OT: Watch Talk

[Jklotz]

Originally Posted by Ozz

What are thoughts on Jomashop as a place to buy a watch?

Thinking about a new watch and the Longines Legend Diver caught my attention.....maybe an Omega Seamaster if I want to stretch the budget.

Make sure you only order what is in stock. There have been cases where they have said 4 - 5 days, kept delaying and finally canceled the order a year later. Also keep in mind a lot of the watches are showroom display units and will often arrive with some signs of wear. Labels, stickers, hang tags, warranty cards, and in some cases, the original box are often missing, which will, in turn, effect the resale value if you decide to sell it later. The warranty service is in house, and in most cases, they will offer a refund rather than fixing them. This process has reported to take 3 - 6 months.

Personally, I tend to stay away from grey dealers. Just not worth the hassle IMHO. Plenty of horror stories over on the watchuseek forum, might be worth a gander before putting your money down.

[rice rocket]

I have two watches through Jomashop. One took two weeks and one was less than a week. Both are fine, lasted without needing the warranty, etc. I also have one watch through Ashford, which is similar to Jomashop.

Just use your brain and set expectations accordingly. Warranty rates on highly inspected, high margin items don't normally need warranty service, and a Legend Diver should be readily available; I wouldn't expect lead time to be more than a week. Also the Legend Diver is on the ETA 2824-2, which is probably top 3 of the most popular movements today, a local shop can adjust the regulation in a few minutes if needed.

[Likes2ridefar]

If they are used already why not go to a forum for such popular models? I’d think you could post a wtb or just surf the listings and find something with no surprises for a competitive or lower price.

[IJWS]

Jomashop is fine for less-popular models. I would not buy an Omega or Tudor etc... from them. Their prices on more in-demand watches seem to be either 5% less or sometimes higher than msrp. I picked up a Junghans Max Bill from Jomashop. It was 60% msrp and it was shipped quickly and without issue.

[NYCfixie]

Originally Posted by Ozz

What are thoughts on Jomashop as a place to buy a watch?

Thinking about a new watch and the Longines Legend Diver caught my attention.....maybe an Omega Seamaster if I want to stretch the budget.

I have had good luck ordering from JomaShop and WatchMaxx but not always with the watches. Purchased an Oris from Joma, less than 6 months later it had an issue with the movement, sent it to Joma for repair under warranty, came back with a nasty scratch and not repaired. They refused to do anything else which appears to be what often happens with their repair service (google it). I ended up sending it into Oris factory repair and it came back fixed but I was out $300 for the out of warranty repair (Oris and most other manufacturers do not cover grey market watches under warranty). Similar thing happened with a Hamilton I purchased from WatchMaxx; I had to pay for an out of warranty repair due to grey market purchase.

Originally Posted by Jklotz

...Personally, I tend to stay away from grey dealers. Just not worth the hassle IMHO. Plenty of horror stories over on the watchuseek forum, might be worth a gander before putting your money down.

This is why I no longer purchase grey market.
Why buy at 25-35% off from a grey market dealer with no factory warranty when you can often get 15-25% off MSRP from authorized dealers on most sub $2,000 watches?

Originally Posted by RFC

...I then entered the world of higher end Swiss and German mechanical and probably bought, sold or traded 50 of them, usually for a profit. I then realized that what I had was a box of expensive jewelry and sold them. I will say that from that stage my first, the Bond wave dial Seamaster was my favorite.

Funny I followed a similar path. Had some (and still have a few) high-end swiss watches then after many years started to look at the sub $2500 stuff.

My recent takeaways are:
- For all the money I spent on some of the sub $2500 so-called swiss crap, I could have had another Rolex or at least 1 or 2 nice Tudors.
- The reason those less expensive "swiss" watches are less expensive is because they are not made as well and do no last. Even if they last, it is never worth spending $500 to service a $2500 or under watch. They are mostly throw away.
- I am never going to purchase another watch with an ETA/Selita/etc. movement because they all suck and end up breaking at some point. Funny, I have only had 1 issue with a Seiko movement even after owning more than 25 watches with Seiko movements. Live and learn. Never had an issue with a Rolex and some I have had more than 30 years.
- Probably going to sell my Rolex watches since I cannot really wear them safely in and around NYC (and never when I travel). I walk, take the subway, ride the bus, and eat out often so the risk of theft is not worth it. Maybe if I was celebrity, an IG influencer, or incredibly wealthy and was shuttled everywhere in a limo and had a bodyguard I would chance it but I am not so I do not.

Originally Posted by ntb1001

I agree with this. I have the same problem. I bought the Rolex SeaDweller 43 last year and the size is perfect for me.

Looking good. Wear the size that is appropriate for the individual.

