Opinions on Chrono24

[Gaff65]

Compared to Bob's, Chrono24 appears to me to be a more realistic market as far as pricing is concerned. Being new in my consideration of the grey market, I'm interested in hearing whatever thoughts you all might have about Chrono24. TIA.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

Compared to Bob's, Chrono24 appears to me to be a more realistic market as far as pricing is concerned. Being new in my consideration of the grey market, I'm interested in hearing whatever thoughts you all might have about Chrono24. TIA.

Realistic in terms of what one would have to pay to acquire? With the large spread in asking prices for the same BNIB model from similarly reputable dealers it's clearly still a very opaque market. In terms of their guesstimate of your watch's "value", one needs a 25+% correction in most cases to get an idea of what the watch could be moved for reasonably easily.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Realistic in terms of what one would have to pay to acquire? With the large spread in asking prices for the same BNIB model from similarly reputable dealers it's clearly still a very opaque market. In terms of their guesstimate of your watch's "value", one needs a 25+% correction in most cases to get an idea of what the watch could be moved for reasonably easily.

I'm thinking more in terms of their overall reputation for running a clean marketplace, their authenticity guarantees, etc.

[Galion]

Some sellers are ok some are not on chrono 24. I'd stick with TRF sellers.

[dpt.calvin]

You’re in San Diego. Talk to Tony at Just Rolexes.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

You’re in San Diego. Talk to Tony at Just Rolexes.

I second that. I bought my last 2 from Tony. Traded him my sub.

You really have the only group of sellers you need right here on TRF. No reason to go outside to chr-oh-no 24 IMO.

[rmwill]

I like C24 to buy and sell. I don't like the bogus "valuations", and the ghost listings with no actual watch in inventory. These are calculated actions to make buyers believe that listed watches are worth more than they actually are.

[DeVille]

Prices are jacked up, but then everybody knows that so you should have room to bargain.
As far as buying and selling... done both multiple times, no problems, the escrow service works... but obviously do your due diligence anyway.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

I'm thinking more in terms of their overall reputation for running a clean marketplace, their authenticity guarantees, etc.

I bought a BNIB Tokyo 2020 LE Speedmaster from a japanese dealer on C24, and the whole transaction/shipping/customs went very smoothly. For a BNIB watch with pictures of the actual watch in question, from a dealer with extensive feedback (and maybe an actual store), I might do it again, if the price was right or the watch was not available elsewhere. For used watches I have become very hesitant - everything's "excellent" ("very good" on C24), even when clearly heavily polished or with visible dents/nicks. I would really want to see those in person before making a decision.

[Parapraxis]

Originally Posted by DeVille

Prices are jacked up, but then everybody knows that so you should have room to bargain.
As far as buying and selling... done both multiple times, no problems, the escrow service works... but obviously do your due diligence anyway.

Question about escrow service:

So I sell my watch. Send it to the buyer. They have an issue or don't agree or want to pull one over on me. They change their mind. Money isn't released to me. What happens to me watch?

That's the fear I have with this kind of stuff. I'm blindly sending my prized possession out in to the world.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by EEpro

I second that. I bought my last 2 from Tony. Traded him my sub.

You really have the only group of sellers you need right here on TRF. No reason to go outside to chr-oh-no 24 IMO.

Thank you both! I like local!

[JSolution]

I’ve used c24 many times - I usually just get the dealers info and make the transaction directly through them rather than go through c24. It’s a great place if not the best platform to browse watches.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by JSolution

I’ve used c24 many times - I usually just get the dealers info and make the transaction directly through them rather than go through c24. It’s a great place if not the best platform to browse watches.

It is great for browsing. I'm currently perusing the 16613 blue/purple dial Subs (I don't like to new blue on current models), and at least I can get a sense of how much I'll pay when the time comes to pull the trigger.

[KY..]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

It is great for browsing. I'm currently perusing the 16613 blue/purple dial Subs (I don't like to new blue on current models), and at least I can get a sense of how much I'll pay when the time comes to pull the trigger.

Could not agree more.
The early 16803/16613 bluesy dials are incredibly deep and rich in color like a custom paint job on a show car.

I use C24 for rare vintage parts shopping and it has worked out well for me.
Just remember to ask the seller to send you better photos if the listing photos are not showing everything clearly.

As for selling, I would be super careful and photo/video the item overly well before sending it out to someone who may be up to no good..
And never go cheap on the shipping/insurance when sending your expensive watch or parts to someone, especially in another country.

[Harry-57]

I have used C24 to scope out two grey Rolex purchases. It's as good a starting point as any and a good shop window. It's also a way of initially weeding out the time wasters from the genuine sellers. I ended up transacting with the sellers (both well established bricks and mortar UK sellers) outside the C24 environment and paid less than the advertised price on both occasions.

I also have my collection logged there for insurance. The absolute values of the watches cannot be ascertained from the asking prices but it's easy to see where the trends are going and this is helpful.

[Cru Jones]

C24 is just a platform grouping independent sellers. Like eBay.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I have used C24 to scope out two grey Rolex purchases. It's as good a starting point as any and a good shop window. It's also a way of initially weeding out the time wasters from the genuine sellers. I ended up transacting with the sellers (both well established bricks and mortar UK sellers) outside the C24 environment and paid less than the advertised price on both occasions.

I also have my collection logged there for insurance. The absolute values of the watches cannot be ascertained from the asking prices but it's easy to see where the trends are going and this is helpful.

I like the idea of finding someone on C24 you want to work with but then doing the deal on the side to save some money! I reckon not all of them would be willing but doesn't hurt to ask!

[RollieNZ]

I've purchased 2 pieces through Chrono24.

One from Switzerland and the other Japan.

Both very smooth transactions.

I think Chrono24 is particularly good for international transactions as payment and shipping are easy.

Some sellers who do not list on Chrono24 will not ship internationally so Chrono24 gives you more options.

With both purchases my lower offer was accepted by the seller.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

I've purchased 2 pieces through Chrono24.

One from Switzerland and the other Japan.

Both very smooth transactions.

I think Chrono24 is particularly good for international transactions as payment and shipping are easy.

Some sellers who do not list on Chrono24 will not ship internationally so Chrono24 gives you more options.

With both purchases my lower offer was accepted by the seller.

I've been filtering to show only US sellers but may be smart to expand my search. I have noticed the prices from international sellers are shown in US dollars but with much higher figures. Need to confirm if the figures have/have not been converted from the original currency.

[Aldwyn]

I have bought four watches off Chrono24, and so far, have had no issues... (though I have a Baume et Mercier stuck in US customs right now, so fingers crossed that doesn't turn into one!)

Just watch the seller's feedback...

[RollieNZ]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

I've been filtering to show only US sellers but may be smart to expand my search. I have noticed the prices from international sellers are shown in US dollars but with much higher figures. Need to confirm if the figures have/have not been converted from the original currency.

You will certainly get a much wider choice and possibly better deals on many of the 'non hot' brands by searching worldwide sellers.

Japan in particular is a source of countless options.

[mquarter]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

I've been filtering to show only US sellers but may be smart to expand my search. I have noticed the prices from international sellers are shown in US dollars but with much higher figures. Need to confirm if the figures have/have not been converted from the original currency.

Where a currency conversion on C24is involved, the displayed price in your native currency is always higher than in the seller’s native currency. C24 help themselves to a generous forex conversion rate in addition to the commission %

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by mquarter

Where a currency conversion on C24is involved, the displayed price in your native currency is always higher than in the seller’s native currency. C24 help themselves to a generous forex conversion rate in addition to the commission %

Yep, when I ask for the price in dollars vs the pound it’s so much lower.