I purchased 2 watches from Rolex in the 1980s. Back then I went to my local Rolex AD, picked out what I wanted and purchased them. Today, you go in and they place you on a waiting list and place your order. They have no idea when it will come in, if it will come in, and if you get one it's like winning some sort of lottery. The watches in the store are only for display and cannot be sold. My dealer said they get a box every month and they never know what is in them until they open the box. How does anyone run a business like this?
You’re exactly the type of client they should be respecting the most. The loyal buyers before the hype, you deserve a better treatment, that is supposed to be luxury
Wrong, you’re exactly the type of client they ignore because you’re not buying multiple pieces regularly like the flippers and grey market dealers are.
@@vinnyfranciswatches I vacationed in Hawaii last year. Walked in to Rolex thinking I can get one. They had 3 watches on display, nothing to sell and 5 salesmen standing around. You had tourists from Europe, Asia and the Americas there and no sales. It made no sense.
Honestly brother you are right, the way Rolex have gone I would actually be embarrassed to wear one, im in the process of selling my current ones in collection and replacing with brands like Grand Seiko and IWC is my next. Rolex can shove the snobbery up where the sun dont shine. I'm years waiting for a OP, end of the day Rolex are mass produced, did you know Grand Seiko make 35000 watches a year v rolex 1.2million. There is no experience buying a Rolex anymore, you don't get vip treatment, Rolex 10 years ago was a great buying experience, you felt like you were buying something special v now going in, being treated like crap and told we might consider putting you on a wait list if you pass our interview and have a gross income of 1million a year to buy a OP 41. Bloody joke. When I started getting into watches I thought Rolex were the thing to buy and wear. Now it couldn't be further from the truth. For anyone else don't buy a Rolex and if you have any Dump them terriable watch brand.
It’s simple, Rolex acts this way being the customers allow it. If people simply stopped talking about Rolex or going on waiting list for them or in their boutiques Rolex would change. But Rolex knows no matter what, people will still come regardless of their treatment.
Buying an expensive watch is memorable that's why it's perfect for commemorating life events, nowadays if you buy rolex at an AD you will be reminded of the bootlicking with the salesman buying stuff you don't need to develop a "relationship" with the AD. Or if you buy from flippers you will be reminded how you maintained your dignity and got screwed by flippers 😂
Hmmm I'm not really sure why you thought a grey market dealer would be welcomed with open arms, I'd say most grey market dealers probably aren't met with a positive response. You bought the Tudor and immediately listed it for sale on your website for £879 over list 😂(within your rights to do so of course... but still, it doesnt exactly show you were there for the love of watches does it?) The event was open for the first time for enthusiasts and as you said, press, neither of which you fit into man. These grey market dealers need to decide what they want to be... dealers or youtubers...
This is the problem with how dealers are stereotypically perceived. Can a car salesman not be a car enthusiast, a footballer not love football? My journey down this path started with the interest and the passion, started with a collection. If you look back on my channel i explain my journey and how i’m trying to do things differently and change that stereotype it seems you may possess.
@@vinnyfranciswatches I understand you’re an enthusiast as well Vinny I didnt mean to offend, there was some facetiousness in my comment, thing is though I guess coming back and posting a scathing review about it perhaps isn’t a great way to get their attention in a positive way though… You’re the first person I’ve seen say anything negative about the whole thing tbh - as for Rolex not putting on a huge song and dance, because you’re right, they don’t have to - the watches do the talking
We very much enjoyed the event don’t get me wrong is was incredible thanks to the stellar effort of the majority of brands and the watches they exhibited in such a theatrical and immersive way. After taking some time to digest it all, i think the stark contrast between booths was interesting to chat about and mainly the contrasting attitudes towards clients.
Isn't the problem going into the matter with unrealistic expectations? Its silly for a Rolex to turn off their consumer base, but they are expecting this to go on forever.
Everybody should know by now that Rolex DOES NOT NEED TO SELL WATCHES. They have the most incredible holdings and portfolios in real estate of any brand around, with skyscrapers in N.Y.C. and elswhere - amongst many more capital holdings. All their cash goes into a foundation set up by Wilsdorf many years ago in Switzerland. No wonder they do not care about clients...
Very true of course but I couldn’t help but think it was their happy clients who bought their watches in the first instance that made them what they are back in the 70s
This is exactly what I expect from Rolex. They are very aware of this. They dont want or need to sell shit to anyone. They want you to beg them for a watch, which you wont get. Its all a strategy.
Someone else has spotted it! Nice one Vinny. What else should we expect from a company that sits back whilst their clients are being robbed on the streets partly because they keep stolen watch serial numbers a secret. On another note. Chopard 🤣🤣🤣 Looks my decision to go to Newcastle instead on Watches and W**k**s was the right one.
cheers Paul! really appreciate you watching. I do hope next year Rolex in particular make their booth experience more engaging and inclusive for their fans, Tudor nailed that.
…agreed, even AP are stepping up to the plate with watch crime now, will be interesting to see how that scheme actually plays out in practice and I really do like the Alpine Eagle and think Chopard make some of the best looking micro-rotor movements but yes bizarre i had to switch my camera off and that just got my back up and i walked out.
Paul you went to Newcastle and visited the shady watchtrader people. Remind us what Hendo was locked up for. The NCA raid and money laundering investigation you all watch people kept quiet about. Credibility of Joe Biden...
Understand your rant based on the treatment you experienced by some brands at W&W23. As you now recognise this is an all too common service experience by many with the brands mentioned, and especially Rolex ADs. Luxury watch brands appear to be going in the same direction of other luxury fashion brands such as LVMH (especially Hermes), Chanel and so on where you need an appointment to get access…..only to find that you still do not have any chance of getting your hands on their in-demand, managed and limited supply of specific products (e.g. Birkin bag, Daytona and so on). These brands increasingly focus on high value items for the rich, the super rich, and top influencers. They no longer care for the average Joe or Mary who has worked their way up to a point where they can afford an aspirational and milestone purchase. These brands want big spenders who have more money than sense. The rest of us will continue to look on in envy until we open our eyes to alternative brands who provide great products and good service. Our self worth cannot and must not be measured by the value of a watch or bag on our wrist. End of my rant 😛
excellent point, well said. This really was the emotion i suppose we were overcome by, a realisation of well, if i’m not good enough for them then i’ll take my money to some brand who makes me feel good enough. THAT IS LUXURY. Luxury price tags if you are able to pay them should come with luxury service
@@vinnyfranciswatches In Singapore, ROLEX acts exactly the same. Snobbish, nothing to sell. blah blah!! Walked into Cartier beautiful service straight away bought a Santos in half gold. Rolex is trying to act like Patek!!
@@pilot777300ER Congrats on a superb watch! the first ever wristwatch for gents...And your theory is correct, i'll explain in my next video the transition it seems Rolex are going through and how they are repositioning themselves in the market to try to be in the holy trinity.
The brands at the top need to be knocked off their snobby high horses. I simply refuse to beg a company like Rolex to take my hard earned money for a watch. That’s not luxury or a dignified experience. I will always spend it elsewhere with brands that actually want to do business and care about me.
Precisely the emotions we were overcome by, a feeling of being irrelevant, like we’re not good enough to be a part of their club despite the fact we’ve spent thousands on their products.
One problem with what you said- demand has created the secondary market. I disagree. The secondary market has created the shortage There are plenty of watches they just all have been moved brand new in box to the secondary market. This created what makes it look like a shortage. There are tons of new Rolex available, they are just all in the gray market. There is no shortage. If someone is willing to they can buy 20 new stainless Submariners today.
I inherited a 40 year old President from my father, he hadn’t worn it for several years, so I took it to de AD to be serviced and after a month they told me that a change of policy prevented them from servicing it because it had been opened by a non AD in the past, and that was it, no explanation no nothing. I will never buy a Rolex.
