Lovely! Congrats on your purchases!

Update: Finally found one which I like. 

😀 This is so relatable, I think we could have a 4 hour WatchCrunch meetup just on this topic alone. For the last year I have been popping into different Tudor ADs and asking about models I am interested in checking out. I reckon 19 out of 20 times when I point to a model, the response is a “sir, that model is not in stock and it is on an interest list.’ They stop talking, go back to standing since there is really nothing else for them to do in the store and expect me to know what to do after that. 

I try to empathize with their situation though. Unlike other industries where employees may feel passionate about their work and the industry they are in eg we are making medicine to heal the sick or we develop technologies that change how the world works, I struggle to think why they are working there. Of course there are the exceptions who are passionate about horology and watches. I can even accept it if they are passionate about customer service or making money. What is unacceptable is the lack of training provided by the ADs unless it is organized by the principals themselves and the personal lack of motivation to be better on the job. Sometimes I even feel these employees are part of the “scheme” to make the watches impossible to get at ADs so they can “sell” them through other beneficiaries on the grey market. 😀

I got to meet the GM of a reputable AD and was casually asking him over lunch about how to get a replacement strap for my IWC Aquatimer which had so many different models with different strap types and sizes over the years. His response kind of reaffirmed my opinion of the toxic culture in some of these ADs. He told me that for these questions I should really be asking his staff. Sure I understand he may not know the answer himself but the manner he answered gave me the impression that he felt insulted that I should ask him such a transactional question. He did not even offer to connect me to his staff. Later on I found out that he chose early retirement because the AD was being acquired by another reputable AD and he couldn’t accept the changes imposed. 

Thankfully, I have been able to develop several good relationships with some staff in different ADs. They are there but you have to be patient and understanding, just like finding your next watch.

SBGN005 reporting for duty! 

Cool, now that you mention it, it does remind me of some varieties of rice. 👍

Claasic beauty! 

Thanks! 🍻