I don't know who else to ask, and since we all have the S2000 in common, maybe someone else has faced this. I want to buy a tag heuer, but you can get them at about half-price over the internet (as opposed to a store). Of course, my big fear is getting a fake, and getting screwed out of $1000 or $2000 for a $5 watch.

Also, If you check the tag website, they have a pop-up on the intro page to ONLY BUY FROM AUTHORIZED DEALERS, or they won't service it or touch it or anything. I have one (from a jewelry store), and I had to get the battery replaced last year to the tune of $175. So, next time the battery goes, hello little kiosk in the mall. I dont think Ill send them my old or my potential new ones for work. How the hell do they know where I got it, anyway?

So, the question is... Has anyone bought one over ebay or the net (like world of watches, as below, limited edition hakkinen watch)

http://www.worldofwatches.com/detail.asp?p..._id=120&md_id=2

Thanks - Mike

 

My man sells alot of stuff on ebay and we have also purchased quite a few things...the thing you absolutely must look for is reputation and feedback. 500+ feedback (AT LEAST)If they have any relavant negative feedback then take it into consideration. Also, if they have a store outside of their ebay store look it up on the better business bureau and make sure they are clean there too. Hope this helps. Also, i'm not sure if you have costco or sams club but they both carry Tag as well as rolex, movado etc.

 

I bought a relatively expensive watch from Ebay - it went great. Everything was as described. It was "only" about a $1000 watch, though, so it's not quite at the level of a Tag Heuer or anything.

But either way, look for good feedback, perhaps call them up to see how professional or available they are, then bid. Pay in a manner that allows you to have some control - use an escrow service if need be.

 

what is an escrow service? some type of middle-man, I assume. Are most sellers cool with this?
Mike

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by michaelr
what is an escrow service?

 

I got my TAG Heuer Kirium watch from Ashford.com and it went great. Ashford has their own service center and usually doubles the warrantee since they are not "authorized dealers". All in all - I love my TAG and I recommend Ashford although world of watches is cheaper in general. I ended up getting a great deal on my TAG since I had a separate 20% off coupon, which I used on top of their normal 35% discount from retail price.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by michaelr

 

Mike, I gotta agree with you. This site is a great source of info on everything. That's a good looking watch. Not sure about buying an expensive watch on ebay, but for buying on line you can get some great deals. One thing to be wary of, make sure that the watch you're buying has the original serial number on it. Some companies file off the serial number.

I had a great experience buying from Joma.com I bought a beautiful Omega Speedmaster at a fantastic price. It was shipped to me (free) overnight and no tax with all the paperwork, beautiful leather case and serial numbers intact. Great experience. I was looking at the Tag's too. Here's one I lusted after but went for the Omega which was a little less expensive:

http://www.jomashop.com/cv2111-fc6182.html

This is the one I bought if you are interested. An absolute steal for a really cool, understated, elegant watch:

http://store.yahoo.com/jomashop/omega-watch3513-5.html

 

It is true some online retailers sell higher end watches and yes some do have to file off the serial numbers to protect the wholesaler. The offset is yes the "authorized dealers" won't touch them but usually the vendor gives you a longer warranty. And you save 15-20% on a watch you will never see go on sale. If anything maybe 10% in St. Thomas. I will admit here I have one of those non-serial numbers watches. I opened it up, with a jeweler connection, and the watch movement is original swiss. So what, how many times will someone see the underside of my watch.

And for the battery being $175, you paid about $165 too much. I got my wifes Tag Heuer Alter Ego's battery changed for $10, only cause it had multiple screws to remove or else it would have been less.

 

Where to start... I was told the "official" battery change would only be $60-$75 at first, so I sent the watch. Still a screw job, but they said they clean it and polish it and all this stuff. Won't make that mistake again. And they had my watch for weeks. As for joma or world of watches or ashford, can you guys tell me I should be guaranteed a genuine tag, no fake, no scratches, genuine book and case, etc... real serial #, not filed off? Can I pay with an escrow, so I get a few days to check out the watch, maybe take it to a jeweler, before my money is gone forever? Thanks.

S2ki is THE source for all anything and everything!!

By the way, anyone know where I can get some s2ki or s2000international stickers? I used my other ones, and the "color" has worn off, so now it's just a clear plastic s2ki.

Thanks - Mike