www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk

Colonel Sanders

Hi

Been looking for a nice watch for a while and have found the one I want

Tag Heuer Grand Carrera. Dropped into Weir's today to see about prices etc and they offered a 10% cash discount.

However I found a site called Swiss Watches Direct and I can obtain the watch about €200-250 cheaper than Weir's (who said the price they quoted me was their final price and wouldn't drop it lower). Problem is buying a really expensive watch online!

On their website their is a "Peace of Mind" section which states:

Swiss Watches Direct understands that you may have some concerns about purchasing such a high value item from an Internet based company. We suggest that you call us to discuss your concerns, but in the meantime here are a few points to consider that should give you the confidence to purchase from us;

• We are a UK company registered with Companies House in 2005, VAT registered and have a Consumer Credit License issued by the Office of Fair Trading in 2006 - Click on the 'Contact Us' link below for full details
• We have the ability to offer finance - Only established companies with financial stability and offering authentic goods will be granted this facility by the finance company, in our case Hitachi Capital (one of the UK's leading finance companies in this market)
• We clearly advertise our office phone numbers and are contactable (no mobile numbers, 07xxx)
• We have an established website selling millions of pounds worth of watches each year
• There are no hidden charges, you will receive your watch from us in the UK with a VAT receipt - Beware of UK and overseas internet companies who ship the watch to you from outside of Europe as you will be liable for import taxes and 17.5% VAT prior to delivery! Some UK companies offer huge discounts in this way by making you liable for the VAT and hiding the fact in their Terms & Conditions.
• We are the only Internet company in this market to be selected by Who's Who Publications, to be listed in the southern edition of the 'Who's Who of Britain's Most Successful Business Owners 2008'. We are proud to have been selected based on our financial strength and business achievements over the past three years
• We have a merchant account with HSBC bank - the ability to take credit card payments, a facility that would quickly be revoked should customers complain about non-receipt of goods or goods not being authentic as described
• All our watches originate from authorised dealers and are identical to you buying it from the dealer direct (serial number, warranty, packaging, manuals etc)
• We display testimonials that are 100% authentic (customer's emails are on file)
• Discount prices are achieved because authorised dealers are not allowed to sell below the manufacturer's recommended retail price (RRP) from their high street outlet or on the Internet. However, we are able to buy at trade prices and sell on to you with a discount
• Finally, for complete peace of mind, when you buy from a UK company using your credit card (not debit card) this will insure your purchase against non-receipt of goods or goods not being as described (i.e. perfect condition and authentic).

We hope that these points put your mind at rest and we look forward to your custom.

I was just wondering had anyone any dealings with this company or know more about them?

I have looked at the Tag Heuer website and there a few other dealers that I haven't tried, but I assume they won't do any better than a 10% cash discount (or does anyone know different)

I also tried Ernest Jones also on Grafton street but eventhough they offered a 10% cash discount also their list price was over €100 more expensive so Weir's offer was cheaper (Weir's also had the watch in stock Whereas Ernest Jones would have had to order)

Thanks for any advice

Colonel Sanders

Btw where is Shereen's jeweller?

It's listed as a Tag dealer on the Tag Heuer website but I couldn't find it today

Colonel Sanders

Thanks for your reply bedlam

List price is €4,070, was offered it at €3,660 in Weir's. Told the guy it was slightly out of my price range and if he could lower it to the €3,200ish mark I'd buy it there and then. No joy! He wouldn't budge by another penny

Lady in Ernest Jones told me they'd definitely be cheaper than Weir's. Asked what they'd quoted I said as above. Their list price was €4,185 (I think) and she 'only' offered 10% off this despite telling me in the first instance they'd definitely be cheaper!!!

I offered to leave my name and number in Weir's but he told me not to bother as he couldn't drop it any further.

I will try Shereen's next week some time.

I absolutely love the watch (this one). A few people have said they reckon it's a little expensive but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and it's the nicest 'fancy' watch I've found

Lurching

I bought a Tag in Weirs last year. I decided the couple hundred extra was worth it for the peace of mind of handing my money over in an actual shop, and having a place to go if i have problems down the line.

Colonel Sanders

Just checked The Watch Gallery

Their price is £3,500. Same as Lynn's in Belfast who said they'd definitely 'do something' with the price if I paid cash

Colonel Sanders

FWIW it's an engagement present from my fiancée

We bought the ring in Appleby's and got 20% off the sticker price of the ring. Told yer man in Weir's this and he just shrugged

Appleby's told me they'd give us a good deal on a watch since we bought the ring there but alas not a Tag dealer

bothyhead

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

Btw where is Shereen's jeweller?

I *think* it's on the lane-way that runs between Grafton St and the Powerscourt Town House.

foxyboxer

Sheerans is indeed down the lane off Grafton St. It's the corner where Ernest and Jones is located.

Colonel Sanders

Dropped into Sheerans on Friday. My experience of Weir's & Ernest & Young's so called customer service meant I wasn't expecting much.

How wrong could I be. I have to admit the staff were absolutely top notch. The guy I dealt with gave me at least a half hour of his undivided attention as he explained absolutely everything there was to know about the watch and also gave me a few interesting tit bits of information about the history of Tag Heuer. Answered every question I had in plain English. Basically got 10/10 customer service.

Eventually after a bit of haggling etc agreed on a cash price that I was happy with and I bought it later that evening after getting a (very prompt) phone call back saying they could sell it at my offer price

Couldn't recommend Sheerans highly enough after my dealings there. Was made feel like a valuable customer (unlike in the other 2 jewellers I mentioned where their staff seemed clueless and might as well have spat on me when I went in)

The watch looks absolutely fantastic. I'm delighted and the OH who bought it for me loves it too

bothyhead

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

Couldn't recommend Sheerans highly enough after my dealings there.

That's good to hear I'm looking into buying an Omega later on in the year, and Sheeran's are on my list of places to try.