Buying Watches Online: Getting the Best Watches for the Best Prices

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 78

  • @TimG--
    @TimG-- 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I have had great dealings with Jomashop, DavidSW, EuroWatchCo, WatchBox and CRM Jewlers in Miami. All reputable. I no longer buy from an AD. I find them worthless. Nice video mate.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Tim, that's good to know. Good dealing with Jomashop and WatchBox (Govberg's pre-owned), and my experienced with EuroWatch was a bit mixed. Got a NOS from them and found the hands had been re-lumed and the regulator maxed out...but it was a very old (1930-40) NOS and has worked perfectly, otherwise. Kindest regards, Bill

  • @tonomartnez8589
    @tonomartnez8589 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bill after watching all other watch channels I must say yours is the best, thanks for your videos

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Toño, thanks man! Welcome! Take care, Bill

  • @tippykaffu4047
    @tippykaffu4047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hey Bill, I heard the Horology House is a good place to buy a Rolex.
    Jokes aside, Crono24 shops are mostly reliable if they are actual shops. I could directly go there sometimes. it is not exactly online. However, if you can go there, it can be easy to spot a fake(other than Rolex).

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Tippy, there have been cases where a C24 buyer sent money and never got a watch and then disappeared. That's why I always check out the seller prior to buying. Take care, Bill

  • @amintaslneto
    @amintaslneto 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great advice's Bill.
    I have had great dealing with auction houses mainly Christies.
    The main ticks for me are 1)build an auction strategy beforehand 2)Make 100% rational bids during the activity.
    Cheers,
    Amintas

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've yet to buy from an auction house like Christies or Philipps. For some reason, I have to keep that 25% buyer 'premium' in my head while bidding 25% less than what they'll add to my bill. But your two tips are golden! Thanks, Bill

  • @h111551
    @h111551 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Bill, As always, fine content. Shopping online offers a great deal of flexibility in contrast to brick and mortar shopping. There is still much pleasure in going to an AD and trying on watches but more and more (unless you live in proximity to a vibrant downtown with lots of ADs clustered together or have a megadealer nearby like Betteridge or Govberg) that means going to a shopping mall which can lead to the consumers version of the Death March of Bataan. The trouble with the temptations of online shopping is that the focus becomes price and percentage of savings instead of upon what is the next logical step in my journey as a watch aficionado. Taking the example of the excellent Bulgari Octo buy at Shopworn (great people to deal with). It is easy to buy 3 or 4 of these types of deeply discounted bargains at $3000 apiece even if you don’t necessarily need them versus getting one truly memorable watch for $12000 to $14000. The siren song of a bargain may lead to a good deal but it does not necessarily lead to a good collection. I happened into the hobby when there were still lots of new Moser, Parmigiani and Bovet bargains to be had in the grey market. Bargains cause some people to buy to excess but to what end? In many ways, a thoughtful and disciplined 3 or 4 piece watch collection makes more sense than 20+ watches accumulated one “bargain” at a time. A meaningful collection is more a product of focus than of money. A Sinn 104, a Habring2 Felix with the in-house A-11 movement and a Kudoke 2 would cost at retail a combined total of $14,500 to $15,000 but it would be as fine a collection as is imaginable without regard to the cost. Not one of these watches is available online new at a discount. With the exception of the Sinn, the other watches are truly rare and limited in number: the number of Habring2 Felix’s with the A-11 movement in existence likely a few hundred or under and as a sheer uneducated guess the number of Kudoke 2s currently in existence is under 100.Better to ignore the siren song of a bargain and to really focus. Cheers.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Howard, yes, I need to lash myself to the mast, but in seeking an overlooked, underpriced gem is as much for those building their own collections as it is for me. After adding my recent H. Moser Endeavour, I'm pretty well filled up and tapped out, and that Bvlgari Octo Roma is a soon-to-disappear bargain that someone may get. If I can enjoy the hunt, I need not reel it in to keep ... but more like "catch and release." My next adventure will be to thin the herd...and the task of learning how to do it so both the seller and buyer feel they've concluded a great transaction! Cheers, Bill