More a press event to be honest for journalists i gathered, would be interesting if we could perhaps visit on a non public day next year to see if we’re treated any differently, and i think they were. look across youtube and at some of the more established channels and they all got hands-on, this a really gives a false impression of their true colours to ordinary buying public, which is what I experienced
I’m afraid you don’t understand the main purpose of Watches & Wonders. It’s THE trade show for AD’s to order their watches for the next 12 months. And without an appointment it’s nearly impossible to get into the booths. Especially Rolex and some other important brands. Time is the limiting factor here. You’ve got hundreds of appointments to do with your most important AD’s from all over the world. And then you might have time for some of the most influential media representatives. And that’s it. Watches & Wonders isn’t a trade show for the ordinary watch enthusiasts - sorry! 🤷♂️
Then why not come up with intelligent and practical solutions like tudor did with mounting the cases and half of the bracelets on a stand so you could tuck your wrist underneath and try them on quickly, place them outside of a glass box as did many brands such as Hermes and panerai and indeed Tudor. These brands made the effort for the public days, the public whom are of course the ultimate customers.
I understand the rant. It is because you spent money & time, you have high expectations. I would feel the same. However for people who did not go there, i think they too understand why rolex did that. This is basics of economics, supply & demand. If demand is NOT high, then you need to DO MORE, to attract people to buy. If demand is SUPER high, you do NOT NEED to do extra. These companies in different demand tiers / levels , will focus on different things. As customers, of course we want all companies to do what we want. As companies, they cannot please everyone
true but they only need to make an effort at one big flagship event once a year, tudor had a lot of crowds too and that was managed well, even patek had areas where you could sit and chat with them
Every time I hear a story like this I get to wondering how long it will be before Apple start copying these ridiculous practices. They're another company who, while producing a good quality and historically significant product, have built an illusory reputation on relentlessly pushing perversely anti-market sales tactics. I could well be wrong but just lately it seems I don't hear anything more about people, camping out for days outside their shops ahead of the latest new iPhone release, and the media don't even seem to cover their launches anymore. And Apple have always targeted the illusion of exclusivity. Getting back to Rolex, aren't they a bit common-or-garden in the luxury watch world? They might be well made, but so is any Seiko or Casio. I've never owned one, but aren't Rolex really only the first rung on the status ladder where watches are concerned? The kind of thing that your Jeff Bezoses and Ed Sheerans buy as everyday watches while they cherish their Patek Philippes and A Lange & Sohnes? I bet a lot of lottery winners buy Rolex watches (sorry, lottery winners) while they wouldn't know what a Cartier was. You should do what they deserve: forget Rolex altogether and buy something more exclusive.
very interesting comparison actually with Apple i think the brands started off with similar reputations, reputations of them being trailblazers in their field for innovation, we will be chatting about innovation next week so please sub!
I don't think Apple would go that route. Remember, they are a publicly traded company unlike Rolex, so they have a fiduciary duty to their investors to make as much money as possible, aka selling as much product as possible.
What a great insight into how some watch companies treat the same people who have made them what they are. Popular. Shameful the way you were treated. Great job!!
I thought Tudor and Rolex are the same company. You can't trash Rolex and praise Tudor. They're basically saying you're not good enough for Rolex so come over and buy these Tudors.
Great info mate, sorry that you experienced some form of snobbery from the snobbish brands . I am a Rolex fan boy but hate what they have become . Currently looking at other brands that care other about their customers
Thanks! and we’ll i must say it was very obvious which brands tried hard to impress and be friendly and which others were arrogant. I quite like some of the smaller brands that were there too, check our Ressence who had a small booth but very innovative watches
I have always dreamed of owning a Rolex one day - it was something I have wanted since I was in my twenties and I'm 48 now. I never ended up getting one because I am a family man and my family comes before vanity purchases like luxury watches. However I can honestly say that even if I had the opportunity now, I would not buy one on principle because I despise the way they treat customers and their repulsive 'marketing' tactics. If and when I purchase a high end luxury watch, it would be an Omega. For now I'll stick with my Seiko's and Citizens.
It genuinely is a shame, perhaps they should go to the model of AP with owned boutiques and fewer of them so they can focus on service. My visit to AP in Geneva was excellent, was even offered the new fume dial code 11:59, lovely piece
Thanks for the review which has potentially saved me £ 1500 ! I intended to visit this event next year but based on your experience I don't think its something I would appreciate after spending all that money and travelling all that distance to not be able to view and try on my favoured watch brand. Its a real pity that Rolex has lost its way with the customers who helped build the brand and are in fact becoming so elitist and snobby that ordinary folks will lose interest and move away from there watches.
Glad it was helpful! Don’t get me wrong the event was very interesting thanks to the brands that made the effort, but if you’re going just to experience and try on the new Rolex watches, you’ll be disappointed.
Let me know your experiences with Rolex! have you shopped with them for years and now being disregarded? I will mention the most shocking ones in a new video…
Thanks for the video, I’m from a similar customer background and had the same experience; one of the staff nearly went apoplectic when I tried to go upstairs.
Lange is a victim of its own success, they seem to have big issues scaling up their production, offerings, servicing. Only one watch release at W&W, really?
As a watch collector who has a few decent items from a range of brands (omega, GS and tudor) I am starting to get to the point where I may just not include Rolex out of principle. I could type a number if reasons for this but im a simple man so will just say ;They seem lame, flat and just an uninteresting as a brand right now.
yeah it’s good fun and i think for the price point it’s not something that has to be taken too seriously anyway, they had a good display and I would say all of the more entry level brands were very accommodating, particularly baume & mercier
I now believe that it will take Rolex as many true enthusiasts to burn their expensive brand timepieces online one after another in rebel to this shameful policy to come back to terms. I remember the echoes to the viral video of the Russian RUclipsr who took revenge from Mercedes for their indecent customer care pertaining his recently acquired car. H simply set it ablaze live. I know you will never enjoy your two Rolexes anymore as they'll keep reminding you how the brand thought too little of you. Shame.
Most of your audience, if not all, agree that Rolex doesn’t care about “ordinary” people, but your audience is made of watch enthusiasts. The typical current Rolex buyer doesn’t understand sh** about watches, their attraction to the brand is based on the status that it represents and they feed the disgusting sales model that Rolex is quite happy perpetuating.
There are sooo many other truly interesting and respectable brands, why do people even care about Rolex these days? It's a watch for flippers and celebs. In the end of the day it's just another stainless steel watch. Why not get a Tudor piece - the same thing with another brand name on it. Oh, I forgot, people want to look more respectable because of their wristwatch... But almost nobody actually cares about what you have on your wrist, regular people around you know nothing about watches, lol. Well, maybe, just maybe they have some sort of a smart watch and they've heard something about Casio... and Rolex?.. All I say is people should have more dignity and look at other brands, they will gladly accept your hard earned money. If you're buying for yourself, not to impress anyone, just avoid Rolex and save your nerves.
I had a Rolex yellow gold submariner on order with Mappin and Webb Chester very recently. They phoned me to let me know they have it in price £32000 which was fine. I pointed out that I have a two-tone blue sub and one of the very last explorer 11 all box and papers that I would like to part ex if possible and that I would bring them in for a valuation. They were not prepared to do that or keep the watch for a week so that I could sell them. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. I then phoned up an independent dealer Jopsons in Carlisle Who had the watch I was after, I told them what I had to part ex. An hour later I had a ball park valuation on my two. I then drove to Carlisle and bought the sub from them. Deal Done. I have bought a sky Dweller, and a 41 Date Just form Mappin and Webb Chester also an oyster perpetual for my daughter previously. Needless to say they have lost a customer, not that that will bother them!!!!!!
Thanks Vinny for sharing your experiences at Watches and Wonders. My candid reactions to your video: 1. Kudos to you for sharing your real reaction to each vendor. Too many other channels don't have the guts to be real. 2. Judging by your experience in the Rolex booth, I now understand why the AD's treat customers the same way in their stores. 3. The lack of supply at retail has been exposed by other grey marketers. It has nothing to do with customer supply and demand. The fact is many AD's sell direct to the grey market to maximize their profits. That is why Rolex watches are found in the AD's safe, not the cases to sell to new clients.
This is spot on...At an official Rolex dealer, I tried on a watch that was supoosedly 'not for sale' and ony for looking. OK, got it....When I went back a month later, to take a second look at the same watch, the salesman said it was was sold to a client. WTF? In the end, I have had to buy every single Rolex I own in the gray market or otherwise wait until I have one foot in the grave. F+++ Rolex as far as I am concerned!
hi danny, yes it was just fascinating to see the brands displaying their true colours so to speak, at an event you would think they would all make the effort and go the extra mile to impress and win people over, this was not the case for Rolex, reflective of real world boutique experiences i guess!
