Watches - another OCD problem
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Been noodling this, lux watch problem.
Much love and appreciation for watches in general. Lux was historically not a priority. 3 to 4 years ago, decided to take the deep dive been researching and looking. very close to making a decision on my first luxury watch. Been part of ebay community since mid 2000. Within last couple of years I have noticeed a huge rise in gray market luxury watches and lots of new sellers. It’s possible it’s always been huge on eBay, just something I was not historically looking for.
Should first watch come the gray market or a dealer?
Now, I have an IRONHEART!!
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@TinMan The prices are way overinflated right now on the secondary market and I would only purchase if you can truly find a deal.
The problem with deals is often something is wrong with the watch or it is fake…
I would purchase new if you can find one, but they are and have been in short supply for the last 2 or 3 years.
The markets are starting to stabilize and the prices are starting to drop back down to where they should be.
If you can, wait for another 6 months or a year and you should be able to find some great deals from sellers who over extended themselves and need money now.
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@goosehd sound advise solid strategy. Definitely new to this market and I am not in huge rush, I got no problem waiting 6 months to a year. I will just fill the void with some IH gear
@JDelage I have kicked tires over on chrono24, just a couple times. It always good to hear feedback from some who has bought there.
Thank you for the help, I will keep y’all posted.
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@TinMan what are you looking for?
If I was buying something in current production, I'd start with an authorised dealer. That way you get the manufacturer's warranty (five years for Rolex and Omega), and you can be reasonably sure that you're getting the genuine article.
The problem with buying from a boutique is that if you want something that's perceived as being desirable, they can start playing games. I've asked about a Patek on a couple of occasions. The first time I was told that I'd have to build up a purchase history to prove I was worthy of it, the second I was informed that the model wasn't available.
In which case, @goosehd's advice should stand: Walk or run away and find one that doesn't try it on.
Outside of things like the Nautilus and Daytona, I suspect that most Patek and Rolex watches aren't impossible to get hold of despite the line that a salesperson is feeding you.
The grey market would appeal if it was the only way to get something. For example, a few years ago I saw a Hermes In The Pocket at a dealer. They were produced in a run of twenty-four pieces in 2012, and I haven't seen one since. Yeah, I should have bought it.
But if I saw a juicy discount on a model on the secondary market, I'd be tempted to see if I could get an authorised dealer to match it.
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I would say tool watches are my jam!, date is necessary. I know it throws off symmetry, but use it non stop. For some reason I really like the Defy revival, checks a lot of boxes for me. The bracelet I don’t know it’s holding me back a little bit. For complications I like the skydweller and several zenith chrono models. I also dig the grand seiko spring drive evolution 9 dive watch. I consistently find my self going back to these manufacturers and models, Omega globemaster is another one.
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@TinMan the Defy Revival Shadow looks really cool, but I can see what you mean about the bracelet. Have you managed to try one on?
The Land Rover El Primero from a couple of years back has a similar aesthetic, but no date wheel. I saw one at a local dealer recently, so they're still out there.
Other than the Sky-Dweller, none of the rest should be difficult to get hold of.
The Globemaster came out in 2015 and it might be due for a refresh. There was speculation it might be one of the first ranges to be upgraded with Omega's Spirate system, which would mean a big improvement in accuracy.
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@Graeme No I have not held one in person. I have been talking and working with Teddy B, purchased my marathon nav through them. They said they would work with me, the zenith shadow and the red dial defy revival look amazing. It sounds like they would let me exchange if the bracelet is a show stopper. Thanks for the tip on the globemaster. That would be awesome if refresh happens right before I am ready to purchase.
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That Zenith is downright lovely.
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The new GS SBGW305 is a lovely piece and quite the bargain in the GS range. I have two of those small, hand wound models (need to sell my SBGW269), and they are an absolute delight. More to the point, that bracelet is gor-geous. I actually bought it to put on my SBGW285 and I love it. Now, admittedly those are small watches, but they're very versatile, the dial is very clean (no date, no markings), and I do enjoy the morning winding ceremony... Also, there's a lot to be said for a silver dial. Not very exciting at first, but you might well fall in love with stover time.
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@JDelage I like this tonal look, I love a white dial for versatility. I think a silver dial could be as versatile, also like silver in general. The bracelet is very unique digging it. Would the center links be considered beads of rice? I am also kind of intrigued by the daily habit of winding watch every morning I like daily rituals. Especially rituals of days past, you know The old ways! I could look at grand seiko all day. Every time I think I found the one, another beauty catches my eye.
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@Anesthetist that’s a lovely watch. I love the range of Pilots watches that IWC offer.
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@Mizmazzle thanks that's my favourite wear
my fav omega.