Paris Rolex shopping is a bust, but...

[ap1]

Only if barakuda!

Large discounts on standard from ADs all over

[MrMercedes]

The FF is a stunning great watch! Go for it and a good deal!

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

Oh, no - nothing against the 50 Fathoms - beautiful watch - no, this was Omega Forum hypnotizing - both times!

:)

First, they bring out the cheap champagne...then they pour it, the next thing you know, you're buying at full retail plus, plus!!!!

I did get two free hats, an Omega Magazine, and a pen along with the deal, though.

Hahahahh, sure, I've been there too - I walked off the lot today... For clarity...

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[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Okay, let me clarify, I wouldn't be settling just to pick up a new piece, this has been on my radar for a long time, if it wasn't I totally agree 100 percent

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If you can get a reasonable discount, go for it. A FF is an iconic watch in its own right and isn’t a second class dive watch to any manufacturer including Rolex.

I wouldn’t overpay just because you are on a vacation but that being said, I get the cool factor of buying it while there.

If it makes you smile, you will have no regrets with the purchase.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

If you can get a reasonable discount, go for it. A FF is an iconic watch in its own right and isn’t a second class dive watch to any manufacturer including Rolex.



I wouldn’t overpay just because you are on a vacation but that being said, I get the cool factor of buying it while there.



If it makes you smile, you will have no regrets with the purchase.

Thanks for you kind words!

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[Max7857]

When I was in Amsterdam a couple of years ago I wanted to make a deal on a Bell and Ross and was a couple of hundred dollars apart with the dealer so I called a dealer that was local to me back in the states explained the situation and what I wanted to pay. We made the deal and the watch was waiting for me when I got back home. I originally wanted to have a story of buying a watch in Amsterdam but this was actually more fun and I didn’t have to worry about the hassle of applying for a VAT refund or declaring the purchase when going through customs. Also if I ever have a problem I have a local store to handle it for me. Good luck with what ever you decide.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

That's why I say don't go back to the boutique.

If you want a souvenir from Paris, get a snowglobe...not a watch you overpaid thousands for compared to the market.

Don't go back to the boutique!

Fridge magnets are the go

[LeftCoastBias]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Please consider Omega.... please.

Hahaha. This should be their next advertising campaign.

About sums up their overall brand status compared to Rolex.


- Sent via iPhone. Please excuse any typos or brevity in my message

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

That's a tough one, price isn't that bad considering VAT etc... And it's always been on my radar. I should also mention that I was not on a Rolex mission on this trip as I have what I want right now, didn't expect to find a special piece in hiding. That being said, like most of us I have been turning to other manufacturers.

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Brian don’t be fooled you will get whole vat back either. Use global vat calculator to estimate. You are still subject to us customs duty also. Good luck and enjoy Paris.

[Nikrnic]

Never 'Settle'

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[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

No. Not from a boutique @ MSRP.

Would need a discount over 40% to even begin to consider.


This is a "settlement" watch for you. You want Rolex, can't acquire, so you will buy something you really don't want, pay too much for it, realize your mistake, try to sell it and you will lose thousands....if you can even sell it.

Pass on the 50 Fathoms in this scenario. Don't go back to boutique. Focus on the Rolex you want. That is money wisely spent.

[BigBoy17]

You like it? You have the funds?...... screw it, buy the FF. Whens the next time your be there, at least youll have a story linked to the watch

[sambb]

prefer the omega seamaster for <4k on rubber

[psv]

Love the history of the FF but the modern 45mm version with the date at 4 o'clock doesn't check enough boxes for me. The Barakuda is nicer, even the Hodinkee one is nicer (but I wish it was 40mm instead of 38mm).

At boutique you'll never get a good discount, and the BP second hand prices aren't very strong (at least not compared to other top brands), but it would be a nice memory from your trip.

Personally I think the "Naguers de Combat" special edition is a nice looking piece.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

It's always been on my radar, it's an iconic piece, loved it in person but hate the price

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Same here and AD price is what always holds me back when I see what they sell for in the secondary market.

[Rado63]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Absolutely I would need a discount, I'm on correspondence with the associate as I walked out this afternoon. Model - classic 44.5 mm fifty fathoms on sail cloth deployant strap.

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Since you are no stranger to the water, the fifty fathoms is great diver at 44.5 mm large easy to read lume plots and easy to read hands. Great diver for someone who actually takes the watch into the water. I like it.