    • @h111551
      @h111551 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      WatchArtSci I, too, am enamored of Shopworn and Jomashop. I still am eyeing a bronze watch even though bronze is probably a fad and there are metallurgical issues but ones that will occur over too long a course of time to be of much concern to un hombre viejo. Jomashop has 19% off (under $3300) for a Tudor Back Bay Bronze 43 mm piece with a slate gray dial and the MT-5t01 Breitling/Tudor movement. I was at the Carl Bucherer concession at Selfridge’s Department store and passed up the Bucherer Blue bronze back bay at the retail price. It is a cult watch now and is $5500 even at Jomashop. I didn’t buy it because I convinced myself that I didn’t want to own a Tudor, the MT movement was not all that incredible and finally because it came with a fabric strap. But on even a near 20% discount ooo la la. This is all a set up to what I regard as a real Jomashop find. There is a Bulgari Solotempo with a bronze bezel and black dial, refined but pronounced lugs that extend out so that there is an elegant gap between the case and the strap which is the hallmark of a lot a great case dress and sport watch designs and the same VL191 automatic movement as the Octo marked down from $5600 to about $3600. It is aesthetically the finest expression of the use of bronze I have ever seen because it is elegant and restrained in a way that virtually no other bronze watch achieves as most are on the order of tool watches and this is a sport dress watch. It is a Genta Bulgari Bulgari design but I don’t recall the originals having this lug design. I have too many watches to justify buying it but I personally find this to be phenomenal in the way the Tudor will never be phenomenal. I have become a bit of a Grand Seiko fan boy but the Japanese do not seem to be able to match the aesthetics typified by a watch like this. Cheers.

  • @TTT-1961.
    @TTT-1961. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a positive experience with Bob’s Watches in CA; fair price and quality etc was as advertised.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's good to hear Artisttrw. I like Bob's because they show what they pay for a watch and what they charge. Can't get much more transparent than that! Take care, Bill

  • @everyones.shadow
    @everyones.shadow 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for this, Bill. Very useful. My suggestion is that when you find a site that stocks your type of watch at good prices subscribe to their newsletter and/or create an account. It's only one click to unsubscribe later and in the meantime you might get first pick of the new watches and extra discounts. It's especially useful to know in advance that site X will be having discount Y from a particular date. A little patience can save a lot of money. Sometimes the sale dates aren't obvious (eg Black Friday) but might be important local dates such as EOFY.
    Cheers, Jeremy

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Jeremy, good points I should have mentioned. I do subscribe to a number of different such sellers, and have saved a bundle if the purchase is during a big discount like Shopworn is having with their 20% discount "Valentine" sale. Also, if a watch you're thinking of buying pops up at a good price, you can save as well. You're right too...who knows what 'holiday' a big discount will be one.

  • @TexpatOTG
    @TexpatOTG 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Overall have had good luck buying online when I was in USA, now VAT and duty make that a costly endeavor. The last watch I bought was from a well-known Singapore shop .. Gnomon. I bought it at their retail store and wore it home. Not buying anymore watches unless a great deal slaps me across the face. Good show as always ...thx

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey thanks JR! Taxes ... groan ... well, I guess they're necessary to keep things running. Cheers, Bill

  • @bubbab7792
    @bubbab7792 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanx Bill..... I've dealt with Watchbox and Long Island Watch. 👍

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've have excellent experiences with both too, Bubba. What did you get from Watchbox? Thanks ,Bill

    • @bubbab7792
      @bubbab7792 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@watchartsciGrand Seiko SBGE 2o1 Spring Drive

  • @scottlipes7111
    @scottlipes7111 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great video Bill- I have also had good success with authentic watches

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Scott, thanks for the tip. I've visited Authentic Watches before but never have bought anything from them. Now that I know they're OK... who knows? Kindest regards, Bill

  • @MarcJ2
    @MarcJ2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good morning Mr. Sanders. Thanks for valuable information you provided in this video. I agree with you, timing and patience can help you find great deals. As always, you are awesome!

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Marc, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

  • @richardbaptist5080
    @richardbaptist5080 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Agree - BUY THE SELLER - especially if buying vintage. I've been burned by this. Also check the case size also important check if the measurement includes the crown or not. Some sellers like to include the crown in the case measurement to inflate the size of the case. If buying expensive watches, I would suggest using an escrow service. Which the seller sends the watch to the escrow service, the buyer sends the money to the escrow service. The watch is sent to the buyer, the buyer has a chance to review the watch and then asks the escrow service to release funds to the seller if the watch is as advertised. Govberg I think is now watchbox.com.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Richard, yes, getting the right seller solves all matter of problems. Lots of good tips you have! Take care, Bill

  • @Tuneitupful
    @Tuneitupful 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very very insightful, thank you 😊

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Tuneitupful, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

    • @Tuneitupful
      @Tuneitupful 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      WatchArtSci - thank YOU. I have been interested in watches for a little while now and thought I knew most things but watching this video and your other videos, has been thoroughly entertaining and a learning, so thank you again for the material and the way you deliver it. By the way, after watching your video on Glashutte Original - I am now in the market for a Panoreserve :-)

