Questions on Watch Shopping
So I'm relatively new to this, but I've never actually walked into a watch retailer and did some shopping out of fear of the "sales pitch" or just feeling weird going it to look around, try on, and not buy anything. I'm typically the type of person that likes to look around and think about a purchase before pulling the trigger. However, I feel avoidance of the retail establishments are crippling my exposure due to not actually seeing a watch in person and being able to try it on.
In your experiences, is it odd to walk into a store just to look around and try stuff on, or is this a fairly common practice with watch people?
Watch collector looking to dive into the social media aspect of things. Discussion, unboxings, reviews, and all other watch related stuff!
Perfectly natural to walk in have a chat and try a few watches on ,the sales people don't expect you to purchase straight away,some even love to talk about watches even ones they don't sell
It's extremely common but if you're honest and say "I'm interested in X and I want to see how it wears first," sales peeps get it when you say "I'll have to think about." I've never had a hard sell pushed on me or if I have I let them say their stuff and just decline. It's part of their job so as long as you're respectful and are truly interested in seeing the pieces and how they wear, it's always appropriate to try stuff. Trust me, no one is expected you to spend hundreds or thousands or dollars on a watch outright without actually seeing it and trying it out.
I would make sure that you are looking at watches you're interested in, and may have some idea of what and when to buy.
Otherwise just have fun...
Just go in and try on, nothing to worry about. If they do say anything just say "wondering if its the right size for my wrist" If and when you decide to buy, remember to ask if any discount is available or do they have an upcoming sale. You will be surprised, many will knock the price down somewhat.
I always try on different watches. Even if I don’t initially think I like the piece, sometimes once you put it on your perspective changes.
Don’t be shy or nervous. They themselves are just working in the store, they don’t own the watches either!
As mentioned, tell that what kind of watches you’re interested in, what kind of budget you have and any half decent AD will accommodate you.
It IS a little weird at first but jump in the pool.
Once you get used to it, it's fine (and fun). Most salespeople are really nice and helpful (for a reason) and understand that it may take you some time to decide (especially for some of the more expensive watches). You get the occasional bad egg or pushy salesperson but luckily, there are a lot of stores and salespeople so you'll end up having a number of regular places to go and look at watches.
I don’t mind window shopping as long as I let the sales associate know. I don’t want to waste their time or mine. Usually I’ve found that once the conversation starts they are more than will willing to show you around, if they are not busy. That’s a good thing. I starts to build a relationship for the future.
Two words.
"Just looking"
I always say that even if I buy a watch, guy or gal is not going to retire on my purchase. Usually breaks the ice and will be fine. Lately boutiques around town hire Chinese sales persons to cater to customers from China, fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin which I understand but my verbal skills show an entire life away from the Middle Kingdom,needs refinement. Sometimes gets awkward when they realize that the English speaking sa should have looked after my inquiries.
Haha what AD you planning to grace with your presence?
I don’t know. I’ve only been at this watch thing for a year. The AD store I go to is really cool. That have about 20 brands for Seiko, GO, GS, Oris, Omega and more. They will talk watches with you, if they have the time. Someone there alway has the time.
The Rolex ADs have been hit and miss. The closest one to my house hasn’t let me in the store.😂 I guess I don’t fit their criteria. I walked into a Rolex AD on vacation. I bought a watch the first time through the door and first time I was ever in a Rolex AD. Now, I call and talk to guy every couple of months and talk watches. I’m going back to next year to see my son. I’m going to drop by and see what my AD has. There’s another AD near San Francisco I went there with my son. We walked in and talked to sales person. We were offered Tudors and they offered me gold Day Date. I’m not into Tudor and I’m not a gold guy so we passed. That was a good experience. I’ll go back no problem.
I try to go into these situations with an open mind. I try to be personable and see where and how things go. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
However, I kinda feel if I’m walking into a Rolex AD I’m going to ready to buy. The other ADs with watches in a case tell them your looking and shop away.
I don’t know. What you saying isn’t any different than buying a pair of shorts. You sound like an easy sale. Have you tried it?
It’s only awkward if you have to walk past security guards packing automatic rifles…then, maybe I just keep stepping 🤣😂
It’s only awkward if you have to walk past security guards packing automatic rifles…then, maybe I just keep stepping 🤣😂
Don't watch shop in the hood. Got it.
Don't watch shop in the hood. Got it.
Actually, it’s the nice places that have guys strapped for war.
Absolutely normal...if the watch store doesn't welcome you than brush the dust off your shoes and move on.
