Buying A Watch From An Authorized Dealer (AD) - 7 Tips - Federico Talks Watches
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- Hi Guys,
In this episode of Federico Talks Watches I discuss tips for buying a watch from an authorized dealer, also known as an AD. There are many things that could affect your watch buying experience and the following tips should make it a very positive one. I amassed these tips from working at a few ADs on fifth avenue.
1. Do not be afraid or intimidated
2. Research your AD or Authorized Dealers
3. Research your watch or timepiece
4. Be courteous
5. Catalogues are free
6. Do not negotiate until you are ready to buy
7. Stand your ground during negotiations
Contact: federicowatches@gmail.com
Instagram: federicotalkswatches
Thanks,
Federico
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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.
I am one of those easily intimidated by high-end watch dealers. This video has helped ease my fears. Some very good advice offered.
Cheers my friend. No reason to be intimidated... They are usually wonderful people!
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.
Federico seems really nice and he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. He also has a very nice taste in watches (IMO).
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.
Super helpful as usual Federico! Your videos are top class! Look forward to them each week!
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!
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.
Excellent vid Fed! Thank you for the much needed gems as well.
This is my third video of yours. Excellent information. Subscribed.
Federico That was a great video. I am getting ready to buy my first new watch from an AD and a video like this is exactly what I needed.
Great vid, thanks for the tips! Love the last two about being ready to buy and standing your ground but willing to concede for swag.
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.
Never Judge a Book by its cover 📖😎👍🏽
So informative Federico! Thanks for these tips! :)
great video. content, quality, professionalism, and length are spot on.
Wow - your best yet ! Great advice. Many thanks
Great advice Federico. Many thanks for your service to this community.
Great video Federico, some very useful information. Thank you.
Thanks for the tips, buddy! Great vid
Thank you for this. I'm headed to an AD this afternoon, and I'll use these tips.
Solid info as always... Keep it up man!
Thanks for the advice man, very well received and appreciated. BTW, killer do, looking awesome.
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.
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.
Great vid Fed loving the channel ;-)
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.
Very good piece of advices especially the number 6, that will help me out! Thanks a lot :)
Very useful info. Many thanks.
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
Thanks for this helpfull video, Federico!
I really enjoy your videos. You are a friendly and intelligent man and it is a great pleasure to listen to your good advice. Thank you.
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.
Thanks Fed - great tips and much appreciated.
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
I enjoy your channel. You're articulate and knowledgeable.
very informative. keep the vids coming
Great vid! Especially for new collectors.
Love the vid Federico, keep it up...
Useful pieces of advice from an insider. Thank you Mr. I
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 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.
Nice advise, thanks Federico!!
Very helpful, thank you for your insight
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!
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!
Excellent. Thanks Federico. 💕🕵🏼♀️
Thank you for the excellent advice!
Excellent advice!
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.
Great Video, and always being polite in life goes a long way.
great tips, thanks. like the new do!
Great practical advice!
Thank you for the info. You are doing great.
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.
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! Actually could also apply to buying items other than watches as well! Thanks!
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!
Go to Wempe on fifth avenue... They are the NICEST!
erbody thumbs up for federio. he gives good advice much better than the competitions.
so agree with you😀
thanks for the tips!
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.
Glad you had a good experience Yoon!
Great tips fred! Really helpful.
Thanks Felix. I am glad you got something out of it.
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€)
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.
Saludos Federico. Wonderful information.
Thanks.
great tips Federico
Fantastic video spot on
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
Great tips! Love your advice on negotiating. Cheers!
I am glad you found it useful John
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.
Rolex is not discounted much anyway... But I know a few canadian ADs that play ball...
Great video, I really appreciate it, very informative.
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.
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. 😊
I had a great visit to Breguet on 5th ave. super nice sales rep and we talked watches from Breguet to his seiko!
Excellent advice
Thank you. Very useful. Regards.
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.
Thank you!
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!
Thank you sir. And your approach is spot on!
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.
Great advise.
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.
I REMEMBER! You were the only customer that I ever met with an orange monster! Wow what a coincidence... I am glad I made the experience a good one!
Great tips, only ever purchased a JDM Seiko online but my next purchase may be at an AD! Liked & subscribed.
Useful, thanks
Great tips Federico. Thanks:)
My pleasure!
Love it. PAM560 is a grail of mine.
I wish I could work at a Rolex AD it's seems like I would really enjoy selling and talking up a watch to customer hoping they would buy it.
Great video!
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!
Firearms lol - must be American
Top info Federico.
great tips!!!
Great advice 👍
All good advice. Good general knowledge is key as is standing your ground. That being said it's best to avoid aggressive haggling lol.
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
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!
Cheers FT. I am glad you managed to take something away from it!
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.
been a big help, I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a speed master in the near future, your strategy should be helpful, thanks!
Absolutely! I work retail jewelry and watches as well, some of these are so spot on its not even funny
I used to work jewelry and watch retail is well... My tips aren't a coincidence ;)
excellent video
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.
Opulence, thanks for the kind words. If there is mutual respect, haggling doesn't have to be bad. Just stick to your guns as we say here in the US!
Nice new dome shave Frederico... You should just rock that all the time.. Suits you.