Buying a watch based on photos and videos.

[rG2022]

I realized the 3 most recent pieces in my small collection were purchased without trying on the wrist or even seeing it in person. 2 of them were purchased from a reputable grey dealer and 1 from a boutique in LA (shipped to my home).

My pre-purchase “due diligence” covered almost all related videos available on Youtube (even ones in other languages I do not understand). I browsed through every single forum posts I could find. Still, I was nervous how the watch would wear on my wrist.

What did I think when I received the watches? Well, my first impression is that they all seeemed “smaller” than I expected. It was actually a good thing for me as I prefer smaller watches in the 36-40mm range (i have a 17mm wrist). Overall the experience has been positive and I would probably do it again. It’s worth mentioning that those watches are more or less classic pieces with a ton of pictures and info online: AP royal oak, daytona etc.

Would I recommend doing the same for less “popular” watches? Probably not. I believe It’s always better to try it out in person if situation allows. I think the main reason I took the leap of faith was because of the lack of inventory in store. It was also inconvenient for me to fly to another city to try on the watch.

In the picture is my son looking out for the Fedex truck. I received notification in the morning that my parcel is being delivered and he volunteered be the scout. Precious memory. It happened a few times and now I get excited whenever I see a Fedex Express truck on the road. Hahaha

Have you ever bought a watch based on pictures and videos alone? What was your experience like?

[amphr1]

Bought my GMT and SD before the days of the exhibition models, and both bought it from grey without ever trying it on. If I recall correctly I asked forum members with similar wrist sizes to post photos and comments. In the back of my mind I'm thinking if it really doesn't work out I can always sell it for the same or at most loose on paying taxes. No regrets, except that I would be more hesitant to buy from individuals. After I bought my GMT, there's a sliver of doubt that it's a genuine piece. And I still have never had it authenticated. But I have handled an identical watch at a Rolex store, and from everything I've seen and can detect, it's genuine, or if it's fake, it's the best fake in the entire world. But anyway I bought my SD from Bob's watch and it came with a certificate of authenticity. I pay maybe a tiny bit more, but the peace of mind is hard to purchase otherwise. But now that I have a real relationship with an AD, having bought a BB58, an Explorer, and a Wimbelton TT DJ36, not to mention a DJ31 back in 2019, I'm just going to wait until my name is called. The question now is, will it be a sub no date, or a kermit.

[Krash]

I like to feel it, touch it and try it on before buying it.

I’d also only buy from an authorized dealer or the manufacturer’s website.


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[vika01]

Technically yeah. I ordered a GMT meteorite with a 15% deposit. Have never seen a GMT in real life or white gold or meteorite. I had a Submariner prior to this. Still waiting for the GMT since October.