Any experiences with Avi & Co?

[Chewyyy]

I might be doing a remote purchase with Avi & Co NY - has anyone around here had any experience dealing with them? Looks like have a brick and mortar store in NY (43 W 47th St.) and pretty good reviews online (E-Bay, Chrono24) but would be good to get first hand accounts from the community.

Reason I'm a bit squeamish is because they're saying the watch is 100% brand new with box and papers but refusing to share any pictures of the watch till the payment is made, and also because they can only accept payments by bank wire or bitcoin (!).

Any inputs would be much appreciated!

[Urosfan]

It’s a store within the nyc diamond district, if you wanna see them go on YouTube and check them out

[Chewyyy]

Originally Posted by Urosfan

It’s a store within the nyc diamond district, if you wanna see them go on YouTube and check them out

Thanks Urosfan!

I’ve actually checked out most of their online presence (including YouTube) and it looks pretty positive - just trying to get some insights from people who’ve dealt with them firsthand to see if the reality on the ground lives up to the hype.

I’m doing a remote purchase whereby I’ll be making an unprotected payment (bank wire or bitcoin instead of PayPal, which the company doesn’t accept) before I see the watch so just want to gather as many data points as possible.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by Chewyyy

I might be doing a remote purchase with Avi & Co NY - has anyone around here had any experience dealing with them? Looks like have a brick and mortar store in NY (43 W 47th St.) and pretty good reviews online (E-Bay, Chrono24) but would be good to get first hand accounts from the community.

Reason I'm a bit squeamish is because they're saying the watch is 100% brand new with box and papers but refusing to share any pictures of the watch till the payment is made, and also because they can only accept payments by bank wire or bitcoin (!).

Any inputs would be much appreciated!

Not sure I would feel comfortable sending thousands of dollars and can’t even see the watch. How do you know it’s NIB?

Best of luck to you, but sounds like you have little to no protection as the buyer.

[Chewyyy]

I would indeed be exposed. The only thing that gives me calm is that they have a 19 year old B&M store and have consistently good ratings online.

I have no guarantee that the watch is new other than the seller’s word. Ideally I’d have someone go check out the watch in NY but don’t know anyone who knows watches there.

[IllCommunication]

That seems crazy to me. You arent asking to see a serial #, but just to see if its new or not. I realize they are a legit business, but I wouldnt do it without pictures or at least a facetime call to show me.

[Chewyyy]

Pulled out from the deal - really close shave.

Will post in the "watch out" section of the forum with details.