The Pop-up Tudor boutique was the best ideas at Watches and Wonders so enthusiasts (and flippers) could buy a watch. 😉😉 Only a mild p*** take mate. No harm meant I know it's your work. The varying welcome given by brands shows many are arrogant. As you say predictable from the crown but Chopard?? I've been reasonably successful at buying Rolex in the past but my particular AD well seems to have run dry. I won't stop trying but there are plenty of other watches to get excited about. Good video, thanks
Haha sure, well it is my job, we only bought one piece and could’ve bought more. And yes, Chopard was a joke. I very much like the Alpine eagle and thing their micro rotor movements are some of the best looking but seriously they do not have a high horse to ride upon😂
Thank you for your video. I admired Rolex since my young age. I couldn't afford one but wanted to own it one day. That day has come but I refuse to kiss any Rolex AD in order to buy one. Does Rolex care ? Certainly not. Neither do I. Will take my business somewhere else than paying for overrated and overpriced watches.
Grey market dealers rely on the average consumer / collector for sales. As those consumers become dissatisfied with the Rolex brand or in store experience, the damage wont just be to Rolex as a company, but also those grey market dealers trying to move inventory...food for thought
I have a few Rolex from sub to Migauss to blro either bought grey or via friends . I have a local Rolex ad that I don’t even bother going to any longer . Why because they don’t give a hoot about me so fine I moved on . Bought a GS recently and the level of service I received was tremendous
You bought 2 watches... so what. I bought 3x Rolex and that's nothing. Mate, be realistic, you, me and million others (who bought 1 or more Rolex watches) are nothing. If you are not Mark Wahlberg, Jay-Z or similar you are no one! As easy as this.
IWC spent 30 mins with me, JLC 15, AP 30 mins in their Geneva boutique, Tudor 15….I haven’t bought any watches from them at an AD, that’s the point i’m trying to make
@@vinnyfranciswatches I get you, I understand you. But those brands are not Rolex and that's the issue. Rolex is the market leader, everyone wants RLX, AP & PP. Breitling, IWC, Tag etc. will spend hours with you and they all make nice watches. But since Covid the watch market is mostly about making money, buying retail and selling for profit. Every idiot wants to copy that and RLX knows it very well. You get a Breitling, Tag etc. and the moment you leave the showroom its worth -20 to -40% from MSRP. You buy the "holy trinity" and you walk with a profit of +100 to +500% out instantly. It's the same shit since 2020 and as far as it looks nothing is going to change. The prices dropped the past 4-6 months, which is great. And I hope they continue to drop and all those morons who wanna make a quick buck gonna crash and lose money, so the market maybe can return to normal in a few years. I want to get a few more watches myself, but at the moment I have other more pressing expenses, so I don't care I have to wait. Maybe by 2024 or 2025 it is going to be less stupid and I can get 1-2 pieces. But until then, we are basically average Joe who is not interesting for those 3 brands. That's the reality.
@@5amarillo5 remind me who the ultimate client is? remind me also why jewellers are buying these watches? is it because of demand? demand from the public? General public are the consumer not ADs, if demand from the public goes away then AD’s don’t buy…
I am a long time Rolex customer, I currently own a GMT Master II… I have a slightly different take. I have Rolex and Omega and money is not a factor for me - my next 3 watches will be Citizen Eco Drives because in my 20+ watches, I have 3 Citizen Caliber 2100’s a titanium from 1998 and the black and white dial versions from 2006 - all 3 still operate perfectly, never serviced, worn regularly - no more spending thousands of dollars when I can get the best watch on the planet, an Eco Drive (done with horological artistry it’s just bullsh!t).
The show isn't for enthusiasts. It is for ADs to purchase and to give authorized press something to do. Honestly you should feel grateful they changed things and let you in as you are not an authorized dealer for any of these brands it seems. Even if you tried on the Daytona, it isn't like you would have an option to buy one so an argument about I needed to see the differences in person, frankly doesn't matter other than for your own ego of creating content saying you hand one in your hands. I do appreciate hearing the story of your experience as a grey market dealer.
no, the show isn’t for enthusiasts, but the two public days, who were they for? if you’re going to have them days make an effort…Tudor did, patek did, and many other brands, is it so much to ask to want to try a piece on? it wasn’t a big deal for other brands who were happy to oblige or offer practical solutions to see the watch on a stand in the open for you to touch and feel. This isn’t rocket science. Rolex couldn’t be bothered and it’s a simple as that
Only backs up what I’ve already experienced, it’s shameful to be treated that way and hence why I’m no longer buying anymore Rolex. I’m sure they’ll be sad to read this
Haha took some time to digest the experience and I thought it was very interesting to compare the efforts and attitudes of the brands on display which were polarising and I think do indeed reflect real-world boutique experiences
@@jamieopulence Oh JLC we’re superb, very well organised with mini booths within the booth, one with a watchmaker doing his work, one with the leather smiths making the straps, another with the enamelers and engravers, so it was really a celebration of all of the different crafts that come together to make a JLC and that’s what makes enthusiasts fizz i guess. Patek we’re a little better than Rolex in respect to they had many more assistants within their booth, seating areas to chat with them so effort was made by them to engage with clients.
thanks a lot for watching! and well i wanted to say it as it is, I love Rolex of course but the gulf in efforts made between brands was so obvious i couldn’t not chat about it. We expected at least some engagement with clients at the event but sadly none, i think we felt quite let down to travel all that way and pay all that money to not get to try on a piece or see them out in the open.
They nailed it, they recognised they too would get a lot of attention but with pre booked yours of the booth open to all and watches put in the open for fans to touch in sure that went down very well with fans and levelled with their clients rather than towered above them
Well they’re great watches and i guess if you can get a retail many of them are relatively risk free in terms of investing the money, so there are reasons HOWEVER , if they keep putting prices up at retail and grey market doesn’t follow suit then waitlists will thin out and then the better place to invest will be buying for less at grey.
Rolex upped production to 1200000 watches pa (vs 1050000), models reduced from 1358 to 1221, Daytonas from 44 to 32 (can count on their web page). Guess what will happened with prices, more models selling below list price as flippers and AD’ selling back door like crazy ……here in Asia it is very bad. Rolex is about to destroy its name, especially AD’s ….it’s bad. Good watches but the art of selling is not … As you experienced yourself in Geneva.
@@vinnyfranciswatches hi, watches by SJX - state of the industry - Swiss watch making in 2023 ……good report, google it ….. for years after the watch fair in Switzerland I count all models on the Rolex web site ….then take the production number …..gives you a good idea how many watches per line and model they produce.
Rolex is the most famous watch brand for a reason. The simple fact is that for what ever reason, the Rolex customer love being treated like dirt. It's a proven time tested formula and many Rolex Customers will keep licking the boots of Rolex for years to come. The fact is owning a Rolex and wearing a Rolex puts you in "the club". Great video.
Im looking at Grand Seiko now. Rolex churn out over a million watches every year whereas GS produce about 35000 and are more technically advanced too. Rolex are just living on the hype.
Could of done with some Watch Eric sunglasses mate, it looked like you got some sore eyes! Hope you well though mate and I think you should of bought the jubilee style bracelet not the oyster 👍🏻
And honestly the jubilee style bracelet for me straddles the line of being to much a rolex homage, the three link with faux rivets is Tudor unmistakably
@@vinnyfranciswatches I can’t understand how they have ceramic balls on the clasp and yet Rolex still use steel, it’s a superior product in some aspects
Oh behave, give your head a shake. If they let everyone try pieces on, the waitlist to get around the stand would be hours, so you’d moan at that too. It just wouldn’t work would it. So you’re so naffed off, you’ll not be reselling Rolex anymore? No, didn’t think so.
watch the video the whole way through and you’ll see how other brands managed it much better and how they could take a leaf out of Tudors book with pre-booked tours of the booth and watches out in the open to see properly
Rolex, timewasters! Already an 8 year wait list for a new GMT two tone! WTF are Rolex doing alienating their customers? I’m done with them and offloading my collection but not to restock any AD to flip under CPO…. 30 year spend history with my AD and all I wanted was a nice GMT to commemorate retirement and I’m added to an 8 year waitlist. AD suggested I leave my place on waitlist in my will!
shocking really to hear this, amazing how the AD could be so specific so far into the future, 8 years lol, the mode may likely not even be available then!😂
Ditching rolex? Common, deep down you will want that platinum daytona over any ALS , PP or AP. I am pretty sure if these watches will not be desirable the moment they becomes more available or when other person cannot tell your watch apart from other watches. The reason why the whole "luxury watches" industry have collectors pouring billions of dollars into it, is exactly the vanity of exclusivity. If you think rolex is alone in this ridiculous situation, try AP or PP ADs and see what you think.
