished... if enthusiasts turn on them the AD is finished.. and my guess is this has already begun...

It will only take a turn around in the market (a cool down) and the AD (as it currently exists aka bricks and mortar etc.)..will be out of business...holding all the shitters... whether Rolex likes it or not...

It's like a game of musical chairs ATM.. when the music stops... a ponzi scheme is always a ponzi scheme....

Enthusiasts are 1% of the market. Our self absorption makes it seem like it’s vise versa...but we are insignificant.

The other 99% of the general public couldn’t care less they can’t get a GMT...they just want a ROLEX. So they will buy whatever the AD has...

The big spenders get whatever they want, so they will continue to buy (the point of all of my rambling is that an that’s why the AD are shutting you out)

That leaves the WIS enthusiast who only wants SS sports and nothing else...so we have countless threads about how awful everything is in Rolexville and how The AD’s are gonna pay one day for their crimes of exclusion!

[Brew]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

..

You have entirely missed the point..

I agree Rolex marketing is dominant.. marketing of their watches..
I am referring to the Rolex marketing of their AD's...

AD's are finished... if enthusiasts turn on them the AD is finished.. and my guess is this has already begun...

It will only take a turn around in the market (a cool down) and the AD (as it currently exists aka bricks and mortar etc.)..will be out of business...holding all the shitters, and with business and staff cost etc etc... whether Rolex likes it or not... fact is the AD's are running an old business model...

It's like a game of musical chairs ATM.. when the music stops... a ponzi scheme is always a ponzi scheme....

Enthusiasts are few and far between, compared to Rolex's real market: the folks that buy DJs & DDs. This real world really doesn't care about this SS Professional line "crisis."