Reply With QuoteI think SC is really the best place for the mix of price/safety. If you look at members who have done deals before and had no problems I personally feel safe with them and the price is always better than any dealers.
With eBay being rife with fakes and the rules changing regarding access to our very own SC (and me looking for a specific piece), I've been trying to find relatively safe havens to buy used watches from.
All in my short list will be well known to most on here, I'm sure, as I'm new to this game.
Blowers - http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk
Chrono24 - http://www.chrono24.co.uk
Chronomaster - http://www.chronomaster.co.uk
Parkers - http://www.parkersjewellers.co.uk
Watches - http://www.watches.co.uk
Watchfinder - http://www.watchfinder.co.uk
Are there any obvious places missing?
I think SC is really the best place for the mix of price/safety. If you look at members who have done deals before and had no problems I personally feel safe with them and the price is always better than any dealers.
Well, quite a few really :D .
I would remove Chrono24 as being safe - yes it contains a large number of good dealers, however it also include some private sellers.
Bottom line is that most places are safe providing buyers take their time and do their due dilligence correctly - if not then they should expect trouble.
In you list I would include the vintagerolexforum.com, theoldwatchshop.com and SUBGMT.com as all being excellent places to buy watches.
Andy
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Well, quite a few really :D .
I would remove Chrono24 as being safe - yes it contains a large number of good dealers, however it also include some private sellers.
Bottom line is that most places are safe providing buyers take their time and do their due dilligence correctly - if not then they should expect trouble.
In you list I would include the vintagerolexforum.com, theoldwatchshop.com and SUBGMT.com as all being excellent places to buy watches.
Andy
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
officialwatches.co.uk
http://www.laingthejeweller.com/product ... rs-piguet/
I've heard good things about these guys;
Watches of Dustinction.
http://www.watchesofdistinction.com/
Some of the auction houses are a good place to look - although the prices have shot up dramatically in the last year I reckon.
I have bought from 'Fellows and Sons' loads of times. It used to be quite a minefield, but these days the watch appraisers are as good as the jewellery specialists - its rare a copy sneaks through.
Although the Burlington Arcade is historically top whack expensive- Armour Winston are 100% sound and are willing to negotiate on prices......
also Carr watches in Liverpool Street appear expensive- but they too will negotiate to move stock ...........
I've bought from Austin Kaye in the Strand in the past with no problems.
Their prices are a little high, but not outrageous.
...Also if you're in London there are a couple of shops in Clerkenwell Road, and lots of dealers in and around Hatton Garden.
Always nice to look at the stock....some of these dealers are friendlier than others...some will take the time to chat , others won't even tell you their asking prices!!
Miltons are top people, highly recommended
http://www.miltonaires.com/rolex_soldexcluded.asp
Sales Corner because the seller's reputation means something; thanks to Eddie.
Also I have long and good experience with SWC @ watches.co.uk. They know watches very well and create a safe environment for the buyer.
Robbie
Sales corner is THE ONE imo, can't beat honest sellers!
i would strike off hatton gardens, more sharks and turkeys there than i have seen anywhere :shock:
I would also recommend watches.co.uk - great service, friendly people and their prices can be very good. I would always trust Dino at Official Watches for newer stuff. Bought a few from Austin Kaye. Very professional old school service, but their prices have crept up a fair bit since they stopped selling new stock a few months ago. They are also not the most knowledgable people in the world, although I think they are very honest.
Agree...also recommend watches.co.uk from 2 positive purchases.
Have also used Watches of Distinction...nice helpful guys down there...
A list of these trusted sellers would be a good idea to have on the forum. I m fairly new to all this watch buying stuff and any recommendation of trust worthy people is a good peace of mind.
One good peace of advice someone gave me if this forum is, if in doubt walk away. Or something along those lines.
Interesting....I've not bought anything in Hatton Garden, but I've always assumed the watches are the real deal....do you know different?Originally Posted by simonsays
I do agree though, some of the traders there left Charm School without a diploma!!
That's what I was trying to do, and can update the opening post to reflect suggestions. I've already found out about a few places from this thread that I was previously ignorant about.
And, to be clear, when I said 'safe' I meant a watch that is pucker. When it comes to price and value, well, that is a personal decision.
Have bought from watches.co.uk, blowers and watchfinder.
Great service from them all, they all delivered on time and when i've sold to them the cheque always arrived and didn't bounce :).
Though one of them does charge a % for paying via debit/credit card.
