I happened to be at a Patek dealer to see if my Tissot could be serviced, and the sales associates were super friendly. I told them that I admired Pateks and could be ZERO means afford them, but after a few minutes of chatting I was handed a loupe and a grand complication(5270R) to look at. When I left(and I didn't even spend a dime), they gave me a catalog and hardcover collection book for free.
Sounds like a fantastic AD... I am sure, if and when you are the market for a Patek, you will consider buying it there after your positive experience...
I had a similar experience at Omega. I am young so it meant a lot to me. They let me try on a speed masters moon watch and a ploprof. It was awesome, the manager game me his card, and I plan to go back and get a watch some day. Although I'm young , I have worked in wine sales for 2 years, which was really fun. I would help people pick out gifts, and of course sell a lot of things. The trick was to not go over their budget, and to know when to say "I don't know, but let me ask my manager who can help". Break someone's trust and theres no redemption. Demonstrate loyalty in order to get respect. Etc.
This sort of relates but in a different category. I know a sales man for Maserati, he says that the guys who come dressed in suits, with rolex's on and such will come check out the cars and test drive them but never buy them. The people who walk in wearing sweatpants and sweatshirt will leave buying a car. These dealers have to know that they never know whom they are dealing with. So like Frederico said dont be intimidated its always a fun experience to look at the most luxurious of watches!
You make excellent points. However I have something I wanna add to the sixth point, the one you said don't talk money until you're ready to buy. When I go window shopping (which is all the time), within the first 5 minutes I let the sales associate know that I'm not buying today. To me it is very important to make sure they know, especially on a crowed day. So that they don't spend 30 minutes with me and missed an opportunity to close a sale with someone else. But I do notice if the day is slow, they will entertain you and sometimes even give you their best discounts although I told them I'm not buying.
I rarely ever want to buy from the AD but this is good advice. It's amazing to me how many people will talk price and even scoff or argue with a sales associate when in reality they have no intention to buy soon. Why put yourself in an adversarial position with someone trapped behind a counter just for fun? Even if you're seriously negotiating, giving a hard time to the decision-makers is never a good idea. As you say, a little courtesy goes a long way.
Hi JI, I can't find your previous comment on my homage video for some reason... I didn't not mean for it to be rude... Sometimes the tone on written responses gets lost... I simply wanted to disagree with you and wrote that this had been discussed before in the comments. Apologies if it came across as rude...
+Federico I (Federico Talks Watches) hi, I've stumbled upon this comment, I don't know what happen to the other one (i think you re referring to the homage/replica video). That is quite alright, I am the one to apilogise, i've over reacted. Of course sometimes we will disagree and I respect your point of view. Keep up the great vids.
I have one dealer who treats me well! I know he is trying to make the sale, but I would buy a watch from him than from anywhere else. I had multiple people who looked at me and say: "You cannot afford this watch!" and walk away and don't even see what I wear atm! Even the dealer trying to sell me a watch, my biggest turn off is when people tell me: "you cannot afford it!" The person who I deal with knows that I can pay for the items! Thanks for the video.
My first AD experience was a few years ago. I was young. I always had a fascination with watches. I walked into the main area where the less expensive watches were. but when I wanted to look at the more expensive watches like Rolex etc... I was not buzzed in. I started chatting with a lady who worked there ( extremely good looking) and after she knew my intension was just too look, she gave me a tour. she even let me try on a Rolex. she was really nice and if i could have, I would have left with a watch right then and there.
When both parties can depend on each other for honesty and integrity, both side win! I have been following almost the same approach for quite sometime; it works. Your video offers some great pointers and it's all common sense. Buying from an AD can be a great part of the whole watch collecting experience. Also, I like having the warranty security that comes with buying from the dealer. Building a relationship with a shop puts both the customer and dealer at ease; it's good business. Thanks Federico, very good tips!
I can't agree with you more about being courteous! Worked in retail for quite some time and it baffles me how some people just DON'T get that! Doesn't matter how much you demand, no ones going to do their best to help you if you're being a douche... That old saying, "You catch more flys with honey". Plus it's just common human decency!
