Would this turn you off?

[Old Expat Beast]

A Japanese dealer was offering a very good price (about US$3,000) on Chrono24 for a NIB Omega Speedy 3570.50. When pressed on the origin of the AD, he sent me this pic. Not exactly the most reassuring provenance. Would it bother you enough to look elsewhere?

[Presa canary]

Contact the jeweler in the republic of Congo, (good luck with that) and ask them to give you details.

[Old Expat Beast]

Can't find any such jeweller! Omega.com doesn't list any AD in the country either, although there is a service centre listed, suprisingly.

[peitron]

For a little more than that, you can find a bnib 3570.50 from a US dealer, warranty and all. I have a FAD if you're interested, haven't bought a new watch from him since 2011, but back then he could get you between 25 to 30% off on several models.

[Presa canary]

Run for zee hills....

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by peitron

For a little more than that, you can find a bnib 3570.50 from a US dealer, warranty and all. I have a FAD if you're interested, haven't bought a new watch from him since 2011, but back then he could get you between 25 to 30% off on several models.

Thanks. I'll be in Venice, Italy next month and have been quoted about $3,700 (after a 16.7% tax refund from the refund office "just around the corner") by the Omega Boutique there. So I might just pay a little more for the Boutique "experience", and maybe badger them for a free leather strap or something.

[Cesium133]

[Cesium133]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Thanks. I'll be in Venice, Italy next month and have been quoted about $3,700 (after a 16.7% tax refund from the refund office "just around the corner") by the Omega Boutique there. So I might just pay a little more for the Boutique "experience", and maybe badger them for a free leather strap or something.

Good idea. Always best to pay a bit more for a lifetime of worry free doubt IMHO.

[Kringkily]

I think F.A.C. means = Forces armees congolaises

Which would make me believe this is a military purchase. Can't be certain and the serial would need to be match by calling Omega. Usually though I've seen military warranty cards stamped via Omega SA and then assigned out. Scratching head.

[Survivor]

"The Boutique Experience"???? That's hilarious. The only thing that you will experience is paying the highest possible price for the watch you're looking for. Regardless, enjoy!!!

[vintagewaferthin]

Run Forrest Run!!!!!!!!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Survivor

"The Boutique Experience"???? That's hilarious. The only thing that you will experience is paying the highest possible price for the watch you're looking for. Regardless, enjoy!!!

Followed by an immediate 16.7 percent discount. But yes, that's why I put 'experience' in quotes. Some value it, some don't. I have yet to try it.

[peitron]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Followed by an immediate 16.7 percent discount. But yes, that's why I put 'experience' in quotes. Some value it, some don't. I have yet to try it.

Yes, one should try it at least once for comparison. You might discover that's you're thing, nothing wrong with that.

[Marcusm]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Followed by an immediate 16.7 percent discount. But yes, that's why I put 'experience' in quotes. Some value it, some don't. I have yet to try it.

Is there not an Omega boutique in HK? Haven't been for 3 years but a watchbuyers paradise before the current boom. I have an IWC and Panerai I purchased when working there. The IWC was a fantastic 37% discount at Elegant in Times Sq (since closed) which was well under 1/2 the UK price (ex tax).

[Old Expat Beast]

Omega Boutique in HK price is same as Venice and they give no discounts. ADs in HK all offer only 3% on Omega.

[applebook]

Not a great price, especially since Japanese and HK OMEGAs go for a lot less (more than 10% usually) because Americans can easily find local deals.

Even HK Rolex models advertised on TZ and other sites are discounted by up to 15% compared to American prices.

[Urosfan]

Run like the wind

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by peitron

Yes, one should try it at least once for comparison. You might discover that's you're thing, nothing wrong with that.

I also just found out that Buzz Aldrin once stayed at the same hotel we'll be staying at in Venice, so I guess that's another good reason to go for the Venice Omega Boutique.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I also just found out that Buzz Aldrin once stayed at the same hotel we'll be staying at in Venice, so I guess that's another good reason to go for the Venice Omega Boutique.

Try to get the same room, imagine sleeping in the same bed as Buzz Aldrin once slept in.