When you go to an AD to buy a nice watch, which watch would you put on your wrist?

I’ve only bought one watch in a AD before, I bought a Tudor Black Bay (41 black bezel, I no longer own). I wore my Seiko Turtle SRPE99, wasn’t treated any differently.

I just wear whatever I want to that day, and not overthink it. An F-91W is just as likely to get a positive reaction as a luxury watch.

I live within 4 miles of three AD's. I never give a thought to what watch (or anything else )I'm wearing. They are retail establishments, not some mystical horological locations. They don't really care about the watch you're wearing, only the one you might walk out with.

Depends on what you're trying to do and which AD. A random mall based Tourneau or Bucherer is going to be different than one run by enthusiasts (like Toppers or Timeworks in Seattle).

But if I'm trying to get access to something difficult and have time to plan, I will generally wear something pricier as signalling. If I bought something at the store, I'll generally wear that. And if I am going to Toppers or some other watch nerd haven, I'll specifically wear watch nerd chic of some sort: Grand Seiko, JLC, microbrands etc.

I usually just go with whatever I have on. There are a couple watch geeks at my local AD, and they always seem to appreciate whatever I am wearing.

I'd usually wear something different that they're unlikely to have seen, like Perception or Sturmanskie 31659. Last time I was at VC I was horrified to find that I was wearing this quartz Briston. But the AD was good fun and we discussed the different case; all good fun.

Depends. I usually take something that may spark a conversation, like my Lucerne Digital Jump Hour, which I took last time.

Wore a Seiko in Omega, and an Orient in Grand Seiko. Window shopping both times, and both times they were really friendly. Grand Seiko the friendliest though.

I wear my favorite watch and see if the new watch feels better than that watch or if it gives me the same vibes.

I don't often visit ADs. Only when I want to try on a more expensive piece to see if it suits me. One day I plan to visit Omega store with my Casio DW290, because I don't really care what they think of me, and I'll never be able to afford an Omega watch anyways :D

Whatever is on the wrist that day.

😂Love that term “watch nerd chic”. I think I’ll be using that from now on.

Neither of those answers but:

The watch I want to compare it to size wise and or finish

Everyone here literally knew exactly what I was talking about 😉

Wear a 3 piece suit, pocket watch on chain, solid gold, no less, pinky ring and fan out a wad of C$100 notes and put it in place of a pocket square. Kidding. 😆

Depends on the AD and what watches you look at, but most (where I’m at) do profile you. They tend to judge you more/be a little more snooty if you head straight to the Rolex section are are really nice to you if you express interest or head straight to the other brands.

I always wear a Casio. I wear it there, and on the way back. I guess I'm hyper aware with all the stories of watch theft in London.

When I go to buy new watch I always take a watch from a watch brend I want to buy next. Believe it or not it always help me get a discount becouse AD see that I'm interested it that watch brand and have reason more to consider me as a regular. Try that next time. 😉

I wear the watch to match expected price range. I wear a Hamilton to I want to mainly look at Hamilton or Longines. I wear an omega or iwc if I want to look at GS, Rolex, Tudor etc.

If I'm going to look at something specific I think it helps to be wearing something of about commensurate value. The ADs I visit in London get a million lookie-loos so I do tend to find that wearing something recognisably 'serious' conveys I'd like a serious conversation and buys me some goodwill from salespeople who may have spent a lot of time on tourists with no intention of buying.

Only been to one. Had another one of theirs on the wrist as was booking that one in for a service.

Thank you all for insightful comments!

Whatever watch I f*cking want.

An AD, if they are smart, will treat you the same regardless of what you are wearing or how you are dressed.

My money doesn't change color according to the watch or clothes I am wearing. $10K is $10K and if an AD cannot understand that, they are pretentious douchebags and won't get a penny of my hard earned cash.

Not dissimilar to people who sell car audio. You sell radios, pal. Get over yourself.

I say bare wrist. You might impress them with an expensive piece. But you will have to pay full price for the watch that you eventually buy. Because you obviously have the doe. And if you haven't bought an expensive watch from them, you still will be in the waiting line for the hard-to-get pieces...

Don’t overthink it.. wear whatever you want.. also don’t feel obligated to buy.. if you don’t like it.. say it.. and walk out..

Doesn't really matter. Went in the Omega AD with the Orient Kamasu, was shown everything, talked about lots of stuff and went out with an AT.

Went to the Rolex/Tudor AD with my Planet Ocean, only wanted a BB Pro, was still treated like a leper.

Some ADs are cool, some are just a*******.

Depends on the person you are dealing with. I doubt most sales people in ‘regular’ ADs wouldn’t know a ‘boring’ time only piece like a Philippe Dufour Simplicity or a Credor Eichi.

I’m sure profiling may exist in the store but just go in, wearing your favourite watch, and try on whatever you like. Have fun and if they start a conversation about your watch, you can have a good basis to show your passion. You shouldn’t feel pressured into buying anything

An appropriate watch. One that shows you’re willing to spend that level of money.

Id also say wear something that others may be interested in. Hopefully the guys/girls in the shop are watch nerds as well and it gives them a chance to chat about YOUR watch, helping them learn more about you and passion or maybe your lack there of passion!

This is a place of watch nerds, when you get a chance to be around others in real life, take advantage of it!

rb

Ooooh…this is a very interesting question! Honestly I’ve worn my Rolex Explorer most times I’ve shown up any sort of AD under the stupid assumption they size me based upon what’s on my wrist. Mind you, this was based upon the assumption that AD’s were like car dealers where the salespeople would only talk to you based upon how they perceived your “wealth.” On the opposite side, I’ve found pre-owned or vintage dealers considerably more relaxed (Analog shift is a fine example…good people!)

Most AD's aren't going to care. They just care about the watch you purchase. Cheap watch, expensive AD, if you're serious, they will complement you on your taste and upgrade.