Should High-end brands have their own boutiques?

I’m indifferent because I haven’t even thought about it before.

Give me a few more years when I can maybe afford one 😅

Totally know the feeling of being told by the AD to "re-consider" such a purchase. Even if you really....really...just wanna get it.

Round...round the marry-go-round

I voted yes, because I feel that brands should open boutiques and in more places than they do. I love Omega, and Omega represents four pieces out of my nine watch collection. But as a person that lives near Boston, why is the nearest Omega boutique in NYC? Yes, there are ADs. But I would like a direct Omega boutique experience. I feel like there’s something to be said for experiencing the brand as the brand would like to be experienced. And, I don’t want to have to fly or drive to NYC to do it.

I don’t really care which format a brand’s sales location takes. If there’s one near me, fine. If there’s not one near me, it’s less likely I’ll buy the product.

Now they say that boutiques don’t do discounts, which is fine, but in that case your MSRP better be realistically in the ballpark of what I think that model is worth. If not, I just keep trucking on past that shop.

This whole market is designed to extract every last possible dollar out of every sale. If they don’t want my business because they can’t extract enough money from my wallet, so be it. I’m sure they’ll be fine without me.

Thanks for this

JLC is first class to deal with anyway. Having lived in New York for many years I'm a little indifferent to the boutique thing. It is an experience, I will give it that. In my mind it is a good place to browse, but not necessarily the best place to buy.

Yes, the Omega experience at the actual store is amazing.

I'm prefer boutique's as your just dealing with manufacturer,it means the shop isn't trying to sell you something else or hint you need to buy this to get that

The trend for brands to open boutiques is fine with me. However I don’t like the following trend to terminate old multi brand ADs from selling these brands. There are major cities that maybe can have it both ways but in many cities the trend undermines the business for old family businesses. My experience isn’t that customer service is better in these boutiques. That is more individual based on staff and management. The variaty and access to models is of course better, but that is just for the lucky ones having access to these boutiques.

I just get perturbed when ADs push other brands when you are gunning for one

That had made me irritated as well but has not been my personal experience.

Being new to watches, I’m always slightly confused about which option to go for boutique or ADs. I do see ADs offer a better diacount on brands like Omega, but then again it takes away the option to get limited editions (normally only available in the boutiques). The boutiques also need a good sales history so you pay an extra 1-2 k just to be considered on a waitlist. I’m in Singapore too btw, wondering if anyone has thoughts on this and what do you all generally do?

I was at the Omega boutique an they did not demand a purchase history but required a deposit for the limited watch. I was interested in the Green Sea Master in a Rubber strap. They told me I had to put a deposit down and wait a month. I preferred their answer to the shop across with a yellow crown.

Hahaha “shop across with a yellow crown”, yes I totally get it. Hm somehow they didn’t take a deposit from me (this was ion and mbs btw), although I offered for the 1948 limited edition. Anyway, looks like things keep changing!

The iON Omega was willing to take my deposit but i'd be on a waitlist.

Alright, fellow Singapore based watch lovers! I like the market here because they have the AD's like Sincere and Hour Glass (and higher end versions like SHH for Sincere) and some boutiques are flagship with great selection, eg MBS Grand Seiko, Ion ALS is solid. They have some decent grey market dealers as well in far east plaza and other random places and online only dealers.

The boutique vs AD (vs grey) conundrum is real. Basically, do you want to go deep into one brand to get their harder to get pieces, that's the decision. Also, do you want to get invited to their special events. If not, the "boutique experience" isn't worth it.

I'm generally supportive, but agree having both options broadens access. I like the boutique option because they care more about the long term customer vs just getting the sale at all costs. This, of course, only matters to the customer is you really resonate with the brands style and collection and want to go deep. If you only want one piece, then just get it the cheapest way (assuming same quality) and be done with it!

I also like chatting with the boutique staff and geek out about watches.

I find it amazing that the grey dealers sell brand new and lower price.

Makes a lot of sense! The conundrum is indeed real.

Singapore is so flush with high end watch dealers, felt as good as Tokyo for watch browsing.

Plus, looks so cool:

Yup, definitely nice option to be able to go straight to the main branch for a brand to see something unique and hard to get. I've never bought from a high end boutique so kind of crave it, maybe next time in Tokyo!

I think it seriously boils down to what you are looking at. If you are not into hot/popular models, then ADs are generally fine. Unless there is a particular brand that you have many models that you like.

Example, I buy what I like across brands, usually not something very popular. If the ADs offer multiple brands and one day you like something "popular". The relationship helps. But I am definitely not into bundling watches just to get what I "like bullshit".

I've never had an issue using an AD for a watch. But, having the alternative is nice also.