Would you buy a watch online?

Hi, there!
I've decided to get a Bulova watch which is less expensive in online stores. However, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to buy one without trying on. Can anyone recomend a good online store for that reason?
So far I've been at Authentic watch store, Certified watch store, Jomashop. The first two had a better price, I wonder if anyone have bought something there?

20 Comments
 

It is a Bulova. Why would anyone waste their time making a counterfeit one? Worry about counterfeits once you pass the Rolex price threshold.

 
Kiron

It is a Bulova. Why would anyone waste their time making a counterfeit one? Worry about counterfeits once you pass the Rolex price threshold.

I've seen counterfeit Casios and G-Shocks in Israel.
"Mr. Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."
 
RustyFork Kiron:

It is a Bulova. Why would anyone waste their time making a counterfeit one? Worry about counterfeits once you pass the Rolex price threshold.

I've seen counterfeit Casios and G-Shocks in Israel.

There's also a market for fancy fakes of midrange Seikos and Tissots.

 

Whatever you do don't buy one on eBay. It's filled with counterfeits.

Even if you are going to buy a watch online you should probably still see what it looks like in the store. Sometimes things look different in pictures because of lighting and the lack of a 3D view.

"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man." ― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
 
Best Response

Sure I'd do, and in fact I've already done so a couple of times.

All the "offline" rules apply also online, e.g.:

  • You always buy the seller
  • Make sure the papers are ok, if the box is included even better
  • If there is anything only remotely fishy, stay away from it
  • (Good!) Pictures say more than a thousand words
  • If the (mechanical) watch is older than 5 yrs, ask if it has been serviced. If yes, there should be ideally a receipt from a watchmaker/the manufacturer. If no, be prepared to pay for a service (cost is depending on the brand).
  • I'd trust Paypal in case anything turns out sour (...but haven't had the need to find it out so far)

Apart from that: Having a trustful watch repair guy makes your life easier. He should have a look at it after you bought it.

I think I've never bought from eBay, but I have sold some thru it. Watch forums are relatively trustworthy (seller reputation/forum posts).

Regarding counterfeits: I know that most brands get faked, but the most common ones in this regard seem to be Rolex and Breitling. There are excellent fakes out there, so I'd rather not buy them off eBay. Personally I'd think Bulova is safe, but you never know. I've seen a couple of Omega PO fakes when I was in the market for it, but they were easy to spot (crude bezel, font waaay off, nasty braclet etc).

Good luck!

 

I bought a Tag on Jomashop...it's a legitimate store with authentic watches (hence why their watches are typically 5-15% off, not 90%)

 

What you need to think about is future service. Jomashop is a grey market site, not an authorized dealer, though if you want a real watch they are one of the best. An AD will register you watch's ID so that the maker will always give you a cheap, if not free repair. If you don't care too much (and I'm assuming you don't since its a bulova) then most websites will be fine. Post the links and I will tell you if it is legit.

And PS, a box, a bag, and receipt don't mean anything. China has their counterfeit game down.

 

I got an Edox from Ashford.com... It came with all documentation. I did alot of research before dropping that amount of money. I would definitely go with them again.

 

No and yes.

If you love watches, I would suggest getting into a service like this: https://www.elevenjames.com/

You're able to wear some bad ass watches for a monthly subscription basis so you can switch it up occasionally.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

Heck of a gravedig, but I've bought watches (Citizen Ecodrive) online numerous times. Whenever I step up to the Omega/Rolexes of the world, I'll probably buy them in person, but you can't beat a Citizen at half price on Amazon.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I bought my speedmaster on Ebay, it was a good experience. If the seller has sold thousands of luxury watches before, I think the risk is pretty low.

Mine came with box & papers and I took it to a jeweler I know for authentication. Paid about 30% of the price for a new one, and I would not have been able to tell it had ever been worn before.

I wouldn't buy one from an ebay seller with no feedback, though.

 

Sit dignissimos velit perspiciatis similique harum debitis. Nulla qui quia est veritatis. Modi et quia asperiores quae quia quia. Aut laudantium numquam fugit ut necessitatibus deserunt et. Quis unde libero aut voluptatibus alias quae maiores. Est sunt odit ut. Dolores atque amet nihil autem dignissimos qui.

Tempora qui delectus dolor reprehenderit aut. Quia nihil tempora error est soluta voluptas.

Quis cumque corrupti inventore et eos. Natus odit suscipit omnis ut voluptates.

Ipsa consequatur quis quia saepe nisi quae exercitationem quia. Sint officiis saepe consequatur amet.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”