[wc1934]

I am contemplating a purchase (NOS) from a vendor on Chrono24.
I have used Chrono 24 two times in the past - no problem.
However this time the vendor is from Europe. Any idea what additional charges I might occur. Someone (?) suggested there is a 30% import tax - Could that be accurate? Who collects the tax - is it added onto my purchase price paid to Chrono? Will there be a state tax as well? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[jimcav]

Originally Posted by wc1934

I am contemplating a purchase (NOS) from a vendor on Chrono24.
I have used Chrono 24 two times in the past - no problem.
However this time the vendor is from Europe. Any idea what additional charges I might occur. Someone (?) suggested there is a 30% import tax - Could that be accurate? Who collects the tax - is it added onto my purchase price paid to Chrono? Will there be a state tax as well? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

So, min 10% that is the ballpark I'd use. I used Chrono24 once, it was from JP, total fees was like 10%, including a tax from California Excise Tax. A quick google search using something like "rolex forum chrono24 import and duty fees from Europe" should get you the info

[wc1934]

Originally Posted by jimcav

So, min 10% that is the ballpark I'd use. I used Chrono24 once, it was from JP, total fees was like 10%, including a tax from California Excise Tax. A quick google search using something like "rolex forum chrono24 import and duty fees from Europe" should get you the info

Thanks - did the search as you suggest. Seems pretty complicated = a purchase over $800 (which it will be) requires tax on the cost of the case, tax on the cost of the movement, tax on the cost of the strap - then seems like the delivery service gets a piece as well. Then state sales taxes might be add on - yikes!

[jimcav]

Originally Posted by wc1934

Thanks - did the search as you suggest. Seems pretty complicated = a purchase over $800 (which it will be) requires tax on the cost of the case, tax on the cost of the movement, tax on the cost of the strap - then seems like the delivery service gets a piece as well. Then state sales taxes might be add on - yikes!

Well it beats the 26% Sotheby’s charges as ‘buyer’s premium’. I’ve read a few times on forums the eBay authentication can sometimes bypass duty fees but can’t verify that. Anyway, it takes some sleuthing in the Rolex forums as to how u do the google search or search in the forum ( I’m not a member) but they often provide very detailed answers about sellers, costs, etc which might apply to whatever you are considering.

[rice rocket]

Any recommendations for a GMT? Not looking for a homage or anything flash, just looking for a good "tool watch". Cluttered dials with too many arabic numerals is a big no-no for me.

Don't really care if it's a caller or traveller/true GMT either.

Only thing I've come up with is a Sinn 856 UTC? Some numbers, but not every hour is marked.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

Any recommendations for a GMT? Not looking for a homage or anything flash, just looking for a good "tool watch". Cluttered dials with too many arabic numerals is a big no-no for me.

Don't really care if it's a caller or traveller/true GMT either.

Only thing I've come up with is a Sinn 856 UTC? Some numbers, but not every hour is marked.

If you don't want to go as high as Sinn, there are lots of lower-priced options here:

https://longislandwatch.com/shop/?search=gmt

[JedB]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

Any recommendations for a GMT? Not looking for a homage or anything flash, just looking for a good "tool watch". Cluttered dials with too many arabic numerals is a big no-no for me.

Don't really care if it's a caller or traveller/true GMT either.

Only thing I've come up with is a Sinn 856 UTC? Some numbers, but not every hour is marked.

I would look at the Seiko5 GMT.
<$450

If you want options, you can look HERE. I've bought two things from them. They are located in Singapore, but do 2nd day DHL. Quite solid as a vendor.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

Any recommendations for a GMT? Not looking for a homage or anything flash, just looking for a good "tool watch". Cluttered dials with too many arabic numerals is a big no-no for me.

Don't really care if it's a caller or traveller/true GMT either.

Only thing I've come up with is a Sinn 856 UTC? Some numbers, but not every hour is marked.

Seiko just released a new GMT: Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT SPB377

I think it is really sharp looking....but have not been able to find it for sale anywhere yet.

If you like diver style watches, the Longines Hydroquest GMTis also nice.

On the more expensive side, the Tudor Black Bay Pro looks nice as well...

[rice rocket]

Seiko 5 is fine, it (and many, MANY of the GMTs) are made to resemble the Rolex too much IMO.

Having 0-24 on the bezel bothers me too, because the GMT is secondary...so why make it so large/such a prominent feature on the watch?

[rice rocket]

Originally Posted by Ozz

If you like diver style watches, the Longines Hydroquest GMTis also nice.

The GMT marking on the rehaut is a clean solution, I like that.

I'm very diver'd out in terms of watches, but I am hoping for a Legend Diver GMT because I do have room for a super compressor style.