The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello Everyone

Had a bit of a shocker today...

Me and my girlfriend went to london today and thought it would be nice to take a look at the watches in Harrods (they always have a large heigh end collection i could drool over), but was shocked to find that:

1) the Richard mile store has gone (they are now in the cabinets along with the rest of the selections) along with a few others.
2) The collections for watches like zenith AP etc had shrunk considerably, in the case on zenith there couldn't of been more then 6 watches.
3) The amount of different watch brands has been drastically cut down and now the once great "watch room" now contains about 1|3 watches and 2/3 jewelry.
4) They have cleared far to many cabinets to make room for fashion brand watches like the new ralph laren range, gucci etc.
5) the staff! i have never been treated poorly in harrods. but it took far to long to get someone to serve me and when they did (even though i had my zenith on) it was a bit "yes yes hurry up"

All in all it was a bit of a rubbish time and as before i would go out of the way a bit to go and look at the watches in harrods when i go to london, i dont think i will bother any more (not that they would care )

So any way.... it got me thinking. if harrods have sacrificed a large part of there what was fantastic collection of watches, does this mean that uk sales for heigh end swiss watches have fallen? I also ventured into the watches of Switzerland ( remember this is all after christmas when people are out spending) and there must of only been about 4 people (including my girlfriend and i) and we were in there for a good 15 minuets looking around.

It all looked a bit sad

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Pain is only weakness leaving the body.

I imagine sales of high end watches have indeed declined.

Be interesting to see the retail figures...

That is a bit of a sad story! I think it's a sign of the times, though. Very few places, where I actually get the shopping experience that I used to. Especially the department stores. I am finding they are really starting to get more and more into the generic brands, and a lot of higher end and unusual stuff is gone.
It has been many years since I have been shopping anywhere in London. I remember in 1969, when I was living in London and got my first Aquascutum (spelling) raincoat at their shop on Regent Street for 19GBP! In those days, everyone wore a suit to work, even in my job as an office messenger!
I would still love to shop in London again some day. Venture into the higher end shops on Regent Street and Bond Street. Just have to make sure I leave the credit cards at home!
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

oooooook... thank you...

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Pain is only weakness leaving the body.