Mother of All Mistakes

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

I went to the Omega Boutique at the Short Hills Mall today to eyeball the Speedmasters up close and personal. No, I didn't walk out with one. But I answered a lot of questions I had about how they look in person, sizes, and how they wear on the wrist. Oh boy.

Pictures don't do the Speedys justice. I will buy from a trusted forum member and save a couple thousand dollars. As far as my tax refund goes, Sic Transit Gloria. The associate at the boutique was chick full of knowledge, Omega lore, and some great stories about collectors. We talked for almost a half hour. He's a fanatic about Omega watches and loves to talk Omega as much as he loves to sell them.

What I learned in person was that the Speedmaster I have been coveting, the new DSoM, is not the one for me. But the new 44.25 basic Moonwatch definitely is. A 42mm Speedmaster Professional will also fill the bill. So now my hunt begins in earnest.

sensui · Apr 18, 2017

Yep....i feel bad for your wallet.....but you will love it when you finally pick it up. Can't go wrong with Speedmasters.

munichblue · Apr 18, 2017

Don't get me wrong, it's not meant to be a personal assault but I always have a bit collywobbles when I read stories like yours. People visit an OB, meet enthusiastic sales guys, have a nice experience, receive valuable information, try and fit watches and then they walk away and buy their watch via the internet.

This applies to many other products as well, get information face to face, buy on the internet and I don't like this approach too much.

I know it's not a very popular opinion in watch forums, but I couldn't resist and just wanted to say this. I'm expecting a lot of tarring and feathering... 😉

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

munichblue
Don't get me wrong, it's not meant to be a personal assault but I always have a bit collywobbles when I read stories like yours. People visit an OB, meet enthusiastic sales guys, have a nice experience, receive valuable information, try and fit watches and then they walk away and buy their watch via the internet.

This applies to many other products as well, get information face to face, buy on the internet and I don't like this approach too much.

I know it's not a very popular opinion in watch forums, but I couldn't resist and just wanted to say this. I'm expecting a lot of tarring and feathering... 😉

I definitely hear you on the talk & dash thing. It bothers me too. I have bought Seamasters from this very store in the past, and I'll probably buy a second or third Speedy from them. And I'll make sure to deal with the rep that gave me all the great info. In fact, if I don't find the right Moonwatch at the right price online I'll bite the bullet and pony up the $8K to get it at the Omega Boutique. I was up front with this rep about my intentions and he said he completely understood. They don't deal with pre-owned watches at this store. But I feel like I need to show some loyalty to this location as long as it doesn't cost me three thousand dollars for the identical product.

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

This is the one that really grabbed me in person:

SP_Moonwatch_Chrono_31133445101001_ambiance_1600x1200.jpg

sxl2004 · Apr 18, 2017

munichblue
Don't get me wrong, it's not meant to be a personal assault but I always have a bit collywobbles when I read stories like yours. People visit an OB, meet enthusiastic sales guys, have a nice experience, receive valuable information, try and fit watches and then they walk away and buy their watch via the internet.

This applies to many other products as well, get information face to face, buy on the internet and I don't like this approach too much.

I know it's not a very popular opinion in watch forums, but I couldn't resist and just wanted to say this. I'm expecting a lot of tarring and feathering... 😉

I agree particularly when ADs are involved. I feel a little less for the OBs as they are part of Omega and their service can be seen as advertising and interesting customers in the brands products. Omega wins when a customer buys an Omega anywhere.

abrod520 · Apr 18, 2017

munichblue
Don't get me wrong, it's not meant to be a personal assault but I always have a bit collywobbles when I read stories like yours. People visit an OB, meet enthusiastic sales guys, have a nice experience, receive valuable information, try and fit watches and then they walk away and buy their watch via the internet.

This applies to many other products as well, get information face to face, buy on the internet and I don't like this approach too much.

I know it's not a very popular opinion in watch forums, but I couldn't resist and just wanted to say this. I'm expecting a lot of tarring and feathering... 😉

It's not great, and certainly I would buy LEs and other interesting watches from the OB at full price if I could - but then whose fault is it that they produce so many units that they far outpace demand at their pricing point? If I want a "regular" model like an SM300 MC or a DSotM, why would I want to pay full price when a lightly-used or even brand new one is available for 30-40% less?

In the case above, I could have both watches for less than I would have paid for just a DSotM at the Boutique....

Rodmar · Apr 18, 2017

abrod520
It's not great, and certainly I would buy LEs and other interesting watches from the OB at full price if I could - but then whose fault is it that they produce so many units that they far outpace demand at their pricing point? If I want a "regular" model like an SM300 MC or a DSotM, why would I want to pay full price when a lightly-used or even brand new one is available for 30-40% less?

In the case above, I could have both watches for less than I would have paid for just a DSotM at the Boutique....

