Watchfinder etc.?
Discussion
I am trying to get my grubby mitts on an old model 42mm Breitling Superocean (because I think the new one is a bit meh...)
Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car
)
I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car
)I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Yup, I purhase my seamaster from them unseen, was absolutely perfect. Also call them up and see if they will knock a little off, even if its £50!
Their watches also have a 7 or 10 days return option if your not happy which they have to do actually due to distance selling regulations, but they advertise it on their site.
Their watches also have a 7 or 10 days return option if your not happy
which they have to do actually due to distance selling regulations, but they advertise it on their site.Parsnip said:
I am trying to get my grubby mitts on an old model 42mm Breitling Superocean (because I think the new one is a bit meh...)
Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car)
I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Watchfinder are excellent. You will have no problems here. Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car
)I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Parsnip said:
I am trying to get my grubby mitts on an old model 42mm Breitling Superocean (because I think the new one is a bit meh...)
Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car)
I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Yes have to agree I purchased an Omega in the summer for my wife, arrived sized correctly and perfectly as described, It was an easy transaction and I would deal with them again.Have tried local dealers and there is no joy in their networks or from Breitling themselves - Ideally I would be buying new, but as they stopped making the watch I want a while ago, that may not be an option.
This one: http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%... caught my fancy (although I would be swapping the strap out to orange - gotta match the car
)I know watchfinder are huge, which I suppose there is a decent level of trust there, but the actual watch is located in London (and I'm in Aberdeen) - does anyone have experience of buying a watch unseen from them? Would hate for it to arrive and be scratched or dinged - I don't mind watches with a bit of patina, but I like to have done any damage myself!
Nomal.
Just purchased my second watch them, the first a Cartier Santos 100 was as new (inc a new strap) there wasn't a mark on it.
They are an authorised service centres for AP/Omega/Cartier/Panerai and IWC so have in-house expertise which I like as they don't just bring a watch in and give it a wipe down and sell them on, in my experience.
Not the cheapest though but you can haggle.
bunglesprout said:
Watchfinder are excellent
Depends on your interpretation of 'excellent'. Personally I think they are parasites who have ruined the used market for genuine buyers. Their ability to manipulate/inflate prices buy bulk buying stock and offering offensive p/x prices has taken the fun out of chasing pieces. I think they also recondition stuff which they claim to be 'mint. I've caught them out twice on a few Rolex which they claimed to be have new & unworn, but had clearly been refinished around the lugs.kmpowell said:
Depends on your interpretation of 'excellent'. Personally I think they are parasites who have ruined the used market for genuine buyers. Their ability to manipulate/inflate prices buy bulk buying stock and offering offensive p/x prices has taken the fun out of chasing pieces. I think they also recondition stuff which they claim to be 'mint. I've caught them out twice on a few Rolex which they claimed to be have new & unworn, but had clearly been refinished around the lugs.
This.Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole ever again.
kmpowell said:
Depends on your interpretation of 'excellent'. Personally I think they are parasites who have ruined the used market for genuine buyers. Their ability to manipulate/inflate prices buy bulk buying stock and offering offensive p/x prices has taken the fun out of chasing pieces. I think they also recondition stuff which they claim to be 'mint. I've caught them out twice on a few Rolex which they claimed to be have new & unworn, but had clearly been refinished around the lugs.
There are two separate issues you mention there. Selling a Rolex as new and unworn if it isnt is clearly very naughty. However, not that I am doubting you, but 'new and unworn' would mean a fully stickered example, and there is no way they could refinish and reapply the factory stickers. As far as manipulating the market is concerned, I think that is a bit ungenerous, and perhaps crediting them with much more influence than they actually have. Their prices for the vast majority of their stock is competitively below list. For stock like SS Rolex sports models that are over market price such as the Daytona, BLNR GMT etc, they are no different to other outlets, with the new Daytona commanding £15k, and the GMT £7.5k . Really Rolex and their dealer network are to blame for inflating the prices. Rolex for limiting production, and AD's for withholding stock, as they have done whilst waiting for the price rise to kick in. Setting aside the obvious candidates, the market demand for certain watches is predictably unpredictable, but I don't think WF are influencing it, just responding to it.
As for part ex values, I traded a couple of watches with WF last year. I got prices from Blowers and watches.co.uk, also a couple of private jewellers. WF gave me the highest valuation. Blowers were downright rude!
I can see why many dislike WF, but they aren't the corporate monster you are suggesting.
Had a chance to try out their customer service today as I received my Panda Speedmaster (via next day Saturday am delivery) but on reflection and on the wrist I didn't like it (the watch was perfect in condition as were all the papers and boxes) I spotted a 45.5mm PO on a leather strap that I liked on the site as the speedy wears quite small on the wrist for me.
Called them up explained and they are sending the PO to the Leeds shop and I'll swap them over next week, easy, friendly and efficient service.
I'm new to the 2nd hand watch market and I like dealing with a business that gives a measure of surety in my dealings, yes you pay extra for that but I'm happy to.
Recommended.
Called them up explained and they are sending the PO to the Leeds shop and I'll swap them over next week, easy, friendly and efficient service.
I'm new to the 2nd hand watch market and I like dealing with a business that gives a measure of surety in my dealings, yes you pay extra for that but I'm happy to.
Recommended.
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