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I have 5 "nice" watches now. Each time I've tried to get a new Rolex has been just depressing. In an actual Rolex boutique I was basically told there is a wait

by LandR 4y ago

I have 5 "nice" watches now. Each time I've tried to get a new Rolex has been just depressing. In an actual Rolex boutique I was basically told there is a waiting list and they wouldn't entertain adding me to it. Another place I really struggled to get anyone to even talk to me, I finally went up to a sales assistant and told him I was interested in an Explorer 2. He told me that I couldn't get that watch, barely even looked up from his desk to acknowledge me. Even in a store which I have a non-Rolex purchase history with I was told I could be put on a list of interest, but it's a very long and I'm at the bottom. I was told I might get a watch in 5 years or so. Each time when I couldn't get a Rolex I've ended up buying something which I think is just as nice, probably even better mechanically and I was able to pick the watch, try it on, buy it and walk out that day. And actually be treated nicely by the shop staff. Brands like Zenith, Omega, IWC... The place that took my details and added me to a presumably non existent list did hint that one way to move up the list was to spend more. e.g. it would help if I bought some unpopular version of the Datejust. Now Rolex have their Certified Pre-Owned program. That's going to make it even harder to buy a new Rolex, now dealers will want you to buy n pre-owned watches to be considered for a new one. Eventually this will bite Rolex in the ass. Eventually their existing customers will stop buying, who they going to sell to then ? Who have they not pissed off ?

fragmede 4y ago
As a Veblen good, why do you think being unable to buy one is going to hurt sales? That's just going to make it even more exclusive to own one. A $20 Casio watch is going to keep time just fine, you don't buy a Rolex costing thousands or tens of thousands because you need a watch to keep time. You buy one as a status symbol (which is up to you, it's your money after all), and sorry to say, but a Zenith or Omega watch just doesn't have the same cachet.
- cvalka 4y ago
  Rolex watches are not expensive enough. Rolex ain't no Patek Philippe. I believe the US is the only market where Rolex and Volvo are considered to be premium brands.
- LandR 4y ago
  Well, a lot of the Daytonas that people fawn over have zenith movements inside them... I also don't think I buy my watches as status symbols. I very much doubt most people could even tell you what an IWC costs, even less have probably heard of Zenith.
  - fragmede 4y ago
    If it's not a status thing then then, respectful, why pay more than $20 for a watch that doesn't keep time any better? Quartz movements have been around since the 1980s. Don't get me wrong, watches are a (very) nice piece of jewelry in a world that otherwise prohibits men from vanity, so there's that, but you could get a stylish leather bracelet for way less than the cheapest Rolex. I mean, I get it, my dream car's a BMW and not a Honda. Let's just not pretend luxury watches aren't, well, luxury.
sschueller 4y ago
I don't understand the hype around Rolex. Everyone has the same model just like every one has a Canadian goose jacket an a G wagon. There are so many more beautiful and mechanically impressive Swiss watches than Rolex. I would much prefer a watch that not every nuvorich individual thinks he needs to own. I personally would not want to be seen wearing a Rolex here in Switzerland.
yummypaint 4y ago
This is all intentional, calculated, and essential to their business model. Directing sales staff to be rude to customers is a well-established tactic for status symbol items. I have heard your story almost verbatim from women trying buy louis vuitton (owned by the worlds richest man). This is the corporate version of "negging." https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/15/news/companies/luxury-shopping-rude/index.html https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/15/news/companies/luxury-shopp...
Ancalagon 4y ago
They’re kind of gaudy and repetitive stylistically anyways. For that kind of money there are far more interesting, artistic, or subtle watches you can buy in my honest opinion. And if it was all about status then I’d just say save your money and buy a Patek or whatever

by LandR 4y ago

fragmede 4y ago

As a Veblen good, why do you think being unable to buy one is going to hurt sales? That's just going to make it even more exclusive to own one. A $20 Casio watch is going to keep time just fine, you don't buy a Rolex costing thousands or tens of thousands because you need a watch to keep time. You buy one as a status symbol (which is up to you, it's your money after all), and sorry to say, but a Zenith or Omega watch just doesn't have the same cachet.

cvalka 4y ago
Rolex watches are not expensive enough. Rolex ain't no Patek Philippe. I believe the US is the only market where Rolex and Volvo are considered to be premium brands.
LandR 4y ago
Well, a lot of the Daytonas that people fawn over have zenith movements inside them... I also don't think I buy my watches as status symbols. I very much doubt most people could even tell you what an IWC costs, even less have probably heard of Zenith.
- fragmede 4y ago
  If it's not a status thing then then, respectful, why pay more than $20 for a watch that doesn't keep time any better? Quartz movements have been around since the 1980s. Don't get me wrong, watches are a (very) nice piece of jewelry in a world that otherwise prohibits men from vanity, so there's that, but you could get a stylish leather bracelet for way less than the cheapest Rolex. I mean, I get it, my dream car's a BMW and not a Honda. Let's just not pretend luxury watches aren't, well, luxury.

sschueller 4y ago

I don't understand the hype around Rolex. Everyone has the same model just like every one has a Canadian goose jacket an a G wagon. There are so many more beautiful and mechanically impressive Swiss watches than Rolex. I would much prefer a watch that not every nuvorich individual thinks he needs to own. I personally would not want to be seen wearing a Rolex here in Switzerland.

yummypaint 4y ago

This is all intentional, calculated, and essential to their business model. Directing sales staff to be rude to customers is a well-established tactic for status symbol items. I have heard your story almost verbatim from women trying buy louis vuitton (owned by the worlds richest man). This is the corporate version of "negging." https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/15/news/companies/luxury-shopping-rude/index.html https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/15/news/companies/luxury-shopp...

Ancalagon 4y ago

They’re kind of gaudy and repetitive stylistically anyways. For that kind of money there are far more interesting, artistic, or subtle watches you can buy in my honest opinion. And if it was all about status then I’d just say save your money and buy a Patek or whatever