Would you buy new only?

[astcell]

In the last few months I went to buy three used watches. Here is what happened:

Watch #1: Thought it was missing the extra links. Both the seller and I freaked out at this discovery. Turned out I did not know what I was looking at. Watch was going to be a trade but mine was not up to par for the trade, and as this would be unfair the deal was canceled.

Watch #2: Seller advertised it as "as new" and I specifically wanted a new watch. When I received it,the band was missing a piece, and though the paperwork was included, one of the papers was a repair order. All the original contents were not included and deal was amicably reversed.

Watch #3: Upon receiving the watch in the mail, I unscrewed the crown to set the date and the crown popped out into my hand. Seller reluctantly agreed to a refund since he agrees it ought to have lasted more than five minutes.

Now in all those cases we are still friends. No sellers are blackballed and no one has blackballed me. But it sure makes me look at paying full price from an AD with a different eye.

[haakon59]

Stories like this are similar to some experiences I have had. Because of it, I nearly always buy new now. At the same time, I realize that quite a few people save money by buying used and they get a wonderful deal. I think you did the right thing by being reasonable about it. After all, there might have been misunderstandings all around.

[Robb]

The only way I would buy used is if it was from a respected member here. Other than that, I buy new from the AD!!!

[frostie]

I prefer new from AD. I want to be the first one that is going to wear it

[Teofilo]

New from an AD with a discount........all bases are then covered.

[walds11]

I prefer to buy pre-owned to save some $. I have been very fortunate not to run into any problems with my pre-owned watch purchases. Only one instance where the bracelet was not as described (minor scratches). I wanted to keep the watch, so the seller agreed to give me $ credit back.

[DS/B MINI S]

I've bought quite a few preloved watches. Many different brands such as Rolex, Omega, Glycine, Zeno, Seiko, etc. As the saying goes...Buy The Seller and No Worries.

[Dan Pierce]

I've also had success buying preloved. Takes some effort but enables me to afford more watches. Nothing wrong going with an AD either.
dP

[dman]

I buy and sell more watches than most people, but I hardly ever ever ever use my AD. Just too many deals and save on the initial hit on buying new.

Always have to be careful, I actually only deal with certain people, but I have no problems getting what I am looking for.

[mikey]

astcell, it sounds like the purchases were internet related? Anyway, I would go to places that sell Rolex like pawnshops. Many times there are jewellers that inspect each watch before they sell. I have been fortunate enough to purchase from sellers on the net that I have had no problems with. I know what I am buying even if. So I get what I want when I am ready to purchase.

[Texsubmariner]

I always prefer buying from AD, at least for the Rolexes. I am thinking of buying an Omega from a gray dealer, though. This is because, IMO, Omegas don't hold their values well, and I might as well go cheap on the initial purchase.

[rogerfromco]

Because of the high quality of Rolexes, I have no problem buying gray, especially on models that ADs don't want to discount. Add in the 7-8% tax savings to the gray market discount and it quickly offsets any concerns I have about not getting the warranty. Now having said that, it does put more burden on the buyer to do their research on the seller to ensure that they are selling authentic watches.

[sub2004]

Good post mate.

I wouldnt buy used unless its from a long standing forum member here.

There are lots of pitfalls of a used watch. The watch may have been dropped, you would never know and then one day a few weeks down the track it stops.

I stick to brand new from AD.

Plus i live on an Island, would be hard for me to service/fix a watch or send it back.

[JJ Irani]

Brand new only.....from an AD only.....with a dash of cleavage only!!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Brand new only.....from an AD only.....with a dash of cleavage only!!!

I agree! Nothing beats the feeling of buying BNIB from an AD!

[vukotab]

The new one,of course.For me,the only way to buy used one is that the seller is a friend of mine.Otherwise - no way!

[astcell]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Brand new only.....from an AD only.....with a dash of cleavage only!!!

Next time I am in an AD I will ask for cleavage, if they glare at me I will post that it is NZ currency.

I think what was common with all the purchases is that they were used watches. There is no question when something is sealed but when you find a treasure for sale, you have to wonder why the guy sold it!

