Re: Finest watches?

On 22 Aug 2005 10:13:12 -0700, "Sergio Gomez" <sag_uns@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>Hello John S.,
>
>A question about these "gray market" watches.
>
>Serial numbers are "probably" erased becuase these watches were
>"probably" robbed, stolen or whatever?

If they are erased, it's usually because the watches come from
authorized dealers, and the authorized dealers don't want the watches to
be traced back to them through the serial number. If the manufacturer
finds out, the dealer may not be allowed to continue selling these
watches.

>What about maintenance? Should it be done by a friend watchmaker as I
>suppose you cannot send them to Omega or wherever. Have you had any
>trouble?

If the watches have the serial number intact you can send them to the
manufacturer. However, if you don't have the manufacturer's warranty,
you will most likely have to pay for the repair.

>How much did you cut off the price of, let's say, a certified retailer?

For me, it's been 35-50%. With the dollar being so weak, I don't know
how easy it is to do 50% anymore. I haven't checked the prices lately. I
got my watches from resellers in Singapore that had good connections
with authorized dealers, so they were able to get substantial discounts.
I also got a valid manufacturer's warranty with all the watches I
bought, and all the serial numbers were intact.

I would look at the Asian resellers before I tried any of the other gray
market shops whose watches don't come with a valid manufacturer's
warranty.

--
Be seeing you.
.

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