Rolex are only interested in Flippers #ucking disgusting buddy I’ve bought 3 pieces over 15 years and I still get the BIG FO I’ve been on THE LIST ! For five years for a Sky Dweller 😡
I totally agree with you. I have never liked Rolex (I own a grand Seiko). I find most of the buyers a snotty wanna be lot. In short wankers, many of my Rolex friends are just that. They seem to me types that buy a Porche when you can't go more than 40 kmh in Bangkok traffic. I won't mention french, swiss bad mannered arrogance Frankly you should have expected that kind of behaviour from Rolex.
The snobbery of certain brands beggers belief and would certainly put me off ever buying there products again as the saying goes you only get one chance to make a first impression
4mins 17secs. The thing is Vinny, you aren’t really a client though, you are a flipper / grey dealer. Your two Rolex purchases from the AD are a distant memory to you now, the profit is in your bank, job done. I’m sorry if that sounds offensive but I can see how Rolex like to operate. 🙏
it’s funny but i actually still own both of them haha…why? because the first was a landmark and a dream come true to buy a Rolex from the window i used to stare into as a kid and the second because frankly it was at the time the cheapest it could be bought for versus the grey market, no joke. I have my own collection and you’ll notice in the channel i usually wear the same watches over and over
If you went to the Grand Seiko display! , they would have given you something to Drink & food to eat !, and of course a back massage!, and they will let you try on any watches they have!, and give you 10% off !.
Ive had three rolex from my AD over the last 18mths…….and to be honest I’m done with all bolx and bullshit from rolex AD's I don’t think I’ll be buying another……plenty of other brands to lust over
hey buddy I've bought over 20 Rolex from the same dealer within the past ten year , they don't give a dam can't buy a single watch from them about four years ago won't even take my deposit .I can't understand why they put a booth in the watch show if they are so great, the only thing i can imagine is dealer will sell all the watches to the second hand watch dealer and get back a good return , just a thought 🤔🤔🤔
I just subscribed to your channel. I loved your honesty, that sort of behaviour is not acceptable. Is it to protect their identity? or is it out right snobbery? I think the latter. I’m assuming some journalists were allowed to film in there? I’m interested in the behind the scenes stuff :)
thanks a lot! and yes this is the point, the more established journalists got to try everything on and report on it properly so they come to youtube and report on a different experience because they got the the privilege, however us clients were shunned
Do you still have the two Rolex’s you bought at an AD (to become a customer) or did you sell them at a profit? Rolex do not consider flippers to be customers, so if you flipped them……. VIP 🙅🏻♂️ Did you go to W&W to help brands sell watches, or to have fun and promote your channel/business and make money?
YUP BOTH, now that surprised you didn’t it…look back on the channel you’ll see i wear the same the pieces over and over, i have my own collection and do not wear inventory
@@vinnyfranciswatches Slightly surprising I guess, but not completely. That’s why I asked it as a question and not an accusation. You did choose not to answer the second question though.
Rolex is a broken brand that isn’t contemporary or really that good compared to other luxury brands. They don’t care about there customer base or there products. They bring out a titanium case and the hype!!!… I can name G Shocks that are titanium.
W&W is a trade show. This is the first time they have let the public in on the last two days. I imagine the trade were more than happy with how the brands set up their stalls. A lot of people commenting seem to be unaware of this or choosing to disregard so they can bash a brand they have zero intention of buying.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I purchased 2 watches from Rolex in the 1980s. Back then I went to my local Rolex AD, picked out what I wanted and purchased them. Today, you go in and they place you on a waiting list and place your order. They have no idea when it will come in, if it will come in, and if you get one it's like winning some sort of lottery. The watches in the store are only for display and cannot be sold. My dealer said they get a box every month and they never know what is in them until they open the box. How does anyone run a business like this?
You’re exactly the type of client they should be respecting the most. The loyal buyers before the hype, you deserve a better treatment, that is supposed to be luxury
Wrong, you’re exactly the type of client they ignore because you’re not buying multiple pieces regularly like the flippers and grey market dealers are.
@@vinnyfranciswatches I vacationed in Hawaii last year. Walked in to Rolex thinking I can get one. They had 3 watches on display, nothing to sell and 5 salesmen standing around. You had tourists from Europe, Asia and the Americas there and no sales. It made no sense.
the list is not real
Hello, Fellow Mallu watch collector :)
Honestly brother you are right, the way Rolex have gone I would actually be embarrassed to wear one, im in the process of selling my current ones in collection and replacing with brands like Grand Seiko and IWC is my next. Rolex can shove the snobbery up where the sun dont shine. I'm years waiting for a OP, end of the day Rolex are mass produced, did you know Grand Seiko make 35000 watches a year v rolex 1.2million. There is no experience buying a Rolex anymore, you don't get vip treatment, Rolex 10 years ago was a great buying experience, you felt like you were buying something special v now going in, being treated like crap and told we might consider putting you on a wait list if you pass our interview and have a gross income of 1million a year to buy a OP 41. Bloody joke. When I started getting into watches I thought Rolex were the thing to buy and wear. Now it couldn't be further from the truth. For anyone else don't buy a Rolex and if you have any Dump them terriable watch brand.
It’s simple, Rolex acts this way being the customers allow it. If people simply stopped talking about Rolex or going on waiting list for them or in their boutiques Rolex would change. But Rolex knows no matter what, people will still come regardless of their treatment.
Boy do I wish people would stop talking about Rolex 😂
Rolex and Patek Phillipe are not publicly traded companies so they really don't care.
Vote with your wallet… if more people did that the brands would get off their high horse.
Very true, with many pieces now trading below retail they have to be careful not to alienate their core fan base
Buying an expensive watch is memorable that's why it's perfect for commemorating life events, nowadays if you buy rolex at an AD you will be reminded of the bootlicking with the salesman buying stuff you don't need to develop a "relationship" with the AD. Or if you buy from flippers you will be reminded how you maintained your dignity and got screwed by flippers 😂
Hmmm I'm not really sure why you thought a grey market dealer would be welcomed with open arms, I'd say most grey market dealers probably aren't met with a positive response. You bought the Tudor and immediately listed it for sale on your website for £879 over list 😂(within your rights to do so of course... but still, it doesnt exactly show you were there for the love of watches does it?)
The event was open for the first time for enthusiasts and as you said, press, neither of which you fit into man.
These grey market dealers need to decide what they want to be... dealers or youtubers...
This is the problem with how dealers are stereotypically perceived. Can a car salesman not be a car enthusiast, a footballer not love football? My journey down this path started with the interest and the passion, started with a collection. If you look back on my channel i explain my journey and how i’m trying to do things differently and change that stereotype it seems you may possess.
@@vinnyfranciswatches I understand you’re an enthusiast as well Vinny I didnt mean to offend, there was some facetiousness in my comment, thing is though I guess coming back and posting a scathing review about it perhaps isn’t a great way to get their attention in a positive way though… You’re the first person I’ve seen say anything negative about the whole thing tbh - as for Rolex not putting on a huge song and dance, because you’re right, they don’t have to - the watches do the talking
We very much enjoyed the event don’t get me wrong is was incredible thanks to the stellar effort of the majority of brands and the watches they exhibited in such a theatrical and immersive way. After taking some time to digest it all, i think the stark contrast between booths was interesting to chat about and mainly the contrasting attitudes towards clients.
Rolex treated the enthusiasts just as bad. Terrible customer service overall.
@@5amarillo5 Nope, not that easy. Not covering videos about Rolex doesn't fix the problem: they treat their customers terrible.
