Imagine someone willing to spend $30,000 on a wristwatch and made to feel like the dealer is somehow doing you a favor by selling you the watch. That is, by definition, arrogance in the highest order.
Contrast that to how the dealers treat the customer-- you are welcomed to the store, escorted to a comfortable sofa and table, and served tea or coffee before they even ask what you looking for or what you would want to see. I've always had good experience with the dealers, with some of them even going out of the way to point out deficiencies in some models. But the watch brands? They would sell you a dried cow pat on a string and call it avant garde design.
There is no watchbrand, big or small, cheap or expensive, that should treat their costumers without proper respect. No one should allow such behaviour.
Nailpointed my friend. If I work my ass off for a couple of thousands to fulfill my dream I think I am not an untermensch in a boutique next to a spoiled noveau riche. Ph...k them all
I have bought quite a lot of brands and Christopher Ward are my least favourite so far in terms of how they treated me. They sell directly too, so its even worse lol. What's your worst experience of buying a brand?
The pretentious behavior is part of the business model. They do the same at Hermes. You got to spend multiple pints of blood before they “allow” you to even TRY to purchase what you really want.
@@funkychicken2119 I have never found it too bad, but yes, it can be a bit intimidating. Its a luxury item and the sales environment for Rolex is about right. Having worked in retail, I can assure you that the customers are much much worse lol.
Collected Rolex over many years. I travel extensively and many of my references have come from multiple AD’s across the planet. Now, because I have no real history with any one AD in particular, I’m not considered a true loyal Rolex customer, despite owning 16 of them. The last time I went into an AD enquiring about a watch I wanted, I was so disgusted with the ‘purchase history’ bullshit I walked out happily knowing they will never have another penny of my business. It’s completely destroyed the brand for me. I no longer desire anything they make and likely never will. But this same culture has spread throughout the luxury watch segment. What Rolex started has tarnished all the main luxury Swiss brands. I don’t even see any Swiss watch as a luxury item anymore and I have others, not just Rolex in the collection. Slowly I will be selling them off. My last watch purchase was a Citizen. Couldn’t be happier. Geneva can stuff its clockwork Watches where the sun doesn’t shine. It’s all just overhyped BS, which is a shame, because it never used to be that way.
Citizen has made nice watches for many decades. They tried to go high end in the 80s with solar powered quartz and failed, but I managed to pick up one of those watches for a good discount. When my certified Rolex servicer opened it to replace a worn out capacitor he was surprised to see a really nice movement, not "cheap plastic bits", as he put it. I would imagine the modern Citizen watches are built to last until the capacitor wears out after several decades, which is quite a good value proposition, even compared to a GS spring drive, which is actually less accurate.
Hilarious. I have recently picked up a Citizen and a Seiko Astron. Both gorgeous watches I love. And yes, I have a silly assortment of MUCH more expensive watches.
Waitlists are OK, but not forcing customers to buy a lesser watch to be eligible for their desired watch. I would laugh in their face and walk out. Unload your unpopular watches on someone else.
I tried to buy a ROlex in Las Vegas three years ago. I had the money and was ready to buy there and then. They completely refused to even consider it. I will never, ever buy a Rolex in the future because of that interaction.
I went to the AP boutique in Singapore in the mall next to the Sands hotel, the door was locked during business hours and a representative opened the door about 4 inches and told me i had to make an appointment to enter, and they don’t have any watches for sale. I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed something like that before.
I was in a VC shop in california, and the shop's watchmaker was in, and we had a great conversation just on watches, and what VC does, and how it compares with other brands. Educational for me, I really enjoyed it. I couldn't afford a VC at the time, but I'll always remember that and have a soft spot for the brand so when I get to the point where I can afford it, I won't be turned off.
I have been to the same store with appointment, and I can't fault them for anything. They were extremely polite and very open with me for what is possible or not possible. I had a great experience. AP doesn't accept walk ins anywhere in the world . That's just not how they do business. it never is personal, no matter who you are.
I have just been in a Breitling boutique and they were very helpful and keen. They were an actual shop where you could buy what ever you saw in the display cases and the sales assistants wanted to help you spend your money. The other thing I love about Breitling is their servicing. I had mine recently serviced and it was a very simple, efficient online process and the watch was returned in a lovely embossed service case for me to keep.
At this point, it's really disheartening how you get treated at a Rolex AD. I've saved for years to get an OP for my 30th birthday, and I can't get anywhere with multiple ADs. They want me to have an "extensive" purchase history but I can't spend money on watches I don't want just to get the opportunity to purchase the one I do want. Really sad. Might just get a Tudor, Tag, or Cartier. They will happily take my money...
This is actually a good thing. I had the same experience.. Had the money and was basically laughed at by the ADealer. So I spent months examining and learning about the second hand vintage market. It took a while but I eventually got the most beautiful Rolex watches at excellent prices. And.... I initially wanted just an op.... But ended up with way higher end rolex for the same price. These have not only maintained their value but increased way more than the average. Good hunting... Don't get discouraged
Have you considered buying vintage or neo-vintage and getting your watch serviced immediately post-purchase or soon after purchase? It's a great way to get an OP for a reasonable price whilst securing quality and not having to deal with ADs. Have you also considered going to a smaller brand? I have a Sinn, and I absolutely love my watch and the fact no one except serious watch nerds know the brand. Most Sinns are also between 2 and 3 thousand pounds, (I even got a 20% discount), so much less than the cheapest Rolex, and service costs are minimal. These days, neo-vintage and small brands are the best ways to get value and a more boxes ticked. The only thing you don't get it the brand, but at this point, Rolex may make nice watches, but the brand either pisses everyone off or creates resentment amongst watch fans and even non-watch fans, people who just want a nice watch to celebrate an occasion, so I have no time to waste on Rolex and ADs.
@@diggintheblueswithaparrot1329man you are right about that. GS has grown a lot in me and becoming a favorite but holy smokes they are like the Maserati of watches. 😂
I went to AP house in West Hollywood for an interview as it turns out. They wanted to make sure I was a “fit for the brand”. After being told I would need to buy a code before a RO I registered my interested for a couple watches and walked out the door. My sales associate said “hey, make sure you send me your employer and job title so I can put it in your profile” as I left… what?!? The whole thing was so distasteful and borderline tacky. I never followed up with him… I still want an AP RO, and one day (soon) when their sales slump I’ll happily go buy one without all the bs, unlit then, hard pass. Also, Rolex…
i went to the Jacob & co store in NY, just eye shopping, when i was approached i told i was only looking and not really a customer, the person there replied... you may not be a customer today, but we always make sure the day you can be a customer ... here is where you will return, knowing very well i would not buy anything i still got a VIP treatment. Something that these brands with their heads up their asses cant understand is that they sell a product that serves no purpose... treating customers the way they do will catch up with them.
There is some wisdom in their approach too. Sometimes when you see a product like that, it makes you want to work harder and save for it. If they turn you away at the beginning of your journey, they may very well lose a future sale.
I used to love watches and was a huge fan of ALS and Rolex but what these brands have done in terms of limiting supply and treating customers poorly is a shame. It has completely turned me off of luxury watches. The exception for me would be Cartier. While I know it is on the edge of being a fashion watch, the Santos in particular not only sports great history but can be purchased by walking into virtually any boutique in the world. Not only that, but the sales staff will treat you like you are spending 5 figures in their store. All these brands need to do better.
Yesterday I visited the local Rolex dealer, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. They only had exhibition models. I was told they do not take names onto lists for desired models, but I must "develop a customer relationship" with the salesperson. Means I must buy lots of crap I do not want. I mentally noted some of the retail prices, went online after I left and found most of them right at the retail price.
Rolex make me laugh. They made me wait 3 years for a Yachtmaster 40, and then made out like it was the last watch in the world. When I showed up to collect it a couple of months ago the dealer went through the whole dog and pony show and said they had just got it in and that they had all discussed it and couldn’t think of anyone better to give it to than me. I knew this was all a bunch of crap but you have to play dumb. Anyway, when the bracelet had been adjusted I put it on and I immediately noticed that the bezel was misaligned, so I pointed it out. The dealer went away for 5 minutes and came out with another new one which they just happened to have on hand. I didn’t even bother to point out that this “luckiness” rather undermined their previous position. Anyway, I love the watch, and I can’t complain about the actual quality of the service I received, but Rolex ADs must be holding onto some serious pile of watches to keep up the pretence that there’s a scarcity of less popular models.
I was in a Rolex AD and had a Tudor on my wrist that fit like a glove. I was tempted to buy it but when I observed that the bezel was slightly misaligned, the dealer said "no is isn't", which completely put me off the brands for quality and service.
I have never understood people that will do all kinds of stupid things and spend money on things they don't actually even want just for a false promise of an opportunity to give a dealer EVEN MORE MONEY. The transaction seems pretty simple to me: if the dealer does not have a thing that I want at a price we can agree on, then there is nothing else to say. I don't buy, or I buy the next thing that I can get that is suitable.
Imagine if you walked into a Chevy dealer, checkbook in hand, intending to buy a brand new Chevy Corvette for the full $80,000 list price, but the salesman told you that you needed to buy three $40,000 Chevy Camaros first, then get on a two year waiting list, and then you might get that $80,0000 Corvette for $90,000. No guaranties, just that you might.
If I didn't misunderstand it, luxury handbags are even funnier: Then one day the car dealer would show you the Corvette that could be yours in a color and trim they decided :-D
@@cheppere Corvettes are NOT cheap cars. The difference is that General Motors is smart enough to understand that the more cars they sell, the more money they make.
A lot of these brands are being hyper short term focused at the moment. Jacking up prices, being rude to customers, releasing exclusive models for VIP’s and basically killing off their customer base. Rolex will be fine but even the likes of AP and Lange will struggle once they’ve turned away the enthusiasts. Bought my last few watches from Vacheron and JLC because I won’t put up with this crap when spending serious amounts of money,
I’m surprised to hear, that supposed luxury brands treat customers so terribly. Personally - recently I wanted to buy a cheap watch (100 USD range). I went to a watch store in the closest mall. Of course 100 USD was on the very bottom of their price range. And I was very clear from the very beginning, that I’ll spend no more than that and will be visiting other stores to compare my options. So I was like the least valuable customer they could possibly have. And yet I was treated extremely nice, lady at the counter had no problem talking to me for the entire time I was there - and trying her best to give me advice. I felt really welcome. Eventually they just didn’t happen to have anything I wanted. But in the future if I’ll ever want to buy something - that’s the first place I’m going to. Even if they have a bit higher price. Because I think they deserve it for their great customer service. If you want to build a relationship with your customers make them WANT to have a relationship with you, instead of trying to force it. It’s weird that a cheap watch retailer knows that, but a 20k watch retailer does not.
