Question For the Watch Experts and Enthusiasts
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From: Taipei / NYC Metro
Question For the Watch Experts and Enthusiasts
Thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.watchesplanet.com/cgi-bin/shop....rument+BR+01-97
How's the quality on these watches?
From the site, these are offered between $3,000 and $3,200 but at a local watch store (the only distributor in NYC), I was quoted just south of $4,000 if I remember correctly (the sales guy suggested there's some room to neg). Any recommendations on buying watches from a store? Is it like a car dealership? How much room is there to negotiate? I'd appreciate any tips you can give me. Thanks.
-Mike
http://www.watchesplanet.com/cgi-bin/shop....rument+BR+01-97
How's the quality on these watches?
From the site, these are offered between $3,000 and $3,200 but at a local watch store (the only distributor in NYC), I was quoted just south of $4,000 if I remember correctly (the sales guy suggested there's some room to neg). Any recommendations on buying watches from a store? Is it like a car dealership? How much room is there to negotiate? I'd appreciate any tips you can give me. Thanks.
-Mike
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 1
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
Mike,
I'm into watches myself, and have bought quite a few over the years.
Bell & Ross are a good quality watch. I don't think the movements are anything particularly unique, but they are well constructed and I've never seen anyone say anything negative about them. I'm more familiar with their older models, which were manufactured by Sinn (a German company) and sold in the US under the B&R name.
I will say that they are very expensive for what you get. Back when Sinn made their watches (Space 1, Space 2), they charged around 30-50% more than Sinn did for the same watch.
If you plan on buying one, I'd look online. Go to the public forums at www.timezone.com and www.watchnet.com and ask advice there. You can get recommendations, find out how much you should be paying, and ask people to recommend similar watches that may interest you.
If you stick with the AD (authorized distributor), you should be able to get a good discount. Personally, I've never bought from an AD. I bought a Ventura v-matic back in 1999 and the list price was $2000 at Kenjo in NYC. They came down to $1600. I got it online for $1200. I think 40% would be a great discount, but again, check on TZ and Watchnet.
You're right, it is like a car dealership.
Both TZ and Watchnet have excellent sales forums, where you might even find what you're looking for.
Dave.
I'm into watches myself, and have bought quite a few over the years.
Bell & Ross are a good quality watch. I don't think the movements are anything particularly unique, but they are well constructed and I've never seen anyone say anything negative about them. I'm more familiar with their older models, which were manufactured by Sinn (a German company) and sold in the US under the B&R name.
I will say that they are very expensive for what you get. Back when Sinn made their watches (Space 1, Space 2), they charged around 30-50% more than Sinn did for the same watch.
If you plan on buying one, I'd look online. Go to the public forums at www.timezone.com and www.watchnet.com and ask advice there. You can get recommendations, find out how much you should be paying, and ask people to recommend similar watches that may interest you.
If you stick with the AD (authorized distributor), you should be able to get a good discount. Personally, I've never bought from an AD. I bought a Ventura v-matic back in 1999 and the list price was $2000 at Kenjo in NYC. They came down to $1600. I got it online for $1200. I think 40% would be a great discount, but again, check on TZ and Watchnet.
You're right, it is like a car dealership.
Both TZ and Watchnet have excellent sales forums, where you might even find what you're looking for.
Dave.
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From: Los Angeles, Miami
I recommend looking at TimeZone as well. In regards to buying at an authorized dealer (AD) versus online, go AD. I was sold a fake Omega Seamaster online so never again, plus the manufacturer will not warranty the watch, or even refuse to service it in some cases, even if it is real. I whether pay a little more to know its 100% authentic and have the full manufacturer's warranty and service should something go wrong.
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Cherry Hill, NJ
Originally Posted by mav,Jul 18 2006, 08:17 AM
In regards to buying at an authorized dealer (AD) versus online, go AD. I was sold a fake Omega Seamaster online so never again, plus the manufacturer will not warranty the watch, or even refuse to service it in some cases, even if it is real. I whether pay a little more to know its 100% authentic and have the full manufacturer's warranty and service should something go wrong.
http://www.watchnet.com/forums/goodguys/forum.pl
As far as warrantees go, just ask on the forum. I've never needed to use a warranty myself.
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From: Denver
I met this guy through FerrariChat. He has done some good business there with lots of positive references. All his stuff is through authorized dealers with full warranty. Discounts are huge and often less than a used price. If you don't see what you are after, email and they will find it for you.
http://www.theluxurybazaar.com
http://www.theluxurybazaar.com
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From: Los Angeles, Miami
Originally Posted by DiamondDave2005,Jul 18 2006, 10:44 AM
Valid point. If you buy online, buy the seller. I only buy online from people I trust. You can look here for feedback on people:
http://www.watchnet.com/forums/goodguys/forum.pl
As far as warrantees go, just ask on the forum. I've never needed to use a warranty myself.
http://www.watchnet.com/forums/goodguys/forum.pl
As far as warrantees go, just ask on the forum. I've never needed to use a warranty myself.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 1
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
Originally Posted by mav,Jul 18 2006, 01:13 PM
Yeah the online company that I brought the fake Seamaster from was highly recommended to me by someone else here on this forum and got positive reviews on watchnet and I still got scammed. After that experience, I whether pay more and buy from an AD.
Everything since my first watch (1993) has come from online vendors or private individuals with no problems at all.
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From: Orange County, CA
I would say ALWAYS stick to authorized vendors. UNLESSSSSSSS
You can make out like a bandit on a nice watch from an online vendor, you can verify its authenticity, AND its nothing too complex that you couldn't get it repaired by any competent watchmaker, should the need arise.
Anything with simple ETA movements should be be fair game to be picked up online. And if its too good to be true it probably is....
Although be wary that online vendors usually carry gray market goods. International goods, or old stock from Jewelers who couldn't sell the stuff(so while it may be "new" it may have sat in a showcase for 5+ years) been touched, tried on, etc....
You can make out like a bandit on a nice watch from an online vendor, you can verify its authenticity, AND its nothing too complex that you couldn't get it repaired by any competent watchmaker, should the need arise.
Anything with simple ETA movements should be be fair game to be picked up online. And if its too good to be true it probably is....
Although be wary that online vendors usually carry gray market goods. International goods, or old stock from Jewelers who couldn't sell the stuff(so while it may be "new" it may have sat in a showcase for 5+ years) been touched, tried on, etc....