Great point which is why I will never buy at an OB unless I say I win the lottery!

arcadelt · Apr 18, 2017

munichblue
Don't get me wrong, it's not meant to be a personal assault but I always have a bit collywobbles when I read stories like yours. People visit an OB, meet enthusiastic sales guys, have a nice experience, receive valuable information, try and fit watches and then they walk away and buy their watch via the internet.

This applies to many other products as well, get information face to face, buy on the internet and I don't like this approach too much.

I know it's not a very popular opinion in watch forums, but I couldn't resist and just wanted to say this. I'm expecting a lot of tarring and feathering... 😉

I have zero sympathy for this view. Those that peddle luxury goods are neither paupers nor saints. They use all manner of physical and physiological tools to maximise their take. Similarly consumers should use everything at their disposal to maximise the value they get for their money.

Sculler22 · Apr 18, 2017

This phenomenon has hit all of retailing, not just high end watches. I think that the balance between loyalty to the brand and respect for the efforts of the knowledgeable salesperson versus saving a significant percentage is tricky. I have never bought a new watch, so I haven't had to make the decision. However, with a commodity product, it's easy to buy at the best price. When a commission incented salesperson takes the time to educate you, guide you, and prevent you from making an impulsive mistake, then it would be less than ethical to buy elsewhere for me.

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

An interesting aside, learned today, is that the dials on the larger Speedmasters are actually smaller than the dials on the faces of the smaller models. I never noticed this until I was staring at them side by side. The OB had the new 44.25mm models in a case next to the new '57's.

Le Chef · Apr 18, 2017

It's tough, but they know the "drive by" shopper is doing just that so they factor that into their cost equation for running the business. The other thing to consider is that OB's are part of Omega's marketing communication strategy. They are meant to give you the best possible engagement with the brand, and at the same time sell product. The former though is the priority as it works to keep potential buyers interested and to keep AD's on their toes when it comes to marketing and customer care. OB's also become centers for exclusivity with LE's and events "by invitation".

alam · Apr 18, 2017

ras47
What I learned in person was that the Speedmaster I have been coveting, the new DSoM, is not the one for me. But the new 44.25 basic Moonwatch definitely is. A 42mm Speedmaster Professional will also fill the bill. So now my hunt begins in earnest.

Well, the good thing is that you have not purchased any watch yet, hence no MOAM has been done! 😉

oaclondon · Apr 18, 2017

Yes DSTOM looks fantastic in picture but is just too thick in person for me. The opposite is true for the speedie pro where it looks kinda boring in pictures but a whole lot better in person. As to buying watches, I just buy the watch I want for the best price I can, but sometimes I go to boutiques to view them and help me make up my mind. I see it like this, I have worked super hard for my money! I'm handing over a big wedge for a luxury item, whether official grey or second hand, I feel little guilt over trying but not buying. First world problems...

WurstEver · Apr 18, 2017

ras47
This is the one that really grabbed me in person

Mine says Hi! I recently started referring to this as the "Steel Side of the Moon". It's a wonderful blend of the classic and modern that I still enjoy every time I put it on. I expect it will be a permanent fixture in my collection. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck with the hunt! 👍

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

WurstEver
Mine says Hi! I recently started referring to this as the "Steel Side of the Moon". It's a wonderful blend of the classic and modern that I still enjoy every time I put it on. I expect it will be a permanent fixture in my collection. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck with the hunt! 👍

Yep!! That's the one for me! If I may ask, what did you pay for it? The OB had it for $8,000.

michael22 · Apr 18, 2017

A healthy secondary market helps the luxury manufacturers.
The ability to sell easily at a healthy price if the watch is not liked can be a factor for a new buyer. If the secondary market is weak & frowned upon, that would be a negative factor.

WurstEver · Apr 18, 2017

ras47
Yep!! That's the one for me! If I may ask, what did you pay for it? The OB had it for $8,000.

In USD that equates more or less to the full retail price here in AUD. I would expect most dealers to be willing to come back a little from there.

The way I approached it was to look at what I could buy for online and then decide how much of a premium I was prepared to pay to get brand new and to establish/build a relationship with the local dealer. Of course, how much that is worth varies from person to person.

As long as you go into it with your eyes open, it's all good. These seem to be pretty readily available pre-loved online for waaay below full retail. They are very cool watches though 😀

Meme-Dweller · Apr 18, 2017

How is this the mother of all mistakes? There was this guy on WUS who accidentally threw out his wife's just-serviced Aqua Terra by accident. Can you top that or not?

ras47 · Apr 18, 2017

Apparently it's available on Chrono24 for $4300 from a "Trusted Seller since 2010." That's a 50% discount from the OB's retail price.

Mother of All Mistakes

ras47

sensui

munichblue

ras47

ras47

sxl2004

abrod520

Rodmar

arcadelt

Sculler22

ras47

Le Chef

alam

oaclondon

WurstEver

ras47

michael22

WurstEver

Meme-Dweller

ras47

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