I love AP but I still hate them for the lack of finishing on even their higher end watches. Hand anglage should be standard even on their entry level pieces yet you rarely find it on any AP
When i bought my omega as a 50th b-day present to myself, I was treated very well by the sales associates. I don't look like a big spender, nor am I. They didn’t seem to care. They just seemed happy for me that I was getting something that meant a lot to me and that they could help be a part of that experience. It's too bad this treatment isn't the norm.
I got a call that the yellow gold blue dial sub is available for me to purchase , I ordered it 2 years ago and forgot that I did 😅, anyway I turned it down as I no longer wanted it as I bought a gold omega instead . Felt weird turning a Rolex from an AD down . Tables are turning 😊
You should have bought it and sold it on, if that was the first Rolex you could have purchased and refused them, you have just burnt any bridge you could have established with them, you will never be considered again.
@@shino8854 I have bought from the Harrods boutique many times in the past , I’m not going to buy it and sell for £2k less just so I don’t upset them , the tables have turned, and also Rolex is not my go to brand , so not bothered in the slightest
@shino8854 you're a bit behind on this. If you run and sell, Rolex will know, and at that point you've just ruined that so-called "relationship." The policing of secondary market sales by Rolex staff is well documented and long-established.
@@EmeraldHill-vo1cs basically I just didn’t want the watch at this time if I’m honest , why spend £34k on a watch so I keep in their so called good books , A LANG & sohne is what interests me these days , I will go preowned as I see they are great value now .
I like Rolex, the design, quality, and reliability but I can't bring myself to buy one. I'm totally turned off by the way they operate and the wait lists. I'd rather give my money to another brand that I like just as much and i don't have to jump through hoops or deal with a ridiculous secondary market. When I have money in hand to spend and the Rolex AD won't take it, I'll go somewhere else and buy a watch.
@@Pler1978 Haha Rolex fanboy alert!! Give it 5 - 10 years and there will be more fake Rolex than authentic ones. I moved mine on during the covid hype and have never looked back. Expensive fashion brand, nothing more!
Yes, that’s what has been said last 20 years and Rolex just get bigger, stronger, and more relevant. Rolex now controls over 30% of the market. No other brand even remotely comes close. So agree we may not like their tactics, but it’s hard to argue with success.
@@michaelriera6277 30% of the market based on what? gross sales? that includes gross sales to grey market dealers i assume, which really means rolex is as much a wholesaler to independent jewelers as a vertically integrated company. if they sold 30% of the watches sold this year so far, then why cant anyone buy their watches?
So weird that people criticize Rolex for their behavior but not Patek Philippe. Patek requires you to purchase a Calatrava or ladies model before you can purchase a higher demand model. The Patek Philippe CEO discontinued the 5711 because it was too popular and was drawing too much attention to the brand and they wanted to preserve their image. If Rolex discontinued the Daytona for those reasons, people would have gunned them down. People say that Rolex act like the Ferrari of watches, but Patek Philippe IS the Ferrari of watches. They make a low production product (unlike Rolex which produces many times more), stop you from purchasing it without the appropriate purchase history, and shut you down if you show the slightest interest for something in demand. Those are the reasons Jay Leno will never purchase a Ferrari, and everyone loves to voice that as their opinion on Rolex, but why not Patek Philippe?
Again. Like the rolex dealer who laughed at me, patek philippe did the same. Both did me a huge favor. I refuse to buy new and only search for rare high end pieces.... And there's occasionally big rewards. My favorite rolex is an extremely rare day date.... Bark finish with factory diamond bezel and factory string diamond dial...young guy dumping it with no idea of its rarity .... Amazingly beautiful. Same with a solid gold patek with original gold melanese band in a bangkok pawn shop. Only 850 in the world... Had both verified. Bargains of the century. And so much fun looking and researching. And all I wanted originally was an ordinary new watch at the AD. Now my wife and I love these beautiful vintage watches.
Not saying you don’t make many valid points, but Patek discontinued the 5711 because they don’t want to become “The Nautilus Company” in the way that AP has become “The Royal Oak Company.” It sucks for consumers, but it’s necessary to keep the brand from eventually becoming a one-trick pony.
"...requires youto purchase a Calatrava or ladies model before you can purchase a higher demand model" - it THAT really happening? I would laugh into their faces really hard and go to the competitors. I mean, how f*cked this is? You want to buy product "A" but they tell you - you cannot buy "A" before you bought "B", "C" and "Z".I guess those who use such policy should visit the good psychiatrist. The nerve!
@@dukes70which reveals that their TRUE intention was that they wanted to capture the grey market premium that was/is being paid for the 5711 for themselves by selling a nearly identical watch in a precious metal so they could charge precious metal prices and make a much higher margin than they made on the 5711’s RRP.
Completely agree on AP. Felt like they were doing me a favour letting me spend thousand’s with them, on the dial colour I didn’t want, but it was explained as a take it or leave it scenario as I probably wouldn’t get offered anything else. Also lost respect for the brand with their ambassador and marketing direction and focusing too much on hype and not enough on true enthusiasts. Was my favourite brand but have sold all my AP’s and don’t see me ever owning one again which is sad!
I've been lucky to have acquired many sports watches from Rolex, but I have been actively getting rid of the Rolex sports watches out of my collection, because I find the experience at an AD or boutique so patronising and belittling. Really dislike the brand, cannot muster anything to make myself go into their boutique.
My dad and I have been on the "wait list" forever at our local Rolex AD. I want a simple black sub and he wants a blue datejust 41. Every time either one of us goes in, we are told nothing yet, and get brushed off by the sales person. It pisses me off so much!!! As for AP, I only have one experience and it was a negative one. I was in the Vegas about 6-7 months ago. Walked into the Rolex, Patek, even RM and chatted with the sales people and talked watches for a bit. Walked into AP and was basically kicked out of the store by the lady working there. I just walked in, was quietly looking some of the pieces under the glass cases. The lady asked if I had an appointment. I said I didn't. She proceeded to tell me that I need to make any appointment online and come back then if I want to see any pieces, otherwise there was nothing she could do for me and basically pushed me out of the store. Extremely rude, will be staying away from the store period.
Lol if you are in the 'waitlist' it basically means you will only get the 'call' if that watch has been refused/overlooked by 2-3 regular clients. As for A.P, unless you are on first name terms with the sales person, YOU would need an appointment.
There's something wrong with how you're dressing or how you conduct yourself then. Are you walking around in flip flops and shorts and being a weirdo? No one has to wait long for a Datejust. They are you starter models that they make you buy just to have a chance at the sports models. And I've been in multiple AP and Patek boutiques as a walk-in and they've always been very friendly.
Why would you put up with that or the bigger question, why would you still give them your money? By putting up with their behaviour and still buying their watches, you're basically telling them it's okay to treat their customers like this. I'd take my time and money and spend it elsewhere, somewhere the customers is appreciated.
The funniest part about the whole Rolex dilemma is that they know that these AD’s are using Rolex as a collateral to sell other watch brands or jewelry. Which is so weird IMO.
Luckily my two nearby Rolex ADs are boutiques and don't sell anything else. However, I once went into the Rolex dealer in Santorini who are a jeweller and they definitely hinted that I had to buy other stuff to get a Rolex.
It's a strange thing where the watch dealers know they are just handing money out by selling a Rolex at retail, but they themselves can't sell their stock on the used market for more, so they make customers buy other crap before the watch, so they get the grey market price for the watch anyways
@@fark69 Where are you getting these facts from dude? The Rolex Ad’s job is to sell to non flippers. Selling a watch at list is every Omega salesman’s wet dream, yet you feel the Rolex salesman (who is exactly the same guy at my AD) wants something more. What have you bought?
Casio, from Japan, makes the world’s best watches, for professionals, pilots, astronauts, etc. who have to have reliable,,precise, trouble free timekeeping. You set it and forget it.
I agree. I think that G-Shocks (a lot of them anyway) are ugly but you can't beat their functionality and reliability. Casio's more dressy line (Lineage) are really nice looking watches that are still tough enough to wear 24/7, though I'd probably take it off for swimming. Even their cheap ten dollar watches are tougher than many high end watch brands on the market.
Casio is genius I have had lots over the years along with Rolex and Omega but Casio are brilliant with the g shock and you don’t need to worry about loosing them because the value of the investment is not mind blowing
Totally agree, most honest company ever. Even their cheapest models are lightweight, discreet and precise. The battery lasts almost a decade, and then you might as well buy another Casio, no gatekeeping or absurd prices.
I think Zenith’s similarities to Daytona and the Royal Oak are a little overblown. I’m not saying there’s no resemblance, but it’s not like they’re copies. The Chronomaster Sport really doesn’t look that much like a Daytona except for subdial layout (minus the overlapping dials) and bezel. Lots of watches have a black bezel like that and many, many chronographs have that same subdial layout. The Defy Skyline Chronograph is at a glance clearly a Genta-inspired design, but Zenith has had Genta watches before, one that they’re clearly inspired by for this mode. The case shape is entirely different, the bezel shape is different, the bracelet is different, the proportions are different, the pushers are different, the dial is completely different. Really, the only similarities are the date placement and that they both have integrated bracelets, which can be said for every integrated bracelet watch. To a regular person, sure, they look alike. But to watch people? I’ve seen more similar watches be called completely different before.
100% agree. The moaning about the Defy models being “copies” of certain AP RO models is particularly ridiculous when you know that the first Defy was released in 1969, well before Genta put pen to paper for the RO. Sure - no integrated bracelet, but for me it’s still the OG Defy that made the key leap into luxury steel sport watch design.
The Chronomaster has several renditions that shamelessly copy Daytona models, including the John Mayer green and gold. Bruce Williams made a recent video explaining this if you want to see how bad it has gotten. I'm really disappointed in the direction Zenith has taken.
I also agree. The chronomaster is unique and is better than the Daytona and is half the price. The bracelet is fine. I'd rather have the Zenith movement than a Rolex bracelet.