Good video, very sound professional advice. My only issue with AD's is they will sometimes misrepresent the truth (or) spread false rumours to stop clients from buying from non AD's. The latest one is that its the 'named owner' not the WATCH that's under warranty. That is simply false information. Enjoy your vids Federico, if you're ever in the UK look me up my friend. Regards, Paul.
Paul glad you enjoyed it! You are right, but I like to think it isn't a very common practice... Which is why ultimately it is up to the customer too educate himself... I will definitely give you a buzz if I am across the pond!
Generally very sound advice here in the video. I think one point to make is that if I were the salesperson, I would always qualify the sale before entering into a negotiation. If somebody asks for a discount, I would ask for their commitment to do the deal immediately if I were to accommodate said discount. As to Federico's point, the salesperson is just negotiating against themselves and I think this is a universal truth in all sales; never negotiate against yourself. I think the biggest challenge today is the supply of watches is quite low in Canada for Rolex. Thus, ADs have a strong amount of demand and a limited supply. There is little need to discount the pieces and ultimately the consumer does not benefit from the AD route.
Thank you for the video F. Being only 19, I was intimidated when going to Rolex and Omega dealers in 5th avenue. How I overcame this is by visiting as many AD as possible and they were mostly all wonderful. Very professional and ended up having very enjoyable discussions with some of the more knowledgeable associates.
One approach that can work is building rapport with the AD. Instead of going in cold to negotiate on a watch you've spent six months researching, go in a few times over a couple of months just to browse and chat with staff. Having a service job done there will also make you known to the staff. Picking up catalogs will also do the same thing I suppose. Then when you want to make a purchase, it won't feel as awkward and intimidating as going in cold.
Those are great tips, Federico. I have a 2 year plan to obtain a Rolex Sub. I certainly will not get that from the internet, but only from a Rolex authorized dealer. Not really experienced in negotiating with them, but I'll keep your tips in mind, especially the luxury gifts you mentioned. Thank you!
Great tips, thanks for sharing. I've always had a GREAT experience at the AD's i've been to, with the JLC and Omega boutiques being the most fun. My wife always wonders how they will react to my tattoos, but I have found that staff react to the way you carry yourself and communicate above all else. It also doesn't hurt when they realize you know a thing or two about watches. ;-p
Federico, very good tips for people like me who love watches but have not bought from a main dealer (yet!) Your videos and your friendly style are great, thanks so much for sharing your experience, grazie tante! Un abbraccione d'un portoghese in UK.
walked into Wempe looking for a BLNR. They didn't have one until I mentioned that I had been to 8 other ADs and was ready to buy today. a BLNR magically appeared from the back and everything changed. the attitude of the sales people became very positive and I purchased the GMT II.
I'll take good information where I can get it, but it really does add a great deal of legitimacy knowing you've been on the other side of the counter. I live in a fairly small town with only a couple dealers offering higher end watches. Unfortunately, my experiences in these places have left me somewhat cold. After listening to you, I can see that I may have contributed to that. I'll keep these things in mind next time as I would much rather support these dealers and keep my money local. Keep up the good work Federico!
Went to Wempe a few years ago while on vacation just to check out some watches. I was wearing a Seiko Orange Monster but was looking at watches that were way higher priced than that. You were great and basically allowed me to try on as many watches as I wanted. I wasn't specifically looking to purchase that day, but you made the experience enjoyable and non-threatening.
Greetings from northen Sweden and a fellow watch entusiast. I stop in at a few AD in town, they are run by two brothers and their kids. I have always been treated nice, even the first time when I walked in to one of them on my way from work,, I am a mechanic on city buses so imagine what I looked like. Very nice and respectful people.
Uh I've never bought a watch through an AD, it's always been through shopping channels or shopping programs that air watch shows. And I'll tell you a nightmarish thing that happened to me. I ordered the 50th anniversary of the Omega Seamaster 300M GMT and found out years later that what grey market dealers were doing was polishing off the serial numbers from this particular watch. It wasn't until years later when I went into an authorized Omega dealer to trade up for a watch that the sales person informed me that the serial number was missing. Needless to say I was horrified and embarrassed not doing my research enough to even check for missing serial numbers, I mean who knew that this sort of thing happens?
