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?

 
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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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