Ma’am , I love your presentation; but would be really nice if review your sound production . I found myself adjusting the sound, don’t believe it’s an issue with my device . Otherwise great video
I am 75. My dad gave me a Rolex Oyster for my 16th birthday. It cost £50. I have the Gold Oyster his dad gave him in 1939 going to war. I have had an Explorer that cost me used £600 in 1989. I part exchanged it for a GMT Master at a Rolex dealer in 1993 priced at £1500. Rolex are just wrist jewelry at the ridiculous prices. I now have a fake Rolex Submariner that cost $70 and it has a Seiko movement. It is well made and keeps better time than any of my Rolex watches before. I won’t be diving 100 metres with it! I have seen automatic GMT Masters that are indistinguishable from the genuine for sale at $300. I am happy with my $70 Rolex!
Steeldive/watchdives/paganni perhaps? I too came across the 'Homage' market by chance & was initially skeptical, but i too have been pleasantly surprised. I have a Sub homage (it isnt classed as a fake because it isnt 100% the same as a sub, and it clearly shows its brand name- as for being a copy, name me one diver watch maker that hasnt 'stolen' ideas from another-the fake watches are the ones that use the name Rolex etc & have crappy movements, yet pretend to be the original) I have a couple of real Rolexes (thanks dad) & a couple of Omegas, which do not often see the light of day due to the rise in crime- one has to be careful where one wears their expensive pieces, ergo the Homage watches are worn quite often & to coin a phrase , are my everyday beaters- they serve their purpose perfectly. In closing, i 100% agree with you vis a vis their accuracy and build & remember, should you be unfortunate & get robbed, 150 USD is a loss you can take, whilst possibly even laughing at the fool that cant tell an homage from the real time piece . Keep on enjoying your homage sub, i know i will be enjoying mine.
Great discussion. I hope Kai doesn’t make you sleep in the garage for badmouthing AP. I think their bigger issue: too many LEs, too much (apparent) catering to celebrities. Rolex could kill the grey market by buying back some new watches on the grey market, tracing them back to the dealers w with the most, and pulling their allocation. We all know salespeople are selling them to friends and sharing in the profits. I’d add 1 more: IWC. And their problem - greed. The Ingenieur at $8 or $9k to get new customers would have been genius. But what do they do? Price it at a silly level.
I bought my Revue Thommen 1853 Nostalgia in 2010 gold tone (with the box). I use it maybe 4 days a month, no service in 14 years… automatic. Nice. Paid $258 plus $5 tariff. Sapphire crystals and very happy. Cheapest nice watch I could get in 2010.. I recently tested it over three days. Slow 15 seconds a day. Needs slight adjustment
Tudor is the same, I was on waiting list for the Tudor BB Chrono Panda and they called me after months, however the sales person said I need to buy any of other watches when I visited the AD store (they carry other luxury brands) in order to buy the Tudor. I walked away and bye bye, and now you can get them easily and I don't even bother to buy anymore.
Patek started out with this abusive nonsense...and it has all spread like gangrene from there with all the expensive watch companies using the same manipulative tactics.
This is why I like IWC. I can walk into the store, be treated like a valued customer, and actually BUY THE WATCH I WANT without having to wait or buy something else first. Of course you have to like the design, and there are other brands in this price range that work the same way. But this list is spot on. Brands that don't treat their customers properly aren't going to get my business.
I now own and love Casio. All titanium with a diamond coating case and bracelet, bezel made of carbide with diamond coating, high polish, all as scratch resistant as sapphire crystal. The MR-G B5000B. I owned 4 Rolexes and Omega, I now have a Tudor BB58 Bronze Boutique. And the MR-G B5000B is my favorite, It's glossy shinny and I don't half to worry about scratches. And Casio does not play games with there customers. You can order your watch and get it. In my case I live in Canada, it was out of stock in my country, I found a dealer in Japan on Chrono24 with a 5 star rating. Got my brand new MR-G B5000B sent to me right away. I'm looking forward to the new 2100 in Titanium with the Black Diamond coating that just came out. Casio's MR-G line are true gorgeous $4000-6000 watches that deliver. 🤩
Since you live in Canada and the watch shipped from Japan, did you have to pay customs/duty tax? Just wondering how you budgeted for any unforseen taxes.
@@dannysimenauer5745 Yes, the price to me was given by the seller in USD and i knew that, I also know that I'll half to pay sales tax on the watch and brokerage charged by FedEx, to me, sales taxes is 13%. So yes I knew all these charges.
I went to a Vacheron watch store, in Beverly Hills once, didn’t have any intention of buying. However, I was full of information to give while my friend was asking the difference between Rolex and Vacheron. The manager heard the whole conversation and just smiled. The store manager treated me with so much respect, and offered to show me any watches locked in display case even though he knew I had zero dollar to spend. What great customer service! Definitely going to get a Vacheron if I can ever afford one.
I'm amazed the Sprite is now selling for around £14,000. I remember when it was selling for £30,000 around 2 years ago. As a lefty, it's my dream watch, so I'm becoming increasingly hopeful I'll eventually get one at retail, or even second-hand for retail price.
I hope you do - but don’t think you’re chances are very good. Unless Rolex raises the price $2-3k to disincentivize flipping there just aren’t enough made so they will alway sell at a premium.
Funny I am in similar position, I am lefty myself and was excited when Rolex released the Sprite, but the price goes sky rocket in grey market and right now it is getting closer to more realistic price.
I can pay full retail without a wait. I can also wait and pay at a minor to moderate discount. I do not pay full retail after waiting several months and I NEVER pay over retail after waiting several months. That's just silly.
I'm in the UK and I was walking through a shopping centre with a friend and we came to the Rolex shop. I know my friend has a good amount of money in savings, and I dared her to go into Rolex and try and buy the black Submariner they had in the window. She chickened out, but I said, worst case you get a Rolex for list price and you can sell it later that day for more, worse case they don't sell you one. She couldn't believe you couldn't just go in with the correct money and buy the product.
I Don't Mind Being On A Wait List To Buy THE Watch I Want - As Long As The Price Stays About The Same.... If It Goes Up Too Much - I'm No Longer Interested.... Or - If I'm On The Wait List Too Long - Yeah, Just Drop Me - I've Already Bought It Somewhere Else Or Something Else.... BUT I'll NEVER Buy Any Other Crap Just For The Privilege Or Chance Of Buying The One I Do Want - No - That Ain't Gonna Happen.... I Don't Know Of ANYTHING I Want That Bad.... If The People Are Rude Or Someone In The Store Is Rude To Me - I'll Leave And Buy Somewhere Else....
I couldn't agree more with Roger Dubois on the list. I was at a work event recently where they were a major sponsor, and I got a chance to look at some of their watches. All I can say is that I have never seen a bunch of watches that are so expensive that did absolutely nothing for me. Big, chunky, gaudy looking even though you can see the movements are very clever. High horology watches but with Hublot styling and design sensibility. Not one classy, stylish or understated design amongst them.
Zenith is a great watchmaker. The El Primero is the least interesting of that line. The Revivals, Originals and Shadows are far more interesting. I’m not big into integrated sports watches in general. I don’t see much originality across the industry. That said, the Skykine is well executed and that includes the new chronographs. The Revivals are far more interesting to me, though of limited mass appeal. They got plenty of interest
I think the biggest difference between the terrible experience at AP & Lange and Rolex is, that the AP and Lange fucked up in their own stores. The AP and Lange set their own rules there. They are directly responsible for most of the bad experiences and they should be held accountable. On the other hand Rolex has hundreds of independent retailers, so there always will always shitty experiences and bad behavior. Some owners of independent retailers will tolerate bad behavior or even encourage it. But it shouldn't be the policy of AP and Lange.
It’s very similar to some of the car dealers now! They have gouged and ripped off so many customers and these customers have bought elsewhere. Now these dealers are stuck with inventory that they cannot move. It serves them right for greedy behavior
I think you underestimate how many wealthy people there are, how many new ones are created every year. Short of a worldwide depression - or war - the top brands - Rolex, AP, PP - will be fine. Their watches are aspirational.
I don’t get it!!! A Rolex watch is not rare, it is not limited only to special (rich) clients, every Chinese businessman owns one, and it is not even accurate compared to even a low cost battery powered quartz watches!!
I bought a Swatch X Blancpain and then I bought a real Fifty Fathoms because I loved the design. IMO it’s a fantastic watch and I love it equally to my Rolex SD43. Blancpain doesn’t get the love I feel they deserve. Great video as always.
Fifty Fathoms 45 is stunning. I have the 45 blue titanium and love it . Sadly it’s too large for many wrists . The new 42 should be more appealing to a wider audience though ; I hope its leads to them stealing lots of submariner sales and getting themselves right back on the map . Wouldn’t it be great to see that happen!!
Mistake at 5:06, the RO was a rip off of the Zenith Defy that came out in 69, not long before the RO which came out in 72. Unfortunately the RO is so popular, they assume Zenith is copying the RO. I will say the color choice is obviously to capture some RO market, and they should not copy anyone else. Lang comments is correct, I went into one of their stores and they treated me as if I was invisible. Good luck with that. I got "the call" from my Rolex dealer they had the GMT I'd wanted, I'd forgotten I'd even put my name on the list it took so long, and I passed on it. Meh.
While watching your description of the behavior of some of the majors in the business, I can only think of The Waitresses' song "I Know What Boys Like." A dawn-out, tortuous tease, and too many of us on the receiving end let the brands get away with it Just Because. Even the brass at Rolex are realizing, albeit slowly, that this *might* not be the ticket to staying on top. They might well take heed of an old ad by Chevrolet back in the day, with this sentence: "We didn't get to be Number One by treating our customers like Number Two."
Couldn't agree more with your assessments. I would like to add a Rolex to my collection (I currently own Omega, Breitling, Grand Seiko among others), but it's really insulting to hear the Boutique staff tell you things like "we aren't going to get any OPs for 18 months" or when they start the conversation with "we don't have anything available" yet they are fitting a customer's bracelet in a side room. I want to counter with, "why do you need 3 people on staff plus a security guard if there's no inventory?"
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MaMaCoo, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
So wait, essentially none of these watches deserve to be called worst watch brand. Sounds like a click bait to listen about stuff you don't like as much about top watchmakers.
Thanks for the video. On one hand, I understand the motivation of some customers (collectors / they absolutely want that particular timepiece etc.) or the deliberately artificial desire to acquire something that is difficult to obtain. On the other hand, most of us are grown up and don't need to be treated like idiots when we show genuine interest in a product, regardless of its price range. I see it as a sign of character strength, despite an existing desire, to not support such companies and their arrogance. However, we all know that there are plenty of people who don’t share this view. The feedback from the super loyal Lange customer is ,despite it's nature of a luxury problem, a disaster. Ridiculous. Question: What timepiece is Jenni wearing in this video?