As a Rolex President owner, I was extremely disappointed in the trash from Rolex. Even Timex would have been ashamed of the emoji wheels!
it’s part of their new junior range for rich dubai kid under 12s😉…that’s why it’s a 36mm
I think the "VIP area" were mainly for content creators who booked a time in advance.
So sick of the Rolex hype and the games played by the AD, took my 20K I had saved for one and bought a bicycle! So much more enjoyment!
Fair enough! haha
This is very revealing of this Event.......Out of all the coverage I've seen, nobody has spoken about this. Thanks for sharing mate.
You're very welcome, thanks for watching
Isn't the problem going into the matter with unrealistic expectations? Its silly for a Rolex to turn off their consumer
base, but they are expecting this to go on forever.
Everybody should know by now that Rolex DOES NOT NEED TO SELL WATCHES. They have the most incredible holdings and portfolios in real estate of any brand around, with skyscrapers in N.Y.C. and elswhere - amongst many more capital holdings. All their cash goes into a foundation set up by Wilsdorf many years ago in Switzerland. No wonder they do not care about clients...
Very true of course but I couldn’t help but think it was their happy clients who bought their watches in the first instance that made them what they are back in the 70s
This is exactly what I expect from Rolex. They are very aware of this. They dont want or need to sell shit to anyone. They want you to beg them for a watch, which you wont get. Its all a strategy.
Someone else has spotted it! Nice one Vinny. What else should we expect from a company that sits back whilst their clients are being robbed on the streets partly because they keep stolen watch serial numbers a secret. On another note. Chopard 🤣🤣🤣 Looks my decision to go to Newcastle instead on Watches and W**k**s was the right one.
cheers Paul! really appreciate you watching. I do hope next year Rolex in particular make their booth experience more engaging and inclusive for their fans, Tudor nailed that.
…agreed, even AP are stepping up to the plate with watch crime now, will be interesting to see how that scheme actually plays out in practice and I really do like the Alpine Eagle and think Chopard make some of the best looking micro-rotor movements but yes bizarre i had to switch my camera off and that just got my back up and i walked out.
Paul you went to Newcastle and visited the shady watchtrader people. Remind us what Hendo was locked up for. The NCA raid and money laundering investigation you all watch people kept quiet about. Credibility of Joe Biden...
Understand your rant based on the treatment you experienced by some brands at W&W23. As you now recognise this is an all too common service experience by many with the brands mentioned, and especially Rolex ADs. Luxury watch brands appear to be going in the same direction of other luxury fashion brands such as LVMH (especially Hermes), Chanel and so on where you need an appointment to get access…..only to find that you still do not have any chance of getting your hands on their in-demand, managed and limited supply of specific products (e.g. Birkin bag, Daytona and so on). These brands increasingly focus on high value items for the rich, the super rich, and top influencers. They no longer care for the average Joe or Mary who has worked their way up to a point where they can afford an aspirational and milestone purchase. These brands want big spenders who have more money than sense. The rest of us will continue to look on in envy until we open our eyes to alternative brands who provide great products and good service. Our self worth cannot and must not be measured by the value of a watch or bag on our wrist. End of my rant 😛
excellent point, well said. This really was the emotion i suppose we were overcome by, a realisation of well, if i’m not good enough for them then i’ll take my money to some brand who makes me feel good enough. THAT IS LUXURY. Luxury price tags if you are able to pay them should come with luxury service
@@vinnyfranciswatches In Singapore, ROLEX acts exactly the same. Snobbish, nothing to sell. blah blah!! Walked into Cartier beautiful service straight away bought a Santos in half gold. Rolex is trying to act like Patek!!
@@pilot777300ER Congrats on a superb watch! the first ever wristwatch for gents...And your theory is correct, i'll explain in my next video the transition it seems Rolex are going through and how they are repositioning themselves in the market to try to be in the holy trinity.
The brands at the top need to be knocked off their snobby high horses. I simply refuse to beg a company like Rolex to take my hard earned money for a watch. That’s not luxury or a dignified experience. I will always spend it elsewhere with brands that actually want to do business and care about me.
Precisely the emotions we were overcome by, a feeling of being irrelevant, like we’re not good enough to be a part of their club despite the fact we’ve spent thousands on their products.
One problem with what you said- demand has created the secondary market. I disagree. The secondary market has created the shortage There are plenty of watches they just all have been moved brand new in box to the secondary market. This created what makes it look like a shortage. There are tons of new Rolex available, they are just all in the gray market. There is no shortage. If someone is willing to they can buy 20 new stainless Submariners today.
I’ll never own a Rolex again. They have lied about sizing too much to ever trust them again with so much money.
Sizing is an issue with them i relate to that which is exactly why i wanted to try on the new Daytona!
Thanks to the rolex atitude towards potential customers, i have bought other swiss brands recently.
I inherited a 40 year old President from my father, he hadn’t worn it for several years, so I took it to de AD to be serviced and after a month they told me that a change of policy prevented them from servicing it because it had been opened by a non AD in the past, and that was it, no explanation no nothing. I will never buy a Rolex.
unbelievable 😂😂, do they really think a 40 year old watch realistically would never be opened by someone else in that time? crazy
take it to a quality family run watchmaker or we can help with that too
@@vinnyfranciswatches Thanks, that is what I did (I live in Mexico), my watchmaker did a fantastic job and for a fraction of the AD cost.
sure, they are very simply built and easy to work on movements so a good watchmaker should have no problem
Thats bs mate go to a different AD and request its sent back to Rolex main factory for service. You will be looked after,
As it’s a trade show, Rolex would only be interested in talking to AD’s from around the world Vinny.
More a press event to be honest for journalists i gathered, would be interesting if we could perhaps visit on a non public day next year to see if we’re treated any differently, and i think they were. look across youtube and at some of the more established channels and they all got hands-on, this a really gives a false impression of their true colours to ordinary buying public, which is what I experienced
I was hearing that ADs were also denied access so you have to ask what’s the point?
I’m afraid you don’t understand the main purpose of Watches & Wonders. It’s THE trade show for AD’s to order their watches for the next 12 months. And without an appointment it’s nearly impossible to get into the booths. Especially Rolex and some other important brands. Time is the limiting factor here. You’ve got hundreds of appointments to do with your most important AD’s from all over the world. And then you might have time for some of the most influential media representatives. And that’s it. Watches & Wonders isn’t a trade show for the ordinary watch enthusiasts - sorry! 🤷♂️
Then why not come up with intelligent and practical solutions like tudor did with mounting the cases and half of the bracelets on a stand so you could tuck your wrist underneath and try them on quickly, place them outside of a glass box as did many brands such as Hermes and panerai and indeed Tudor. These brands made the effort for the public days, the public whom are of course the ultimate customers.
I understand the rant. It is because you spent money & time, you have high expectations.
I would feel the same.
However for people who did not go there, i think they too understand why rolex did that.
This is basics of economics, supply & demand.
If demand is NOT high, then you need to DO MORE, to attract people to buy.
If demand is SUPER high, you do NOT NEED to do extra.
These companies in different demand tiers / levels , will focus on different things.
As customers, of course we want all companies to do what we want.
As companies, they cannot please everyone
true but they only need to make an effort at one big flagship event once a year, tudor had a lot of crowds too and that was managed well, even patek had areas where you could sit and chat with them
Every time I hear a story like this I get to wondering how long it will be before Apple start copying these ridiculous practices. They're another company who, while producing a good quality and historically significant product, have built an illusory reputation on relentlessly pushing perversely anti-market sales tactics. I could well be wrong but just lately it seems I don't hear anything more about people, camping out for days outside their shops ahead of the latest new iPhone release, and the media don't even seem to cover their launches anymore. And Apple have always targeted the illusion of exclusivity.
Getting back to Rolex, aren't they a bit common-or-garden in the luxury watch world? They might be well made, but so is any Seiko or Casio. I've never owned one, but aren't Rolex really only the first rung on the status ladder where watches are concerned? The kind of thing that your Jeff Bezoses and Ed Sheerans buy as everyday watches while they cherish their Patek Philippes and A Lange & Sohnes? I bet a lot of lottery winners buy Rolex watches (sorry, lottery winners) while they wouldn't know what a Cartier was.
You should do what they deserve: forget Rolex altogether and buy something more exclusive.
very interesting comparison actually with Apple i think the brands started off with similar reputations, reputations of them being trailblazers in their field for innovation, we will be chatting about innovation next week so please sub!
