IWJG shows

[kosor007]

Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone has attended an IWJG show? Is it worth attending to capture some deals? Also, how do the deals usually work, do dealers only accept wires/cash? If they only take wires, do they ship the watches to you after the show?

Thanks!

[mph476]

I just went to the Vegas show. For an end user you may be able to get slightly better pricing compared to a retail purchase if you haggle really hard but most of the guys there are selling at retail pricing and the "wholesale" deals happen behind closed doors or between close connections not to newcomers. What you see on youtube is fabricated. The only thing that was interesting to see at the show was seeing so many pieces in one location but pricing was crap from majority of the dealers.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by mph476

I just went to the Vegas show. For an end user you may be able to get slightly better pricing compared to a retail purchase if you haggle really hard but most of the guys there are selling at retail pricing and the "wholesale" deals happen behind closed doors or between close connections not to newcomers. What you see on youtube is fabricated. The only thing that was interesting to see at the show was seeing so many pieces in one location but pricing was crap from majority of the dealers.

Can confirm. I used to be an active member in IWJG and stopped attending shows right before COVID started.

Customers are likely to spend more money at a brick & mortar shop or a large online website. Those are by and large the people doing the most business at IWJG shows, and the "wholesale prices" that dealers price reflect as much. If there is a particular watch you're looking for and you're looking to pay a certain rate, you can probably find it online.

Where it makes sense to attend IWJG is if you (as a dealer) have immediate calls for numerous modern watches and perhaps basic vintage/neovintage ones, or if you're confident in your turnover that you don't mind spending a strong price for a quality 5-digit Bluesy Submariner to stock. Another thing IWJG is good for is the massive selection. There are dealers who specialize in almost every type of wristwatch, from obscure Hamiltons to the entire Omega Soccer Timer vertical to super-complication Patek Philippes.

As a hobbyist, I would recommend not attending.

[kosor007]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insight.