Advice on selecting a trusted grey market dealer

[buknoy]

Originally Posted by jb335

Lol. Again, I’ll repeat myself once more. I am not saying every dealer or every watch is suspect, I am saying, in my opinion, as someone that watches many marketplaces and chat groups, Moda appears to have a higher percentage of watches that appear to have issues. Hence, in my opinion, it is a field of landmines. Or as I described Moda above, a dumping ground.

Glad you’re happy with Moda though. Hope you don’t get any surprises come service time.

I am going to leave it at this since I don’t care for internet back and forth. ; )


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What issues have you found?
I hope the person who bought my batman would not be surprise come service time as well then


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[Dayhvac]

Eddie- Modern swiss
Chase- Nashville watches
David Sw all good choices

[swish77]

Some good dealers listed above, but let me throw DESIROLEX into the mix.

Very competitive prices and a very good guy. Completed a flawless transaciton with him last month.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by buknoy

What issues have you found?
I hope the person who bought my batman would not be surprise come service time as well then


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I also want to know. In Moda, you have sellers who are clearly regulars who sell and buy all the time. There are also first time sellers, which I generally avoid. And the vouch system is a bit better since you can easily trace. And moda will help resolve issue if something happens, assuming you communicate publicly via the group. If something goes wrong here in this forum, I'm not sure what recourse I have. Moda also provide a middleman service if you need that.

What moda doesn't do is authentication guarantee. Nobody there is expected to open the caseback and look to see if the watch is real or not, only examine it externally. So if you won't take that risk, it's better to buy from Bob's watch or an AD if you can.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Your first time venturing into private sellers? Stick to the well known ones.

I have done flawless transactions with:

Takuya
Briboxer
Sohais
Ponycar350
HorologyHour
Rebes Timepieces
AlexTheGreat

When you stick around TRF long enough you'll get better and better at performing due diligence.

Good list!!


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[bds79]

Has anybody has any experience with Giganti & Giganti Jewelers in Springfield, IL?

[buknoy]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I also want to know. In Moda, you have sellers who are clearly regulars who sell and buy all the time. There are also first time sellers, which I generally avoid. And the vouch system is a bit better since you can easily trace. And moda will help resolve issue if something happens, assuming you communicate publicly via the group. If something goes wrong here in this forum, I'm not sure what recourse I have. Moda also provide a middleman service if you need that.

What moda doesn't do is authentication guarantee. Nobody there is expected to open the caseback and look to see if the watch is real or not, only examine it externally. So if you won't take that risk, it's better to buy from Bob's watch or an AD if you can.

Exactly. But openign the caseback alone doesnt make it a leegit watch. ive seen on youtube a seller sent the watch to a dealer but a dealer noticed something is wrong. they open the caseback and the movement is legit but the case itself is fake. they tested the metal and its not 904l and this watch is a 6 digit hulk. From what i remember that when a 904 metal gets tested, it should result into a medical standard metal or reacts like a platinum on a test.

[Lausanne]

Nashville and takuya are good

[GMT Life]

It's worth paying the premium to a good grey market dealer unless you are a risk taker

[njlam]

I too am frustrated with the AD wait and am starting to research grey sellers.

Two initial questions:

1. What is the difference between the green and white tag? Do new watches typically come with one or both? What do they signify?

2. What does "slider" mean? I have seen this term used on a lot of FB watch groups.

Thanks in advance.

[JacksonRain]

Originally Posted by njlam

I too am frustrated with the AD wait and am starting to research grey sellers.



Two initial questions:



1. What is the difference between the green and white tag? Do new watches typically come with one or both? What do they signify?



2. What does "slider" mean? I have seen this term used on a lot of FB watch groups.



Thanks in advance.

The green tag, indicates that the watch is super COSC tested and certified, within spec... Which is plus two minus two seconds average per day, tested after casing and tested over the course of several days.

The green tag can be purchased in the grey market in bundles... Not a big deal

The white tag has the serial number and model number often significantly color etc. A far far more important Item... Many places such as HK and other orders of the world almost always keep that white tag...

How important is the white tag? Depends...I would NEVER buy a vivid color OP without that tag, for instance

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[bds79]

Just wanted to circle back and say “thank you” for all the good advice here. I found an Explorer 214270 MK2 that suits me perfectly from OC Watch Guy. Very smooth transaction and I love this watch!

[gerry100]

dont be afraid to negotiate

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by bds79

Just wanted to circle back and say “thank you” for all the good advice here. I found an Explorer 214270 MK2 that suits me perfectly from OC Watch Guy. Very smooth transaction and I love this watch!

Well done!

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by Bstewart

The Timepiece Gentleman

No... lol

[hbbfam]

Originally Posted by buknoy

Exactly. But openign the caseback alone doesnt make it a leegit watch. ive seen on youtube a seller sent the watch to a dealer but a dealer noticed something is wrong. they open the caseback and the movement is legit but the case itself is fake. they tested the metal and its not 904l and this watch is a 6 digit hulk. From what i remember that when a 904 metal gets tested, it should result into a medical standard metal or reacts like a platinum on a test.

Why would a person use a legitimate movement, but a fake case?

[amh]

Congrats OP!

[rohada]

Originally Posted by njlam

What does "slider" mean?

The watch can pass as basically new, as it would have everything with it when delivered by the AD, to include all packaging, thin dryer style sheet, warranty card, both hangtags, bezel protector, white sleeve, white outer box, green box, both manuals, and wallet/holder for the warranty card. The only thing you may end up lacking are the stickers. Watch itself should look new, maybe even unworn. I think this is more or less right. If not, someone will correct me.