Very useful Frederico, I am going to purchase my first £1000+ watch from an AD. Being English I find haggling excruciating, but your insight has given me the confidence to try. I enjoy the retail expierience.
Hey Federico , great video as usual. I 100% agree regarding negotiating. I sell cars and there's nothing worse than someone trying to negotiate when they are not in the position to buy.
Incredibly useful video Federico. I just graduated from college in May and with some savings I wanted to buy a nice piece for myself to serve as a reminder of a milestone. I went to school in Manhattan and every time I would walk past AD shops (Omega, Rolex, etc.) I just couldn't walk in as I was intimidated by all the gold adorning those stores. You've hit the nail in the head with your first advice, sometimes it's hard to walk in wearing a tracksuit or a book bag. After watching TGV and yourself for sometime I eventually bought it online from a grey market dealer. Keep up the awesome videos. Hope your subs shoot way up!
Great advice.... I have purchased 2 items at the New York 5th avenue big fancy stores... at Cartier and Gucci long time ago and I was in my 20's. It is a bit intimidating or at least it was for me then. But as soon as the salesperson started the convrsation they were really friendly, informative and nice. So you really made a point, just walk in and ask what you need or want to kmow about the item you want.
Great Video, really teaches me some new things when dealing w/ ADs One interesting experience was when I was just browsing at a AD. I went in with my son and began looking at this stunning Classic Fusion, right out of nowhere I was hit with 25% off, didn't even ask. I declined to buy it that day. When I was leaving she told me that I was passing up on the best watch I could possibly get ( surprising b/c they also carry Patek and ALS). I felt like she was very pushy. When I had returned to the store to actually try to put a deposit down on the 5712 and curiously asked if they could throw in a pair of cufflinks, she said we will decide if that is possible "IF AND ONLY IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY". She actually went as far as to say "you aren't just pushing me around right?". I asked her why she said that, she said that last time I was in, I simply was looking at watches with no intention of ever buying. Thereafter I immediately asked to speak to a manager, who sympathized with me and offered to throw in a Cartier ring for my wife. I left happy, and quite honestly surprised that there was any wiggle room with that watch.
Great advice Frederico. I purchased my 18kt gold and steel Breitling Chronomat at full retail but the AD removed the all steel bracelet the watch came with and fitted a gold and steel pilot bracelet at my preference; I also received a very high quality Walnut watch winder made by Rapport of London as a free gift. Overall, a great experience and the sales associate was extremely helpful and he couldn't do enough for me. I would definitely buy from an AD again.
I don't care how old this video is I just watched it and it's great. Planning to go up to Vancouver this weekend to look at Speedmasters and this is great advice. Thanks.
Hi Federico, On my first visit to an AD I was a bit nervous. But it was a very nice experience. We've got two AD's only 30 meters away from each other. So I did what you suggested and and leave the first store, because they are not willing to give me a 12% discount on my Nomos Ahoi. Which IMHO isn't an unreasonable amount of money. I went over to the Wempe boutique on the other side of the road and was treated even better there. And they haven't got a problem with the discount at all. Because of my good experience I bought my Nomos Orion also from Wempe. Lately I was a bit concerned about buying my first Rolex from an AD. I've seen high discounts from dealers on Chrono24 and I'm afraid to loose several hundred Euros the moment I leave the Wempe boutique with my new Rolex... Best regards, Claus
Claus, Wempe are amazing. I used to work for them! As far as Rolex goes, which model are you interested in purchasing. If it isn't a sports model, you may be able to get a good discount as well.
