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Watch unavailable: what a disappointment!
Some news, following up on my post Anticipating a future encounter.
When I arrived at the retailer I had contacted to see ref. 5101P, the man who greeted me said: “I'm really sorry, but the watch is in Dubai.”
He then began implying I shouldn't have trusted his brother's rather terse replies on WhatsApp, before attempting to smooth things over in light of my civilised yet upset reaction.
I was shown several watches to "compensate," but my disappointment was strong, and even though I remained polite, I was thinking to myself that this was exactly the kind of retailer I never want to do business with.
The immense gap that separates true and exquisite gentlemen like Robert Bailey, head of sales at Laurent Ferrier, or Laurent Ferrier himself (whom I met both during my recent stay in Geneva) from certain retailers who are nothing but vulgar traders is truly abysmal.
Now all I have to do is wait for another opportunity to see this reference in person...
Best, Emmanuel
credit: Hodinkee
Watch unavailable: what a disappointment!
Some news , following up on my post Anticipating a future encounter . When I arrived at the retailer I had contacted to see ref. 5101P , the man who greeted me said: “I'm really sorry , but the watch is in Dubai .” He then began implying I shouldn't have ...
Thank you, Filip.
I'm afraid you're right... I added this sentence to my post to fully express how I feel about this experience in light of my entire recent experience in Geneva : “The immense gap that separates true and exquisite gentlemen like Robert Bailey (head of sale...
Just another example of "Buy the Seller"
A disappointing initial meeting rarely blossoms into a wonderful relationship.
Same happened to me some weeks ago with Chronopassion Paris
I made contact with them for an available watch (Bulgari Lee Ufan). They send me pictures and I asked them to reserve it for two days so that I could think about it. After 1.5 days I told them I would purchase the watch and then they informed me that it j...
This is sad to read.
And I'm sorry you had this bad experience. Some successful dealers are obviously very busy and either can't properly handle all the requests, or they simply feel they can just seize the most favorable opportunities… Best, Emmanuel
it didn't seem to occur due to too busy business tbh
And working only with ADs this has never happened to me before
Very sad to hear about this bad experience of yours…
…and very surprised that it happened with this reputed AD…
I guess you know them
also very surprised tbh but overall communication afterwards was really "weird" to say the least
This is very unfortunate and disappointing.
The silver lining is this experience will certainly help towards your eventual acquisition of this timepiece in the not so distant future!
This is so kind of you to write such words.
The only thing I can say is that my recent discovery of the Laurent Ferrier Tourbillon Double Spiral and of the people who designed it, produce it and sell it makes me more inclined to turn to this kind of timepiece and save up to achieve such a goal rath...
If the result of this experience is a nudge towards a LF direct from LF then I'd say congrats, this worked out for the best 😀
I used to enjoy the pre-owned market but the mass commercialization and velocity of it has turned me off and I much prefer to buy direct now. I don't even blame dealers behaving badly, as long as consumers put up with or even encourage that kind of behavi...
Thank you, I tend to agree with you.
I would have liked to see the 5101P in person and still hope I'll be able to someday, but the LF seems even more appealing to me. I'll see if I can make it happen in the coming years. Fingers crossed. Best, Emmanuel
Indeed. When you contact a dealer and specify very clearly which watch you're interested in,
if he encourages you to come and visit him, you don't expect to be told the watch isn't there... Best, Emmanuel
And then...
his initial response amounts to, "It's your fault for trusting us!" I guess you won't make THAT mistake again!
Sad about this bad experience of yours Emmanuel…
But if you wanted to try a 5101 P why not simply ask me? 🤷♂️ Just kidding, this was during a long weekend in London last September and I had a chance to find one and tried it on. What an amazing experience… 😍😍 ...
The experience matters as much as the watch.
I'm sorry to hear about this experience. You're absolutely right that the way a dealer treats you says everything about who they are. In this world, trust and relationships are everything. A watch is a watch, but the memory of how you acquired it stays wi...
Thank you, Bill. I couldn't agree more with you.
It's not only about the watches, even if they are the main focal point of course, but also about the people who make them and sell them. Hopefully things will turn out as you say. Best, Emmanuel
You're not alone
I've had an experience that was similar and I'm sure others have as well. Bravo for your demeanor. Shows excellent character. Sorry the unpleasantness.
Thank you for your words of support.
Disappointing and unpleasant, but hopefully another opportunity will present itself someday. Best, Emmanuel
Hi Emmanuel, So sad to hear about the bad behavior by this shop 😓
You were really looking forward to inspect this piece. What a disappointment. Wish you the best of luck in pursuing the inspection of this piece.
Thank you, Gordon.
I will keep my eyes open and hopefully another opportunity will turn up! Best, Emmanuel
It's very kind of you, M4.
Very disappointing indeed, but hopefully another opportunity will present itself someday! Best, Emmanuel
That’s sad! Hope you will try it one day and maybe buy if you find it matching your wrist
I presume inventory problems are quite widespread. Dealers quote they have watches ready but in fact they don’t. The same watch could be sold by 3 different dealers and they might not be able to bring you the watch at the time you arrive.
Thank you. I'm afraid things work exactly as you say.
But when you contact a dealer and tell him exactly and very explicitly what watch you're interested in, if he invites you to come and visit him you don't expect to be told the watch is elsewhere. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself someday. ...
Thank you, E. Very frustrating indeed.
But hopefully things will go as you say: “partie remise”! Best, Emmanuel
Thank you, J: I will definitely put this experience out of my mind
and wait for another opportunity to present itself. Best, Emmanuel
Terrible experience
I would be so frustrated and would be sour on this retailer probably forever. I hope you are able to see the watch from another retailer instead
Thanks a lot, gorgav.
I will forget about this dealer and simply wait for another opportunity to present itself. Best, Emmanuel
That's a shame.
A lost for us as well, as I was looking forward to reading your review of this beauty. Hopefully, you'll be able to locate another one soon.
Thank you, Goh. Very disappointing indeed.
But hopefully another opportunity will present itself someday. Best, Emmanuel
What a disappointment. A PP i would love to see in person too .
This is def a dream Patek imho
Hopefully another opportunity will
present itself in the future. I’ll be patient. Best, Emmanuel
Everything happens for a reason
It's a sign that you should look for a different watch, which will eventually turn out to be even better.
I like this way of thinking even if it might just be
a sad misadventure. Could this different and better watch be the yellow gold Laurent Ferrier Tourbillon which I have loved so much? It pleases me to think so. Best, Emmanuel
I think you’ll have a look to that Patek , too
It’s a test that must not be missed, given the complication involved
This is so kind of you!
It will be a pleasure to meet you, should the opportunity arise. Best, Emmanuel
In America there is a word for that: sleaze
Certainly does undermine the joy of seeking and finding and appreciating great watches It's a shame that happened to someone with your refined taste
I didn't know this word, but it seems fully appropriate, unfortunately.
Thank you for your kind comment. Best, Emmanuel
That is unacceptable 🤬
The watch is stunning , i have been admiring it for many years, it deserve more love for sure. Never had a chance to put on my wrist. But the case , the dial and cherry on top tourbillon.
Not positive at all, but I'll just be patient and
wait for another opportunity. Best, Emmanuel