Watches on ebay- why so cheap?
Posted by: Mike Sae on 15 May 2004
What's the deal with these wristwatch deals on e-bay?
For example, here's a Ventura NIB that retails for 1400 bucks with a buy it now for 299.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4111975074&rd=1
Or how about a Fortis Spacematic NIB ($2100) for 850?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4112130939&rd=1
For example, here's a Ventura NIB that retails for 1400 bucks with a buy it now for 299.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4111975074&rd=1
Or how about a Fortis Spacematic NIB ($2100) for 850?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4112130939&rd=1
Posted on: 15 May 2004 by BigH47
Are they current models?
Could it be they are bloody ugly?
Could it be they are grossly over priced in retail outlets?
Howard
Could it be they are bloody ugly?
Could it be they are grossly over priced in retail outlets?
Howard
Posted on: 15 May 2004 by Mike Sae
Perhaps my question should be-
Are NIB watches selling for more than half off MSRP common on ebay?
I don't know anything about watches so I don't know if these great deals are common practice, whether they're grey market, or if it's just a plain scam.
Oh, and can you guys recommend some makes that come in at under 1500 usd and have auto movement?
Are NIB watches selling for more than half off MSRP common on ebay?
I don't know anything about watches so I don't know if these great deals are common practice, whether they're grey market, or if it's just a plain scam.
Oh, and can you guys recommend some makes that come in at under 1500 usd and have auto movement?
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by BLT
"can you guys recommend some makes that come in at under 1500 usd and have auto movement?"
Oris gets my vote.
Oris gets my vote.
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by greeny
Mike. I know a bit about watches but not enough to really comment on your original question.
The retailers cut on High end watches is probably up to 50% of retail so typically you may see 30% discounts online through none authorised dealers, however you then don't get the manufacturer's warranty. And you can often negociate 20-30% discount at a proper dealer anyway (not on Rolex though)
However the $1500 market is a bit of a mid way between the Good quartz and the starting point of the HiEnd mechanical market. Oris are a good value, well made widely available brand.
I suggest you ask this question on:
the General Watch Rap Forum - http://www.network54.com/Forum/169624 and or
the Tmezone Public Forum - http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=4
There are lots of enthusiastic experts on these board that will be all too happy to give you advice.
If you are interested there are also lots of articles etc (especially on Timezone) on all aspects of Watches, Maybe you can find out why a £10,000 watch is better than a £1,000 watch etc.
The retailers cut on High end watches is probably up to 50% of retail so typically you may see 30% discounts online through none authorised dealers, however you then don't get the manufacturer's warranty. And you can often negociate 20-30% discount at a proper dealer anyway (not on Rolex though)
However the $1500 market is a bit of a mid way between the Good quartz and the starting point of the HiEnd mechanical market. Oris are a good value, well made widely available brand.
I suggest you ask this question on:
the General Watch Rap Forum - http://www.network54.com/Forum/169624 and or
the Tmezone Public Forum - http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=4
There are lots of enthusiastic experts on these board that will be all too happy to give you advice.
If you are interested there are also lots of articles etc (especially on Timezone) on all aspects of Watches, Maybe you can find out why a £10,000 watch is better than a £1,000 watch etc.
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by Former member
I have just bought a Seiko watch on ebay at about a fifth of its uk price.
When it arrived it had a guarantee from an American company called Overstock.com in Salt Lake City. I had a look at their web site <http://www.overstock.com/> and saw a couple of excellent buys, including Ebel automatic, 100 metre water resistant models for well within your $1500 budget.
I'd also agree with the Oris recommendation although their styling is not to everyone's liking.
Clive Donoghue
When it arrived it had a guarantee from an American company called Overstock.com in Salt Lake City. I had a look at their web site <http://www.overstock.com/> and saw a couple of excellent buys, including Ebel automatic, 100 metre water resistant models for well within your $1500 budget.
I'd also agree with the Oris recommendation although their styling is not to everyone's liking.
