dr.kol
11333
Interesting question.
I prefer using brand boutiques. Yes, I can't get rebates but I get what I want, a good service and sometimes some extras. As an example I get all Patek watches with three bespoke straps and sometimes my watches have been serviced free of charge. But the main thing is service.
I wanted to get the new VC Overseas and I did not think a minute but called the brand boutique and reserved the watch.
But I think the issue is also related with culture. American buyers often talk about rebates and it seems to be in the culture that some rebates are needed. While in my culture prices are pretty fixed and tips are unknown.
Naturally, if an AD would offer me 10% rebate of an expensive watch, I might buy it from there and not from the brand boutique. For me grey dealers are good for buying cheaper watches.
Best, Kari
Perks or Prices, what do you prefer?
Many of us have been collecting, buying from ADs all these years, and we all get some "friendly", "family" pricing [don't use discounts, it's a bad word ) ] Recent years, I see the rise of boutiques and watch brands starting to involve in direct retailing...
Go Dutch, Congrats on your upcoming 2K post.
You did the 2 day Dresden-Glashutte Lange tour, right? Obviously you like that.
Yes I did the Lange 'factory' visit.
It was great! Perfectly organized. Great food. Lots of champagne & wine. Nice people. A very well (perfectly) thought out program (not too much and not too little). But I\'d still like to deal with an independent AD. Why? - More brands to choose from unde...
Good for you, I wish my local AD scene is more vibrant.
There's not much watch dealers here in Oregon area. You got the best of both, but of course you have to be your AD's "preferred" guest. Rgds Raymond
Great post for conversation. Here's my take on it
I have been been into watches for 12 years or so and been really collecting for maybe 7 years. I have always wanted to buy from my local AD, just more of a comfort thing and why not buy local. When I decided to buy my Breitling superocean yellow abyss I w...
Interesting...Thanks for your story, Warrenjared1.
Location seems the key factor and like yourself, I'm at the Pacific NW where there aren't so not much watch scene, unlike California (Costa Mesa, SF, Beverly Hills, plush areas) Aren't you concerned about buying online, warranties and authenticity etc? I ...
Interesting question.
I prefer using brand boutiques. Yes, I can't get rebates but I get what I want, a good service and sometimes some extras. As an example I get all Patek watches with three bespoke straps and sometimes my watches have been serviced free of charge. But the m...
On the contrary...watch stores in America, like the one above by Warrenjared1...
there are not much discounts or rebates in some regions, mainly because of competition. In Asia, yes, and surprisingly some big retailers start by 15~20% off MSRP. You've been to Singapore, so no surprises, right? You will get more special or hard to get ...
Funny,
in Singapore I have done business only with AP and it hasn't been very successful. I also visited Patek Boutique there but it was a most frustrating visit: very few watches, zero knowledge. I mostly buy "hard-to-get pieces" or then new references and for ...
Try those big names ...
Like Hour Glass, Sincere, Cortina etc. Also, Patek just reopened their Singapore boutique, largest in Asia I think, so should have many pieces now. Rgds Raymond
Thanks. I will visit in May.
I guess many of these can be found from Orchard road. Best Kari
Although I've got invited to golfing and social events several times,
I've yet to attend any of them. But at least I know I can get a reasonable price (maybe not the best offer, I know) with peace of mind when buying from the local ADs of my acquaintance. Next week I will attend my first AD organized event for free dinner a...
Yes, getting acquainted with AD is a good idea.
Let me know after your event, share if possible. See if you will get "influenced" and burn another hole ) Thanks for your reply. Rgds Raymond
Haha! One of the reasons that I have not attended any events is to avoid being influenced. :)
This time is a Moser event. Since I've already had a Moser watch, I think it will be safe for me to attend. But I don't know what will happen to the two friends that I invited to go with me. Cheers, Luis