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Tuneitupful,I saw this version with the power reserve indicator overlapping the main dial. Something about it I found unique-this one is from 2007: www.chrono24.com/glashuetteoriginal/panoreserve-65-01-02-02-04-mens-steel-watch--id11684523.htm . Take care, Bill

  • @richarddavis7548
    @richarddavis7548 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Bill. I was very happy with my Ticktocking transaction for my Chron Bleu

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Richard, I checked out their website, and they have a great selection. Congratulation on your Bleu! Cheers, Bill

  • @nrs6956
    @nrs6956 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good advice. Sometimes I get the "feeling" if no papers, box whatever is not available the merchandise may be stolen. This is especially true on EBAY. Don't trust if possible verify!

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      NRS, I'd say there's a difference between no-papers or box and just eBay. I've some great watches that came with no papers/box. I went to the brand AD in NYC to check if they'd been stolen, and they had not. Then, the AD took pictures of my watch, sent them to Geneva, and it came back with a guarantee of authenticity signed by the watchmaker...F.P. Journe. Cheers, Bill

  • @ed4517
    @ed4517 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great advice as always. I managed to get 45% off a new hamilton khaki field which happened to be on sale with Jura watches (UK). I think the key is to be Looking always. You never know your luck 👍

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Ed, getting 45% off sounds like a great buy. Yes, "Looking," always looking... sometime I feel like those sharks who are always moving or a vulture waiting for a prey to drop. It reminds of a Louis Pastures observation, "In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind." Congratulations on your Khaki Field watch! Bill

  • @johngentile6814
    @johngentile6814 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good stuff Bill. I have used Bernard watch from Austin Texas. Bought 2 watches from them and they are very reliable. They give you a 3 day window to return the watch for any reason. For auction houses, I have used Jones and Horan for vintage watches. They have a 20% premium, but really nice vintage stuff. I bought a LeCoultre from them from the 1950's.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey John, thanks man. Curious, you ever negotiated with Bernard? I noticed a big discount (around $250±) for wire payment. Will keep them in mind. Thanks also for the tip on the vintage house; Jones & Horan. Those LeCoultres from the 50s are real gems...love their looks. Kindest regards, Bill

  • @blueshirtbuddah1665
    @blueshirtbuddah1665 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video with great information Bill. Thanks as always for educating us. I've had good experiences with WatchMaxx and Collectors Coin and Jewelry.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Bruce, I've seen some good deals at WatchMaxx and always check them. Collectors Coin and Jewelry sounds interesting, but given the name I'd probably not have thought of them had you not mentioned it. Any plans for your next watch? Cheers, Bill

  • @JB-fk7ed
    @JB-fk7ed 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a great video Bill. I’m sure this will help a lot of people when watch shopping. Cheers!

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey John, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill

    • @JB-fk7ed
      @JB-fk7ed 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      WatchArtSci there’s such good buying out there for many of the non-Rolex mainstream brands. You just need to know where to look. I’ve seen similar discounts with brands like Omega and especially Breitling. This video demonstrates just how good some of these deals can be. You just need to be patient and wait for these references to be out a few months to a year. Some great buying considering their original MSRPs.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, John, search and patience ... and knowing what to look for. That 20% discount on a $5k watch is like finding $1,000 laying on the ground. Of course, good negotiation can have similar results! Cheers, Bill

  • @AbdulRWatches
    @AbdulRWatches 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bill for the informative video. I also bought from Catawiki, next to all these aforementioned platforms. I had mostly great transactions while buying watches from Catawiki.
    I also recommend looking for national auction websites, they have many great deals for the independents and not well-known watches.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Abdul, I have little experience with auctions...avoid them because of the 25% 'buyer's premium.' What are some of the good ones? Thanks Bill

    • @AbdulRWatches
      @AbdulRWatches 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@watchartsci Hi Bill, that's true, most of what I used were in Germany and they had a premium between 9% and 25%. The prices were variable, the unknown pieces are definitely better priced even with the premium, my favourite would be Catawiki and Henry's. Best, Abdul

  • @juniorjohnson5961
    @juniorjohnson5961 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As always very informative 👍

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Junior, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

  • @ahrzb
    @ahrzb 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video is a gem 🥲

  • @johngentile6814
    @johngentile6814 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    No I have not negotiated with them. Good idea , though

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Always Negotiate John! The money you save may be your own! Cheers, Bill

  • @eprfa
    @eprfa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video bill
    Bought from Nashville watch govberg and burdeens online without issues
    Thanks
    Raghu

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Raghu... Nashville shop online? Thanks Bill

    • @eprfa
      @eprfa 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes nashvillewatch.com
      Good experience

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nashville certainly has a big collection of Rolexes! Glad to hear good things about them. Thanks, Bill

  • @eprfa
    @eprfa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Also crown and caliber

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Eprfa, what's your experience been with Crown and Caliber? I would like to hear ... good? Thanks, Bill

    • @trujr5295
      @trujr5295 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I purchased a Ball watch for my son a couple of years ago. Great condition, good service a DNA brings a nice case. Now, getting my son to wear it is another story.