Clive Donoghue
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by Justin
This is what i want:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4111528387&rd=1
I am at a loss as to why I cannot get it for cheaper. I would have expected deap discounts on a watch that is so numerous in production.
Oh well, maybe next year.
Judd
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4111528387&rd=1
I am at a loss as to why I cannot get it for cheaper. I would have expected deap discounts on a watch that is so numerous in production.
Oh well, maybe next year.
Judd
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by Mike Sae
Thanks for the input. I was thinking automatic movement but I don't have much money.
Some cursory browsing leads me to Fortis and Ventura, which must be like the Rotels of the watch world.
That Oris Charlie Parker edition looks neat...
"Maybe you can find out why a £10,000 watch is better than a £1,000 watch etc."
Off to the watch forums, then. But like hifi, I think it'd be healthy to maintain a certain degree of blissful ignorance.
Judd, what does that watch normally go for?
PS If I was smart I should look for soviet-era russian watches?
Some cursory browsing leads me to Fortis and Ventura, which must be like the Rotels of the watch world.
That Oris Charlie Parker edition looks neat...
"Maybe you can find out why a £10,000 watch is better than a £1,000 watch etc."
Off to the watch forums, then. But like hifi, I think it'd be healthy to maintain a certain degree of blissful ignorance.
Judd, what does that watch normally go for?
PS If I was smart I should look for soviet-era russian watches?
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by Justin
Mike,
The ratail on the Heuer Monaco is $2400. I normally see them discounted in the shops to $1800, which is why i am suprised that I cannot find it on ebay for about $1200.
I paid $1200 for a Heuer Carrera about 7 years ago and it was the best watch I have ever owned. Valjoux chrono movement, manual wind (which I don't mind), stainless case, solid performance and looks.
Judd
The ratail on the Heuer Monaco is $2400. I normally see them discounted in the shops to $1800, which is why i am suprised that I cannot find it on ebay for about $1200.
I paid $1200 for a Heuer Carrera about 7 years ago and it was the best watch I have ever owned. Valjoux chrono movement, manual wind (which I don't mind), stainless case, solid performance and looks.
Judd
Posted on: 17 May 2004 by Former member
Mike:
For US$1500, you should be able to find a decent automatic if you know where to look. If you go for vintage watches (my preference), there is plenty to choose from including IWC, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Rolex etc. I would deal with a reliable shop or a dealer who sells on the web. Stay away from Ebay, especially if you do not know much about what to look for, and even then, there is a lot of misrepresentation going on.
For new watches in your price range, I'd suggest Oris (very decent, uses the ETA movement that a lot of upmarket brands use anyway). Sinn is also a good choice if you like their styling. You can even pick up a decent automatic Seiko for several hundred dollars. Try also looking at Zeno, a swiss brand which is very good value for money. timefactors.co.uk.
I do not care for a lot of expensive new watches including Tag Heuer -- you are paying for the brand, rather than the intrinsic value. For example, I'd look hard for a good condition Heuer Monaco than to buy a new replica from Tag. I don't think the price differential is that big.
Hock
Hock
For US$1500, you should be able to find a decent automatic if you know where to look. If you go for vintage watches (my preference), there is plenty to choose from including IWC, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Rolex etc. I would deal with a reliable shop or a dealer who sells on the web. Stay away from Ebay, especially if you do not know much about what to look for, and even then, there is a lot of misrepresentation going on.
For new watches in your price range, I'd suggest Oris (very decent, uses the ETA movement that a lot of upmarket brands use anyway). Sinn is also a good choice if you like their styling. You can even pick up a decent automatic Seiko for several hundred dollars. Try also looking at Zeno, a swiss brand which is very good value for money. timefactors.co.uk.
I do not care for a lot of expensive new watches including Tag Heuer -- you are paying for the brand, rather than the intrinsic value. For example, I'd look hard for a good condition Heuer Monaco than to buy a new replica from Tag. I don't think the price differential is that big.
Hock
Hock