It is imperative for most people to try the watch on and see if it works for them. There are so many factors to consider...is the lug-to-lug right for your wrist...same for the diameter. How does the bracelet or strap fit...does the bracelet hug your wrist or float above it.
How does the dial look in real life...does the reality of the watch measure up with your online impressions...professional lighting and photoshopping can make a watch look better online than in person.
One of my favorite watch stores to visit to try on a variety of watches is Watches of Switzerland. Their salespeople are not pushy and they have a great selection of brands to choose from.
Watches are a Veblen purchase luxury item. Looking is part of the experience. You van feel comfortable looking and trying on pieces without an immediate purchase. If you are not treated well by an AD go to another. No one deserves your money for a Veblen purchase unless they treat you well. I've never had an issue. Enjoy shopping!
Actually, it’s the nice places that have guys strapped for war.
Exactly. That's why I skipped visiting some very nice watch boutiques in Milan. One or two menacing guys outside, one more, even bigger and ominous looking guy inside...pfff. I don't want to go through the hassle of passing two guards, wait for one door to open, wait for the second door to open, pass guard no. 3, then get to the sales person...especially on holiday with my family in tow!
Still though, if you're actually in the market for a watch (even when just orienting), definitely step into your local watch store, have a chat and try several makes and models on. It's what they are there for!
They are regular humans in the AD. You’re allowed to say ‘no’ to them if you don’t like where the situation/conversation is going. There is no inclination to buy - even if you feel you have ‘wasted’ their time by trying on every single watch in the store. That’s your prerogative
I work in retail, & we don't expect everyone who walks through the door to buy something!
Don't worry, just go & try some on. - you're overthinking it 😜👍🏻
I don’t know. I’ve only been at this watch thing for a year. The AD store I go to is really cool. That have about 20 brands for Seiko, GO, GS, Oris, Omega and more. They will talk watches with you, if they have the time. Someone there alway has the time.
The Rolex ADs have been hit and miss. The closest one to my house hasn’t let me in the store.😂 I guess I don’t fit their criteria. I walked into a Rolex AD on vacation. I bought a watch the first time through the door and first time I was ever in a Rolex AD. Now, I call and talk to guy every couple of months and talk watches. I’m going back to next year to see my son. I’m going to drop by and see what my AD has. There’s another AD near San Francisco I went there with my son. We walked in and talked to sales person. We were offered Tudors and they offered me gold Day Date. I’m not into Tudor and I’m not a gold guy so we passed. That was a good experience. I’ll go back no problem.
I try to go into these situations with an open mind. I try to be personable and see where and how things go. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
However, I kinda feel if I’m walking into a Rolex AD I’m going to ready to buy. The other ADs with watches in a case tell them your looking and shop away.
Wait, they won't let you even walk in? Or was that sarcasm?
I've never heard of such a thing.
I've felt like this in the beginning. So I understand.
What I've found is that most sales persons are bored. They stand there with not much to do. And they welcome a chance to chat. And the best one understand that patience wins. It's the poor sales person who get antsy. So ignore them.
Wait, they won't let you even walk in? Or was that sarcasm?
I've never heard of such a thing.
Some of both. There was a line of 10 people or so. The person at the door said it was about a hour long to get in or I could make an appointment for another day. So yes it’s true but I could’ve have gotten in another day. I’ve been to that on several occasions. There is always a long line.
I think if you take the approach of letting them know that this is your first time visiting an AD that most sensible watch staff will get excited about showing you the ropes (different types and brands of watches, terminology, etc). (If not, find another AD). They will want to make sure that they are your one and only dealer worth visiting. Then if you let them know your realistic or slight stretch budget PLUS maybe let them know of a grail watch or two that you have seen in pictures but probably will only be looking to shop for in the distant future that should get them interested in forging a long term business relation with you. That also opens up the conversation of not just showing you watches that are good for first timers and within your immediate grasp but hopefully also gets them wanting to show you some real knock-out-of-the-park grail watches.
Oh yeah, you might want to leave your wallet at home on that first visit. ;)
You should 100% try watches on as they often look and feel completely different on wrist. Just be honest and up front. Sales associates can’t ask for more than that. Oh and maybe take some photos on wrist so you can look again when trying to make the final decision.
Know your Onions! I have always found that demonstrating some knowledge in the watches you want to try on helps. The sellers are human too. They like seeing your eyes light up when something feels just right, and striking up a conversation on the virtues of the watch your are trying must be nice for them.