For large purchases, is an Authorized Dealer a must for you?

[mpfrost]

Been doing a lot of research about watches lately. It seems this might be a somewhat polarizing question. Suppose I figure out what my "Grail" watch is. Should it be from an "AD" or is the so called "Grey Market" acceptable?

[I-B]

I buy anything over 1K @ the AD. It might be a tad more expensive, but i'm glad to pay extra for the personal contact and great service

[Nokie]

AD always gets my $ for anything over $5k.

[geoffbot]

The grey market I got my omega from sells them with ad stamps so it's basically like getting it from an ad...

[mpfrost]

The grey market I got my omega from sells them with ad stamps so it's basically like getting it from an ad...

Any chance you'd tell me who that retailer is?

[geoffbot]

Any chance you'd tell me who that retailer is?

I don't see why not - Swiss watches direct

[OTGabe]

I bought my PO from an AD because I knew it was a keeper and one that I'd be passing on to my son someday. I wanted all the history to be with me from day one. But I've bought other watches that cost more including Rolexes used or from grey market dealers. Those have all passed through my collection over the years and I'm glad I didn't take the full depreciation on them. It all depends on the watch, the price, and who I'm buying it from.

[Raza]

I generally go AD for anything over $1200, unless I'm going used. Two of the most expensive watches I bought for myself were both used purchases.

With an AD, all the guesswork is gone. Is it real? Is it really new? Will it be covered if something goes wrong? Never have to worry about any of that, for the cost of a few percentage points.

[Banker]

Anything over $1,000 I’m buying from my AD. I’ve had to many difficulties with the grey marketers. In my experience, even the reputable ones are a pain if you need service during their warranty coverage.

[tribe125]

My Datejust and Speedmaster came from two grey dealers here in the UK. Both have impeccable reputations and the papers are from the supplying ADs.

One dealer was the same as Geoff's - Swiss Watches Direct, the other was Iconic Watches.

I once bought a Breitling from Watchfinder when they were a grey dealer (they just do used these days).

I wouldn't buy from a grey dealer without research or a reliable recommendation.