The times they are a-changin’ - Watch safari in the Capital
Went to the Capital this weekend. Mini holiday with the wife after letting off the son for another year at university. As always I take the chance to go on a watch safari when I have the possibility. I didn’t see and test much new, besides a stunning exception, but I did see some proof of adaption in the industry changing the landscape. Some indications of change. Maybe commonplace where you come from?
Some findings,
The Boutique concept is spreading. I noticed that Breitling started a new single brand boutique. Or rather Watches of Switzerland decided that the Capital is a good place to expand. Not only that, apparently they are behind a soon to open Omega boutique as well. As a result two, successful, multibrand ADs lost their right to sell Omega. For me it’s just another sign of the brands taking a larger grip of the distribution channels, even if it is with a new middle man. Taking control of marketing and pricing. On top of that it seems like brands like JLC reserves more products to their boutiques leaving their traditional ADs behind.
Another stunning finding, for me at least, was that todays economy seems to reached the watch market. Not only by secondary market prices dropping. Despite summer and vacation time with lot of tourists it seemed quite slow at the watch stores. It maybe has hit Rolex as well. I was visiting a Rolex AD and tested an Explorer II Polar. Without purchase history and waitlist I was offerered to buy it. When asking if they weren’t waitlisted? Yes they were but when the AD called up them many were on vacation and didn’t take the call. I guess they still would been available if the call were for a Daytona or a Pepsi. Maybe a sign of new times coming for the watch industry and even Rolex if we are facing a financial recession or at least a financial low key.
My biggest experience however was to see a Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co in the flesh. Didn’t expecting that. Not for sale, and if it were, not for me but actually a beautiful watch that I didn’t expected to see IRL.
I collect new as well as vintage. I have a weak spot for 50s and 60s Omegas. Besides from those I consider myself allround.
That Patek Phillipe is indeed beautiful although not for me either!
Very interesting your observations! If some Rolex models are becoming actually available to purchase then I suppose that is a good thing for potential customers. In the UK I have found Rolex ADs to be less than welcoming, so much so I have been put off the brand altogether. When I have the funds I will spend them with another watchmaker!
That Patek Phillipe is indeed beautiful although not for me either!
Very interesting your observations! If some Rolex models are becoming actually available to purchase then I suppose that is a good thing for potential customers. In the UK I have found Rolex ADs to be less than welcoming, so much so I have been put off the brand altogether. When I have the funds I will spend them with another watchmaker!
I actually like Rolex. And I have always been treated professional by their ADs. But I find it interesting if one of their sport models, maybe not their most popular ones, suddenly is available. Due to vacation period, financial decline, rerouted supply from Asia or Russia or whatever reason. I think it will be interesting to follow.
Very much so! I would buy an explorer if you twisted my arm!!
Very interesting finds, especially at Rolex. We’ll see if the trend continues but the update is appreciated.
Very interesting finds, especially at Rolex. We’ll see if the trend continues but the update is appreciated.
Thanks! Could also be a coincidence but time will perhaps tell.