For an AD to stand out from a crowd
Went on a watch safari in the Capital again. Showed my face into the ADs I have a relation with just to keep me on their radar. Of course I took the chance to try a couple of new and some pre loved watches on. I knew pretty much what to expect and what to see. Nice watches but no surprises. The usual suspects.
One exception was an AD a bit off from the main shopping area. He used to be a major Seiko dealer. Of that was no more. ”There is too many ADs selling Seiko. It’s all about discounts and there is no margin left.”. Instead he had built up an assortment of brands that at least for me felt refreshing. Being an enthusiast he picked out brands he liked himself. His line up contained pretty common brands like Longines and Oris. Besides from those I found Doxa, Mido, Vulcain, Nivada Grenchen and Carl F Bucherer. Neither of these brand is common in northern Europe. He also have a nice pre loved section. Unfortunately I didn’t documented the visit so I have to illustrate with stock pictures.
This is a vintage inspired reissue done right. On par or above Longines.
Crisp chrono
Playful colors by Mido
A variaty of Nivada chronos
A vintage Rolex Prince
Such a refreshing assortment of brands seen together. I nice way for an AD to stand out in a crowd.
Edit
I did take one photo that day but that was for a fellow cruncher that earlier was inte market for a Skipper. In the window were the complete set of glassbox releases for sale.
I collect new as well as vintage. I have a weak spot for 50s and 60s Omegas. Besides from those I consider myself allround.
Thanks for sharing! Most AD's are going safe with mainstream brands - Seiko, Citizen, a couple brands from Swatch Group popular in the region and of course a couple low budget brands... I would really love to see more AD's like this.
A vintage Prince must be a few $$$$!
Thanks for sharing! Most AD's are going safe with mainstream brands - Seiko, Citizen, a couple brands from Swatch Group popular in the region and of course a couple low budget brands... I would really love to see more AD's like this.
It really felt like something else. Even if the brands isn’t top tier it felt very different to enter the shop.
A vintage Prince must be a few $$$$!
Like two neo vintage Datejust.
Like two neo vintage Datejust.
👍
Nivada Grenchen in a boutique??
Liking the fact that this particular boutique is out to show something different. I hope they have enough business to be comfortable and survive - we need more of these people
👍
….or just under $ 10K👍
I would love to see Nivada's and Vulcain's. You'll have to let me know where this chap is 👍
Nivada Grenchen in a boutique??
Liking the fact that this particular boutique is out to show something different. I hope they have enough business to be comfortable and survive - we need more of these people
He had actually quite a range of them, both of the 3 hander as well as the Chronos. I’m don’t know the brand so well but it looked as basically the same chrono but with different colored subdial and hands including arrow hands.
I would love to see Nivada's and Vulcain's. You'll have to let me know where this chap is 👍
Will do👍
He had actually quite a range of them, both of the 3 hander as well as the Chronos. I’m don’t know the brand so well but it looked as basically the same chrono but with different colored subdial and hands including arrow hands.
I think it’s the next step in the world of microbrands. It can’t be fun for boutiques/ADs to have their sales/window displays dictated to by certain brands/groups just to keep their AD status.
There will have to be a steep learning curve in educating the casual watch buyer though, for these boutiques to survive on microbrand sales
I think it’s the next step in the world of microbrands. It can’t be fun for boutiques/ADs to have their sales/window displays dictated to by certain brands/groups just to keep their AD status.
There will have to be a steep learning curve in educating the casual watch buyer though, for these boutiques to survive on microbrand sales
Hopefully he wouldn’t just be a showroom and people buying elsewhere. The city is big enough to be a domestic hub for left field watch brands. Of course he also carried some Swedish brands.
Thanks for this, Per. Great to hear you were impressed by the quality of the Vulcain watches. I too have no dealer I can visit to see these in person but have their Skindiver Nautique on order and if that impresses I can definitely see going for one of their bicompax models and/or a Cricket. You've also made me think I need to get a visit to Stockholm in the diary...
Who is this AD? I might need to pop in myself.
It a little brite for me personally but that Mido world timer is outstanding. I'd like to see one in person. Thanks for the recap of a fun sounding day.
Refreshing to see because our Canadian suburban malls carry Gucci, Seiko, Hamilton, etc. I have to drive to the city for something different, then you find the same lux brands.
I would have loved the opportunity to try on the Vulcain Nautique before I picked up my skin diver.
Thanks for sharing.
Love that Mido😍
I like Vulcain’s parking meter complication watches.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I believe we would all agree that we all need to do more this to really keep the community engaged and grounded. Your story of this visit has definitely place a smile on my face! The Vulcains are absolutely stunning and the Gretchen’s are on par. 🌟
Interesting to me question. Will Seiko, Oris, Longines etc stay with ADs or move to an e-commerce only model?
You never know but believe they still appreciate the display and the huge amount of manhour put in by, often, family runned ADs.
Thanks for the tour! And yes, as per your bio ---Omega was at its peak in 1960's- you have good taste.
Thank you🙏
Thanks for this and for calling out some good ADs (esp. those off the beaten path (brand wise)). We need to support the good ones so they stay around for us to try on watches in person (and to give some of us something to do while our better half's shop).
I feel a little guilty about your note about the Seiko dealers being cut by all the discounting (since that is why I love my Seiko AD) but take a little heart by the fact that I don't haggle after his first offer (which is always fair but not the lowest).
That is my feeling with my local AD as well, still selling Seiko. I trust they give their best offer and go with that.
Refreshing to see because our Canadian suburban malls carry Gucci, Seiko, Hamilton, etc. I have to drive to the city for something different, then you find the same lux brands.
I would have loved the opportunity to try on the Vulcain Nautique before I picked up my skin diver.
Thanks for sharing.
I would love a Hamilton AD. I don’t think there are one in Sweden.
I like Vulcain’s parking meter complication watches.
That one I didn’t see.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I believe we would all agree that we all need to do more this to really keep the community engaged and grounded. Your story of this visit has definitely place a smile on my face! The Vulcains are absolutely stunning and the Gretchen’s are on par. 🌟
Thank you for reading. I firmly believe that ADs are great part of the watch community. So much knowledge and passion and far from those just want to rip your money away.
I would love a Hamilton AD. I don’t think there are one in Sweden.
Do the scales need balancing or is it fine the way it is? Variety is the spice of life!
If you need a Hamilton just have ask it’s no problemo!
🍻
Would love to see smaller ADs that are selling Micro-Brands. What was the quality of the Nivada Grenchen watches?
Would love to see smaller ADs that are selling Micro-Brands. What was the quality of the Nivada Grenchen watches?
I didn’t handle them so much that I really can tell. But they looked crisp and felt solid. The Chronograph was very wearable in size too.
Excellent information...Sounds like you had a nice visit.. Enjoy the hobby!😀
I wish. As a father of two young children my holidays are all allocated for the year... But 2024 is another story (he said, Googling Stockholm hotels).
Another chance in 2024.