Why dealers are always better than websites
So - a bit clickbaity title for my first post (!) perhaps but - I’m still mulling on the 45 minutes I had at a dealers im friendly with in Leeds (UK) last weekend.
We all spend so much of our time online, but popping in to see the guy who sold me my Breitling last year reminded me that there’s something that going to an actual store with another human being and trying pieces on in the metal… well browsing and clicking just can’t get close.
Being able to try on pieces that are at least ten years away from being able to even consider buying and having my eyes opened to different brands, well… it just made me appreciate all the more the vast range and richness that this hobby affords.
The VCs werr obviously insane, but that Zenith?! Oh my!!! I’m in danger of a NWA before Christmas now 😬
Whats y’all’s experience of visiting dealers?
How do you feel trying on pieces that are way off being able to afford?
Whats the best bit of the in store experience?
Love to hear your thoughts 🤓
It started 12 years ago with a Chris. Ward C8 Pilot. Just got the grail upgrade to my IWC Pilot Chrono in Sept 22. Also have a thing for Breitling... What’s next?? 🤷🏻♂️😅😬
I'm too far from any AD to try anything but the mail order bride route
Most watches tend to look different in person than they do in photos or videos, so being able to see and handle the watches in person at an AD is always nice. OTOH, most ADs are adept at creating watch displays that use lighting to make the watches really pop and command your attention, which can end up being detrimental to your wallet.
I live in a small city that doesn't have an AD for many of the brands I'm interested in (JLC, Cartier, Zenith, Grand Seiko, etc), with the nearest ones being several hundreds of miles away. It makes it impractical to see many of the watches that are on my list without planning a trip. Although I wish I had easy access to those ADs, the silver lining is that it's much easier to resist from a distance.
I agree my money is too hard earned to not try before you buy
I find more models I want by trying them at dealers than looking at photos.
I would never have guessed that I love JLC Polaris from it’s photos but it’s amazing on the wrist.
It’s one thing to know the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is thin but a completely different experience to feel how thin it is on one’s own wrist.
having on the shop to try on watches is important because what it looks on the shelf or on the website might be different when you put on your wrist.
I dont mind to test super expensive watch on my wrist even though I know i could not afford it, still nice experience.
I think it just feels more personal to be there in person when buying things. I am an avid online shopper, but I'd much rather be at a store picking stuff out myself.
I've bought two watches online (out of four in my main rotation) and whilst the watches themselves are more than fine, I kind of wish I could've bought them in person, for that personal touch.