First watch purchase - London

[Rocket launcher]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I can vouch for iconic. I’ve bought from them before but £1100 over MSRP is a bit much.

At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.....modern day highwaymen

[Navarino]

Originally Posted by Geneiva

UPDATE:

I took the fiancé to the Watchfinders (“oh let’s just pop in”) so he doesn’t know he’s getting a watch yet.

The Watchfinders was brilliant - they had both the old and the new Sea Dwellers in stock, which was super useful because the new one is a LOT bigger. He hadn’t tried them on before, and was a bit upset because now he wants one more than ever! I know which one to get now though so I’ll be putting myself on some AD lists.

Thanks again!

Glad to hear you were able to take him there so he could at least have the opportunity to directly compare different options.

Best of luck with getting one from an AD and congratulations on your engagement!

[bp1000]

Which sea-dweller does he want. Old or new?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Which sea-dweller does he want. Old or new?

The old model?

[bp1000]

Originally Posted by directioneng

The old model?

Assume so

She said the new one is a lot bigger. So I’m curious what they picked

[T01]

If you want the watch now I'd go trusted seller. Building an AD relationship on short notice is tough.

[sasansgh]

Originally Posted by T01

If you want the watch now I'd go trusted seller. Building an AD relationship on short notice is tough.

Building relationships with ADs without spending loads of many on things you dont need or like is tough!

I can confirmed you cant get Sea Dweller 50th anniversary from an AD anywhere across Europe in the next 1 or 2 years min, so if you he liked that one then no other option than grey market.

[Geneiva]

LIST UPDATE

I’ve been to all the official retailers in London and I’ve had nearly no joy - the lists I’ve managed to get on have a waitlist of many years - we’ll be married before I’m like to see one! They all want to have a “prior relationship” with people - I’d almost have to buy a watch to get on the list.

Would anyone have any tips on what, if anything, I could do - aside from paying an extra £2k to get it from Watchfinders?

The specific watch I’m after is the no date Submariner, if this makes a difference.

[tommy91]

Originally Posted by justdate

Tip for watchfinder, PX any watch you are selling instead of outright sale. I’ve had 20%+ better offers when doing a PX instead of outright sale. Just choose a PX that is something you either want anyway, something easy to sell or something very cheap.

Outright sale the best prices currently are from Chronext in general,and they arrange insured delivery direct from you to them which I hate about watchfinder as I had to drive there to drop it off.

WF gave me better price i could sell privately for. I part ex 18k cartier roadster on leather strap they gave me £5000 in part ex against sub. Best offer i got selling private was about £4100. I am pretty sure they still have my watch in stock though 8 months on asking £6500.

[Ignace Worang]

Originally Posted by sasansgh

Building relationships with ADs without spending loads of many on things you dont need or like is tough!

I can confirmed you cant get Sea Dweller 50th anniversary from an AD anywhere across Europe in the next 1 or 2 years min, so if you he liked that one then no other option than grey market.

Actually got 126600 in Napoli.. and also 126660 two weeks ago in Budapest. Both were walk ins. Last I checked both cities are in Europe

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Geneiva

LIST UPDATE

I’ve been to all the official retailers in London and I’ve had nearly no joy - the lists I’ve managed to get on have a waitlist of many years - we’ll be married before I’m like to see one! They all want to have a “prior relationship” with people - I’d almost have to buy a watch to get on the list.

Would anyone have any tips on what, if anything, I could do - aside from paying an extra £2k to get it from Watchfinders?

The specific watch I’m after is the no date Submariner, if this makes a difference.

Go outside London, many will say locals only, but some might put your name down, for a ND Sub you have a decent chance of one within the year. Any chance you can get your wedding ring at the same time or some other wedding jewellery, that could help too.

There is this on chrono24 for £6450 for a new and unworn. If seller is in London you can meet and take it to RSC for a check on authenticity.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/sub...-id8612320.htm

[Ignace Worang]

Originally Posted by Geneiva

LIST UPDATE

I’ve been to all the official retailers in London and I’ve had nearly no joy - the lists I’ve managed to get on have a waitlist of many years - we’ll be married before I’m like to see one! They all want to have a “prior relationship” with people - I’d almost have to buy a watch to get on the list.

Would anyone have any tips on what, if anything, I could do - aside from paying an extra £2k to get it from Watchfinders?

The specific watch I’m after is the no date Submariner, if this makes a difference.

Buy used with slight premium or search for one while on holiday. I bought few during my holiday. Some city/country have less demand. I was in Casablanca last year spring.....saw Batman, Sub no date as well....they have waiting list list only for Daytona.

[1William]

I would find a reputable second hand dealer with a brick and mortar store near you. Get the money for the purchase in cash and go negotiate in person. I would get as new as possible watch with box, papers and as much warranty in place as available. Turn on the charm and play hard but fair. In the end you will have the watch you want and can move on to other more pressing things. In the end 1-2K extra will not break you for a lifetime watch. Get the watch, don't agonize over the price.

[Number3]

There are quite a few new ones on Chrono24 from European ‘greys’ at not much over list. Pick a Trusted Seller and use their Trusted Checkout escrow service and you’ll have peace of mind.