Buying Experiences..

A few weeks ago I ordered a spare strap from a TAG stockist in Northampton, it was a BT0714 which was a very reasonable £45. This fits a 20mm Formula One watch, glad I didn't buy from eBay where they started at about £85 and went up to nigh on £200. But I was surprised because the last strap I bought (for a 2000 series) was £140 from Goldsmiths.
So they phoned me today to tell me it was in and I went to pick it up. They fitted the strap for me and we were discussing why I wanted it, basically I found the clasp/rubber strap that came on the watch really irritated my wrist so I was switching it for a buckle style strap, and I happened to mention that the clasp on the rubber strap on my 'Skeleton' watch was much better and very comfortable.
The guy literally stopped fitting the strap and (almost) looked me up and down before saying 'You've got one of them...?'. Not 'Oh wow, that's a really nice watch', or even 'lucky you'...
'You've got a Carrera Heuer 01' he asked again... in a way that betrayed his utter disbelief.
I mean to be fair I was wearing a work branded polo shirt, shorts and trainers, but still... a bit unprofessional I thought!
I felt like adding 'I've also got a Kirium F1 and an Aquagraph, but every time I mention the Aquagraph they always say 'You mean an Aquaracer' and I have to explain what an Aquagraph is...
Shouldn't these people be trained to understand that you can't tell who is a buyer just by looking at them these days? I'm not rich by any means, but I have no kids and no mortgage which means I can afford to buy a nice watch now and again.
It annoys me because I would love to do a job where I was truly passionate about the product, I mean I'm sure I make more money doing what I do, but to be around all those watches all day would be great.
Oh well, the strap is great, and no more irritation of the wrist.

In general I've found the staff in Goldsmiths to be pretty poor, the other stockist in Northampton to have better customer interaction, but their stock is naff. They have a Monaco on sale for £4050 with a chip in the front and a Heuer 01 with a scratched back.

Ernest Jones in Sheffield were great, and also Beaverbrooks in Manchester was great too. But Iconic watches in Blackburn was the best. Amazing service and friendly as you could hope for.

This happens everywhere, in car-showrooms, at jewellers, in restaurants...must say it hasn't happened to me...yet, but I have heard stories from customers and friends like your story, which is a big shame. Best stories were in the car-business though 😁

The old saying "You can't judge a book by it's cover" still holds today I reckon 😉

I have to agree with you regarding Goldsmiths, especially the branch in Manchester, as they were responsible for losing my 1000 Professional. The day I went in to discuss the compensation deal I was wearing my comfy tattered old jeans and footwear and my favourite FUBAR T-shirt. I dunno whether the guy knew what FUBAR stands for but it had to be done to put some emphasis behind my disappointment with them. I'm going back next week to pick up my replacement 01 and the FUBAR T-shirt will be on show again.

I think I'll be checking out the shop in Blackburn. It's only a few miles down the road from me so I'll see what they have to offer. Cheers for the heads up 👍

From my time in London I know exactly what you mean with the high street watch shops. They sell 15-20 brands, and so they just don't have the product knowledge- or often the passion for watches that buyers like us expect. Let's face it- having a chat about watches is a rare thing, as most of us only discuss them on the internet. So the one time that you'd expect to have a good chat about the latest models...and they know nothing!

There are some very, very good ADs out there...and like anything, so very poor ones. I guess this is why the brands are investing more in setting up their own boutiques so that they can control the customer experience.

Its disappointing that appearance still counts, I'd have thought that these days shops know that money doesnt always look money. I know I was wearing a hoodie and jeans when I spent $4k on a watch 😀

I'm pleased to say that the two ADs I've been into have really treated me well too- I was clearly window shopping at the AD in seattle (ben bridge?) but they talked me through the range, suggested I tried a few different watches that I hadnt considered and were happy to indulge me when I asked to try a rolex explorer (next on the list after a JH80). In total I probably spent an hour in there, I got the feeling they were genuine enthusiasts who knew the watches they sell and wanted me to have a good experience.

They sound like they've got the right idea. By the way, while it would be great is every watch salesperson was a watch geek, I don't expect that. But enthusiasm, willingness to indulge someone trying on a dozen watches and understanding the basics surely isn't too much to ask.

Any recommendations or advice on the place to shop for a Monaco Calibre 11 in Australia?

Assuming new then any TAG Heuer boutique or authorised dealer would be a good place to start. Where are you based?

Closest is Sydney. Anyone bought from that TAG shop?

I have bought from the Brisbane boutique. It was a good experience.

Well, along , long way from Sydney or Brisbane I can heartily recommend T.B. Mitchell in Perth, Scotland, friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff and a pretty good stock, more than enough to satisfy the "windae lickers" haha.

I spoke to the supervisor at the Sydney store today and he seems like a nice guy. He said he'll confirm they still have the Heuer logo version day before I'm gonna go on. Hopeful all works out. I have skinny wrists.

Hope I like it in person....

I too have "skinny wrists" but my McQueen Monaco fits fine on mine.

Agreed! I made similar experiences. Often the shop learns from the customer. Of you leave they will say: Do you still have questions? Answer: No,do you?

I quickly learned in car sales that appearances aren't everything, the most unlikely people paying cash and supposedly respectable people hocked up to the eyeballs and behind with payments expecting even more loans, some funny stories too though.

Thanks folks... Let's see how it goes...