Ulysse Nardin

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when opposites attract...

Indeed an interesting interview... 

Excuse the lack of but I have several questions after reading . Early into the interview Rolf expressed his vehement passion towards the destruction of grey market.

1st what exactly is "grey market" ?  And second is there any similitude to the "grey market" to Rolf's description of monobrands, etc here:

SJX: Speaking of retailers, what do you think of the grey market?  

RWS: We fight the grey market.

Why arent the grey market participants considered "new projects", with "no income coming in" ?

I mean its just one sided to defend one and not the other without logical explanation is not so?

Dont "grey market" participants essentially purchase pieces at or around the same discount as the creditworthy contract retailers?

RWS:  Even in the monobrand boutiques, we let retailers run it. When we run it ourselves, we let retailers borrow the watch from the boutique [to show customers], just like in Hong Kong.

Sounds like grey market consignments to me?

I want to comprehend and engage intelligently about this matter, and not just from an overbearing competitive marketing standpoint either.

The monobrand boutique as mentioned in the interview is same story for grey market except when they can afford $200,000 billboard?

Just stop putting your foot in your mouth Rolf and say what everyone else is afraid to say, its all about money!! since money makes a good image, cost of course.

We all know the grey market dealer who can actually produce 100% of the time usually sell us a watch either the retail doesnt have or doesnt have at discount.

SO who should be punished, oh wait I know the answer, the smalltime seller, until he/she becomes profitable enough to afford $200,000 billboard??

All I know is that in most retailers I have purchased from, mainly Patek, I only feel the pressing of the shop/brand owners to cover their costs, pay employess, keep electrics on to do business while I am happy to walk away with my new found love in time.  The few grey market friends I have manage to make over the years are decent partners who may deserve just a spec of respect from the rest of us.... or at least just me.

Rgds,

k13ent

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