Monaco advice

Bluefoam · 26-12-2011 6:58pm #1

I had a crazy idea today.

I am living abroad and believe I am entitled to a VAT rebate on my purchases when I leave Ireland after Christmas.

I visited a jewellers today, where I can get a standard 10% discount. However I was able to get them to agree to 20%. I have wanted a Tag Heuer Monaco for many years and this could possibly be the year I get it...

The watch I enquired about is the one with the two dials either side and is automatic, they gave me a price of €2350, but after much confusion, I think that price is probably the base model. The one mentioned is more likely €4000.

Anyhow, I now need to figure out if its worth going for the base model and if it is actually that price. Does €2350 sound reasonable? Particularly if I can get a 20% discount, plus 21% tax rebate on that, plus I have about €250 in vouchers I can add to that. I'm looking for some reasurance that I'm doing the right thing.

Does a Tag Monaco have a good reputation? I think its this one: ww2110.fc6177

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HDMTSG

Obviously I'll do more hunting and try some on...

Bluefoam · 26-12-2011 7:43pm

After a bit a research online, I'm wondering if the watch in question is actually a men's or is it a ladies watch... Very confused...

Mitch Buchannon · 26-12-2011 7:49pm

The Monaco does have a good rep. The one to buy in my opinion would be the "McQueen" (blue face) see picture below.

Or if you were willing to search and go vintage try and pick up an original Heuer Monaco

Mitch Buchannon · 26-12-2011 7:51pm

So I don't think I've really helped you. If buying new, try and get the blue face Tag Monaco. That's my advice. The more knowledgeable guys should be along soon with their opinions.

Zagato · 27-12-2011 11:28am

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

Or if you were willing to search and go vintage try and pick up an original Heuer Monaco

They have this Heuer Monaco on sale at Watchfinder for £5,900 but state that it is only a year old??

Bluefoam · 27-12-2011 11:46am

Thanks for the advice.

I'm beginning to get cold feet about this. €4000/€5500 is way out of my league... For that money I could buy a Breitling and that opens a whole new can of worms...

Zagato · 27-12-2011 12:27pm

$3,500???

flutered · 27-12-2011 1:25pm

there is no comparison between the heur and a breitling, the manaco wis hands down, then how about a zenith el primo with a display back.

Bullseye1 · 27-12-2011 2:42pm

Zagato wrote: »

$3,500???

Your money goes a hell of a long way in the US compared to here that is for sure. Nice find and a great price. There was a seller selling the original model but I think that was closer to $9000.

Bullseye1 · 27-12-2011 2:44pm

How about a nice PO:http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-xl-incl-warranty-626086.html

Cyrus · 27-12-2011 6:43pm

Bluefoam wrote: »

Thanks for the advice.

I'm beginning to get cold feet about this. €4000/€5500 is way out of my league... For that money I could buy a Breitling and that opens a whole new can of worms...

which breitling do you like? there are cheaper breitlings too, that would be available for your budget, 20% discount should be achievable on breitlings and tags.

ive always like the monaco personally altho have yet to own one.

Bluefoam · 28-12-2011 7:46am

The Breitling that interests me is the Navitimer. It's listed at about €4000.

But having done my sums, I can't really afford to spend more than €2500 - which I don't believe will get me the watch I'm looking for - Tag nor Breitling

http://www.aaa-watches.com/images/breitling-navitimer-world-a2432212g571bltb.jpg

Cyrus · 28-12-2011 9:13am

several monacos here within budget

http://watchfinder.co.uk/Tag%20Heuer/Monaco/Watches

Bluefoam · 28-12-2011 7:09pm

It looks like this is my best option:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HDMTSG
I looked at it on my wrist and it looks quite good - although I'd love to get the chronograph, its just too expensive for me.

Only trouble now is that most shops are out of stock.

flutered · 28-12-2011 9:26pm

why not a zodiac with a heuer cal 12 movement, there are very few of them around, but you have a valueable antique which will only increase in value.

Cyrus · 28-12-2011 9:28pm

Bluefoam wrote: »

It looks like this is my best option:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HDMTSG
I looked at it on my wrist and it looks quite good - although I'd love to get the chronograph, its just too expensive for me.

Only trouble now is that most shops are out of stock.

What's the issue with the choronos from watchfinder? Or do you want to buy brand new?

Bluefoam · 28-12-2011 9:45pm

Cyrus wrote: »

Bluefoam wrote: »

It looks like this is my best option:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HDMTSG
I looked at it on my wrist and it looks quite good - although I'd love to get the chronograph, its just too expensive for me.

Only trouble now is that most shops are out of stock.

What's the issue with the choronos from watchfinder? Or do you want to buy brand new?

1. I have vouchers to use
2. I can get 20% discount in a certain jewellers
3. I am entitled to claim the vat back on my purchases as I no longer live in the country

So it makes sense for me to buy a new one here...

