Watches on ebay- why so cheap?

Are they current models?
Could it be they are bloody ugly?
Could it be they are grossly over priced in retail outlets?

Howard

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?

"can you guys recommend some makes that come in at under 1500 usd and have auto movement?"

Oris gets my vote.

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.

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

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?

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