I was just at the AP boutique in Milan and they couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating. I was trying to talk myself into one, but I still associate Royal Oak with rappers and casino trash, and it's just not a vibe for me.
How do you know demand is down for those 2 models? I’d like to know your source. I hope it’s not the sites reporting Grey market prices; that’s just a barometer of money printing being suspended and the number of countries with economies in recession or with anemic growth.
I went into an AP dealer in Rome and the salesmen was super nice. We had an awesome conversation about a bunch of different brands. He pulled out some great pieces to show me and let me try on. I knew going in nothing would be for sale but I was curious. Really great experience.
If it were only about untapped potential, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Oris would have to be on this list. Long history, real innovation, and some iconic models to their names, but presently lackluster designs and weak brand image/story that carries through to a relative lack of depth in the portfolio. They could, and should be so much more!
Esp Oris. The Kermit watch was bizarre. The ‘eco’ stuff probably doesn’t resonate with most watch fans. And their prices have put them up against brands they just don’t compete with.
Recent price hikes killed it for me, JLC increased all their prices by 30-50% in the last 5 years. Steel Master control used to be less than 10k a few years back... now almost 16k. Real sad.
Enjoy all your videos Jenni, just don't comment a lot. However this took my mind back over 30 years! I had a first generation Swiss quartz and it was a battery pig, like me and Godiva's! And had no warning indicator. After about the 6th trip to have new battery put in I went to a nice Jewlery store. And said I want a watch no battery.. They said only one was Rolex, Got a nice black dial Datejust, and they financed. Sure seems folks are having quite a different time now a these days.
You're exactly right about Rolex! A few years ago, I had to wait around 6-8 months for my 114300 OP white dial from my AD. Now I'm on a 2 year wait list for the GMT Master II Pepsi. It's been about 8 months now, and every day I wake up, I'm like.....is this the day!? 🤣🤣 I have the waitlist/order receipt tacked to the fridge and look at it every day.......why do I do this to myself? 🤣🤣🤣
I wish you well. But I hope you enjoy that OP; I know people who’ve bought 5-6 Rolexes who have been waiting for 4+ yrs for a Pepsi - and this is a huge boutique not a dodgy AD.
Very interesting and one of your most enjoyable programs. Regarding Rolex though, I think the market demand for their brand has more to do with availability issues for most of their models than Rolex itself. There are some exceptions such as the stainless steel Daytona, but overall Rolex is currently a victim of their own success. For the most part they just have difficulty keeping up with current demand.
This should be titled something like "Worst managed brands" not worst watch brands. are AP, Lange, Rolex really the worst made watches? still saddens me to hear this as I was looking at a Lange 1 time zone, nicest watch I have so far is sub $10k ulysse nardin so its a major jump in price. Maybe I should just go with the much cheaper omega world timer
You hit everything exactly on the head Jenni , kudos to you ! Would include PP though as they employ pretty much the same tactics . Its so sad , I for one have switched my preferences to buying watches from companies that treat me like they actually want my business
Your spot on with the way these watch brands deal with customers, I should be thanking Rolex for not selling me a watch since 1996. I no longer want expensive watches ,or want to collect them. Thanks again Rolex, great video.
Great video! Sad to see how many great brands have developed. But honestly it's always an up and down during all those decades of watchmaking. But I definitely agree with the brands mentioned that are currently doing lots of things wrong or missing out...
Simple, it was 6k when I put my name down, now its 8k. If the AD is calling little old me the market has changed, scarcity wont be an issue. Will buy on my terms.
My choice would be Movado. A real classic watch brand with beautiful vintage mechanical watches, now only pumping out quartz museum models, and fewer of those than ever before. The wasted potential is a tragedy! Otherwise, the criticism of AP is well deserved. They're overly reliant on a single model, the Royal Oak, and the quality of their watches is really poor, not even taking the price into consideration. Minimal water resistance for a "sports" watch, very poor accuracy movements, mediocre and boring finishing, oversized models. They aren't offering anything but the branding.
A lot of luxury brands are removing themselves from box stores. It’s not just the watch community. Brands like Rimowa, Gucci, Moncler, etc are all moving away from places like Neman, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, etc and into their own boutiques.
I was on the list for a 40mm Explorer I … 6 months later I got the call but I fell out of desire for it. Too many watch videos on it and it appeared too boring for the price. It looked ok but I guess that’s the lowest hanging fruit at Mayors or other AD’s. My wife’s Cartier… open arms, spoke about the history, and no wait. Just a different vibe.
As a lange owner, I agree with you on ALS. I was asked to go to Singapore or Bangkok (as I am from Malaysia) and my response was to buy an IWC instead. The KLCC Sincere (M) dealership should have been maintained.
Boutique is better long-term because authorised dealers would prioritize and sell to the gray market and split the overpriced profits (ROLEX). The rudeness of the boutique is another story
Not good to hear you were mistreated at a boutique; the sales reps have always been very nice to me. But I think you’re naive if you don’t think there’s backdoor sales to the friends at boutiques too. Greed is an amazing thing.
@WestCoastAce27 ive never been treated badly actually,and I've never entered an AP boutique (not my cup of tea due to bad experiences (service/ and reliability)with the brand from my friends . Im also sure there will be some BS from boutiques, but the chances of getting the model you want is higher than before (which was impossible before due to the huge extra profit margin on top of retail) , the only problem which is still evident is the wait.
I don’t agree. I’ve always done better as small local ADs. The boutiques are all in massive cities where unless you’re a billionaire you will never stand out. If you want a Patek or a Rolex you’re far better off at a provincial AD that is close to where you live (if you have one) than you are going to the boutiques in London.
@@macoyupadoodle the retail on Patek or Rolex etc is the same at boutiques and all ADs. Going to a boutique is a crazily bad idea if you want to become a “preferred customer” they won’t even notice you until you’ve dropped half a mill or so ffs.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
Imagine someone willing to spend $30,000 on a wristwatch and made to feel like the dealer is somehow doing you a favor by selling you the watch. That is, by definition, arrogance in the highest order.
That's how Hermes rolls...it's ridiculous
If you want the dark green dial on THIS one, you have to buy 3 other watches first, and sign a 2 year waiting list.
Contrast that to how the dealers treat the customer-- you are welcomed to the store, escorted to a comfortable sofa and table, and served tea or coffee before they even ask what you looking for or what you would want to see. I've always had good experience with the dealers, with some of them even going out of the way to point out deficiencies in some models. But the watch brands? They would sell you a dried cow pat on a string and call it avant garde design.
There is no watchbrand, big or small, cheap or expensive, that should treat their costumers without proper respect. No one should allow such behaviour.
Nailpointed my friend. If I work my ass off for a couple of thousands to fulfill my dream I think I am not an untermensch in a boutique next to a spoiled noveau riche. Ph...k them all
Can you be more specific please ; )
I have bought quite a lot of brands and Christopher Ward are my least favourite so far in terms of how they treated me.
They sell directly too, so its even worse lol.
What's your worst experience of buying a brand?
The pretentious behavior is part of the business model. They do the same at Hermes. You got to spend multiple pints of blood before they “allow” you to even TRY to purchase what you really want.
@@funkychicken2119 I have never found it too bad, but yes, it can be a bit intimidating.
Its a luxury item and the sales environment for Rolex is about right.
Having worked in retail, I can assure you that the customers are much much worse lol.
Collected Rolex over many years. I travel extensively and many of my references have come from multiple AD’s across the planet.
Now, because I have no real history with any one AD in particular, I’m not considered a true loyal Rolex customer, despite owning 16 of them.
The last time I went into an AD enquiring about a watch I wanted, I was so disgusted with the ‘purchase history’ bullshit I walked out happily knowing they will never have another penny of my business.
It’s completely destroyed the brand for me. I no longer desire anything they make and likely never will.
But this same culture has spread throughout the luxury watch segment. What Rolex started has tarnished all the main luxury Swiss brands.
I don’t even see any Swiss watch as a luxury item anymore and I have others, not just Rolex in the collection.
Slowly I will be selling them off.
My last watch purchase was a Citizen. Couldn’t be happier.
Geneva can stuff its clockwork Watches where the sun doesn’t shine. It’s all just overhyped BS, which is a shame, because it never used to be that way.
Grand Seiko... just sayin...
Citizen has made nice watches for many decades. They tried to go high end in the 80s with solar powered quartz and failed, but I managed to pick up one of those watches for a good discount. When my certified Rolex servicer opened it to replace a worn out capacitor he was surprised to see a really nice movement, not "cheap plastic bits", as he put it. I would imagine the modern Citizen watches are built to last until the capacitor wears out after several decades, which is quite a good value proposition, even compared to a GS spring drive, which is actually less accurate.
I wish they were selling their domestic-only “The Citizen” watches globally. Also, Citizen Attesa is insanely good for the price.
Hilarious. I have recently picked up a Citizen and a Seiko Astron. Both gorgeous watches I love. And yes, I have a silly assortment of MUCH more expensive watches.
@@kutark Agreed. GS is for people who have “been there and done Rolex”.
Waitlists are OK, but not forcing customers to buy a lesser watch to be eligible for their desired watch. I would laugh in their face and walk out. Unload your unpopular watches on someone else.
Same with Ferrari and Porsche, their customers are a mix of people with too much money to care, and the rest suckers, its sad.
@@Anirossa Yes, I was thinking the same thing. Jay Leno said he wouldn't buy Ferrari, since they expect him to buy other models he doesn't want.
I tried to buy a ROlex in Las Vegas three years ago. I had the money and was ready to buy there and then. They completely refused to even consider it. I will never, ever buy a Rolex in the future because of that interaction.
@@iRDaBrit That is absolutely absurd. Don't have it on display if I can't buy it right there.
@@iRDaBrit Crushing someone's dream is a horrible thing to do.
I went to the AP boutique in Singapore in the mall next to the Sands hotel, the door was locked during business hours and a representative opened the door about 4 inches and told me i had to make an appointment to enter, and they don’t have any watches for sale. I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed something like that before.
Same for Lange in HK. Will never bother with them again.
Omega welcome customers, make them feel special and sell them the watch they actually want.