Same with Tesla
I don't think Apple has that luxury any more, certainly in the phone and laptop sectors.
I don't think Apple would go that route. Remember, they are a publicly traded company unlike Rolex, so they have a fiduciary duty to their investors to make as much money as possible, aka selling as much product as possible.
What a great insight into how some watch companies treat the same people who have made them what they are. Popular. Shameful the way you were treated. Great job!!
thanks a lot for watching!
I thought Tudor and Rolex are the same company. You can't trash Rolex and praise Tudor. They're basically saying you're not good enough for Rolex so come over and buy these Tudors.
Exactly you either get screwed up front or through the backdoor...bottomline is , it's still a dick😅🎉
Great info mate, sorry that you experienced some form of snobbery from the snobbish brands . I am a Rolex fan boy but hate what they have become . Currently looking at other brands that care other about their customers
Thanks! and we’ll i must say it was very obvious which brands tried hard to impress and be friendly and which others were arrogant. I quite like some of the smaller brands that were there too, check our Ressence who had a small booth but very innovative watches
Those brands deserves to be snobbed aswell, Id rather get another Grand Seiko
In seriousness who is that ? Maybe Oris
I have always dreamed of owning a Rolex one day - it was something I have wanted since I was in my twenties and I'm 48 now. I never ended up getting one because I am a family man and my family comes before vanity purchases like luxury watches. However I can honestly say that even if I had the opportunity now, I would not buy one on principle because I despise the way they treat customers and their repulsive 'marketing' tactics.
If and when I purchase a high end luxury watch, it would be an Omega. For now I'll stick with my Seiko's and Citizens.
lots of great choices with seiko and citizen, love the new citizen with the yellow dial !
This very same experience can be had in any Bucherer store in switzerland. Unfortunately this is the real face of Rolex unless you are a top VIP.
It genuinely is a shame, perhaps they should go to the model of AP with owned boutiques and fewer of them so they can focus on service. My visit to AP in Geneva was excellent, was even offered the new fume dial code 11:59, lovely piece
Thanks for the review which has potentially saved me £ 1500 ! I intended to visit this event next year but based on your experience I don't think its something I would appreciate after spending all that money and travelling all that distance to not be able to view and try on my favoured watch brand.
Its a real pity that Rolex has lost its way with the customers who helped build the brand and are in fact becoming so elitist and snobby that ordinary folks will lose interest and move away from there watches.
Glad it was helpful! Don’t get me wrong the event was very interesting thanks to the brands that made the effort, but if you’re going just to experience and try on the new Rolex watches, you’ll be disappointed.
Let me know your experiences with Rolex! have you shopped with them for years and now being disregarded? I will mention the most shocking ones in a new video…
Thanks for the video, I’m from a similar customer background and had the same experience; one of the staff nearly went apoplectic when I tried to go upstairs.
Oh wow! exactly the same with us, thanks for sharing
You deserve better. I'm glad you made this video. I hope rolex watches and learn. Shame on you rolex
thanks a lot for watching and yes hopefully they improve on the experience next year
Shame. Not sure why these brands would deny any free advertising. Really surprised at Lange.
For sure, i was impressed by the design of Chopard’s booth hence why i wanted to film and yes at Lange you felt like you were being watched and judged
Lange is a victim of its own success, they seem to have big issues scaling up their production, offerings, servicing. Only one watch release at W&W, really?
As a watch collector who has a few decent items from a range of brands (omega, GS and tudor) I am starting to get to the point where I may just not include Rolex out of principle.
I could type a number if reasons for this but im a simple man so will just say ;They seem lame, flat and just an uninteresting as a brand right now.
I hear you, not much innovation really this year again, over a decade since the last big innovation of the sky-dweller
@@vinnyfranciswatches Im thinking if getting the Oris kermit for fun , what did think of that ? and did you get to speak to them at the event ?
yeah it’s good fun and i think for the price point it’s not something that has to be taken too seriously anyway, they had a good display and I would say all of the more entry level brands were very accommodating, particularly baume & mercier
I now believe that it will take Rolex as many true enthusiasts to burn their expensive brand timepieces online one after another in rebel to this shameful policy to come back to terms. I remember the echoes to the viral video of the Russian RUclipsr who took revenge from Mercedes for their indecent customer care pertaining his recently acquired car. H simply set it ablaze live. I know you will never enjoy your two Rolexes anymore as they'll keep reminding you how the brand thought too little of you. Shame.
Unfortunately unless you’re an authorised dealer of Rolex , PP , and some other big brands you can not just go up and try their new models at W&W.
Most of your audience, if not all, agree that Rolex doesn’t care about “ordinary” people, but your audience is made of watch enthusiasts. The typical current Rolex buyer doesn’t understand sh** about watches, their attraction to the brand is based on the status that it represents and they feed the disgusting sales model that Rolex is quite happy perpetuating.
There are sooo many other truly interesting and respectable brands, why do people even care about Rolex these days? It's a watch for flippers and celebs. In the end of the day it's just another stainless steel watch.
Why not get a Tudor piece - the same thing with another brand name on it. Oh, I forgot, people want to look more respectable because of their wristwatch... But almost nobody actually cares about what you have on your wrist, regular people around you know nothing about watches, lol. Well, maybe, just maybe they have some sort of a smart watch and they've heard something about Casio... and Rolex?..
All I say is people should have more dignity and look at other brands, they will gladly accept your hard earned money. If you're buying for yourself, not to impress anyone, just avoid Rolex and save your nerves.
I had a Rolex yellow gold submariner on order with Mappin and Webb Chester very recently.
They phoned me to let me know they have it in price £32000 which was fine. I pointed out that I have a two-tone blue sub and one of the very last explorer 11 all box and papers that I would like to part ex if possible and that I would bring them in for a valuation. They were not prepared to do that or keep the watch for a week so that I could sell them. Needless to say, I was very disappointed.
I then phoned up an independent dealer Jopsons in Carlisle Who had the watch I was after, I told them what I had to part ex. An hour later I had a ball park valuation on my two. I then drove to Carlisle and bought the sub from them. Deal Done. I have bought a sky Dweller, and a 41 Date Just form Mappin and Webb Chester also an oyster perpetual for my daughter previously.
Needless to say they have lost a customer, not that that will bother them!!!!!!
The only way is grey!
Thanks Vinny for sharing your experiences at Watches and Wonders. My candid reactions to your video:
1. Kudos to you for sharing your real reaction to each vendor. Too many other channels don't have the guts to be real.
2. Judging by your experience in the Rolex booth, I now understand why the AD's treat customers the same way in their stores.
3. The lack of supply at retail has been exposed by other grey marketers. It has nothing to do with customer supply and demand. The fact is many AD's sell direct to the grey market to maximize their profits. That is why Rolex watches are found in the AD's safe, not the cases to sell to new clients.
This is spot on...At an official Rolex dealer, I tried on a watch that was supoosedly 'not for sale' and ony for looking. OK, got it....When I went back a month later, to take a second look at the same watch, the salesman said it was was sold to a client. WTF? In the end, I have had to buy every single Rolex I own in the gray market or otherwise wait until I have one foot in the grave. F+++ Rolex as far as I am concerned!
hi danny, yes it was just fascinating to see the brands displaying their true colours so to speak, at an event you would think they would all make the effort and go the extra mile to impress and win people over, this was not the case for Rolex, reflective of real
world boutique experiences i guess!
Respect for speaking out so clearly what had to be spoken out from long time!!!
25k spent at rolex is literally nothing
The Pop-up Tudor boutique was the best ideas at Watches and Wonders so enthusiasts (and flippers) could buy a watch. 😉😉 Only a mild p*** take mate. No harm meant I know it's your work. The varying welcome given by brands shows many are arrogant. As you say predictable from the crown but Chopard?? I've been reasonably successful at buying Rolex in the past but my particular AD well seems to have run dry. I won't stop trying but there are plenty of other watches to get excited about. Good video, thanks
Haha sure, well it is my job, we only bought one piece and could’ve bought more. And yes, Chopard was a joke. I very much like the Alpine eagle and thing their micro rotor movements are some of the best looking but seriously they do not have a high horse to ride upon😂
Thank you for your video. I admired Rolex since my young age. I couldn't afford one but wanted to own it one day. That day has come but I refuse to kiss any Rolex AD in order to buy one. Does Rolex care ? Certainly not. Neither do I. Will take my business somewhere else than paying for overrated and overpriced watches.