I don't think they have that nasty 250 rule over on WUS, but a lot of the stuff is in the US
watchclub.co.uk is good. Definitely not the cheapest but they do have some gems there.
I've used Watchfinder to both buy and sell without any problems.
Also Watches of Distinction are pretty good if you are looking for a vintage Rolexx
I was going to post the same topic in light of recent 'improvements' to the forum. You beat me to it. I also wondered about people's experience of buying from US sites or US private sellers on forums? Any issues? Di they send it as a gift? What's the import duty situation on used goods?
i have seen some very dubious vintage Rolex offerings, and some other pieces so messed about with that they are all but worthless. I would not go there as a an inexperienced buyer.Interesting....I've not bought anything in Hatton Garden, but I've always assumed the watches are the real deal....do you know different?
I do agree though, some of the traders there left Charm School without a diploma!!
Some good retailers on the thread!! Iam always cautious after my dealings with delicious watches who where a nightmare to see the least :x cheers simon
Thanks Simon....warning noted.
I'm in that area a lot so quite often go and have a look at what's around. Sounds like I should just stick to window shopping.
Yes Watchclub are on my list. Just to see the range in their windows is a worthwhile trip to Bond Street! ambitious prices but if you've got the stock.........!! Robbie
Only ever used Chronomaster, Neil is is a good guy no worries there
For used watches I would add http://www.fitzroviawatches.co.uk/
Thanks will have a quick look now!!!! cheers simon
How often do my British friends buy/sell/trade Mk II watches on the TZ-UK Sales Corner?
Myron
+1 for chronomaster
I've used Armour Winston (burlington arcade). Got a very well priced PAM 176 there, good service too.
Austin Kaye (strand) - Genuine people
Heuerboy - Again, genuine and well priced
Here - bought and sold with no issues whatsoever :D
At the risk of stating the obvious, have you tried your local ADs? The do often take part exchanges and you may even find one that has a new 16710 in stock.
Blowers of Hull are a good place to buy from. But of course, as is the way of the world, their part-ex is low. Always better to sell your part-ex piece private and using cash when using them and any other.
I got a watch that was from Blowers from a member on here.. a Rolex GMT Master. It had issues. Even though I wasn't the person who took it from them, I was a 'third party buyer,' Blowers fixed it, sent me it back, emailed me and said that if there are any more issues with the piece before the warranty (year) expired, not to hesitate and get back to them.
They are VERY good, and you get stuff like Valuation For Insurance papers, not sure if they're extra, but the piece had it when I got it.
Totally recommended.
Greg. :)
do they give a decent discount on website prices for a cash deal!!! cheers simon
They seem quite agood price on a couple of rolex!!!thanks simon
Should hopefully get there tommorow with the required posts!!!!had loooked in the past but wasnt a member!!!cheers simonWhat sales corner? :twisted: :D :D
Have used Blowers (my first Bond SMP), watches.co.uk (SOs Omega Constellation) and Chronomaster (O&W) with no issues, would recommend any. Watches.co.uk have fairly rigorous sales screening involving faxing ID as well as providing CC details, however not a biggy.
Try chronomasters based online offices in north manchester they get some interesting used watches in.
Some of the sites you have mentioned are very pricey especially blowers!!!Scary
Yes some prices are ott, if i found one i would go in person and try a cash deal!!! thanks simon
interesting post going straight into my bookmarks!
I have bought from both watches.co.uk and Parkers.
No problems and good service. My AT was losing significant time and I sent it back to watches.co.uk for them to service it under their warranty.
I would certainly use both again.
I would say really try SC as I bought a Breitling on there for just over a grand and Blowers had the same watch for Ģ400 higher even after negotiation.
I've purchased from both Watchfinder and watches.co.uk and found them both to provide a great service. I've also returned watches to both companies without any problems when I simply didn't like the watches when I had them on my wrist. They both refunded purchase price plus postage without hesitation.
Have used watchfinder, I chose to go to their office to pick up the watch so I could inspect it, generally they were very good.
SC is still the place to buy, you can still pm the seller, even if don't have enough posts, and purchase, plus using H&V you can start to build your own reputation!
I have bought from Dom H at Hackett Watches & it was a smooth, painless transaction.
http://www.hackettwatches.com/
I love TZ and the fact pretty much every watch ever made can be found on here or has been on here + the fact every couple of minutes or seconds something different is available,and not to mention the vast amount of combine knowledge of any subject relating to watches AND pretty darn anything and everything else,so for me TZ is the very best and therefore the 1st place to look :wink: :D .
I canīt wait to see it, after another 49 posts... :)
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