Its same at Gucci, Channel, Dior etc, If you want specific products, at all this places you need to make appointment! Wake up! 😆
I was in a VC shop in california, and the shop's watchmaker was in, and we had a great conversation just on watches, and what VC does, and how it compares with other brands. Educational for me, I really enjoyed it. I couldn't afford a VC at the time, but I'll always remember that and have a soft spot for the brand so when I get to the point where I can afford it, I won't be turned off.
I have been to the same store with appointment, and I can't fault them for anything. They were extremely polite and very open with me for what is possible or not possible. I had a great experience. AP doesn't accept walk ins anywhere in the world . That's just not how they do business. it never is personal, no matter who you are.
I haven’t purchased either yet, but Breitling and Panerai boutiques seem to go out of their way to make customers feel welcome in my experience.
Breitling and IWC boutiques have some of the best customer service that I know of in NYC
I have just been in a Breitling boutique and they were very helpful and keen. They were an actual shop where you could buy what ever you saw in the display cases and the sales assistants wanted to help you spend your money.
The other thing I love about Breitling is their servicing. I had mine recently serviced and it was a very simple, efficient online process and the watch was returned in a lovely embossed service case for me to keep.
I agree, both Breitling and Panerai here in Singapore are very welcoming.
@@dakotaxu4792the IWC boutique in king of Prussia mall is very welcoming
At this point, it's really disheartening how you get treated at a Rolex AD. I've saved for years to get an OP for my 30th birthday, and I can't get anywhere with multiple ADs. They want me to have an "extensive" purchase history but I can't spend money on watches I don't want just to get the opportunity to purchase the one I do want. Really sad. Might just get a Tudor, Tag, or Cartier. They will happily take my money...
Patek does the same thing.
Omeeeeega, my wife, and I have two Rolex and 3 Omegas.
This is actually a good thing. I had the same experience.. Had the money and was basically laughed at by the ADealer. So I spent months examining and learning about the second hand vintage market. It took a while but I eventually got the most beautiful Rolex watches at excellent prices. And.... I initially wanted just an op.... But ended up with way higher end rolex for the same price. These have not only maintained their value but increased way more than the average. Good hunting... Don't get discouraged
Have you considered buying vintage or neo-vintage and getting your watch serviced immediately post-purchase or soon after purchase?
It's a great way to get an OP for a reasonable price whilst securing quality and not having to deal with ADs.
Have you also considered going to a smaller brand? I have a Sinn, and I absolutely love my watch and the fact no one except serious watch nerds know the brand. Most Sinns are also between 2 and 3 thousand pounds, (I even got a 20% discount), so much less than the cheapest Rolex, and service costs are minimal.
These days, neo-vintage and small brands are the best ways to get value and a more boxes ticked. The only thing you don't get it the brand, but at this point, Rolex may make nice watches, but the brand either pisses everyone off or creates resentment amongst watch fans and even non-watch fans, people who just want a nice watch to celebrate an occasion, so I have no time to waste on Rolex and ADs.
@@Voltanaut all good points!
I think Grand Seiko has been killin' it the last few years.
Good luck holding value
@@diggintheblueswithaparrot1329man you are right about that. GS has grown a lot in me and becoming a favorite but holy smokes they are like the Maserati of watches. 😂
I find their designs boring, but they are well made to be sure.
I went to AP house in West Hollywood for an interview as it turns out. They wanted to make sure I was a “fit for the brand”. After being told I would need to buy a code before a RO I registered my interested for a couple watches and walked out the door. My sales associate said “hey, make sure you send me your employer and job title so I can put it in your profile” as I left… what?!? The whole thing was so distasteful and borderline tacky. I never followed up with him… I still want an AP RO, and one day (soon) when their sales slump I’ll happily go buy one without all the bs, unlit then, hard pass. Also, Rolex…
i went to the Jacob & co store in NY, just eye shopping, when i was approached i told i was only looking and not really a customer, the person there replied... you may not be a customer today, but we always make sure the day you can be a customer ... here is where you will return, knowing very well i would not buy anything i still got a VIP treatment. Something that these brands with their heads up their asses cant understand is that they sell a product that serves no purpose... treating customers the way they do will catch up with them.
There is some wisdom in their approach too. Sometimes when you see a product like that, it makes you want to work harder and save for it. If they turn you away at the beginning of your journey, they may very well lose a future sale.
I used to love watches and was a huge fan of ALS and Rolex but what these brands have done in terms of limiting supply and treating customers poorly is a shame. It has completely turned me off of luxury watches. The exception for me would be Cartier. While I know it is on the edge of being a fashion watch, the Santos in particular not only sports great history but can be purchased by walking into virtually any boutique in the world. Not only that, but the sales staff will treat you like you are spending 5 figures in their store. All these brands need to do better.
Yesterday I visited the local Rolex dealer, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. They only had exhibition models. I was told they do not take names onto lists for desired models, but I must "develop a customer relationship" with the salesperson. Means I must buy lots of crap I do not want. I mentally noted some of the retail prices, went online after I left and found most of them right at the retail price.
Porsche does the same thing, you have to buy models you do not want, before you can be considered for the high end models.
Rolex make me laugh. They made me wait 3 years for a Yachtmaster 40, and then made out like it was the last watch in the world. When I showed up to collect it a couple of months ago the dealer went through the whole dog and pony show and said they had just got it in and that they had all discussed it and couldn’t think of anyone better to give it to than me. I knew this was all a bunch of crap but you have to play dumb. Anyway, when the bracelet had been adjusted I put it on and I immediately noticed that the bezel was misaligned, so I pointed it out. The dealer went away for 5 minutes and came out with another new one which they just happened to have on hand. I didn’t even bother to point out that this “luckiness” rather undermined their previous position.
Anyway, I love the watch, and I can’t complain about the actual quality of the service I received, but Rolex ADs must be holding onto some serious pile of watches to keep up the pretence that there’s a scarcity of less popular models.
@@Pler1978 I'm not complaining. I'm commenting.
I still wanted the watch and it's not a big deal to me. It's just a watch.
You seem to have... issues.
@@HydrogenAlpha Issues? Not really, a lot of us think the same. Waiting for a few weeks maybe, but I would have gone elsewhere with my money long ago.
What a sh1t show lol😂
I was in a Rolex AD and had a Tudor on my wrist that fit like a glove. I was tempted to buy it but when I observed that the bezel was slightly misaligned, the dealer said "no is isn't", which completely put me off the brands for quality and service.
So you played the game too lol
I have never understood people that will do all kinds of stupid things and spend money on things they don't actually even want just for a false promise of an opportunity to give a dealer EVEN MORE MONEY. The transaction seems pretty simple to me: if the dealer does not have a thing that I want at a price we can agree on, then there is nothing else to say. I don't buy, or I buy the next thing that I can get that is suitable.
Isn't this true about most people doing anything in life for a false promise?
Imagine if you walked into a Chevy dealer, checkbook in hand, intending to buy a brand new Chevy Corvette for the full $80,000 list price, but the salesman told you that you needed to buy three $40,000 Chevy Camaros first, then get on a two year waiting list, and then you might get that $80,0000 Corvette for $90,000. No guaranties, just that you might.
If I didn't misunderstand it, luxury handbags are even funnier: Then one day the car dealer would show you the Corvette that could be yours in a color and trim they decided :-D
It's not a Chevy though. It's a Hermes.... The goal is scarcity
It can be that way for specific models, try to go buy a new Z06 checkbook in hand.
Sadly, that is what Porsche is doing now
@@cheppere Corvettes are NOT cheap cars. The difference is that General Motors is smart enough to understand that the more cars they sell, the more money they make.
A lot of these brands are being hyper short term focused at the moment. Jacking up prices, being rude to customers, releasing exclusive models for VIP’s and basically killing off their customer base.
Rolex will be fine but even the likes of AP and Lange will struggle once they’ve turned away the enthusiasts. Bought my last few watches from Vacheron and JLC because I won’t put up with this crap when spending serious amounts of money,
Most people just aren't their customers...
These guys are just used car salesmen..buy somewhere else
I’m surprised to hear, that supposed luxury brands treat customers so terribly.
Personally - recently I wanted to buy a cheap watch (100 USD range). I went to a watch store in the closest mall.
Of course 100 USD was on the very bottom of their price range. And I was very clear from the very beginning, that I’ll spend no more than that and will be visiting other stores to compare my options.
So I was like the least valuable customer they could possibly have.
And yet I was treated extremely nice, lady at the counter had no problem talking to me for the entire time I was there - and trying her best to give me advice. I felt really welcome.
Eventually they just didn’t happen to have anything I wanted.
But in the future if I’ll ever want to buy something - that’s the first place I’m going to. Even if they have a bit higher price. Because I think they deserve it for their great customer service.
If you want to build a relationship with your customers make them WANT to have a relationship with you, instead of trying to force it.
It’s weird that a cheap watch retailer knows that, but a 20k watch retailer does not.
I love AP but I still hate them for the lack of finishing on even their higher end watches. Hand anglage should be standard even on their entry level pieces yet you rarely find it on any AP
When i bought my omega as a 50th b-day present to myself, I was treated very well by the sales associates. I don't look like a big spender, nor am I. They didn’t seem to care. They just seemed happy for me that I was getting something that meant a lot to me and that they could help be a part of that experience. It's too bad this treatment isn't the norm.
I got a call that the yellow gold blue dial sub is available for me to purchase , I ordered it 2 years ago and forgot that I did 😅, anyway I turned it down as I no longer wanted it as I bought a gold omega instead . Felt weird turning a Rolex from an AD down . Tables are turning 😊
You should have bought it and sold it on, if that was the first Rolex you could have purchased and refused them, you have just burnt any bridge you could have established with them, you will never be considered again.
@@shino8854 I have bought from the Harrods boutique many times in the past , I’m not going to buy it and sell for £2k less just so I don’t upset them , the tables have turned, and also Rolex is not my go to brand , so not bothered in the slightest
@shino8854 you're a bit behind on this. If you run and sell, Rolex will know, and at that point you've just ruined that so-called "relationship." The policing of secondary market sales by Rolex staff is well documented and long-established.
@@shino8854 And they would know you as a flipper, and so would their associates.
@@EmeraldHill-vo1cs basically I just didn’t want the watch at this time if I’m honest , why spend £34k on a watch so I keep in their so called good books , A LANG & sohne is what interests me these days , I will go preowned as I see they are great value now .
