OT: reputable online Seiko dealer

[fierte_poser]

I know there are some watch-o-philes on the forum, so I'm looking for some buying advice. My brother was just in town and I really liked his Seiko SLC033 (le grand tour titanium). Is it safe to buy a watch like that over the internet? Have you had any success with a price match from a local retailer?

Thanks,
Kent

[Richard]

I just bought a watch from bluedial.com and it seems to be the real deal Seiko. Only caveat is that they send the watch, and returns cost you. But...it was 50% off retail, and the best I could find locally was 20% off retail.

[1centaur]

I'll free ride on this thread to show this site:

http://hotwatch.org/

which I can't believe exists. Surely this is illegal and it's incredibly easy to find on the Web.

[Kevan]

will be aiming at second hands (pun intended). Visit here for some terrific deals. To find a specific watch model you might have to post a WTB request.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=32

[TACSTS]

try chronograph.com. I just got a Seiko Diver (SKX007J) from him last week and I'm loving it! Shipping takes a while (10-14 business days) but the prices were the best I found and he's definitely on the up and up. If you search around on watch sites, he has a good reputation.

[Michael Maddox]

Not to be a pain, but what is the issue about purchasing a $300 watch on the Internet? I mean, look at the money some of us throw at bicycles over the Internet--in private sales, even!

[fierte_poser]

Not to be a pain, but what is the issue about purchasing a $300 watch on the Internet? I mean, look at the money some of us throw at bicycles over the Internet--in private sales, even!

Not sure I understand your question. I just want to make sure I get an actual Seiko with a US warranty. I need the watch before next Friday and its a lot easier to buy online than to buy locally.

From my own googling, ewatches.com claims to be an authorized seiko dealer.

Are you questioning why I would want to pay $235 online vs. $400 retail?

Don't think I understand your post.

[Michael Maddox]

You answered my question. It's not the money involved, it's the risk of counterfeit. Got you.

How common are counterfeit watches on commercial Internet sites?

[fierte_poser]

You answered my question. It's not the money involved, it's the risk of counterfeit. Got you.

How common are counterfeit watches on commercial Internet sites?

No clue. I did call a couple of local places. Zales had it at $400 and immediately offered it at $300 when I mentioned the internet. I said I would buy it from them at $275, but she said she couldn't do that. That's $40 more than online, and I thought that was a fair offer.

Oh well, I was willing to pay $40 for the conveince of local pickup, but not $65. Such is life.

[92degrees]

chronograph.com

then send it to NEWW in RI

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/4008/dscn3447tm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[TACSTS]

That looks sweet! I'm thinking my next watch (or watch after next, I *need* a Monster) will be some sort of Seiko mod with a 12/24 dial like that. Here is my new acquisition, an SKX007J shown here on an olive Maratac NATO strap. I love it, and it's keeping awesome time, I'm averaging -3 seconds/day.

[Lincoln]

but I've bought from them several times. Great communication & quick delivery.
http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/WATCHSALES/SeikoSalesTable.htm

wearing one of 'em right now.

[Kevan]

and no retail mark up, typically:

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=3842998&rid=0

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=3842509&rid=0

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=3842366&rid=0

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=3842325&rid=0

Just to give you some idea of the second hand market.