Does it matter where it's from?

[Matt99man]

So I fancy treating myself to a new watch and I can't help looking at the ones from "grey" dealers where they source their watches from Europe. Does it really matter that much? Will it be worth less if I flip it in a couple of years for a different model?

[Nomal]

The watches that I have purchased classed as grey never had an issue when flipped always come out on top

[Nigel_O]

When I spoke to Dom Hackett about a Sub for my son, he said that since the referendum vote, European dealers are coming to the UK for their high-end watches, as they are now cheaper over here.

However, going back to the OP's main question, I don't believe a non-UK-sourced watch is going to be worth any more or less than a "grey" - its not like cars or electronics

[critical mass]

As long as the warranty is valid in the UK then no problem.

[sidicks]

I think you'll buy cheaper and sell cheaper, but overall it won't make much difference.

[Matt99man]

critical mass said:

As long as the warranty is valid in the UK then no problem.

Omega watches from Europe come with the full warranty I believe?! So the sellers say anyway

Edited by Matt99man on Saturday 1st April 23:10

[Buster73]

I bought a non date sub in Zermatt in Switzerland over 16 years ago , the main reason was the dealer had one in stock , where I was looking and never saw one in a dealer up in the north east.

Didn't bother me then and certainly not now .

Buy what you want from where you want , you'll be no better thought of at your local Rolex dealer for buying one there.

[critical mass]

Matt99man said:

Omega watches from Europe come with the full warranty I believe?! So the sellers say anyway

Edited by Matt99man on Saturday 1st April 23:10

I've bought a couple of JLCs and a Nomos this way and all came with a full warranty.

[bazza.]

If its a grey import watch and your going to keep it doesn't matter but if you plan to sell it later it may do

Edited by bazza. on Monday 3rd April 20:01

[bazza.]

If its a grey import watch and your going to keep it doesn't matter but if you plan to sell it later it may do

Edited by bazza. on Monday 3rd April 20:53

[andy355]

All anyone cares about in my experience is box and papers. That being the green plastic card if it's a Rolex. In my experience that's has has the name of the supplying AD not the grey importer

[GT03ROB]

What exactly do you consider a "grey import" & why should it make any difference?

I live in the middle east, say I buy a Rolex here, move back to the UK is it now somehow worth less?

Watches are not cars where there may be spec differences, etc..

[bobbybee]

As long as all the paperwork is in order it does not matter, at all, where the watch comes from. A Swiss watch is made in Switzerland and came from there originally anyway.

[bazza.]

Some guys won't touch a grey import watch and it is possible you maybe asked
for the proof of tax paid on the item at some point

[GT03ROB]

bazza. said:

Some guys won't touch a grey import watch and it is possible you maybe asked
for the proof of tax paid on the item at some point

.... but why? A Rolex is a Rolex wherever it was bought. It's identical to any other & came from the same factory.

[bazza.]

Very True but Ive found it harder to sale them on maybe its because at some point you could be asked to show you have paid the tax on the watch and it does happen

Thats why I try not to touch them ( I used to buy and sell a lot ) many other won't too
But as you say the watch is the same and if its something your going to keep what the hell
You can tell were the watch has come from by its serial number

[hosedoctor]

GT03ROB said:

bazza. said:

Some guys won't touch a grey import watch and it is possible you maybe asked
for the proof of tax paid on the item at some point

.... but why? A Rolex is a Rolex wherever it was bought. It's identical to any other & came from the same factory.

I think you will find the reason some won't buy a grey watch is because they are probably a tight arse and don't like the fact that you got it cheaper abroad (not so much the case now) and are earning a profit off them! I don't care where it comes from its a Rolex they aren't made in the UK. And as for if the tax has been paid who gives a crap!

[jshell]

bazza. said:

Very True but Ive found it harder to sale them on maybe its because at some point you could be asked to show you have paid the tax on the watch and it does happen

Thats why I try not to touch them ( I used to buy and sell a lot ) many other won't too
But as you say the watch is the same and if its something your going to keep what the hell
You can tell were the watch has come from by its serial number

How do you prove that you have paid the tax? All you get from Customs is a CC receipt, nothing stating Watch no. xxxx has had it's duty paid...

[andy tims]

No issues from me about buying a grey import s/h or new. If I'm buying from the first owner, I might negotiate a little harder in the knowledge he wasn't a mug and got a decent deal, but in the end if the price is "market" and you want the watch, you pay up.

[gizlaroc]

Surely once you purchase from outside Switzerland, or wherever it originates, it is then an import?



I wouldn't have even considered whether something in an import when it comes to watches.

I like my Glycine stuff, often cheaper in the UK than anywhere but not that much choice as not that popular.