I like Rolex, the design, quality, and reliability but I can't bring myself to buy one. I'm totally turned off by the way they operate and the wait lists. I'd rather give my money to another brand that I like just as much and i don't have to jump through hoops or deal with a ridiculous secondary market. When I have money in hand to spend and the Rolex AD won't take it, I'll go somewhere else and buy a watch.
@@Pler1978 Haha Rolex fanboy alert!! Give it 5 - 10 years and there will be more fake Rolex than authentic ones. I moved mine on during the covid hype and have never looked back. Expensive fashion brand, nothing more!
Yes, that’s what has been said last 20 years and Rolex just get bigger, stronger, and more relevant. Rolex now controls over 30% of the market. No other brand even remotely comes close. So agree we may not like their tactics, but it’s hard to argue with success.
@@michaelriera6277 30% of the market based on what? gross sales? that includes gross sales to grey market dealers i assume, which really means rolex is as much a wholesaler to independent jewelers as a vertically integrated company. if they sold 30% of the watches sold this year so far, then why cant anyone buy their watches?
So weird that people criticize Rolex for their behavior but not Patek Philippe.
Patek requires you to purchase a Calatrava or ladies model before you can purchase a higher demand model.
The Patek Philippe CEO discontinued the 5711 because it was too popular and was drawing too much attention to the brand and they wanted to preserve their image. If Rolex discontinued the Daytona for those reasons, people would have gunned them down.
People say that Rolex act like the Ferrari of watches, but Patek Philippe IS the Ferrari of watches. They make a low production product (unlike Rolex which produces many times more), stop you from purchasing it without the appropriate purchase history, and shut you down if you show the slightest interest for something in demand. Those are the reasons Jay Leno will never purchase a Ferrari, and everyone loves to voice that as their opinion on Rolex, but why not Patek Philippe?
Again. Like the rolex dealer who laughed at me, patek philippe did the same. Both did me a huge favor. I refuse to buy new and only search for rare high end pieces.... And there's occasionally big rewards. My favorite rolex is an extremely rare day date.... Bark finish with factory diamond bezel and factory string diamond dial...young guy dumping it with no idea of its rarity .... Amazingly beautiful. Same with a solid gold patek with original gold melanese band in a bangkok pawn shop. Only 850 in the world... Had both verified. Bargains of the century. And so much fun looking and researching. And all I wanted originally was an ordinary new watch at the AD. Now my wife and I love these beautiful vintage watches.
Not saying you don’t make many valid points, but Patek discontinued the 5711 because they don’t want to become “The Nautilus Company” in the way that AP has become “The Royal Oak Company.” It sucks for consumers, but it’s necessary to keep the brand from eventually becoming a one-trick pony.
@@remus2001 Agree that was their intention but then they immediately released the 5811! Lol 😂 😂😂
"...requires youto purchase a Calatrava or ladies model before you can purchase a higher demand model" - it THAT really happening? I would laugh into their faces really hard and go to the competitors. I mean, how f*cked this is? You want to buy product "A" but they tell you - you cannot buy "A" before you bought "B", "C" and "Z".I guess those who use such policy should visit the good psychiatrist. The nerve!
@@dukes70which reveals that their TRUE intention was that they wanted to capture the grey market premium that was/is being paid for the 5711 for themselves by selling a nearly identical watch in a precious metal so they could charge precious metal prices and make a much higher margin than they made on the 5711’s RRP.
Completely agree on AP. Felt like they were doing me a favour letting me spend thousand’s with them, on the dial colour I didn’t want, but it was explained as a take it or leave it scenario as I probably wouldn’t get offered anything else. Also lost respect for the brand with their ambassador and marketing direction and focusing too much on hype and not enough on true enthusiasts. Was my favourite brand but have sold all my AP’s and don’t see me ever owning one again which is sad!
I love hearing Jenni say "Wolex", it's so cute 😁
It's the same "R" as you find in Dutch and French, it took me ages to learn to do, it's from the back of the mouth not the front like English
She said it as I was reading this comment 😂😂
if she were japanese (like my Mom) she would say "Lolex" haha
I really like her accent, as a German she is extremely 'watchable' for we American audiences. Her partner also seems like a nice guy 👍 ~
I've been lucky to have acquired many sports watches from Rolex, but I have been actively getting rid of the Rolex sports watches out of my collection, because I find the experience at an AD or boutique so patronising and belittling. Really dislike the brand, cannot muster anything to make myself go into their boutique.
My dad and I have been on the "wait list" forever at our local Rolex AD. I want a simple black sub and he wants a blue datejust 41. Every time either one of us goes in, we are told nothing yet, and get brushed off by the sales person. It pisses me off so much!!!
As for AP, I only have one experience and it was a negative one. I was in the Vegas about 6-7 months ago. Walked into the Rolex, Patek, even RM and chatted with the sales people and talked watches for a bit. Walked into AP and was basically kicked out of the store by the lady working there. I just walked in, was quietly looking some of the pieces under the glass cases. The lady asked if I had an appointment. I said I didn't. She proceeded to tell me that I need to make any appointment online and come back then if I want to see any pieces, otherwise there was nothing she could do for me and basically pushed me out of the store. Extremely rude, will be staying away from the store period.
Lol if you are in the 'waitlist' it basically means you will only get the 'call' if that watch has been refused/overlooked by 2-3 regular clients.
As for A.P, unless you are on first name terms with the sales person, YOU would need an appointment.
You should try other ADs. But you have to play the game: dress well, do product research, and be nice!
There's something wrong with how you're dressing or how you conduct yourself then. Are you walking around in flip flops and shorts and being a weirdo? No one has to wait long for a Datejust. They are you starter models that they make you buy just to have a chance at the sports models. And I've been in multiple AP and Patek boutiques as a walk-in and they've always been very friendly.
Buy an omega or zenith, honestly you won’t regret it. Never got the Rolex thing.
Why would you put up with that or the bigger question, why would you still give them your money? By putting up with their behaviour and still buying their watches, you're basically telling them it's okay to treat their customers like this.
I'd take my time and money and spend it elsewhere, somewhere the customers is appreciated.
The funniest part about the whole Rolex dilemma is that they know that these AD’s are using Rolex as a collateral to sell other watch brands or jewelry. Which is so weird IMO.
Luckily my two nearby Rolex ADs are boutiques and don't sell anything else. However, I once went into the Rolex dealer in Santorini who are a jeweller and they definitely hinted that I had to buy other stuff to get a Rolex.
I have never had to buy anything I did not want 🙄
It must be an American thing.
It's a strange thing where the watch dealers know they are just handing money out by selling a Rolex at retail, but they themselves can't sell their stock on the used market for more, so they make customers buy other crap before the watch, so they get the grey market price for the watch anyways
@@fark69 Where are you getting these facts from dude?
The Rolex Ad’s job is to sell to non flippers.
Selling a watch at list is every Omega salesman’s wet dream, yet you feel the Rolex salesman (who is exactly the same guy at my AD) wants something more.
What have you bought?
Casio, from Japan, makes the world’s best watches, for professionals, pilots, astronauts, etc. who have to have reliable,,precise, trouble free timekeeping. You set it and forget it.
I agree. I think that G-Shocks (a lot of them anyway) are ugly but you can't beat their functionality and reliability. Casio's more dressy line (Lineage) are really nice looking watches that are still tough enough to wear 24/7, though I'd probably take it off for swimming. Even their cheap ten dollar watches are tougher than many high end watch brands on the market.
I like seiko best but casio is great value. However that is not what most watch enthusiasts looks for.
Casio is genius I have had lots over the years along with Rolex and Omega but Casio are brilliant with the g shock and you don’t need to worry about loosing them because the value of the investment is not mind blowing
Totally agree, most honest company ever. Even their cheapest models are lightweight, discreet and precise. The battery lasts almost a decade, and then you might as well buy another Casio, no gatekeeping or absurd prices.
I think Zenith’s similarities to Daytona and the Royal Oak are a little overblown. I’m not saying there’s no resemblance, but it’s not like they’re copies. The Chronomaster Sport really doesn’t look that much like a Daytona except for subdial layout (minus the overlapping dials) and bezel. Lots of watches have a black bezel like that and many, many chronographs have that same subdial layout. The Defy Skyline Chronograph is at a glance clearly a Genta-inspired design, but Zenith has had Genta watches before, one that they’re clearly inspired by for this mode. The case shape is entirely different, the bezel shape is different, the bracelet is different, the proportions are different, the pushers are different, the dial is completely different. Really, the only similarities are the date placement and that they both have integrated bracelets, which can be said for every integrated bracelet watch. To a regular person, sure, they look alike. But to watch people? I’ve seen more similar watches be called completely different before.
100% agree. The moaning about the Defy models being “copies” of certain AP RO models is particularly ridiculous when you know that the first Defy was released in 1969, well before Genta put pen to paper for the RO. Sure - no integrated bracelet, but for me it’s still the OG Defy that made the key leap into luxury steel sport watch design.
The Chronomaster has several renditions that shamelessly copy Daytona models, including the John Mayer green and gold. Bruce Williams made a recent video explaining this if you want to see how bad it has gotten. I'm really disappointed in the direction Zenith has taken.
Completely agree, I would also go on to say the Zenith is more practical simply because of the date complication.
I also agree. The chronomaster is unique and is better than the Daytona and is half the price. The bracelet is fine. I'd rather have the Zenith movement than a Rolex bracelet.
Agree, if you squint your eyes in a dark room they may look similar but Ha’way man they look nowt like each other. Talkin sh1te on this one jenni
Ma’am , I love your presentation; but would be really nice if review your sound production . I found myself adjusting the sound, don’t believe it’s an issue with my device . Otherwise great video
agree it was echoey and muffled
She was speaking to fast, it was mumbled.
Bang-on video. I knew about AP but didn't realize that ALS was running the boutique angle too. Really disappointing.
Even worse, ALS cut production in half despite increasing demand.
I am 75. My dad gave me a Rolex Oyster for my 16th birthday. It cost £50. I have the Gold Oyster his dad gave him in 1939 going to war. I have had an Explorer that cost me used £600 in 1989. I part exchanged it for a GMT Master at a Rolex dealer in 1993 priced at £1500. Rolex are just wrist jewelry at the ridiculous prices. I now have a fake Rolex Submariner that cost $70 and it has a Seiko movement. It is well made and keeps better time than any of my Rolex watches before. I won’t be diving 100 metres with it! I have seen automatic GMT Masters that are indistinguishable from the genuine for sale at $300. I am happy with my $70 Rolex!
