Watch - buying tips (Rotty etc)

I just realised what a watch newbie I am - I didn't even notice the fact that you said Speedmaster and not Seamaster - no wonder I thought they were different watches!

The Speedmaster is very nice - I'm stuck now. Maybe I should take some time to think about it and try both watches on :)
 
megakid said:
I just realised what a watch newbie I am - I didn't even notice the fact that you said Speedmaster and not Seamaster - no wonder I thought they were different watches!

The Speedmaster is very nice - I'm stuck now. Maybe I should take some time to think about it and try both watches on :)
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That sounds good, there are many Sppedmaster models, the reduced one is the cheapest but very samll so I would avoid, the Date versions are waterproof enough for swimmimg were generally the non date ones are not
 
Can anyone suggest some reputable online watch shops?
I'm having trouble sifting out all the dodgy grey-market ones (with no serial numbers etc) since even the reputable ones (i.e. watches.co.uk) seem to have dodgy-at-best websites.
 
if you are buying new then there is no reason to use the web sellers, normal shiops can be haggled down to similar prices
 
Rotty said:
if you are buying new then there is no reason to use the web sellers, normal shiops can be haggled down to similar prices
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Without sounding like even more of a newbie - where do I get those prices to start with - if online, which sites will be giving me reasonable prices rather than the cheaper grey market stores?

Thanks :)
 
Almost all websellers are grey market, just have a search round, find the cheapest, print it off, go into authorised dealer ( independent one not part of a chain) and say if I were to buy today will you match this price, never had one not match it
 
Rotty said:
Almost all websellers are grey market, just have a search round, find the cheapest, print it off, go into authorised dealer ( independent one not part of a chain) and say if I were to buy today will you match this price, never had one not match it
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I see - sounds like a plan. I assumed they wouldn't match such prices - thanks for the tip.
 
Hi, I bought the exact watch in the OP in December 2007 and I got it for £1500, so there is room for negotiation. Better yet, go duty free and pick up one for approx £1450!
 
Thanks - I visited Harrods and other nearby big chain retailers just to get a feel for the watches and try them on etc.

I've narrowed my choice down to:

TAG Heuer CV2014.BA0786 (as per OP)

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versus

Omega 3573.50.00 Omega Mens Speedmaster

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The Omega is not quite the classic moonwatch but the same face with a saphire crystal front (more scratch resistant than the "glass" that was in the classic model) and it also has a window on the back which is a nice feature to be able to see the movement.

I'm edging towards the Omega since I seem to be able to get both at similar prices (imported with manufacturer's warranty) due to it's history and slightly slimmer design (although it is Manual, not Automatic but I don't mind that). I haven't been down to some local places to attempt a price match yet. I'll do that when I'm more certain!
 
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I don't think I'll be going swimming with a watch costing this amount. :eek:

My current watch which I bought was $110 (£55 a the time) and I would never even think about shower/swim/bath with that on (granted that it's not waterproof but even if it was, it just seems wrong to me. Along the lines of you would swim with your mobile in your pocket would you? :p)
 
i prefer the tag myself, the movement in the tag is a valjoux, probably the only finishing is on the rotor, but its still a nice swiss movement, and it will keep time pretty similarly to the omega. if you can get 35% or so off the rrp of the tag i think its a more handsome watch, altho get the one without the red!!
 
Well the Tag is the cheaper watch to begin with - I want the more expensive Omega version ~£2200 RRP versus the Tag (which has almost all the features I get from the more expensive Omega) is ~£1900 RRP.

I've seen the Omega for sale in the USA for ~£1400 delivered which is a massive saving but once you factor in import taxes it brings it closer to £1900 :( It's almost worth me flying over there and back (I doubt I'd be taxed coming into the country with it on my wrist!) - not sure what to do yet...
 
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