Cyrus · 29-12-2011 11:09pm

Ernest jones in dundrum sc has a black faced chrono half price

Nearly sure it's this one

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=tag+monaco+calibre+12&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=768&bih=932&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11936790082352040473&sa=X&ei=7vL8TpGPMIjMhAfVuKTPAQ&ved=0CF4Q8gIwAQ

2,300 euro around

Bluefoam · 29-12-2011 11:23pm

Cyrus wrote: »

Ernest jones in dundrum sc has a black faced chrono half price

Nearly sure it's this one

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=tag+monaco+calibre+12&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=768&bih=932&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11936790082352040473&sa=X&ei=7vL8TpGPMIjMhAfVuKTPAQ&ved=0CF4Q8gIwAQ

2,300 euro around

Great, will check it out. Didn't realise there was an Ernest Jones there...

Cyrus · 29-12-2011 11:36pm

Nearly sure it's an ej

It's the jewellers on your left when you come in from one of the car park levels anyway, near m&s

Edit

Yep, this is it

http://www.dundrum.ie/stores/ernest-jones/

Bluefoam · 30-12-2011 9:55am

Thank you Cyrus, I went to EJ this morning. The watch was €2250 and they agreed to give it to me for €2000. I can claim a further 17.5% of that back in tax.

The watch was shop soiled - it has a number of scratches on the brushed ss case at the 9 o'clock side and hasnt got the proper case or literature.

So am I a fool for buying it or was it worth while? Tbh, I'm just looking forward to wearing it for many years.

Zagato · 30-12-2011 10:07am

Bluefoam wrote: »

Thank you Cyrus, I went to EJ this morning. The watch was and they agreed to give it to me for €2000. I can claim a further 17.5% of that back in tax.

The watch was shop soiled - it has a number of scratches on the brushed ss case at the 9 o'clock side and hasnt got the proper case or literature.

So am I a fool for buying it or was it worth while? Tbh, I'm just looking forward to wearing it for many years.

Do you have a warranty though? If they are an AD I would have thought they could request some of the literature and cards from Tag, once you have the serial number. I'm sure small scuffs could be polished out - I mean, it's not a vintage watch that you're trying to avoid refurbishing too much

Cyrus · 30-12-2011 10:30am

Bluefoam wrote: »

Thank you Cyrus, I went to EJ this morning. The watch was €2250 and they agreed to give it to me for €2000. I can claim a further 17.5% of that back in tax.

The watch was shop soiled - it has a number of scratches on the brushed ss case at the 9 o'clock side and hasnt got the proper case or literature.

So am I a fool for buying it or was it worth while? Tbh, I'm just looking forward to wearing it for many years.

its a very cheap monaco, esp with the tax rebate, and like zagato said you can get the case refurbished if it bothers you,

keep the receipt and any documentation you have, should be enough provenance for anyone if you ever decide to sell

congrats

Bluefoam · 30-12-2011 10:39am

Am a happy camper. I got a six month warranty, but I'm sure they will look after me at the Tag shop based on my receipt...

Bullseye1 · 30-12-2011 2:20pm

How do you claim the tax back?

Bluefoam · 30-12-2011 2:49pm

Bullseye1 wrote: »

How do you claim the tax back?

I'm resident in a far away place - so if I buy something here (like a nice watch or a shirt in Penneys) I can claim the VAT back in the airport when I leave...

Homer · 30-12-2011 3:00pm

Bluefoam wrote: »

I'm resident in a far away place - so if I buy something here (like a nice watch or a shirt in Penneys) I can claim the VAT back in the airport when I leave...

I thought that had changed? As far as I know now you pay the full price on the credit card and then you need to get tax back paperwork verified in your home country and return the paperwork for a tax refund on your credit card. It is not claimed at the airport anymore as far as I know?

Congrats on the purchase!

Bullseye1 · 30-12-2011 3:01pm

Bluefoam wrote: »

I'm resident in a far away place - so if I buy something here (like a nice watch or a shirt in Penneys) I can claim the VAT back in the airport when I leave...

Ah. Is this possible when visiting the likes of New York? Congrats on the Monaco BTW.

Gavin1 · 30-12-2011 4:29pm

Sounds like a good deal.

Congrats and enjoy. Every watch gets some marks regardless of how careful you are. They are meant to be worn and enjoyed.

Post some photos.

Bluefoam · 31-12-2011 12:08am

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Bluefoam wrote: »

I'm resident in a far away place - so if I buy something here (like a nice watch or a shirt in Penneys) I can claim the VAT back in the airport when I leave...

Ah. Is this possible when visiting the likes of New York? Congrats on the Monaco BTW.

I believe it is possible, but its all a bit new to me.

Monaco advice

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