Watchfinder not buying watches
Discussion
I offered a few watches to watchfinder but they are not interested and said they are not buying any stock. Some of the watches are unworn Tudor Black Bay Chrono black dial and Tudor Pepsi GMT. I was surprised they didn’t make me an offer. I phoned a dealer who was not interested either. I am starting to get the feeling the watch industry is on the down turn and only AP, Rolex and Patek are of interest on the grey market.
Jumpingjackflash said:
I offered a few watches to watchfinder but they are not interested and said they are not buying any stock. Some of the watches are unworn Tudor Black Bay Chrono black dial and Tudor Pepsi GMT. I was surprised they didn’t make me an offer. I phoned a dealer who was not interested either. I am starting to get the feeling the watch industry is on the down turn and only AP, Rolex and Patek are of interest on the grey market.
The watch market has been on the downward slope for the last 12months. I can't see it getting better during 2023 either.Raptor7000r said:
Be interested to hear if this is the same across rolex watches too? Just had a look at their website and they have 60+ black bays, nearly 400 panerai, 1000+ rolexs, quite heavy stocked, even quite overstocked.
This isn't the first thread/post saying WF aren't buying. There are maybe 3 or 4 people who have posted similar in the last 6 months or so and I am pretty sure one or two of them were trying to sell Rolex.I browse on Watchfinder's website quite regularly and their prices are getting reduced at quite a rate currently, even on Rolex and some of the prices are getting to a point (for me) where they are getting quite tempting.
I know Watchfinder historically have been pricing their stock on the high side and probably have a decent margin to work within but it's clear they are tightening their belts
I know Watchfinder historically have been pricing their stock on the high side and probably have a decent margin to work within but it's clear they are tightening their belts
Jumpingjackflash said:
I offered a few watches to watchfinder but they are not interested and said they are not buying any stock. Some of the watches are unworn Tudor Black Bay Chrono black dial and Tudor Pepsi GMT. I was surprised they didn’t make me an offer. I phoned a dealer who was not interested either. I am starting to get the feeling the watch industry is on the down turn and only AP, Rolex and Patek are of interest on the grey market.
When I had my Tudor GMT brand new in 2018, I asked watchfinder for quote to buy to just to see what they would offer, at the time think the watch was 2750, it was brand new with stickers on, they offered £800. They had 1 or 2 on at the time all £3200+
I was keeping the watch anyway and still have it today.
Edited by the-norseman on Friday 3rd March 07:39
Wills2 said:
People are better off selling/buying to each other cutting the middleman out I notice PH has a market place section now
That would certainly be a cheaper option but there's a certain level.of assurance when buying from somewhere like Watchfinder, I wouldnt be as confident buying a pre owned watch from a private classified ad personally. I wouldnt trust eBay either unless it was a reputable seller even with the eBay authenticity guarantee
EX51GE R said:
Octoposse said:
Good news - really fancy an AirKing as a sensible daily, but doubt that I’ll ever get to the top of the legendary (mythical?) “list”, and can’t justify spending that much over list!
Enquire, i think you'll be surprised how quick one turns up.Octoposse said:
Been in twice - genuine, local customer. Nice chat with the manager - he asked what I do for a living, and - because it’s quite interesting - had a decent conversation. But is he ever going to sell me a watch when there’s a pile of golf club (or whatever) mates badgering him?
Yes, you'd be surprised. I managed to get a deep-sea and 2 steel Daytona's at RRP in 2019, 20 and 21 after a similar scenario. I think the badger people are unlikely to get anywhere tbh and watches of Switzerland put a bio against customers who want in demand watches on their system.Also recently offered a blnr but was on a jubilee bracelet (blech!). Demand is drying up as the speculators have been burned so genuine watch fans will get more of a look in in the near future I suspect
I sold them a Speedy 3 months ago and frankly got my pants pulled down, but needed the dosh at the time
I guess stock levels are just too high, I believe most of their watches are held remotely (Maidstone) as opposed to in the shops, but presumably there is a storage cost, insurance cost etc.
I suspect they will still go for desirable watches like Daytona, Green Sub as they know they can be moved on very quickly
I guess stock levels are just too high, I believe most of their watches are held remotely (Maidstone) as opposed to in the shops, but presumably there is a storage cost, insurance cost etc.
I suspect they will still go for desirable watches like Daytona, Green Sub as they know they can be moved on very quickly
hungry_hog said:
I sold them a Speedy 3 months ago and frankly got my pants pulled down, but needed the dosh at the time
I guess stock levels are just too high, I believe most of their watches are held remotely (Maidstone) as opposed to in the shops, but presumably there is a storage cost, insurance cost etc.
I suspect they will still go for desirable watches like Daytona, Green Sub as they know they can be moved on very quickly
Things will only move if the price is right. Sure the SS Daytona and Hulk are some of the hottest models around but have you seen the prices? Peak was £40k for a Daytona now it's £25k for same watch.I guess stock levels are just too high, I believe most of their watches are held remotely (Maidstone) as opposed to in the shops, but presumably there is a storage cost, insurance cost etc.
I suspect they will still go for desirable watches like Daytona, Green Sub as they know they can be moved on very quickly
No business will buy in stock if:
1. They know they can buy it cheaper tomorrow.
2. The customer base are cutting back on spending (for whatever reason) and they would just be holding depreciating inventory.
Edited by Ninjin on Saturday 4th March 07:56
Octoposse said:
Good news - really fancy an AirKing as a sensible daily, but doubt that I’ll ever get to the top of the legendary (mythical?) “list”, and can’t justify spending that much over list!
Although a new model, the Airking is the easiest to get professional model. Theres not much love for it in SE Asia so that means the rest of the world gets more stock availability. I think it wouldn't take long to get yours from the AD.
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