[Onequik135i]

Congrats, Patrick @ OCwatchguy is very good trusted seller here.

[007timer]

Originally Posted by amh

I'm also fiendishly tracking Grey prices. They are headed back up, unfortunately But the Exp2 is now basically at MSRP, good time to buy.

DavidSW
https://davidsw.com/product-category/watch/rolex/

Takuya
https://www.takuyawatches.com/product-category/rolex/

OCWatch
https://www.ocwatchguy.com/

SDWatch
https://www.sdwatches.com/product-ca...-brands/rolex/

AIS
https://aiswatches.com/rolex/?sort=newest

Nashville
https://nashvillewatch.com/buy/?filter_brand=rolex

Exchange
https://www.watchexchangecompany.com...category=Rolex

I’ve used NashvilleWatch and had two great transactions.


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[Reloaded85x]

Anybody know if Koosh Jewelers in Hollywood FL is legit?

[Decim8r]

Originally Posted by bds79

Has anybody has any experience with Giganti & Giganti Jewelers in Springfield, IL?

Just recently purchased a watch from them and overall a good experience so far.
They didn't advertise the price online on this particular watch and had to call to get pricing.

Asked for pictures of the clasp of the watch online and was told that one had recently sold, but they had another that still had clasp stickers on. Hi-res photos looked legit and I followed up with a call to see if the watch had ever been serviced, never resized and came as a full set (box, white tag, green tag, box, papers, full links). Yes to all...

After researching on Google and reviews on C24, Facebook, Yelp, etc. looked as legit as possible. Called the store directly and received call back about clarifying wire instructions.
Sent money over and watch was shipped same day for overnight delivery. Shipping box was immaculate, they also provided a golf hat and appraisal form.

The watch was "minty". I did notice some handling marks on the back of the case, which made me think it was on some watch stand for display at some point. Not a big deal...
Took out my jewelers loop and began checking for authenticity (cyclops 2.5 magnification, sharp text, serif on date numbers, crown etching, crown on back clasp, craftsmanship of the lugs, turning of bezel, winding movement, sweep of the seconds hand, serials that matched the white tag, warranty card and rehaut, etc.) I'm an amateur collector, but everything looked legit.

I then began counting the links and noticed one was missing and upon further inspection with a jewlwers loop noticed some very slight marring of one screw which indicated it had been resized at one point, most likely to take the link off.
I followed up with a note (including pic) to my sales rep that everything looked good except for the missing hand tag and the link. She profusely apologized and promised to send both out the following Monday.

I know mistakes can happen, in fact I've bought watches and Rolex's at ADs and have had the same thing happen to me (handling scuffs on the clasp, missing links) so I wasn't faulting the grey market dealer with a higher standard.

That being said I've been pleased so far with the interaction, service and prompt responses. I'll follow up when/if I receive the additional link and green hang tag.
Otherwise, would give them a good recommendation. That being said, still do your due diligence...In hindsight I should have asked for pics of the watch with all the links exposed and could have potentially avoided this mistake.

Will do so next time...

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by Decim8r

Just recently purchased a watch from them and overall a good experience so far.
They didn't advertise the price online on this particular watch and had to call to get pricing.

Asked for pictures of the clasp of the watch online and was told that one had recently sold, but they had another that still had clasp stickers on. Hi-res photos looked legit and I followed up with a call to see if the watch had ever been serviced, never resized and came as a full set (box, white tag, green tag, box, papers, full links). Yes to all...

After researching on Google and reviews on C24, Facebook, Yelp, etc. looked as legit as possible. Called the store directly and received call back about clarifying wire instructions.
Sent money over and watch was shipped same day for overnight delivery. Shipping box was immaculate, they also provided a golf hat and appraisal form.

The watch was "minty". I did notice some handling marks on the back of the case, which made me think it was on some watch stand for display at some point. Not a big deal...
Took out my jewelers loop and began checking for authenticity (cyclops 2.5 magnification, sharp text, serif on date numbers, crown etching, crown on back clasp, craftsmanship of the lugs, turning of bezel, winding movement, sweep of the seconds hand, serials that matched the white tag, warranty card and rehaut, etc.) I'm an amateur collector, but everything looked legit.

I then began counting the links and noticed one was missing and upon further inspection with a jewlwers loop noticed some very slight marring of one screw which indicated it had been resized at one point, most likely to take the link off.
I followed up with a note (including pic) to my sales rep that everything looked good except for the missing hand tag and the link. She profusely apologized and promised to send both out the following Monday.

I know mistakes can happen, in fact I've bought watches and Rolex's at ADs and have had the same thing happen to me (handling scuffs on the clasp, missing links) so I wasn't faulting the grey market dealer with a higher standard.

That being said I've been pleased so far with the interaction, service and prompt responses. I'll follow up when/if I receive the additional link and green hang tag.
Otherwise, would give them a good recommendation. That being said, still do your due diligence...In hindsight I should have asked for pics of the watch with all the links exposed and could have potentially avoided this mistake.

Will do so next time...

I just made a purchase from G&G and they forgot the hang tags as well. The photos that accompanied the listing showed both Green and White tags. Called the store, and spoke with Josh, who was absolutely willing to send me a return FedEx label and take the watch back. I’m pretty adamant that when advertising with tags, the seller should include them. They include an appraisal with it that gave me more comfort that the dial (green motif) is original to the 126334. I sent him an email to kindly check around the store and see if they can locate the tags and forward them along.

I know Josh was a seller here up until 2020, not sure why they stopped posting in Classifieds… He doesn’t seen to be around here anymore.