Dear Claus, did i missed It or didn't you made videos about these two watches and if you didn't made videos on them I would like to know why because i would really like to see them Best regards
What a great great video, to by in an AD. It’s really intimidating , and a lot of mind control is needed to do the perfect pick and negotiation. Thanks
So glad you covered this topic. The insight from your perspective is much appreciated...I never attempt to negotiate on anything (not just watches) until I am ready to buy with cash in hand, and I always keep in mind that I am trying to build a relationship that will benefit me with future purchases. You want to be known to them as the stand up guy who knows what he wants, not some guy who wastes everybody's time. And being courteous while standing your ground is sound life advice in general....Great vid!
And the Lie part is great too, I had a sales rep at Lenkerdorfer's (high end shop in Vienna, VA) tell me the ceramic subs have a new movement compared to the 16613 I was wearing. He was trying to sell me on the watch saying the movement is redesigned, despite it being the same 5513. He also tried to up sell the steel saying that cheap watches like Seiko start pitting and decaying after a few years, which is absolute bull shit. I kindly said okay and left.
Hey Federico, I've watched a few of your videos and really enjoy your style and manner :) I''m rediscovering my passion for watches (when I was around 11 or 12 I had amassed several pieces - mostly junk to be honest! - and I would leave them lying around and my dad would get annoyed that I don't wear any of them). I slowly decimated my collection of crap watches, and got an Omega for my 21st birthday. Almost 6 years later and I've just put a leather strap on the Omega and it's practically a new watch. After doing my research - which has included watching your vids and the vids of TGV - I also just bought an Orient Bambino 2nd gen for just over £100 (absolute bargain) and really like it. Anyway just wanted to say that as a relative newcomer to horology I find your vids very useful and enjoyable! Cheers Chris
Thanks for this information. I am just starting my collection and my current grail watch is an Omega Speedmaster moon watch. I usually buy from amazon and Ebay for cost and reliability of sale. I am near the Omega shop in Chicago and avoided it for fear of paying too much. But this has changed my opinion to a degree.
I was killing time last week in a shopping centre and decided i'd finally go into the omega AD rather then just look thought the window. Ended up trying on a seamaster and 2 speedmasters. I would say i was surprised by the service but it was a lovely experience and has made me want a seamaster now. Where as before i was on the fence.
solid video Fedirco! I recently purchased my first watch (Tudor BBN).This new hobby can be very addictive. I'm already looking at my next purchase lol.
First of all thanks for this very helpful video, a few things I already found out by my self like for example the first one: I am a 16 jeer old boy and i every time i go to an Authorized dealer the dealers are always very polite and treat me with Respect like everybody else even when i wanted to view a watch I definitely haven't got the money for yet (over 10.000€)
Fed, great information! Why most of this is just common sense to me, like being polite, some of them are real gems, and will embolden me next time I’m near an AD, to go in and just look and chat. 😊
First off, i'm diggin' the shaved head! This video is very helpful for the new collectors like myself. I have never been in an AD, simply due to feeling like I don't belong. Being in an Omega, Rolex, or even a Hamilton AD and not having the funds would take the fun out of it for me. I look forward to coming into an AD with cash in hand (or card in hand), chatting with the sales associate about the watch I am there for, and the handshake after the deal is made. Gotta get the full experience, right? Edit: Do ADs expect anyone to pay the full sticker price, or do they expect people to try for a discount?
Thanks for this, Federico.The tips were all quite helpful, but one in particular brought back many great memeories: Catalogs!!! These were the portals I used to remind me of my set goals and achieve dreams when I was young. First it was audio equipment, then cars and firearms. It's really amazing the amout of motivation a beautifully produced catalog can provide. I feel like I got to know a bit about the way you approach your interactions with others in this video. As you mentioned, a little courtesy can go a long way... Nice Job, subscribed!
Great reminders! At the end of the day a good gentleman’s accord is above all else. This is a business deal and should be approached with a reasonable and courteous manner. The amount of money is irrelevant and all deals should be handled in the same manner.
great video, as usual. Just starting out collecting, all second hand vintage pieces so far. Planning on a speedy for my first big buy and had lovely experience in an AD trying one on, made it clear up front that I was just looking and they spent ages with me.
