Looking for help on reputable online dealers in EU

[Malbolge]

If this is forbidden to ask here I appologize and either PM me or delete the post, dear mods.

If allowed, looking for personal recommendations only - if someone shopped with someone etc. I am looking through Chrono24 offerings on 114060 or 116610 - open to either variant as thus far haven't decided - dont like cyclops, but afraid will miss the date functionality. Still a choice is better than no choice!

Also any recommendations which countries are SAFER to shop from online? Which ones aren't? For an english speaking only person. Hope some testimonials will clear things up.

Spent yesterday at AD in UK and prices are high due to expensive pound, but figured out that the classic sub is the one to go for.

[Tom-P]

With Chrono24 you need to check out the integrity of the seller - how long a trusted seller, recommended by how many other dealers, is there a physical shop, what does it look like (Google streeview), good mentions on watch forums etc. And make sure that they have a clear returns policy.

It's always dangerous to generalise but I've heard too many bad stories about Italian dealers to feel comfortable sourcing from there.

[Malbolge]

Originally Posted by Tom-P

With Chrono24 you need to check out the integrity of the seller - how long a trusted seller, recommended by how many other dealers, is there a physical shop, what does it look like (Google streeview), good mentions on watch forums etc. And make sure that they have a clear returns policy.

It's always dangerous to generalise but I've heard too many bad stories about Italian dealers to feel comfortable sourcing from there.

Well, exactly. For instance there is a dutch shop http://www.precisionwatches.nl/ that seems to look quite straight forward with good prices but I dont know why both mint identical 114060 would have a 500 EUR spread in price, for example. I obviously asked all sorts of questions etc.

Italy is a funny country, because the general feeling towards it is like... flaky stuff, you get screwed. And then through work I personally deal with their companies in Milan area, and they are more "German" than German companies (in the generalized sense, again)! Super sharp, reasonable, quick to reply, polite, punctual, you name it. So I guess the long point here is I am well aware of both stereotypes but also how they can be wrong.

[joli160]

Check out the Dutch forum, all the banners you see posted are from trusted and reputable sellers. (Bought YM from Precision watches and a GMT TT from RH watches, good experience on both occasions )
There is a German/Italian seller Premium Uhren (Alessandro) which is very good (bought my DSSD from him) and another German Firm Meertz Worldoftime also comes highly recommended.
German dealer Grimmeissen I also did business with twice; flawless deals as well.
Personally I only buy in the Netherlands or Germany. Active Rolex communities there and they give a lot of feedback on sellers.

Happy hunting

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by Malbolge

If this is forbidden to ask here I appologize and either PM me or delete the post, dear mods.

If allowed, looking for personal recommendations only - if someone shopped with someone etc. I am looking through Chrono24 offerings on 114060 or 116610

Also any recommendations which countries are SAFER to shop from online? Which ones aren't? For an english speaking only person. Hope some testimonials will clear things up.

I think the seller is more important than the country.
I have done various deals with German sellers, Dutch sellers and Italian sellers. It depends on the person rather than excluding a country.
That said, with any of the European sellers you are able to get an Italian issued watch, even if the seller is in Germany. It all depends on who their supplier is.

To be honest, with the weak Euro to the Pound, you should even be able to get a good deal buying from an AD in Europe. It will still be cheaper than the UK.

If you want the name of the sellers I have dealt with, just send me a PM.
I will be happy to provide references.