Brother's 50th - Thinking of a watch

[sbk1972]

Hi all,

Brother's 50th in 6 months, thinking of buying him a special watch as he's always wanted one. Goes on about either rolexs, or omegas.

Where is the best place to buy something like that ? obviously the cheapest option. Ive seen many for sale online via Ebay or Facebook, all with boexes / receipts etc. What do I need to do to ensure these arent fake ? Is it reasonable to ask the seller to meet me at a jeweller to verify ?

Budget is abour £3K.

[SSG1000]

Dominic Hackett has the new Seamaster under RRP and is trustworthy around this forum.

I also used Javid from Vintage Watch Specialist who sold me a brand new Railmaster for £2900 when RRP was around £4000. So maybe worth looking at him also.

[mikeveal]

A lot of the fakes are good enough to fool a jeweller. A lot of the staff employed in Jewellers are not specialists in any way. That includes the big brand name boutiques.

Join Watchuseek and Timezone. There are both UK and US variants of TZ. Post detailed pictures in the relevant sections and you'll get honest and accurate feedback on authenticity. There are Omega and Rolex specialist fora too if you hunt.

Ebay and Facebook are awash with fakes. Gumtree has more fakes than real watches. Try Chrono24. Buying from one of the second hand specialists (Watchfinder, Hackett watches, Blowers) should assure authenticity, but you'll pay a premium.

Chrono24 is just a marketplace like ebay or amazon. You can still be ripped off. "Trusted seller" is their terminology for a seller who pays extra to be called a trusted seller. "Trusted checkout" is an escrow service.

Good luck.

[mikeveal]

SSG1000 said:

Dominic Hackett has the new Seamaster under RRP and is trustworthy around this forum.

Dom isn't just trustworthy, he's a nice bloke and genuinely enthusiastic about watches. I've not bought from him, but I would in a heartbeat. He once took the time to ring me to convince me to buy a watch that he wasn't even selling. He has a reputation for cutting a good deal and posts here occasionally too.

He should however come with a wealth warning, his infectious enthusiasm can seriously damage your wallet!

[seadragon]

I used Lumbers Jewellers, good bloke

Got my new Omega 331.10.42.51.01.002 for £4300, with the box, papers etc. 2k off list price. He sold it on Chrono24

[Catnapper]

My 50th in October, the idea of buying a birthyear watch was put into my head and now I can't get it out.
Chrono24 have specific search or it and there's a website birthyear watches.
Just a thought.

[alorotom]

Nothing to add ... get this instead ... the gift that keeps giving lol

[smithyithy]

Catnapper said:

My 50th in October, the idea of buying a birthyear watch was put into my head and now I can't get it out.
Chrono24 have specific search or it and there's a website birthyear watches.
Just a thought.

I've been considering a similar sentiment - my mother's 60th is January, and my 30th is May, so two potential opportunities to mark the occasion, the trouble being whenever I've searched and tried to narrow down to specific years, the seller can often only suggest an age 'range', so without seeing the original paperwork it's not a simple task (in my experience)

[AJB88]

Rolex isn't really in budget if you want new! Omega or Tudor is well within budget though.

My Omega Seamaster (2018 model not 2019 model) was 2750 rrp, I paid under than for it new. My Tudor GMT was 2750.

Hacket as.mentioned can help you out.

[sbk1972]

Cheers for the advice guys.

I think I need to see what models he likes in the Omega range, obviously without knowing what Im doing.

Then I can start trying to research the best location / price.

[LeoSayer]

A speedmaster surely considering it's also the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

[alfaman]

Taste in watches is very personal - why not some vouchers or similar so he can choose?

[Dicky Knee]

alfaman said:

Taste in watches is very personal - why not some vouchers or similar so he can choose?

Vouchers can be a bit restrictive but an 'or similar' could be a couple of hours window shopping together then call Dom!

[Lorne]

LeoSayer said:

A speedmaster surely considering it's also the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

that's a really good idea. A birth year watch will be, well, 50 years old, but a 50 year anniverary event watch will be brand new as well as a lot cheaper than a 1969 speedmaster. Judging by 50 years old in 6 months, it sounds like an Apollo 14 anniversary speedmaster if such a thing exists, will be perfect.

[Tony1963]

A used Rolex from https://www.miltonsdiamonds.com/watches-c26/gents-... will be a surefire genuine item. They really know a genuine Rolex from the fakes.