Great tips Federico. I like to by from an AD. I know my watch is authentic, it's easy when you want the piece to be serviced or if there are any other issue. Of course, at least where I live the maximum discount you can hope to have is 30% if the model is discontinued. Anyway, above 1000€ I only go for an AD. Thanks Federico for another great video.
We have few AD in my area. They are crazy intimidating when you walk in but really awesome people! I've handed in my CV to the managers there and had a chat with them, hoping to be working in one soon :D
Hello Federico, i´m new to the hobby, and taking the time to listen to your videos has opened a real interest in watches. I definitively enjoy all the information you give. Hope to grow my watch collection based on a sound knowledge. Superb! Thanks!
I just had an experience with a Rolex AD. They didn't have the watch I wanted and I ask if I could order it, he said no they get watches when Rolex sends them, then I ask if I could be notified when the watch I wanted came In, he knew I was going to buy, he said that he has repeat customers that he calls when watches come in so they can get first dibs, I ask about the watches that he had in stock as I am interested in more than just one and he offered a 36 date just, I have a 7.5 inch wrist and need at least a 38 and prefer 40 or more. He then informed me that just one purchase would not be sufficient for me to be considered a repeat customer as he has others that have bought several Rolex's over the years and they always get called first. I got the feeling that I wasn't going to be able to purchase a watch from this Rolex Dealer. I don't know, I have 3 that I am interested in and will buy if possible, 1st a Millgauss black dial, 2nd a Explorer II white dial, 3rd a Submariner steel. I just wonder if any dealer would be interested or able to sell one of these to me or if they always offer them to repeat customers first who may be buying for someone else so it becomes a tight circle of people that are able to buy one? I want a new one not pre owned or from gray market but wonder if that is the only way I am going to be able to get one?
Federico now here's a question for you. Do you think that the traditional AD is a thing of the past and will eventually go the way of the dinosaur? It already seems that AD's already only exist for watches over a certain price point, and all watches below that are more easily acquired from the Internet or grey market. I mean even Amazon sells very high end pieces, delivered right to your door.
Frederico - nice tips from someone in the know, thx. Can you do a vid on typical discounts based on different brands at an AD? Rough rule of thumb guide would be fine and awesome to know!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but price negotiation is a peculiar thing. I don't know how often this happens, but in my estimation it happens only if the seller desperately wants to move the stock or if the buyer is a returning customer with very good reputation. I think that discounting poses a certain risk to the seller, because if the supplier learns about this and doesn't like it, he might stop supplying the product. Also, other customers might feel ripped off, if they see someone else getting substantial discount.
Now, when I watch your nice video, and I think of it, I really do not have a single watch bought from an AD. Actually most of the brands I like are micro and don't use the business model with ADs. JDM Seiko I buy mainly from Seyia :)
Very nice video Frederico. Very informative . Unfortunately I didn’t find you sooner. I bought 2 watches from one AD and 1 from another in Glendale and didn’t even think about negotiating the price. I didn’t know that was possible. I’m wondering if I could go back and try to get a leather strap from them as thank you for your full priced purchases!!! 🤦🏻♂️
thank you. Ive been stalking the longings retrograde moon phase for quite a minute. Only got into watches not too long ago but haven't bought my first luxury piece yet. great tips I really hope I can get a good deal
Oh another thing. If you do not intend to buy but the A/D is not terribly busy, I have found that a polite friendly chat with the sales associate will enable you to try on watches. But don't be a pig about it and take up and associates entire day trying on stuff you know you won't wear. When I have done this I have stated my intention not to buy immediately but asked for the courtesy of the few try on and I have always been treated very well. If I want to take pictures, I ask. And I try to be quick and respectful about it so as not to waste anybody's time.
Great video. I totally agree with your sentiment here. At some point in the future, it would be be great to hear your opinion on the best ways to sell a watch for a collector that may just sell occasionally. Thanks!
Thank you for the tip on negotiating price. I have a 7 month window to buy a diamond two tone datejust and was going to discuss price. On a 23k watch I will be looking for a 10% break but will wait till the money is in the bank. Thank you.