Steeldive/watchdives/paganni perhaps?
I too came across the 'Homage' market by chance & was initially skeptical, but i too have been pleasantly surprised. I have a Sub homage (it isnt classed as a fake because it isnt 100% the same as a sub, and it clearly shows its brand name- as for being a copy, name me one diver watch maker that hasnt 'stolen' ideas from another-the fake watches are the ones that use the name Rolex etc & have crappy movements, yet pretend to be the original)
I have a couple of real Rolexes (thanks dad) & a couple of Omegas, which do not often see the light of day due to the rise in crime- one has to be careful where one wears their expensive pieces, ergo the Homage watches are worn quite often & to coin a phrase , are my everyday beaters- they serve their purpose perfectly.
In closing, i 100% agree with you vis a vis their accuracy and build & remember, should you be unfortunate & get robbed, 150 USD is a loss you can take, whilst possibly even laughing at the fool that cant tell an homage from the real time piece .
Keep on enjoying your homage sub, i know i will be enjoying mine.
The soon to be economic depression will see many brands disappear. Their arrogance precedes their fall .
💯 %
Name them lol
Unfortunately it won’t be Rolex, the one who deserves it most.
What's the arrogance?
lol you wish.
I really love how her videos are informative and get to the point without being too much
Great discussion. I hope Kai doesn’t make you sleep in the garage for badmouthing AP. I think their bigger issue: too many LEs, too much (apparent) catering to celebrities.
Rolex could kill the grey market by buying back some new watches on the grey market, tracing them back to the dealers w with the most, and pulling their allocation. We all know salespeople are selling them to friends and sharing in the profits.
I’d add 1 more: IWC. And their problem - greed. The Ingenieur at $8 or $9k to get new customers would have been genius. But what do they do? Price it at a silly level.
I found that also to be true for their service cost. Time only watch from the 1970s that's still running but needs a service: Rolex: £700, IWC: £1050.
Just get a Cartier or Grand Seiko. They made me feel so valued even when I didn't buy anything on my first visit, I'm hooked.
just get gold Omega speedmaster with green dial. :P
I bought my Revue Thommen 1853 Nostalgia in 2010 gold tone (with the box). I use it maybe 4 days a month, no service in 14 years… automatic. Nice. Paid $258 plus $5 tariff. Sapphire crystals and very happy. Cheapest nice watch I could get in 2010.. I recently tested it over three days. Slow 15 seconds a day. Needs slight adjustment
Tudor is the same, I was on waiting list for the Tudor BB Chrono Panda and they called me after months, however the sales person said I need to buy any of other watches when I visited the AD store (they carry other luxury brands) in order to buy the Tudor. I walked away and bye bye, and now you can get them easily and I don't even bother to buy anymore.
Tudor waitlist hahahaha. Having a laugh. I would never play ball with the tudor brand. QAQC sucks for Tudor.
Buy when the Market's down and sell when it's up... Thanks for the quick overview of some information to watch out for (still learning) 😎✌️
Patek started out with this abusive nonsense...and it has all spread like gangrene from there with all the expensive watch companies using the same manipulative tactics.
This is why I like IWC. I can walk into the store, be treated like a valued customer, and actually BUY THE WATCH I WANT without having to wait or buy something else first. Of course you have to like the design, and there are other brands in this price range that work the same way. But this list is spot on. Brands that don't treat their customers properly aren't going to get my business.
I now own and love Casio. All titanium with a diamond coating case and bracelet, bezel made of carbide with diamond coating, high polish, all as scratch resistant as sapphire crystal. The MR-G B5000B. I owned 4 Rolexes and Omega, I now have a Tudor BB58 Bronze Boutique. And the MR-G B5000B is my favorite, It's glossy shinny and I don't half to worry about scratches. And Casio does not play games with there customers. You can order your watch and get it. In my case I live in Canada, it was out of stock in my country, I found a dealer in Japan on Chrono24 with a 5 star rating. Got my brand new MR-G B5000B sent to me right away. I'm looking forward to the new 2100 in Titanium with the Black Diamond coating that just came out. Casio's MR-G line are true gorgeous $4000-6000 watches that deliver. 🤩
THEIR customers!
Since you live in Canada and the watch shipped from Japan, did you have to pay customs/duty tax? Just wondering how you budgeted for any unforseen taxes.
@@dannysimenauer5745 Yes, the price to me was given by the seller in USD and i knew that, I also know that I'll half to pay sales tax on the watch and brokerage charged by FedEx, to me, sales taxes is 13%. So yes I knew all these charges.
Dude it's a Casio. Very few people are buying $4k-$6k watches from them. Of course they treat you like a king.
@@svdragunov And that's better than playing games like Rolex ADs
I went to a Vacheron watch store, in Beverly Hills once, didn’t have any intention of buying. However, I was full of information to give while my friend was asking the difference between Rolex and Vacheron. The manager heard the whole conversation and just smiled. The store manager treated me with so much respect, and offered to show me any watches locked in display case even though he knew I had zero dollar to spend. What great customer service! Definitely going to get a Vacheron if I can ever afford one.
I'm amazed the Sprite is now selling for around £14,000. I remember when it was selling for £30,000 around 2 years ago.
As a lefty, it's my dream watch, so I'm becoming increasingly hopeful I'll eventually get one at retail, or even second-hand for retail price.
I hope you do - but don’t think you’re chances are very good. Unless Rolex raises the price $2-3k to disincentivize flipping there just aren’t enough made so they will alway sell at a premium.
Funny I am in similar position, I am lefty myself and was excited when Rolex released the Sprite, but the price goes sky rocket in grey market and right now it is getting closer to more realistic price.
What a great analysis, Jenni! This is very helpful. Thank you!
I love zenith. In my opinion it doesn’t deserve to be on the list🤷🏻♂️
I can pay full retail without a wait. I can also wait and pay at a minor to moderate discount. I do not pay full retail after waiting several months and I NEVER pay over retail after waiting several months. That's just silly.
I would replace Zenith (disagree with you on them) with Tag Heuer, if only for that abomination that is the KITH Heuer.
Nah, the Kith branding is for marketing and gauging the market. I suspect a more mainstream model is coming.
I still don't know how to pronounce Kith 😅
I have wanted to buy a F1 for years and it's disappointing they didn't do a mass release. Hopefully it will happen next year.
Tag sales are still decent but Zenith's have fallen off the cliff
@@JenniElleit’s pronounced phonetically (like it sounds)
I'm in the UK and I was walking through a shopping centre with a friend and we came to the Rolex shop. I know my friend has a good amount of money in savings, and I dared her to go into Rolex and try and buy the black Submariner they had in the window. She chickened out, but I said, worst case you get a Rolex for list price and you can sell it later that day for more, worse case they don't sell you one. She couldn't believe you couldn't just go in with the correct money and buy the product.
They fight the flippers in a way, that only breeds more flippers.
I Don't Mind Being On A Wait List To Buy THE Watch I Want - As Long As The Price Stays About The Same.... If It Goes Up Too Much - I'm No Longer Interested.... Or - If I'm On The Wait List Too Long - Yeah, Just Drop Me - I've Already Bought It Somewhere Else Or Something Else.... BUT I'll NEVER Buy Any Other Crap Just For The Privilege Or Chance Of Buying The One I Do Want - No - That Ain't Gonna Happen.... I Don't Know Of ANYTHING I Want That Bad....
If The People Are Rude Or Someone In The Store Is Rude To Me - I'll Leave And Buy Somewhere Else....
i'm on the seiko waiting list for a seiko 5....wtf
I couldn't agree more with Roger Dubois on the list. I was at a work event recently where they were a major sponsor, and I got a chance to look at some of their watches. All I can say is that I have never seen a bunch of watches that are so expensive that did absolutely nothing for me. Big, chunky, gaudy looking even though you can see the movements are very clever. High horology watches but with Hublot styling and design sensibility. Not one classy, stylish or understated design amongst them.
Zenith is a great watchmaker. The El Primero is the least interesting of that line. The Revivals, Originals and Shadows are far more interesting.
I’m not big into integrated sports watches in general. I don’t see much originality across the industry. That said, the Skykine is well executed and that includes the new chronographs. The Revivals are far more interesting to me, though of limited mass appeal.
They got plenty of interest
I think the biggest difference between the terrible experience at AP & Lange and Rolex is, that the AP and Lange fucked up in their own stores.
The AP and Lange set their own rules there. They are directly responsible for most of the bad experiences and they should be held accountable. On the other hand Rolex has hundreds of independent retailers, so there always will always shitty experiences and bad behavior. Some owners of independent retailers will tolerate bad behavior or even encourage it. But it shouldn't be the policy of AP and Lange.
I think you should include Seiko on this list. Huge price increases while the quality has gone downhill.
Seriously... slightly worse movements in the newer models + higher prices.
Basically, heading towards another crisis...this time of their own creation...the industry will not recover from this
It’s very similar to some of the car dealers now! They have gouged and ripped off so many customers and these customers have bought elsewhere. Now these dealers are stuck with inventory that they cannot move. It serves them right for greedy behavior
@Pler1978 no,people are already fed up with Rolex 's attitude
@jimmccoys5778 true, customer is king..these brands should wake up to that reality
I think you underestimate how many wealthy people there are, how many new ones are created every year. Short of a worldwide depression - or war - the top brands - Rolex, AP, PP - will be fine. Their watches are aspirational.
@WestCoastAce27 well,war is coming buddy
I don’t get it!!! A Rolex watch is not rare, it is not limited only to special (rich) clients, every Chinese businessman owns one, and it is not even accurate compared to even a low cost battery powered quartz watches!!
It's all in the name. " ROLEX ". Get it now ?
VC are beautiful watches, but their branding is incredibly vague! I have no idea what they stand for.
VC is far and away my favorite brand. They make fewer watches than Patek and the quality is equivalent or even better with certain watches.
I bought a Swatch X Blancpain and then I bought a real Fifty Fathoms because I loved the design. IMO it’s a fantastic watch and I love it equally to my Rolex SD43. Blancpain doesn’t get the love I feel they deserve. Great video as always.
Fifty Fathoms 45 is stunning. I have the 45 blue titanium and love it . Sadly it’s too large for many wrists . The new 42 should be more appealing to a wider audience though ; I hope its leads to them stealing lots of submariner sales and getting themselves right back on the map . Wouldn’t it be great to see that happen!!
Totally agree on AP - aside of the low steel quality compared to rolex its service is overpriced
One can buy watch like on 12:27 for eur300. It's made by Citizen just keeps time better than Rolex.