[Mort]

For the most part, I have always bought used. In the 15 years I have collected Rolex, I have only bought one new from an AD. I have not had any problems with any of my used because I always dealt with people I knew or had a good reputation.

No problems with the Patek I bought off of TZ either. Still it is nice to go to an AD and know it is brand new and never been on anyone elses wrist. Also to know the AD will stand behind the sale is great. Two days after I bought my Longines, I noticed that I could not manually wind the watch as the crown seemed stuck in the winding mode. I could pull it out and adjust everything else but no winding by hand. I called the AD(Tourneau) and they did not have another in stock, but they had me a new one in less than a week with no problems on their side. That does chalk one up for buying new from an AD for me.

[ssadove]

I will chime in here and say that in most instances unless you clearly know the sellers, like someone from this list or other similar list buying form other than an AD is fraught with trouble. i have pretty much always bought new and from an AD. I have done enough that I get a pretty good discount, usually 25 to 30 % so it brings me in the range of reasonable internet prices. of course if you see an Rolex Sub for $500 or less you had best take the old advice from Goldie Hawn, If you buy a diamond ring for 50 cents you got only 50 cents worth.
So good luck what ever you do.

[BigHat]

I have found the pain and/or unhappiness of a non-AD purchase VERY quickly overshadows any potential savings.

Might just be me.

[jhowton]

I have done both and haven't been burned so far, however I do ask for references from private sellers and always check them out before sending money.

[DSJ]

I would buy used, but with the same scrutiny I use to buy a used car. More due diligence is required...

[ShawnK]

Nothing wrong with buying new from an AD if you have--or want to spend--the extra money. I've purchased a couple of lower end watches (Fortis, TAG) new and was able to get a good discount.
That being said, I've purchased many watches from TZ in the past few years and have had nothing but excellent luck. My GMT II came pre-loved from a local jeweler who I know well. I got a Rolex that was worn a handful of times at best for substantial savings off the dealer price--it still had that "new car smell"
I think it is just a matter of personal choice, and knowing or trusting the party you are doing business with.

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I agree! Nothing beats the feeling of buying BNIB from an AD!

Yeah one thing does. Saving hundreds and/or Thousands of $'s off the price of buying at an AD. But, I agree you must do your homework and use due caution.

[joey m]

I was lucky enough to have a friend in the Swiss Australian Chamber of Commerce put me onto a great Service Agent and stockist of fine Swiss watches, who is actually a factory trained Rolex specialist. He's had his business in Sydney for many, many years. Gave me a full receipt with details of my watch's history + one year warranty + free full service one year after purchase + he's 10 mins from my home.

My next one (LV) will be new, but pretty happy with my GMT II purchase. Pic shows the piece is very nice indeed.

[astcell]

Originally Posted by wolfgang427

Yeah one thing does. Saving hundreds and/or Thousands of $'s off the price of buying at an AD. But, I agree you must do your homework and use due caution.

Peace of mind is much more valuable. I touch my watch at least 2x a day, putting it on and taking it off. That's 3500 times in five years. It's worth 50 cents each time to not think each time if I got ripped off or not.

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by astcell

Peace of mind is much more valuable. I touch my watch at least 2x a day, putting it on and taking it off. That's 3500 times in five years. It's worth 50 cents each time to not think each time if I got ripped off or not.

I agree like I said before, for the novice or the rookie makes 100% sense. For the veteren who's got years of experience buying and selling multiples of watches makes no sense. Homework and due diligence are the key. for veteren and rookie.

[thedips]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I would buy used, but with the same scrutiny I use to buy a used car. More due diligence is required...

same boat... im all about the CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED.... i just want that comfort of knowing that i can go back and slap the person who sold me the watch if it came down to it..

[Ed Rooney]

I'm 2 for 2 buying lightly pre-owned. In both cases they were like new. Both deals were great, sellers were great and the watches were great.

That said, I am a guy who knows when to walk away from the blackjack table.

[dr_rolex]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Brand new only.....from an AD only.....with a dash of cleavage only!!!

JJ,

With all due respect.........you have a history of flipping watches, does this mean people should not consider buying yours?