    • @eprfa
      @eprfa 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes good experience with crown and caliber

  • @jackpurcell274
    @jackpurcell274 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I can't believe you're up this early, most of my purchases are eBay, I've had lousy experiences with used grey market sellers, on eBay I feel protected

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Jack, I'm not up early but my video is! (It's scheduled to launch at 4:30 am EST; 9:30 GMT) I've bought new and used on eBay-one good watch and one bad. The bad one was my own fault for not getting more information about the watch's movement. As I get to know more and more direct online dealers, I like to deal directly with them, but I tend to buy deeply discounted new instead of used. For watch movements, cases, dials and hands, I use eBay and AliExpress. Cheers, Bill

  • @ga9d
    @ga9d 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    New watches out of the Eurozone contain VAT within the asking price. Some dealers will deduct this amount ( 20%+/-)for Canada/US / non Eurozone buyers. Don’t be afraid to ask

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Gunther, yes, that's good to know. I've bought from Switzerland and their VAT is around 9% and that's always cut on sales to the US, and one I got from The Netherlands cut the 20% VAT. Good tip! Thanks, Bill

  • @m2pozad
    @m2pozad 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I can't believe you told us not to say, "I can't believe you didn't say..." I'm back in junior high!
    I've bought too many watches from Amazon. Jomashop doesn't collect sales tax, but they're very 'New Jersey' in their customer service. I'm ready for the AD experience, but I want my discount.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      😅 Hey Beamer ... Jomashop's in Brooklyn... tell them you think they're in 'Joisy...' Cheers, Bill

  • @snoworder
    @snoworder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    can anyone suggest any European/German shops?

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Snoworder, I had good interaction with a jeweler in The Netherlands with my Christiaan van der Klaauw: They are
      Juwelier Burger BV
      Platielstraat 20
      6211 GV Maastricht
      The Netherlands
      Phone :+31(0)43-3581155
      I was treated fairly and promptly. However, I do not know the scope and extent of their offerings.
      -Until recently, I would have recommended "TimeOfSwitzerland.com" but something went wrong, and their web site is shut down. One person wired money and said he never got the watch. Too bad because in the past, a lot of us had had good relationships with them and they had excellent watches for great prices. (I got my H. Moser et Cie Henry Double Hairspring from them for a terrific price). Something went wrong and I don't know exactly what it was.
      Take care, Bill

  • @JohnDoe-ub8fq
    @JohnDoe-ub8fq 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another site to try: Ashford.com and Touch of Modern sometimes has great deals. And you are right about making a low offer, be ready to accept. I did that on Ebay for 2 different watches and was shocked BOTH offers were accepted! But I bought them.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi John, when someone has been sitting with a watch for sale on eBay for months with no offers ... they're more likely to accept what's offered; so there's no reason to be a chump and throw away money you don't have to! Thanks for the tip on Ashford; know of them but haven't purchased from them. As for Touch of Modern; you're right about some great deals, but I've also heard grumbles from buyers who didn't get what they were expecting. Have you ever bought anything from them? I've been tempted on several occasions! Cheers, Bill

    • @JohnDoe-ub8fq
      @JohnDoe-ub8fq 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@watchartsci I am a ToMo grumbler. I bought a Genta and a Parm, both had issues and I was able to return both. But I did buy a Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar, that was a 1k less than anyone, and I was able to registister it, for a regular warranty.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks John for that ToMo update. Good to hear they took back problems they sold, though. Take care, Bill

  • @ihabkahnung
    @ihabkahnung 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just pulled the trigger on one of my grail watches, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran Sport Retrograde. Omnomnom.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Congratulations Omnomnom!! That is indeed a grail! Cheers, bill

  • @nelsonoliveira1007
    @nelsonoliveira1007 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would never spend upwards of $3000 and higher online. I would fly to whatever city and view the watch in person to have no regrets in a purchase.

    • @watchartsci
      @watchartsci  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Nelson, that's certainly a safe way to operate. Kindest regards, Bill