British Airways launches flights from London Heathrow to Florence

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• points_worrier says:

  30 Dec30 December 10:03

  Why are some of the watch finder watches more than RRP, and are currently cheaper brand new (and in stock) on the goldsmiths website? Rolex millegaus for example.

  • points_worrier says:

    30 Dec30 December 10:07

    Milgauss*

    • Jess says:

      30 Dec30 December 10:52

      There is a 10-15 year waiting list for Rolex and you are only able to name 3 models you want to buy when placed on this list. The watches in the window you see are for ‘exhibition only’ purposes.

  • Mike Hunt says:

    30 Dec30 December 10:22

    I guess they are trying to make more profit

    • Rob says:

      30 Dec30 December 10:33

      You can’t actually buy most Rolex or Patek models. The supply isn’t there. Shops will only sell them to ‘preferred’ customers – it’s not unusual for a jeweller to ask you to spend a substantial sum on other products before they will sell you a core Rolex model, for example – and even then, they can only do it when Rolex decides to supply them, which for core models isn’t often.

      The Financial Times magazine last Saturday had a six page feature on this, based on a US court case that is currently ongoing.

      What’s bizarre is that Rolex admits to making 1 million watches per year but no-one knows where they go, because they are virtually impossible to buy ‘fresh’. As the FT reports, many independent jewellers sell them via a back door onto the grey market (above the Rolex RRP, which is not allowed – the sale comes with a cash bung, and a fake buyer ID is supplied to Rolex) which then resells them for even more.

      It’s like trying to buy a Hermes Kelly or Birkin bag – there is zero chance that any Hermes boutique in the world will sell you one if you walk in and ask. If you spend five or six figures over a period of time then they may consider your request. There is a reason they sell for many, many times RRP at auction.

      • Bagoly says:

        30 Dec30 December 11:38

        Rolex in particular are used as currency in various parts of the world (E.g. much of Africa). I would not be surprised if Rolex ships large quantities either direct to the countries, or, more likely, direct to vaults in Europe controlled by dictators.

      • Ken says:

        30 Dec30 December 11:43

        Rolex (and other brands) are perfect for drug dealers.
        Expensive, easy to transport , universal, tradeable , and hold their value (for now).
        I’d imagine their are no end parked in southern Spain and Dubai.

      • DaveJ says:

        30 Dec30 December 12:25

        I bought a fake one from a market in Vietnam three years for £40.

        Still works and people think it’s real. Saved myself a few thousand pounds too 🙂

        • David says:

          30 Dec30 December 14:41

          I want to travel to Vietnam in 23 or 24. Do you remember where exactly or roughly?!

        • DaveJ says:

          30 Dec30 December 16:27

          “I want to travel to Vietnam in 23 or 24. Do you remember where exactly or roughly?!”

          Hanoi night market which is open on weekends.

      • Harry T says:

        30 Dec30 December 20:22

        Enjoyed that FT article!

  • Andrew J says:

    30 Dec30 December 11:30

    Simple supply and demand. Same as the Omega Moon Swatch – people spend days queuing outside a Swatch shop to get one, which is why they are on eBay for 2.5x RRP.

    • Mark says:

      30 Dec30 December 12:32

      My initial thoughts on the Moonswatch (as someone who has an Omega Seamaster) was that this is diluting the brand. On reflection it could actually be a great way of marketing to a younger generation of people who buy the Moonswatch and then aspire to own a “real” Omega one day. Either way I don’t really care, I have a watch which should over time hold its value reasonably well and in the meantime I can wear and enjoy it!

      • Andrew J says:

        30 Dec30 December 13:05

        Yes it’s the same marketing approach that fashion brands do with fragrance and makeup – buy a £50 bottle of Dior fragrance and aspire to owning a piece of ready to wear or a bag. And indeed buying a luxury watch is a much more interesting and lucrative way to save your money than putting in a savings account.

      • Londonsteve says:

        30 Dec30 December 13:58

        I agree with everything you’ve written, the main issue is the Moonswatch is an appalingly badly made item that should never have been allowed out of the factory. The fact that it carries the Omega and Swiss Made labels are a problem, but it’s even not befitting of Swatch to put out such a poor quality item. The case is cheap plastic, the buttons fall off and the plastic ‘glass’ scratches at the slightest provocation. They’re something that should be given away in a Christmas cracker and are probably worth £10 RRP. I’m pleased they’re heavily restricted availability of them otherwise I might have bought one. The fact that many people did and discovered how dreadful they are have done me and others a favour and overall Swatch/Omega have lost a ton of sales. Also from people that can’t be bothered with the whole charade of visiting a Swatch shop 25x in the hope they might have you preferred model in stock.

  • Mark says:

    30 Dec30 December 12:28

    Prices are not as mental as they used to be 12 months ago, but anecdotally it sounds like we are no where near being back to walking into a store and buying a Rolex same day. Will be interesting to see if Rolex officially selling used watches through authorised dealers will change things.

    • Londonsteve says:

      30 Dec30 December 14:00

      Am I unable to walk into a Rolex agent and buy a basic Submariner for RRP?

      • Jess says:

        30 Dec30 December 14:13

        That’s right, no chance at all. There is an incredibly long waiting list – I said if I don’t answer the phone when I make it to the top of the list then I am probably dead!

      • Andrew J says:

        30 Dec30 December 14:16

        Yes, that won’t be possible I’m afraid.

        • Londonsteve says:

          30 Dec30 December 15:57

          I’m rather surprised that supply is restricted for such a ‘basic’ model. What do they hope to achieve by making them hard to buy? And how do Rolex agents make any money if they’ve nothing to sell to potential customers?

        • Rob says:

          30 Dec30 December 16:18

          The ones they get are pure profit – watch arrives AM, sold PM to someone on the list. Cash in the bank within a day, don’t pay Rolex for 30-60 days presumably. Still better than putting £250k into holding stock of other brands which take months to shift.

      • JDB says:

        30 Dec30 December 18:24

        Sounds like you will have a lucky escape. For the reasons cited above by @Ken and many others, why would anyone want to be seen wearing a Rolex? Hardly very exclusive when they are making 1m of them a year, they make a statement that most people consider vulgar and it seems they invite muggings.

    • Chabuddy Geezy says:

      30 Dec30 December 14:01

      I was able to buy 3 moonswatches in Swatch Venice this week 😀

      • Londonsteve says:

        30 Dec30 December 15:57

        I hope they’re still telling the time correctly in a year from now.

        • Chabuddy Geezy says:

          30 Dec30 December 17:39

          Steve they come with a 2 year warranty. Cheers for the heads up though, I was not aware of the quality issues.

        • Andrew J says:

          30 Dec30 December 18:06

          They’re a great watch, really good value and well made. I think it’s a brilliant concept that Swatch have done with this collaboration between two companies in their group.

      • tw33ty says:

        30 Dec30 December 23:44

        They are limited anymore, Hamburg had loads of every model of the swatch omegas last week.

        • tw33ty says:

          30 Dec30 December 23:44

          Aren’t limited anymore even.

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