Trade Show Report

- by B. Bullock, President

We are glad to report that our show in our home town was a success - even though it was just two weeks after our record breaker in Las Vegas. We had over 300 members, plus guests, for our three-day show on June 20-22 at the J. W. Marriott Galleria Hotel. Many of our members had never been to Houston, and many told me they were impressed with our city. We had about 225 members at our house on Monday night for our Mother of All Barbecues. Everyone enjoyed the evening — they only ate about 600 pounds of ribs, beef, chicken and sausage.

Many of the same dealers that set in Vegas were in Houston, and most told me it was worth the time and effort to do both shows only two weeks apart. Over 100 members who deal in watches came to make the NAWCC National Show that started on June 23rd. Most of them told me they were happy with their action for the week.

Prices on watches were about the same as we reported in our Las Vegas Show Report last issue. A few examples: Lds and Gts Rolex 18k/SS tutones at $**** to $****; Lds 18k Presidents soft at $**** to $****, still plenty around; Gts Presidents Single-Quicks at $**** to $****, not many on floor, prices high; many Double-Quicks offered $**** to $****; Old Daytonas high at $****; new Explorer I’s bringing $*** over list; new S/S Daytonas $**** range, more than tutones. All sport Rolexes in very short supply, same prices as Vegas. (See complete price report this issue.)

All better vintage Rolexes and Pateks sold. One internet dealer bought over 100 vintage pieces. They have more than 1000 on their site now. Let’s hope they sell out and buy more at our shows!

I saw new Breitlings at **% off list. Many new Cartier models also **% off. New Pateks at **%. New Audemars selling for less than **% of list. I saw 100 Bertolucci’s sell for only **% of list. With each passing show, we see more and more different new watches selling, which is a healthy sign for our shows.

The jewelry group did OK - about half the volume of Vegas, which made most of them happy. The big action was in closeouts, all kinds. EVERYTHING sold, from a $**,*** 4-piece suite to $** color & diamond 10k rings. White gold and platinum very strong - in fact, more total volume in white than yellow. All size loose diamonds sold, any quality or cut priced under market. Many big ticket pieces sold. One pearl set sold for $**,***. Better platinum bracelets, all price points, sold. All in all, we were pleased with the results of our jewelry section.

We had a very heavy security force and it paid off. NO LOSSES! This is our 7th show without a single loss! Thank you, and continue being careful. I was glad to see that many used our police escort services to and from the airport. It paid of for all of us! We can hit our goal of a year without the crooks beating us. Let’s make it impossible for them to earn a living at our shows!