Buying watches online?

[David]

I'm thinking of buying a Tag Heuer. It's significantly cheaper online. I'm not too worried about it being fake, but are the other issues to be concerned with?

[javadog]

Warranty, or lack thereof. If they are an authorized dealer selling a watch obtained through the normal US distribution system, you're probably OK. If it's a grey market watch, or a non-authorized dealer, they will likely not offer you a manufacturer's warranty, but a "store warranty," or some such.

JR

[tomphot]

Look at www.timezone.com
The best watch site on the net - each brand has it's own forum - there is also a great used sales area as well - many of those folks sell watches that are used but you can't really tell.
also look at www.bernardwatch.com - they buy out stock from dealers who have gone out of business and also used watches with all papers and no sign of wear.
Good luck on your search!

[Paul K]

David:

I looked into this. Apparently, some Tags do not have serial numbers on the back. Timezone is a great forum- you'll find all the answers there.

Personal fave:



Which one are you looking at?

Cheers,

Paul.

[Ned, NYNA11]

I have done business with Paul Duggan and European Watch Co , both in Boston and can recommend them both.

[Noah930]

The last couple watch purchases made by my family were at a (legit) jeweler in LA Chinatown. Chong Hing Jewelers, IIRC. They have a second shop in Monterey Park. They offer about 25% off list. Probably not the absolute cheapest, but they have a good selection of timepieces, good service, and are authorized dealers of everything they sell.

[David]

I can get some discount locally, but online is twice the discount.

I'm looking at a Calibre S which is a somewhat new mechanism, so I'm leaning toward an authorized dealer.

[MBAtarga]

My dream watch:

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Noah930

The last couple watch purchases made by my family were at a (legit) jeweler in LA Chinatown. Chong Hing Jewelers, IIRC. They have a second shop in Monterey Park. They offer about 25% off list. Probably not the absolute cheapest, but they have a good selection of timepieces, good service, and are authorized dealers of everything they sell.

Good to know. Thanks.

[HardDrive]

Funny, my 'dream watch' is the simplest Carrera they make.

[ErVikingo]

I have bought from "thewatchery.com". I brought the watches to the local authorized retailer (Mayors) who checked them out. No problems found.

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Funny, my 'dream watch' is the simplest Carrera they make.

My 17 yo son plays select soccer. I like to have the playing time handy, hence the chronograph.

[Embraer]

I've had my Tag for 10 years now. I once dropped my 911 on it (took it off while working on the car, and lowered it right on top of the watch....not even a scratch on the crystal). Good, reliable watch.

The Carrera in Harddrive's post is awesome. Less is better.

[David]

That Carrera is a great looking watch.

Maybe next time. I don't have a chronograph, so that's my next desire. After sleeping on this, I'm leaning toward online. Add in the tax savings and the online watch is a $1K cheaper. That would more than cover the DAS rollbar I've been thinking about

[Jess]

If you're looking for a very high quality mechanical chronograph, I've got an outstanding Omega Speedmaster that I'd like to sell.

It's identical to this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Omega-Speedmaster-MK40-AM-PM-Triple-Calendar-3520-53_W0QQitemZ380123155729QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWristwa tches?hash=item58811b0d11&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

That is not my auction but my watch is in near perfect condition with box and papers. Works perfectly. I think the list is around $2600, I'd like $1000.

Jesse