Anyone here bought any high end watches from online stores in US or UK

[JOS2012]

hi,
just curious if anyone here has bought any hi-end watches (say USD 10K and above) from those online shops in the US or UK.
They are not ADs but claim to sell original new watches and give their own warranty.
Their prices are pretty attractive at least 15-20% lower than brick n mortar shops..

However I'm worried if they are a scam or even if the watch reaches you and is genuine, you'll have an issue with warranty if it ever arises...

Would greatly appreciate the input from anyone who has ever bought online from these stores in US or UK.

[TheHobbit]

These are gray market dealers?

If so, I would not buy from them. The discount in the price is because you lose out on the warranty. They buy the watches from legit AD who have excess stock or buy in excess to meet certain requirements set out by the principal to enjoy larger margins. These watches are subsequently sold to these gray dealers. The serial numbers are sometimes removed so that the principal cannot trace who sold these watches to the gray dealers. As such, you lose out on the principal warranty but have the warranty from the shop. In most cases, the warranty card is blank.

However the choice is really yours and only yours to make. If you feel comfortable with the it, go ahead.

[JOS2012]

Hi Hobbit,

I have no experience whatsoever in this area. I have never even bought a pre-owned watch online.
My first pre-owned was from a fellow MWF member very recently.

Just curious on the danger and authenticity of such online dealers.
Actually I've seen a number of watches put up for sale on forums, incl this one where the seller shows the warranty card which are from such online dealers.

Having heard your explanation I'm even more skeptical.

These are gray market dealers?

If so, I would not buy from them. The discount in the price is because you lose out on the warranty. They buy the watches from legit AD who have excess stock or buy in excess to meet certain requirements set out by the principal to enjoy larger margins. These watches are subsequently sold to these gray dealers. The serial numbers are sometimes removed so that the principal cannot trace who sold these watches to the gray dealers. As such, you lose out on the principal warranty but have the warranty from the shop. In most cases, the warranty card is blank.

However the choice is really yours and only yours to make. If you feel comfortable with the it, go ahead.

[JOS2012]

By the way, besides the pm I sent you, can you tell me if generally prices of watches in Taiwan is cheaper than in Malaysia...as in no import duty, no GST, no VAT, etc and the margins by the shops are lower..
Where do you buy your watches mostly if not from forum members online?

[TheHobbit]

By the way, besides the pm I sent you, can you tell me if generally prices of watches in Taiwan is cheaper than in Malaysia...as in no import duty, no GST, no VAT, etc and the margins by the shops are lower..
Where do you buy your watches mostly if not from forum members online?

Generally prices of watches in Taiwan is cheaper, even with the VAT. You can claim VAT (5%) but not from all shops. Selection is better, even pre-loved pieces as most Taiwanese like to change and upgrade their watches. So you can find lots of watches here in Taiwan. Additionally there are lots of AD and boutiques.

As for myself, I am stopping and reducing my collection. But most of my collection is made up of pre-loved pieces and if I buy new, I buy from the boutique or AD or for that matter back in Malaysia (there are reasons).

[jefnando]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?

[TheHobbit]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?

Pm sent. These are some of the popular ones. As for if they are reliable or not, I cannot verify. Some forumers have used them as have I, but it is easy for me as I am in Taiwan.

[Pierre]

Hi,

I did bought two Patek and three Rolex from US dealer, so far no problem for me. The most important thing is how to select the seller with good reference. Ask them provide you any reference they got and of cause their contact number and full address. If the seller is individual without reference, just walk away and look for others.

Hope it help.

[Spider boy]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?

. +1


Do you mind sending me few websites too ..

[TheHobbit]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?

. +1


Do you mind sending me few websites too ..

PM sent

[famouscool]

Hi ... I am new in this forum and please send me the website for buying stuff from Taiwan....thanks!

[vivawish]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?

. +1


Do you mind sending me few websites too ..

PM sent

I'm interested into it also, please pm me the websites too. Thank you

[am_sober]

Hi,

I did bought two Patek and three Rolex from US dealer, so far no problem for me. The most important thing is how to select the seller with good reference. Ask them provide you any reference they got and of cause their contact number and full address. If the seller is individual without reference, just walk away and look for others.

Hope it help.

 
2 patek? Awesome~! 
Could u kindly post some pics? 
Tq~ tc cheer~ ^^ 

[ASC]

Hi,

I did bought two Patek and three Rolex from US dealer, so far no problem for me. The most important thing is how to select the seller with good reference. Ask them provide you any reference they got and of cause their contact number and full address. If the seller is individual without reference, just walk away and look for others.

Hope it help.

The funniest cock & bull story I have ever heard to date, unless, of course the pieces cost @ less than US 10K!

We had attempted to buy the cheapie 5070G online from Beverley Hill, but, eventually had to send my bro to collect it personally, coz they weren't able to insured any time pieces in excess of USD 10K!

[miseralim]

I've enquired retail shops in Macau, Omega prices there are expensive compared to our retails here, they claimed that they're selling duty free watches and are cheaper than Malaysia. I ended up buying a Omega Constellation for my girlfriend, and got 13% discount here in Malaysia.

Malaysia Boleh!

[Ryen]

Hobbit,

I'm interesting on those website too...
Could you please send me few as well?

I may ask my fren help me to get those in Taiwan.

Cheers!

[Pierre]

Hi,

I did bought two Patek and three Rolex from US dealer, so far no problem for me. The most important thing is how to select the seller with good reference. Ask them provide you any reference they got and of cause their contact number and full address. If the seller is individual without reference, just walk away and look for others.

Hope it help.

The funniest cock & bull story I have ever heard to date, unless, of course the pieces cost @ less than US 10K!

We had attempted to buy the cheapie 5070G online from Beverley Hill, but, eventually had to send my bro to collect it personally, coz they weren't able to insured any time pieces in excess of USD 10K!

Mr.ASC, you right. All the shipping company will only can insured any parcel up to maximum USD500 only. But there is a third party insurance company in US and the Asia branch at Hong Kong called ParcelPro can issue whatever amount for time piece, they charge 0.6% of the total amount.

If you buy from US dealer, they should know this insurance company and would't need you collect yourself if you not in US.
Hope it help for your next watch purchase.

[Gigi]

My friend in Aussie told me price in KL were much more cheaper even compared to Singapore.

[miseralim]

My friend in Aussie told me price in KL were much more cheaper even compared to Singapore.

Agreed, i can even get new Omega watches at xx% discount in retail shops, where else other countries can offer a maximum of xx% discount on retail watches only.

[IWCking]

well, i have read a post in hk whereby a buyer who bought a patek ended up received a box of rocks. The seller is using  a reputable courier company and for some unknown reason, the buyer asked not to be insured. Both buyer and seller seemed to have good reference. Seller even suspect it was stolen by the courier staff. Anyway, purchasing expensive watch online is not something which i fancy. Especially since you wont get to inspect the good until you received it.

[Jarod200]

any reliable website to look at taiwan's pre owned market?
. +1


Do you mind sending me few websites too ..

[Ranggomale]

hi,
just curious if anyone here has bought any hi-end watches (say USD 10K and above) from those online shops in the US or UK.
They are not ADs but claim to sell original new watches and give their own warranty.
Their prices are pretty attractive at least 15-20% lower than brick n mortar shops..

However I'm worried if they are a scam or even if the watch reaches you and is genuine, you'll have an issue with warranty if it ever arises...

Would greatly appreciate the input from anyone who has ever bought online from these stores in US or UK.

Mostly all ok.but just to be sure call them first?