[Toproll85]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

What a pathetic situation (as expected), however nearly picked up a 50 fathoms today, may get it tomorrow. Nice experience at the boutique at Vendome. Thoughts?

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Blancpain is a beautiful and more confidential house. You will have a watch "of connoisseurs" and much less widespread than a Rolex.

I have an FF Mil Spec and I am satisfied with it. On the other hand it is necessary to aim for the regular 40mm to find the beautiful proportions (Mil Spec, Ocean Commitment 3 for example). Because be careful that the standard FF are 45mm in diameter, the Bathyscaphe in 43mm, it's quite big, for myself too much. To try anyway.

Also consider that there are a few more tickets left than a Rolex sports model and that the value goes down instead of stabilizing or even going up ...

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Toproll85

Blancpain is a beautiful and more confidential house. You will have a watch "of connoisseurs" and much less widespread than a Rolex.

I have an FF Mil Spec and I am satisfied with it. On the other hand it is necessary to aim for the regular 40mm to find the beautiful proportions (Mil Spec, Ocean Commitment 3 for example). Because be careful that the standard FF are 45mm in diameter, the Bathyscaphe in 43mm, it's quite big, for myself too much. To try anyway.

Also consider that there are a few more tickets left than a Rolex sports model and that the value goes down instead of stabilizing or even going up ...

All info that I am considering, I realize I'd better hang onto it if I get it as I'll loose money to flip

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[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Same here and AD price is what always holds me back when I see what they sell for in the secondary market.

Yes, if I wasn't concerned about the value declining it would be a no brainer, so I need to consider if it is one I would keep for the long term, beautiful piece though

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[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Had a look at the 50 Fathoms ,2 references,about a week ago .My wife and I agreed ,for the asking price vs e.g. Rolex ...absolutely not .

Doesn’t it have superior workmanship and finishing? So I take it this would be based solely on value retention?

[playford]

Rather than a FF can you not just purchase rolex on the grey market?

I'm guessing these exist in Paris, just AD's are picked clean/locals only.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

Doesn’t it have superior workmanship and finishing? So I take it this would be based solely on value retention?

No,I dont think so .I dont see or feel superior workwanship.Flimsy nylon strap as well .Do like the bezel though .

[Danwealth]

Originally Posted by Henry F.

I like the Blancpain fifty fathoms a lot. I almost bought one but didn't because there's no steal or titanium bracelet yet. definitely would check for a good deal on the second hand market if you decide to go for it...

Blancpain X71 steel bracelet

[Danwealth]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

No,I dont think so .I dont see or feel superior workwanship.Flimsy nylon strap as well .Do like the bezel though .

Definitely superior workmanship.. the beautiful movement with 120 hours PR and the case polishing is top notch

I own a bp ff chrono and 2 sub c

The nylon is very flimsy but have u seen the bracelet?

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by playford

Rather than a FF can you not just purchase rolex on the grey market?

I'm guessing these exist in Paris, just AD's are picked clean/locals only.

I actually have the Rolex models I desire right now, was basically reporting in on the state of affairs at the Paris boutiques.

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[Watchflair]

Really just comes down to what speaks to you.

Blancpain is a great brand with an incredible history of dive watches that dates back pre Submariner. Nothing to take away from the brand or piece here. Yes, you'd need a large discount to make the dollars make sense. Yes, you will take a hit if you sell it.

Consider that the majority of watches out there you take a loss if you try to re-sell. Just try to minimize that and buy what speaks to you. Not everything is a SS Rolex and that's a good thing some times.

Recently I've added a Omega SMP that I absolutely love - yes if I sold it I would loose a few dollars. I also added a Breguet Tradition last year - purchased preowned - would still loose a few dollars if I sold it - but I absolutely love it. Sometimes change is good.

[Tudor841]

I understand you have had the FF on your radar for some time - but - have you looked at what Grand Seiko has in their sport collection? Might be something interesting to consider.

[N2theCAPE]

I've always had good luck at the Paris airport, I picked up my Pepsi from their and now discontinued GMT Master ii. I've never tried actually shopping at the Rolex dealers in the city of Paris however.

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[Wcdhtwn]

I agree with the earlier comment, buying at MSRP is unnecessary. You can get a NIB or lightly used for a huge discount. The Fifty Fathoms is a great watch, I prefer the Bathyscape myself, and see why you want one.

[Batmannr1]

Fifty Fathoms fan overhere. It is a great Blancpain watch with history, going back to 1953. I bought the new Barakuda. Love it. Price is high, especially when you add a X71 steel bracelet.