How best to buy high end watches?

[tirebob]

Hey all,

I am considering buying a higher end watch but honestly have no idea where to find the best value and know I am buying the real deal. I am not talking full crazy baller level watches, but ideally something in the lower to mid'ish 4 figure price range and definitely sub 10k. Gently used would be an option for sure for something that absolutely grabs me.

I am not into really crazy busy looking watches either. My ideal watch would be something like the Panerai Luminor 1950 model or the like.

Is there local dealers or maybe some of you (Rage *cough cough*) have specific dealers who can help with something like this and who can find authentic used watches for good value? Also I am open to suggestions of other quality pieces that are cleaner and simpler in style like my fave Panerai...

Thanks!

[G-ZUS]

Gem by Carati

[03ozwhip]

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Hey all,

I am considering buying a higher end watch but honestly have no idea where to find the best value and know I am buying the real deal. I am not talking full crazy baller level watches, but ideally something in the lower to mid'ish 4 figure price range and definitely sub 10k. Gently used would be an option for sure for something that absolutely grabs me.

I am not into really crazy busy looking watches either. My ideal watch would be something like the Panerai Luminor 1950 model or the like.

Is there local dealers or maybe some of you (Rage *cough cough*) have specific dealers who can help with something like this and who can find authentic used watches for good value? Also I am open to suggestions of other quality pieces that are cleaner and simpler in style like my fave Panerai...

Thanks!

if you're looking for authentic used watches a good place to look is watchuseek.com

[flipstah]

Rage2 has connections with Calgary Jewelry, for sure.

:Thumbsup:

[Asian_defender]

If you're looking for Panerai check out Brinkhaus.
1950s are hard to find used, even on WUS after conversion you're probably going to be top end of your budget
http://forums.watchuseek.com/search....chid=135387171

Super sharp watches! I've never seen a PAM I didn't like
Good luck with the search Bob

[yobi5888]

Brinkhaus is an AD for Panerai, there are a few options you can have for under 10K.

[ercchry]

I’d probably go with a 44mm Pam if that’s the look you’re after... if you must have a larger face... maybe a iwc big pilot?

[tirebob]

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I’d probably go with a 44mm Pam if that’s the look you’re after... if you must have a larger face... maybe a iwc big pilot?

I just couldn't do it... Totally stupid reason, but there used to be a shitty IWC wheel company and even though it isn't the same thing whatsover, the name sticks in my craw and I can't get over it. lol!

- - - Updated - - -

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If you're looking for Panerai check out Brinkhaus.
1950s are hard to find used, even on WUS after conversion you're probably going to be top end of your budget
http://forums.watchuseek.com/search....chid=135387171

Super sharp watches! I've never seen a PAM I didn't like
Good luck with the search Bob

Places like that forum... How does one know they are not getting scammed? I would be terrified to buy something used off of a forum.

[BensonTT]

Just go into Birks try a watch you like on then run lol

[ercchry]

That’s pretty funny

Not too many clean 47-50mm watches out there... so back to the 44mm, the non-chronograph version of the chopard gran turismo is pretty clean, bonus of being cheaper too! Plus the whole automotive thing

[tirebob]

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That’s pretty funny

Not too many clean 47-50mm watches out there... so back to the 44mm, the non-chronograph version of the chopard gran turismo is pretty clean, bonus of being cheaper too! Plus the whole automotive thing

I think a 44mm is fine for my wrist/hand size... This Seiko I am wearing is a 43.5mm.

[ercchry]

Not sure how deep they discount them... but msrp is for sure over $10k... but worth a try is the Rolex deepsea dweller/submariner... great weight and wrist presence

[G-ZUS]

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Not sure how deep they discount them... but msrp is for sure over $10k... but worth a try is the Rolex deepsea dweller/submariner... great weight and wrist presence

Finance-able?

[TYMSMNY]

WUS (watchuseek) and TRF (the rolex forum) is a good place to look for preowned watches. Sub 10k, looking at a Submariner. Seadweller or Deep Sea is going to be above even used. If you go older than def probable.

You can go almost anything in the steels (datejust, sub ) for about 10k, less if discounted. Brinkhaus has been great. Birks is a little low on inventory. Both are owned by the same company.

[flipstah]

WUS is awesome for getting used Rolex watches.

I saw some Submariners for $5- 8k depending on the rarity and the date/no date debacle. Panerai would be great for you, Bob!

[Asian_defender]

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I just couldn't do it... Totally stupid reason, but there used to be a shitty IWC wheel company and even though it isn't the same thing whatsover, the name sticks in my craw and I can't get over it. lol!

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Places like that forum... How does one know they are not getting scammed? I would be terrified to buy something used off of a forum.

You can check a users previous sales and their rep. It gives the option for other users to leave feedback about them. Generally the sponsors are pretty good. I've bought a couple of watches on here (Speedy, Seamaster) and it worked out great.
Still have the speedy today and it's been running like a champ

[Xtrema]

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Just go into Birks try a watch you like on then run lol

Can't believe that actually worked. At least they have photo of the guy.

[djmr2]

Definitely do a deep-sea/sea-dweller for your wrist. A sub is going to look tiny!

[rage2]

The weak CAD has totally fucked pricing and discounts. I would hold off until CAD improves (if it ever does). You're paying a 30-40% premium right now pretty much compared to when the dollar was closer to par. Manufactures have increased the dealer cost more than retail price, so the discount margin has reduced. In the end, 30% premium with discounts added. Silly.

I've cut back significantly on purchases since it all went to shit. Bought a bunch of watches right before the manufacturers upped the prices.

[Buster]

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The weak CAD has totally fucked pricing and discounts. I would hold off until CAD improves (if it ever does). You're paying a 30-40% premium right now pretty much compared to when the dollar was closer to par. Manufactures have increased the dealer cost more than retail price, so the discount margin has reduced. In the end, 30% premium with discounts added. Silly.

I've cut back significantly on purchases since it all went to shit. Bought a bunch of watches right before the manufacturers upped the prices.

I procrastinated buying the blancpain FF in wanted... Then the dollar shit happened and now I'm too disgusted to pull the trigger.