Well said! thanks for watching
The whole Rolex experience is shocking even from the ADs, supposed to be a luxury product and the service and experience is completely shit
Grey market dealers rely on the average consumer / collector for sales. As those consumers become dissatisfied with the Rolex brand or in store experience, the damage wont just be to Rolex as a company, but also those grey market dealers trying to move inventory...food for thought
Omega.
I enjoyed watches and wonders ,didn’t wait in the cue for the Rolex Daytona’s or Lange.thought the czapek watches were amazing.
Great to hear! and yes their integrated bracelet piece is very hot and last time i heard they were heavily waitlisted
I have a few Rolex from sub to Migauss to blro either bought grey or via friends . I have a local Rolex ad that I don’t even bother going to any longer . Why because they don’t give a hoot about me so fine I moved on . Bought a GS recently and the level of service I received was tremendous
If you had spent over £200k you might have been considered a VIP.
You bought 2 watches... so what. I bought 3x Rolex and that's nothing.
Mate, be realistic, you, me and million others (who bought 1 or more Rolex watches) are nothing. If you are not Mark Wahlberg, Jay-Z or similar you are no one! As easy as this.
IWC spent 30 mins with me, JLC 15, AP 30 mins in their Geneva boutique, Tudor 15….I haven’t bought any watches from them at an AD, that’s the point i’m trying to make
@@vinnyfranciswatches I get you, I understand you. But those brands are not Rolex and that's the issue. Rolex is the market leader, everyone wants RLX, AP & PP. Breitling, IWC, Tag etc. will spend hours with you and they all make nice watches.
But since Covid the watch market is mostly about making money, buying retail and selling for profit. Every idiot wants to copy that and RLX knows it very well.
You get a Breitling, Tag etc. and the moment you leave the showroom its worth -20 to -40% from MSRP. You buy the "holy trinity" and you walk with a profit of +100 to +500% out instantly.
It's the same shit since 2020 and as far as it looks nothing is going to change. The prices dropped the past 4-6 months, which is great. And I hope they continue to drop and all those morons who wanna make a quick buck gonna crash and lose money, so the market maybe can return to normal in a few years.
I want to get a few more watches myself, but at the moment I have other more pressing expenses, so I don't care I have to wait. Maybe by 2024 or 2025 it is going to be less stupid and I can get 1-2 pieces.
But until then, we are basically average Joe who is not interesting for those 3 brands.
That's the reality.
@@5amarillo5 remind me who the ultimate client is? remind me also why jewellers are buying these watches? is it because of demand? demand from the public? General public are the consumer not ADs, if demand from the public goes away then AD’s don’t buy…
yes i know that, but demand comes from the consumers, the ADs buy up what they are wanting, which makes the power all in the hands of the consumer.
@@vinnyfranciswatches it’s a fu..ed game whic mag we either play or don’t. What else can we do?
I am a long time Rolex customer, I currently own a GMT Master II… I have a slightly different take. I have Rolex and Omega and money is not a factor for me - my next 3 watches will be Citizen Eco Drives because in my 20+ watches, I have 3 Citizen Caliber 2100’s a titanium from 1998 and the black and white dial versions from 2006 - all 3 still operate perfectly, never serviced, worn regularly - no more spending thousands of dollars when I can get the best watch on the planet, an Eco Drive (done with horological artistry it’s just bullsh!t).
The show isn't for enthusiasts. It is for ADs to purchase and to give authorized press something to do. Honestly you should feel grateful they changed things and let you in as you are not an authorized dealer for any of these brands it seems. Even if you tried on the Daytona, it isn't like you would have an option to buy one so an argument about I needed to see the differences in person, frankly doesn't matter other than for your own ego of creating content saying you hand one in your hands. I do appreciate hearing the story of your experience as a grey market dealer.
no, the show isn’t for enthusiasts, but the two public days, who were they for? if you’re going to have them days make an effort…Tudor did, patek did, and many other brands, is it so much to ask to want to try a piece on? it wasn’t a big deal for other brands who were happy to oblige or offer practical solutions to see the watch on a stand in the open for you to touch and feel. This isn’t rocket science. Rolex couldn’t be bothered and it’s a simple as that
Only backs up what I’ve already experienced, it’s shameful to be treated that way and hence why I’m no longer buying anymore Rolex.
I’m sure they’ll be sad to read this
You are very right on all accounts. They will not get customers paying their hard earned cash by being pricks and A Holes. Hahaha.
Don’t take no 💩 Vinny lad!
Haha took some time to digest the experience and I thought it was very interesting to compare the efforts and attitudes of the brands on display which were polarising and I think do indeed reflect real-world boutique experiences
@@vinnyfranciswatches I’ve heard Rolex and Patek were similar experiences. While, over at JLC it was an incredibly welcoming experience.
@@jamieopulence Oh JLC we’re superb, very well organised with mini booths within the booth, one with a watchmaker doing his work, one with the leather smiths making the straps, another with the enamelers and engravers, so it was really a celebration of all of the different crafts that come together to make a JLC and that’s what makes enthusiasts fizz i guess. Patek we’re a little better than Rolex in respect to they had many more assistants within their booth, seating areas to chat with them so effort was made by them to engage with clients.
Always love the vids Vinny and this is a really good reflection on the event that maybe others don’t dare say. 😀
thanks a lot for watching! and well i wanted to say it as it is, I love Rolex of course but the gulf in efforts made between brands was so obvious i couldn’t not chat about it. We expected at least some engagement with clients at the event but sadly none, i think we felt quite let down to travel all that way and pay all that money to not get to try on a piece or see them out in the open.
Simple. Collect Seikos! 👍
love the new GMT’s!
@@vinnyfranciswatches Exactly which I bought the orange one. Great watch that you won't have to worry about losing your life over.
Honestly Tudor is going to take over.
They nailed it, they recognised they too would get a lot of attention but with pre booked yours of the booth open to all and watches put in the open for fans to touch in sure that went down very well with fans and levelled with their clients rather than towered above them
Makes you stop and think “why am I giving rolex money?”
Well they’re great watches and i guess if you can get a retail many of them are relatively risk free in terms of investing the money, so there are reasons HOWEVER , if they keep putting prices up at retail and grey market doesn’t follow suit then waitlists will thin out and then the better place to invest will be buying for less at grey.
Very interesting to see the way they treat potential customers. 😮
Rolex upped production to 1200000 watches pa (vs 1050000), models reduced from 1358 to 1221, Daytonas from 44 to 32 (can count on their web page). Guess what will happened with prices, more models selling below list price as flippers and AD’ selling back door like crazy ……here in Asia it is very bad. Rolex is about to destroy its name, especially AD’s ….it’s bad. Good watches but the art of selling is not …
As you experienced yourself in Geneva.
hi, where do you have this info from?
@@vinnyfranciswatches hi, watches by SJX - state of the industry - Swiss watch making in 2023 ……good report, google it ….. for years after the watch fair in Switzerland I count all models on the Rolex web site ….then take the production number …..gives you a good idea how many watches per line and model they produce.
Shhh Adrian Barker will be mad at you!😅 How dare you say that!😅
I moved on to Omega and I am very happy :D
Superb brand on many accounts i agree, i just how they don’t continue to raise their retail prices as they have done much like rolex this last year
Rolex aren’t best mates with the grey dealers as you know 👍
This experience was universal on the public days with Rolex, not just specific to me and them treating me differently as a secondary market dealer😂
Rolex is the most famous watch brand for a reason. The simple fact is that for what ever reason, the Rolex customer love being treated like dirt. It's a proven time tested formula and many Rolex Customers will keep licking the boots of Rolex for years to come. The fact is owning a Rolex and wearing a Rolex puts you in "the club". Great video.
Great point!
Fu... Rolex... Buy quality instead. Plenty 2 choose from
I don't care about Rolex, it's basically like trying to have a coherent conversation with Joe Biden only to be disappointed.
