Buy a Nice Watch Online
Last week, we shared information we had found about avoiding getting ripped if you decide to buy “genuine replica” luxury watches online. Here's some advice on buying real designer watches online.
First, if you like “luxury porn,” Rolex, Tag Heuer and Breitling have fun sites to “watch.” Rolex and Tag Heuer are currently hyping new models released at the recent Baselworld Watch and jewelry exhibition. Omega – the watch of James Bond – has a boring site by comparison. For all of their Internet flash, however, most fine watchmakers say you should not purchase new watches from dealers who sell over the Internet. They say you should visit an authorized reseller of their products to make your purchase.
Watchaholic site Chronocentric offers advice about buying online:
1. Because most fine watchmakers do not permit authorized dealers to sell over the Internet, it is likely any watch you purchase over the Internet will be a gray market item - at best.
2. Ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can about the product and the seller before making any purchase.
3. Do not confuse authorized dealers that communicate over the Internet with unauthorized dealers that sell directly on the Internet. Most fine watchmakers use the Internet to display their products and communicate to their customers. An increasing number of reputable, authorized dealers can be reached through the Internet for information and will accept telephone or fax orders and ship the product to you.
More watch news for those afflicted with a love of watches at the blog Wristdreams.
Comments
Not entirely true. You can get authentic swiss watches for 50-60% off retail on the web. These are not the latest models but left over inventory from the authorized sellers. I have purchased several and had them checked by authorized dealers for authenticity. My favorite site is bernardwatch. I have no affiliation with the site other than as a customer. Before buying from them I visited their store in Austin, nice people and the watches seem to be authentic. My personal favorite is Oris.
Great link. Thanks. We don't claim to be omniscient, which is why we are pleased when readers tell us about interesting websites and tips. Thanks for the heads-up on the store. Now, if I can only convince my wife that I n-e-e-e-e-d such a watch.