Best place to buy a watch (yes, again!)

timmaii

Long post here, if you're stuck for time just scan over the bold text and let me know which option you think I should use :-)

I'm thinking of getting a nice watch for myself after I get married over Christmas and I'm wondering where I should buy it. I'm looking at an Omega Planet Ocean (or similar) so there are plenty of AD's in Ireland. I know this topic comes up a lot and I have read loads of very useful discussions on here about the options individually but I can't find one thread that directly compares/discusses the merits of each. I'm visiting the US for my honeymoon and I'm sure I'll be in the UK at some stage in the next while so I've included these. I haven't included US Internet sites or non-authorised dealers. If I'm going to pay this much from something I'd prefer to pay a small bit extra for peace of mind.

From what I've read here are my options with a few notes on each.

Local authorised dealer:
Close by if anything goes wrong/servicing.
Get to try on all the watches.
Expensive.

Authorised dealer in the UK:
Possibly better prices than the Irish ones (?)
Warranty and customs would not be a problem.

Authorised dealer in the US:
Exchange rate is excellent at the moment.
They're a long way off if something goes wrong!
Customs could be a problem.

Online from the UK (mainly interested in these for second hand watches):
Excellent prices for used watches.
Large range of second hand watches from tz-uk, Chronomaster, etc.
Don't get to try on or even see the watches properly.
Warranty?

I'd obviously like to the support the local shops and the fact that they would be close by is a big plus so I'd be willing to pay a few hundred for this at a push (even though I wouldn't be happy about doing it). It's hard to compare prices though because you don't know how much people will discount when you're face to face with them.

I'm sure there are people on here who have bought lots watches so your inputs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

timmaii

Thanks Bedlam, a few good points to consider.
I suppose the best thing is to have a look in a few places in Dublin next time I'm up so I at least have a starting point.

what recession?

know someone who bought a Rolex from Keanes in Cork. They got a really good deal, don't remember the exact figures but they were delighted with the price/ service they provided. The base price of the watch was around 6k and then they threw on a few thousand of extras too with diamond bezel, diamond markers, pearl face, etc. They got a good bit off with a bit of negotiation, so I take it they're more willing to take money off when you're putting expensive extras on that probably have a low cost? Not sure, that's just the impression I got. Either way, Keanes price ended up lower than the best price they could get from any UK dealer they tried, so it seems there is value to be had in Ireland. I'm sure Keanes isn't the only place willing to budge!

timmaii

That's good to hear. As it happens I'm in Cork next week and had planned on calling into Keanes to see what they had. Good timing with the reply!

what recession?

Glad to help. I was there a while ago myself, there's not much they DON'T have to be honest! haha. The guy who was working on the watches counter was really helpful, probably spent a good hour in there trying on different watches and I had his undivided attention! So I would definitely recommend them. Good luck with the search

Cyrus

what recession? wrote: »

know someone who bought a Rolex from Keanes in Cork. They got a really good deal, don't remember the exact figures but they were delighted with the price/ service they provided. The base price of the watch was around 6k and then they threw on a few thousand of extras too with diamond bezel, diamond markers, pearl face, etc. They got a good bit off with a bit of negotiation, so I take it they're more willing to take money off when you're putting expensive extras on that probably have a low cost? Not sure, that's just the impression I got. Either way, Keanes price ended up lower than the best price they could get from any UK dealer they tried, so it seems there is value to be had in Ireland. I'm sure Keanes isn't the only place willing to budge!

not sure what the context is here, if it was a s/h watch that they were adding non rolex parts to or what?

but if you are buying a standard stainless steel rolex you wont get much if anything off rrp,

omega 10-15% should be doable, id try watchfinder.co.uk for a greater discount and good service

2Poc

Cyrus wrote: »

not sure what the context is here, if it was a s/h watch that they were adding non rolex parts to or what?

but if you are buying a standard stainless steel rolex you wont get much if anything off rrp,

omega 10-15% should be doable, id try watchfinder.co.uk for a greater discount and good service

Sorry - don't want to go off track here - just thought I'd mention that I had a terrible experience with watchfinder.. They took a deposit on my credit card for a Brietling & left me waiting months. Told me several times that the watch was in, then when I called it wasn't. When I finally got a refund I was almost 80 Euro down due to GBP exchange rates, when I complained they didn't even apologise.. I'd avoid those guys if I were you..

I ended up buying a nearly new Brietling in a jewellers in the powerscourt centre in Dublin. The name escapes me but they always have a good selection & are very willing to move on the price.