The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

It usually takes quite a bit to annoy me, but this time it was one too far, and I actually made a complaint to the AD's office. My partner and I are both in our 20's, both hard working, polite and courteous. As it is my birthday coming up soon, Laura asked me what I wanted, and as I have just got a pre-owned B2 on a bracelet, I really wanted a black calf for it to go on. She went into a local AD, ordered it, and went away with 'OK' service. When it arrived in store, she got a call, and went after going to the gym, with receipt in hand and a smile on her face. She came back very unhappy with how she had been treated, initially she went in, no one came over to ask her if she needed help, they all just peered at her from the other side of the shop and left her alone. Finally after she approached them, they just scowled and walked away, leaving her for 15 minutes, then re appeared, dropped it on the counter, and walked off. No apology for taking so long, no thanks for your business, no bag, nothing. This is not unlike what they did to me a year or so back when I was looking at buying my Omega (which I got at another AD in the end), it appears that they judge you based on your age, and if you don't fit their criteria, then you don't even get a smile. All I know is that now I have a preferred AD, and I will certainly not be visiting them again, which has lost them the possible sale of an Avenger Skyland in the future...
This snobbery really gets me angry, and in this day and age, I really think they are silly for alienating people who they may make some money out of. I can understand that there may be some people who only come in to 'test drive' the products, but surely the presence of a receipt should kick start them to give some decent service?
Thanks for reading - rant over!
Ash

I see you are from Sheffield.

I recently bought a Ling from Meadowhall and received poor service from Goldsmiths but excellent service / deal from Beaverbrooks ... interested to know if you dealt with either of these stores ?

Whilst this is true of a minority of ADs thanksfully most are very helpful and quite the opposite of what you have described.

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Goldsmiths are worth a mention - every store I have been to (Bristol, Manchester, Bath), there's always at least one snotty-nosed tosser with their head up their arse! "Discount Sir? - I'm sorry, we don't generally offer a discount <dismissive sneer>" (a Tag Carrera Tachymetre, later, a SOHC) I got my SOHC and two Oris, but not from those wankers.

Funny you should say that, the MHell branch of GS was exactly the one I'm talking about! I've been in Beaverbrooks a couple of times, who as of last wee still had a Blacksteel in the window, if anyone wants one.
I'm now sending all of my custom to the only Breitling dealer in the city centre now, Brian at (am I allowed to say this?!) Browns. As Ike says, GS always seem to have one 'snotty nosed assistant' to annoy!
Just been into my 'new' AD to collect my newly serviced B2 - just got back, but needs 2 links taking out, and the jeweller is out today.. tomorrow it is then!!

Cheers

Ash

Pretty much contrary to most of the stuff I've said on here before about WoS here in London, I went there today to have the bracelet on my Herc taken in a bit (it was a bit 'jingle jangle Jimmy Saville' and i wanted it to be tighter on the wrist) and was met by a new chap who had been there for a week or so. I couldn't ask for a better service from him. He had a look at the Herc, got his tools out (fnarr) and we were happily chatting away while he took the link out and adjusted the bracelet. He had a Breitling badge on and was also wearing a Breitling so he may have been a touch biased but he seemed very up to speed and very helpful.

Fraser Hart at Bluewater were very helpful too when I got my SOH. There is a Goldsmiths there too that seemed to have a snobbery complex as I stood in front of the Breitling case for a good 5 minutes and because I wasn't wearing a top hat and tails, they didn't serve me. Off I went to Fraser Hart who were only too happy to take my money

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Hercules

ha ha there certainly seams to be a regular theme occuring with good ol Goldsmiths

Surprised they are still in business with their seamingly UK wide attitude

A letter to Breitling UK, or perhaps even Breitling SA may be in order here. If Breitling are effectively losing sales due to the arrogance of staff at AD's, then they should be told. It may result in a fire being lit under a few offending backsides........ which has got to be a good thing IMO.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

With Goldsmiths, it's not any particular brand, it's their general attitude that can be very off-putting. I'm not a 'well-heeled' "client" nor am I a chav. Mallorys are the other AD in Bath and altogether a more pleasant experience.

but if you went in for a strap for a ling and got this attitude then you should get in touch with BUK.
And give them the chance to respond to this as I should imagine they would be furious if they werw aware of this happening to any customer.

I have a contact at BUK if you want her email address then you will know exactly who you are dealing with.

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try andrew michaels in newark top customer service and forum uk ad and founder of amoc oh and he really hates those that judge a book by its cover so he doesn't.

Thanks for all of your words guys. I've already had an email back from Goldsmiths HQ who have informed me that this is not the kind of service they intend to give. Apparently they will call me soon, so I'll let you know what they say. It seems to be a nationwide fault of theirs that they are so snobby, I suppose it is their loss as I will just take my business elsewhere.

Cheers

Ash

Hi Ash!
Sorry to hear of your unpleasant experience. It is a shame that many people do not know the meaning of being humble, and the snob thing really gets out of hand sometimes. I have always said that I will not do business with anyone with whom I am not comfortable. For example, I have been looking at Panerais for a while now, but gave up on getting one because of the treatment at the one local AD. I am now getting one - and maybe two - Omegas, largely because my Breitling/Omega AD and other Omega AD give such incredible service. Not to mention the fact that I am smitten by the two Omega models.
The service is all part of the enjoyment of a fine watch. I will be very interested to hear the complaint resolution.
The company in question should be very thankful that you have taken the effort to complain. You are thereby doing them a great service. Not many business people realize that the best thing you can do for them is to make a complaint about poor service, and the absolute worst thing a customer can do is to say nothing and simply take their business elsewhere.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

My AD experiences have all been positive, I'm in the UK also. Admittedly they double-take me as I come in as I am early 30's and usually dressed casual, looking at the high end stuff. But as soon as they clock the Navitimer/Monaco/whatever, they know I'm serious.

Goldsmiths have been nothing short of exemplary interms of customer service, even offering coffee and a foot massage! OK I was joking about the last bit

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

..and therein can lie the problem. All other things being equal, if you were wearing a Casio that day, would you get the same initial approach? Maybe, but again maybe not.