Hahaha perhaps we need a more modern and youthful leader 😂
I just want to get an explorer to commemorate my first mountain climb.. but having second thoughts now
Man, you are neither Bucherer, nor Hodinkee. Why would Rolex spend 15 minutes with you ? Or with me, for that matter ?
IWC spent 30 mins with me, JLC 15, AP 30 mins in their Geneva boutique, Tudor 15….why should they be different? that’s the point i’m trying to make
@@vinnyfranciswatches Rolex works hard to be the definition of exclusivity. Them doing so and you moaning about it only strengthens their status.
Their clients are the authorized dealers, mate, not you directly.
Vinny if you had done hair, makeup and wore a dress and told them you were Dylan Mulvaney they would have let you in the Rolex VIP room.
hahaha
Won’t buy a Rolex when this snobbery nonsense and hunger marketing bollocks are still there.
Im looking at Grand Seiko now. Rolex churn out over a million watches every year whereas GS produce about 35000 and are more technically advanced too. Rolex are just living on the hype.
Rolex is not interested in you, as a flipper.🤷🏻♂️
I still have both of my Rolex’s bought from the AD believe it or not!
you had a shit experience, bad customer service. that's too bad vin. be safe . ~ JDS/CT
Sure! thanks for watching
I say forget them. Simple.
Could of done with some
Watch Eric sunglasses mate, it looked like you got some sore eyes! Hope you well though mate and I think you should of bought the jubilee style bracelet not the oyster 👍🏻
Hahaha yeah caused by all that looking at the new day date jigsaw monstrousity(through the glass cases) probably!
And honestly the jubilee style bracelet for me straddles the line of being to much a rolex homage, the three link with faux rivets is Tudor unmistakably
@@vinnyfranciswatches those faux rivet’s are definitely not for me, I hate them 🤬
Yes you either love or hate them, it’s a solid bracelet though and the new clasp has easier spring-assisted adjustment than even Rolex’s easylink
@@vinnyfranciswatches I can’t understand how they have ceramic balls on the clasp and yet Rolex still use steel, it’s a superior product in some aspects
Oh behave, give your head a shake. If they let everyone try pieces on, the waitlist to get around the stand would be hours, so you’d moan at that too. It just wouldn’t work would it.
So you’re so naffed off, you’ll not be reselling Rolex anymore? No, didn’t think so.
watch the video the whole way through and you’ll see how other brands managed it much better and how they could take a leaf out of Tudors book with pre-booked tours of the booth and watches out in the open to see properly
Rolex, timewasters! Already an 8 year wait list for a new GMT two tone! WTF are Rolex doing alienating their customers? I’m done with them and offloading my collection but not to restock any AD to flip under CPO…. 30 year spend history with my AD and all I wanted was a nice GMT to commemorate retirement and I’m added to an 8 year waitlist. AD suggested I leave my place on waitlist in my will!
shocking really to hear this, amazing how the AD could be so specific so far into the future, 8 years lol, the mode may likely not even be available then!😂
Ditching rolex? Common, deep down you will want that platinum daytona over any ALS , PP or AP.
I am pretty sure if these watches will not be desirable the moment they becomes more available or when other person cannot tell your watch apart from other watches.
The reason why the whole "luxury watches" industry have collectors pouring billions of dollars into it, is exactly the vanity of exclusivity.
If you think rolex is alone in this ridiculous situation, try AP or PP ADs and see what you think.
😂😂😂 Let it all out Vinny
feel much better now!😂
Rolex are only interested in Flippers #ucking disgusting buddy I’ve bought 3 pieces over 15 years and I still get the BIG FO
I’ve been on THE LIST ! For five years for a Sky Dweller 😡
damn, 5 years!? I think you should find another AD
I think I was there when they didn't let you into the press event. You got pretty pissed!
Hahaha really should’ve come to say hi!
great video!...I love Rolex pieces but customer service does not exist.
also you're so handsome and hot!
Haha, Thanks a lot, very kind of you! 😁
Sorry background music so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying…
Great video. Had a similar experience here in nyc. Ended up saving my 7k and bought. 200$ explorer homage.
Haha fair enough! Thanks for watching, would love to visit nyc one day🙏
@@vinnyfranciswatchesyou should. They’re building a Rolex headquarters which I won’t be allowed to enter 😂
I totally agree with you. I have never liked Rolex (I own a grand Seiko). I find most of the buyers a snotty wanna be lot. In short wankers, many of my Rolex friends are just that. They seem to me types that buy a Porche when you can't go more than 40 kmh in Bangkok traffic. I won't mention french, swiss bad mannered arrogance Frankly you should have expected that kind of behaviour from Rolex.
It was even worse with Omega … I couldn’t even find their stand. Disgraceful- lost me a me a buyer etc
haha yes they didn’t even turn up, there is rumours of swatch and Richemont potentially doing their own even next year
They aint called Ro-LAX for nothin! Completely resting on their laurels.
The snobbery of certain brands beggers belief and would certainly put me off ever buying there products again as the saying goes you only get one chance to make a first impression
Agreed with all what you say . Awful experience at ADs too
4mins 17secs. The thing is Vinny, you aren’t really a client though, you are a flipper / grey dealer. Your two Rolex purchases from the AD are a distant memory to you now, the profit is in your bank, job done. I’m sorry if that sounds offensive but I can see how Rolex like to operate. 🙏
it’s funny but i actually still own both of them haha…why? because the first was a landmark and a dream come true to buy a Rolex from the window i used to stare into as a kid and the second because frankly it was at the time the cheapest it could be bought for versus the grey market, no joke. I have my own collection and you’ll notice in the channel i usually wear the same watches over and over
If you went to the Grand Seiko display! , they would have given you something to Drink & food to eat !, and of course a back massage!, and they will let you try on any watches they have!, and give you 10% off !.
Rolex doesn’t have personality any longer 🐀… …. !.
No joke I went into their booth and asked if they had any brochure (which most did) and they referred me to their website 😂😂
@@vinnyfranciswatches I think you’re talking about ROleX!, because the Grand Seiko staff would give you his tie if that would help to sale a watch 😉
Ive had three rolex from my AD over the last 18mths…….and to be honest I’m done with all bolx and bullshit from rolex AD's I don’t think I’ll be buying another……plenty of other brands to lust over
hey buddy I've bought over 20 Rolex from the same dealer within the past ten year , they don't give a dam can't buy a single watch from them about four years ago won't even take my deposit .I can't understand why they put a booth in the watch show if they are so great, the only thing i can imagine is dealer will sell all the watches to the second hand watch dealer and get back a good return , just a thought 🤔🤔🤔
It’s sad that they’re treating old timer customers like yourselves with total disregard, you are the guys that made them who they are ultimately
I just subscribed to your channel. I loved your honesty, that sort of behaviour is not acceptable. Is it to protect their identity? or is it out right snobbery? I think the latter. I’m assuming some journalists were allowed to film in there?
I’m interested in the behind the scenes stuff :)
thanks a lot! and yes this is the point, the more established journalists got to try everything on and report on it properly so they come to youtube and report on a different experience because they got the the privilege, however us clients were shunned
@@vinnyfranciswatches yea you did mention that. It still boils my blood that this sort of behaviour still exists.
Do you still have the two Rolex’s you bought at an AD (to become a customer) or did you sell them at a profit?
Rolex do not consider flippers to be customers, so if you flipped them……. VIP 🙅🏻♂️
Did you go to W&W to help brands sell watches, or to have fun and promote your channel/business and make money?
YUP BOTH, now that surprised you didn’t it…look back on the channel you’ll see i wear the same the pieces over and over, i have my own collection and do not wear inventory
@@vinnyfranciswatches Slightly surprising I guess, but not completely.
That’s why I asked it as a question and not an accusation.
You did choose not to answer the second question though.
If you take your customers for granted, someone else will take them. Buy an AP.
AP’s service was amazing
Rolex is a broken brand that isn’t contemporary or really that good compared to other luxury brands. They don’t care about there customer base or there products. They bring out a titanium case and the hype!!!… I can name G Shocks that are titanium.
this lad is absolutely stacked
Hahahaha
W&W is a trade show.
This is the first time they have let the public in on the last two days.
I imagine the trade were more than happy with how the brands set up their stalls.
A lot of people commenting seem to be unaware of this or choosing to disregard so they can bash a brand they have zero intention of buying.