Reply With QuoteHelpful post and a gorgeous watch.
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Hi everyone, I’m conscious of the heartache and despair out there because of coronavirus and was in two minds about writing this. On balance I felt I’d put it out there while things are fresh in my mind as ultimately, as much as my heart goes out to those affected by coronavirus, life goes on and I pray that a vaccine is developed sooner rather than later.
So, I have added a beautiful Tintin to the family! I love it. I bought it through the Chrono24 website, and I’d like to talk you through the process in the hope that it may be useful for other Chrono24 first time buyers. I learnt some great lessons and made some interesting discoveries along the way. I apologise in advance if my write-up is too long/boring!
First, you need to know/research the model you are looking to buy. The better informed you are the better. The nice thing about Chrono24 is that the method of messaging sellers is very simple. Bear in mind there are private sellers as well as verified watch dealers on the site. When I started my search, I had made my mind up to buy a watch with original box and papers. There were a couple of watches available which were cheaper than normal but without papers – these were a non-starter for me. Once I’d made a shortlist of sellers, I sent them all individual messages about their watches, for example about the warranty cards, asking for additional photographs, more information etc. By and large they were all great at getting back to me with the required info. This was my first time using Chrono24 so I also called the company directly to ask about the escrow service, payments, delivery times, problem resolution, basically anything and everything. Again, you need to know exactly where you stand if the brown stuff hits the fan. I spent a significant amount of money so wanted to be as prepared as possible for all eventualities.
Lessons Learnt
During one of my numerous telephone conversations with Chrono24, the person I spoke with recommended I should buy a watch from a dealer rather than a private seller. The escrow service works by you paying Chrono24 for the watch, they hold the funds and only pay the seller once the buyer is happy with their purchase after 7 or 14 days depending on the type of seller. If you buy from a dealer using the escrow service, you have 14 days within which you can send back the watch. So even if the watch arrives and it is everything it should be, but you don’t like the look of it, you can send it back and have your money returned. Whereas if you buy from a private seller, you only have 7 days within which you can raise any problems – but you’re not allowed to send it back if you don’t like it. If you discover it’s a fake or has some other issue, then you can report it as a problem if it’s done within 7 days of receiving the watch.
So, if you are particularly risk averse, I guess buying from a dealer is the way to go. Although I was in discussions with a couple of dealers, I ended up buying my watch from a private seller based in France. A very nice guy who was open with his communications – he got me to look him up on LinkedIn where I discovered he is a watch specialist working for Cartier in Paris. Whilst this gave me some confidence, I also know that these days absolutely anything can be faked so I was still prepared for the worst. I live in London so organised a visit to an Omega boutique on the same day I received the watch for their watchmaker to give it the once over. The folks at Omega, Regent Street were awesome and very patient with me. They could see I was a little on edge thinking that the watch could be a fake, but they could tell even before passing it over to their watchmaker that it was good and proper. Only then could I breathe a sigh of relief and start enjoying the watch!
I got close to buying a watch from a dealer based in Switzerland but found out that import tax would be payable as Switzerland is not in the EU. This drastically added to the cost, so I decided against it.
I paid using my credit card as under the Consumer Credit Act buyers are protected if the product they buy is faulty, damaged or not the same as the description. I wanted to pay using American Express as I would have earnt some cash back but currently Chrono24 charges a 2% surcharge if you use Amex as ‘Amex has only recently been added to the payment system’. So I paid by Mastercard.
The watch I bought was advertised for sale in Euros. Be aware that Chrono24 adds a 2% surcharge to the sterling/euro exchange rate. They explained it’s to cater for instances where watches are sent back. Basically, you pay the extra through gritted teeth.
And there you have it. My first-time buyer experience using Chrono24. I’d say it went well and I’d do it again!
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Helpful post and a gorgeous watch.
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Nice write up..thanks for the info
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Thanks for the info! I didn't about the return service! Quite convenient if you ask.
Than you can really try the watch instead of 5 mins in the AD.
It’s a lovely watch - and a great write up
Great wright up ,glad all went well.Ive bought two watches via this platform and was pleased how easy the whole process was.
Good write up very informative indeed.
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Lovely watch and pleased it worked out well for you. Thanks for sharing
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thanks for sharing the experience :)
Great write up, and nice to know the procedures for buying on Chrono 24. Thanks.
But did you have to post the picture of the Tin Tin? Arrrgghh..... I don't think I'll sleep now. Will be seeing that all night! What a beauty.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Originally Posted by oldoakknives
Can't you pay in Euros and let your credit card handle the exchange? Usually cheaper this way.
Nice watch though and good to hear Omega Regent St were v. helpful.
A helpful post.👍
Thank you for the write up. Lovely watch, which is on my list to try one day (I have a slight speedmaster obsession!)
Thanks, very helpful.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the TinTin. Lovely watch.
Thanks for the helpful and informative write up of your experience of using Chrono24. I’ve looked at lots on there but never dared buy. I think I would now.
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Great wrte up, thanks for sharing.
And nice watch :)
As others have said thanks for sharing, a useful and informative post.
Glad you're happy with the watch, it's a great choice and a future classic 👍
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Congratulations on the watch, and also on being able to write Tintin correctly.
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
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