Jenni, just an observation, you seem to be rushing a bit in this video, speaking a little too fast in some sections
Agreed - especially with an accent ! Slow down miss ! 🙄
Ok
Yes, slower and better modulation of the words. Make pauses
Make your own video if u got a issue
@@hernandezmarkie7382 mate, it’s a well intended suggestion from a fan. What’s wrong with you?
Mistake at 5:06, the RO was a rip off of the Zenith Defy that came out in 69, not long before the RO which came out in 72. Unfortunately the RO is so popular, they assume Zenith is copying the RO. I will say the color choice is obviously to capture some RO market, and they should not copy anyone else. Lang comments is correct, I went into one of their stores and they treated me as if I was invisible. Good luck with that. I got "the call" from my Rolex dealer they had the GMT I'd wanted, I'd forgotten I'd even put my name on the list it took so long, and I passed on it. Meh.
I would rather pay a premium on the grey market than suck up to a Pratt in an AD….they seem to forget they work in a shop!
While watching your description of the behavior of some of the majors in the business, I can only think of The Waitresses' song "I Know What Boys Like." A dawn-out, tortuous tease, and too many of us on the receiving end let the brands get away with it Just Because. Even the brass at Rolex are realizing, albeit slowly, that this *might* not be the ticket to staying on top. They might well take heed of an old ad by Chevrolet back in the day, with this sentence: "We didn't get to be Number One by treating our customers like Number Two."
Good vid but I totally disagree re Zenith
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels this way
Why not?
Couldn't agree more with your assessments. I would like to add a Rolex to my collection (I currently own Omega, Breitling, Grand Seiko among others), but it's really insulting to hear the Boutique staff tell you things like "we aren't going to get any OPs for 18 months" or when they start the conversation with "we don't have anything available" yet they are fitting a customer's bracelet in a side room. I want to counter with, "why do you need 3 people on staff plus a security guard if there's no inventory?"
Honest. Straight forward. Excellent
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MaMaCoo, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
So wait, essentially none of these watches deserve to be called worst watch brand. Sounds like a click bait to listen about stuff you don't like as much about top watchmakers.
Thanks for the video. On one hand, I understand the motivation of some customers (collectors / they absolutely want that particular timepiece etc.) or the deliberately artificial desire to acquire something that is difficult to obtain. On the other hand, most of us are grown up and don't need to be treated like idiots when we show genuine interest in a product, regardless of its price range.
I see it as a sign of character strength, despite an existing desire, to not support such companies and their arrogance. However, we all know that there are plenty of people who don’t share this view.
The feedback from the super loyal Lange customer is ,despite it's nature of a luxury problem, a disaster. Ridiculous.
Question: What timepiece is Jenni wearing in this video?
Premium watch makers treat their customers like fools because, their customers ARE fools! It’s just a watch.
I was just at the AP boutique in Milan and they couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating. I was trying to talk myself into one, but I still associate Royal Oak with rappers and casino trash, and it's just not a vibe for me.
Rolex demand on many basic models is way down (explorer and datejusts. Yet the ADs look down on you with a smirk.
You feel looked down upon by your AD? Im so sorry for your travails. You deserve so much better.
How do you know demand is down for those 2 models? I’d like to know your source. I hope it’s not the sites reporting Grey market prices; that’s just a barometer of money printing being suspended and the number of countries with economies in recession or with anemic growth.
I went into an AP dealer in Rome and the salesmen was super nice. We had an awesome conversation about a bunch of different brands. He pulled out some great pieces to show me and let me try on. I knew going in nothing would be for sale but I was curious.
Really great experience.
If it were only about untapped potential, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Oris would have to be on this list.
Long history, real innovation, and some iconic models to their names, but presently lackluster designs and weak brand image/story that carries through to a relative lack of depth in the portfolio.
They could, and should be so much more!
Esp Oris. The Kermit watch was bizarre. The ‘eco’ stuff probably doesn’t resonate with most watch fans. And their prices have put them up against brands they just don’t compete with.
Recent price hikes killed it for me, JLC increased all their prices by 30-50% in the last 5 years. Steel Master control used to be less than 10k a few years back... now almost 16k. Real sad.
Great list. I do disagree with your take on Zenith but the rest are hard to argue.
Excellent content. Loved it
Enjoy all your videos Jenni, just don't comment a lot. However this took my mind back over 30 years! I had a first generation Swiss quartz and it was a battery pig, like me and Godiva's! And had no warning indicator. After about the 6th trip to have new battery put in I went to a nice Jewlery store. And said I want a watch no battery.. They said only one was Rolex, Got a nice black dial Datejust, and they financed. Sure seems folks are having quite a different time now a these days.
They told you the only watch that didn't use a battery was Rolex?
And you fell for it?
😂🤣😅🤣😂🤣😅🤣😂
You're exactly right about Rolex! A few years ago, I had to wait around 6-8 months for my 114300 OP white dial from my AD. Now I'm on a 2 year wait list for the GMT Master II Pepsi. It's been about 8 months now, and every day I wake up, I'm like.....is this the day!? 🤣🤣 I have the waitlist/order receipt tacked to the fridge and look at it every day.......why do I do this to myself? 🤣🤣🤣
I wish you well. But I hope you enjoy that OP; I know people who’ve bought 5-6 Rolexes who have been waiting for 4+ yrs for a Pepsi - and this is a huge boutique not a dodgy AD.
Since I’ve been on the fake waitlist for the Pepsi (6 years) I’ve purchased a sub, white gold Daytona, 3 tudors, 4 Cartier’s, 2 omegas, 2 grand Seikos
Because you're nuts
This is a damn fine list i must say. Amazing content and knowledge as always!
Rolex overplayed its hand.
@@Pler1978nah theyre not
@@leonardo3399Rolex is a terrible brand.
Very interesting and one of your most enjoyable programs. Regarding Rolex though, I think the market demand for their brand has more to do with availability issues for most of their models than Rolex itself. There are some exceptions such as the stainless steel Daytona, but overall Rolex is currently a victim of their own success. For the most part they just have difficulty keeping up with current demand.
Great video. Completely agree with you on this.
Love the jellyfish Casioak Jenni. Wearing the same watch today.
This should be titled something like "Worst managed brands" not worst watch brands. are AP, Lange, Rolex really the worst made watches? still saddens me to hear this as I was looking at a Lange 1 time zone, nicest watch I have so far is sub $10k ulysse nardin so its a major jump in price. Maybe I should just go with the much cheaper omega world timer
You hit everything exactly on the head Jenni , kudos to you ! Would include PP though as they employ pretty much the same tactics . Its so sad , I for one have switched my preferences to buying watches from companies that treat me like they actually want my business
when I see "Preis auf Anfrage..." dann bin ich raus 😂
Your spot on with the way these watch brands deal with customers, I should be thanking Rolex for not selling me a watch since 1996. I no longer want expensive watches ,or want to collect them. Thanks again Rolex, great video.
Great video! Sad to see how many great brands have developed. But honestly it's always an up and down during all those decades of watchmaking. But I definitely agree with the brands mentioned that are currently doing lots of things wrong or missing out...
Recently offered a Sub no-date by my AD, no thanks. They have actual Rolex watches in the window for sale, miracles.
Why would you say no to the watch you were waiting time to get?
Simple, it was 6k when I put my name down, now its 8k. If the AD is calling little old me the market has changed, scarcity wont be an issue. Will buy on my terms.
Ok, but that also means your potential purchase has now appreciated by $2k, but I see how it can be frustrating.
@@michaelriera6277 no it didn’t! That’s a devaluation of the USD due to inflation.
Jenni: I hate it when watch brands homage😒
Also Jenni: Roger's Dubui 🤢🤮🤮🤮
Agree about Rolex. Wounder what they are thinking…
Well by the looks of their market share it’s hard to fault Rolex.
My choice would be Movado. A real classic watch brand with beautiful vintage mechanical watches, now only pumping out quartz museum models, and fewer of those than ever before. The wasted potential is a tragedy!
Otherwise, the criticism of AP is well deserved. They're overly reliant on a single model, the Royal Oak, and the quality of their watches is really poor, not even taking the price into consideration. Minimal water resistance for a "sports" watch, very poor accuracy movements, mediocre and boring finishing, oversized models. They aren't offering anything but the branding.
Love the new hairstyle. Deserves a new watch. 😅
Thank you, I cut it myself.
A lot of luxury brands are removing themselves from box stores. It’s not just the watch community. Brands like Rimowa, Gucci, Moncler, etc are all moving away from places like Neman, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, etc and into their own boutiques.
I was on the list for a 40mm Explorer I … 6 months later I got the call but I fell out of desire for it. Too many watch videos on it and it appeared too boring for the price. It looked ok but I guess that’s the lowest hanging fruit at Mayors or other AD’s. My wife’s Cartier… open arms, spoke about the history, and no wait. Just a different vibe.
As a lange owner, I agree with you on ALS. I was asked to go to Singapore or Bangkok (as I am from Malaysia) and my response was to buy an IWC instead. The KLCC Sincere (M) dealership should have been maintained.
Boutique is better long-term because authorised dealers would prioritize and sell to the gray market and split the overpriced profits (ROLEX). The rudeness of the boutique is another story
Not good to hear you were mistreated at a boutique; the sales reps have always been very nice to me. But I think you’re naive if you don’t think there’s backdoor sales to the friends at boutiques too. Greed is an amazing thing.
@WestCoastAce27 ive never been treated badly actually,and I've never entered an AP boutique (not my cup of tea due to bad experiences (service/ and reliability)with the brand from my friends . Im also sure there will be some BS from boutiques, but the chances of getting the model you want is higher than before (which was impossible before due to the huge extra profit margin on top of retail) , the only problem which is still evident is the wait.
I don’t agree. I’ve always done better as small local ADs. The boutiques are all in massive cities where unless you’re a billionaire you will never stand out. If you want a Patek or a Rolex you’re far better off at a provincial AD that is close to where you live (if you have one) than you are going to the boutiques in London.
@@TheRunningManZ does the pricing match the ADs pricing?
@@macoyupadoodle the retail on Patek or Rolex etc is the same at boutiques and all ADs. Going to a boutique is a crazily bad idea if you want to become a “preferred customer” they won’t even notice you until you’ve dropped half a mill or so ffs.
I just found your channel…I am curious to know, what watch are you wearing? I love the look of it!