To the wristwatch enthusiasts...

[wj4]

..where do you buy your watches? At local brick and mortar places in the mall or online?

I know there are a few very respectable websites that carry high end watches at a good discount rate. But for me, it's kind of hard to spend thousands via that route. A pro is that (assuming the website is operated in a different state than that of which you reside in), there is no sales tax. The con is that the warranty is usually different and of course, you can't really see it in person first.

[radix]

As you pointed out, for new watches you can buy either from an AD (brick and mortar for high end watches usually), or gray market. It usually boils down to who you want working on your timepiece and how much you think that the factory warranty is worth. Both the OEM and gray market warranties are usually good for about two years in most cases. With an OEM warranty, you have the comfort that the OEM will be doing the warranty work. This isn't the case with gray market warranties.

[Chest Rockwell]

There are a couple grey market places that are pretty highly respected, but I have found that if you go in to most ADs you can get the watch for well below list. I got a $8,200 for $6,400 from an AD because I went in and told them that I knew what the market price was for the watch and that is what I was willing to pay. I'm sure they still made a grip of cash, but I would try that before going to a grey market site.

The thing that usually stops me from buying over the internet is the thought of getting burned, but like I said there are a couple sites out there thathave built a solid reputation. Also check out www.thepurists.com if you are willing to buy one second hand. There are guys on there that have solid reps and you can get a smoking deal most of the time.

Chest

[Feyd]

Lets start with what brand you are looking for? That might help...

Personally I wouldn't buy online, but as mentioned there are a few places that are pretty well respected.

It's also possible to call a brick and mortar store who doesn't have a location in your state (like in Las Vegas for example), order a watch and just have them just ship it to you (done this a couple times). Going this route will allow you to buy from an AD, but keep you from having to pay sales tax.. which if you are someone like me here in Chicago at 10.25% ( ) is a significant amount when you get into the $4,000 - $6,000 range.

[NYC6]

Purchased a new Submariner last year from a local AD. Since then I've found several online sellers with stellar reputations who I will purchase my next Rolex from. Dont know what your looking for but some of the sellers here deal with other pieces besides Rolex. www.rolexforums.com. Check out the for sale section. DavidW is one I would gladly deal with.

[SunnyD]

AD. I would never buy a "new" watch online

[scollins]

Costco is a gray market seller of Omega watches! So be careful and don't assume a brick&mortar is an AD.....

[Baoer]

bm places like malls and mostly 2nd hand stuff on forums that i can check in person or great references.

[smellfish]

Bought my Breitling at Tourneau. If you buy Breitlings online there is a good chance they are fakes. Also, Breitling doesn't warranty any watches bought online or allow online sales. I got a good deal on mine new, including the factory warranty they extended me a rebate Breitling was running. Stores only found in big cities but seem to have a good selection. Super helpful people. Also have a good trade in program. Went in a while back and they quoted me a trade value $100 short of what I paid for the watch new over a year ago. Just my .02

[Sephiroth]

Go to watchuseek and ask people what ADs they are using. Call those ADs and ask for what discounts they will give you. You will likely save on tax too.

There are some trusted ebay sellers for certain Omegas, etc. Lots of info there.