Buying a Tudor Black Bay

[Jamescrs]

Evening all,
I have my 40th Birthday coming up in March and i'm thinking I want to mark it with something significant by buying a new watch, i'm not a massive collector, my only watch of any note is an Omega Seamaster Chronometer which I got just after I got married and I've had for over 10 years, I have 3 other less valuable watches which I rotate between too as and when I feel like it.

Anyway, I've pretty much decided I fancy a Tudor Black Bay, not decided on which specifically yet but i'm wondering about the whole buying experience, I have read on here about the issues people have buying Rolex and i'm not in that market anyway but is buying a Tudor a straight forward process i.e can I see one I like in a shop window and go in and buy it or at least order one with a reasonable delivery time? I know the obvious thing is to just go and ask in a shop but (a) they are all closed and (b) i'd rather make myself look stupid on here than in person at the shop.

Thanks

[Dimebars]

Finding a Black Bay in stock shouldn’t be too difficult, unless it’s a GMT you’re after. They’re a bit harder to come by, but stick is out there.

I’d avoid Goldsmiths/WoS like the plague though.

[Jamescrs]

Dimebars said:

Finding a Black Bay in stock shouldn’t be too difficult, unless it’s a GMT you’re after. They’re a bit harder to come by, but stick is out there.

I’d avoid Goldsmiths/WoS like the plague though.

Why avoid Goldsmiths/ WoS?

I do have other options in the local shopping centre to me but just curious?

[liner33]

When I bought my black bay (s&g) some of the AD tried to play the Rolex game ie no discounts at all and that I should be lucky to even get one . Third AD I visited gave me 15% off .

The GMT are only hard to come by as they keep breaking and there are delays on the movements

My advice would be to shop around and don't believe the hype. Following a Seamaster I would be prepared to be disappointed

[liner33]

When I bought my black bay (s&g) some of the AD tried to play the Rolex game ie no discounts at all and that I should be lucky to even get one . Third AD I visited gave me 15% off .

The GMT are only hard to come by as they keep breaking and there are delays on the movements

My advice would be to shop around and don't believe the hype. Following a Seamaster I would be prepared to be disappointed

[Macneil]

No problem at all buying, I don't see why you would need to avoid Goldsmiths, it's just another jeweller, or AD if you prefer. The "rarity" thing is a nonsense, you might have to wait a couple of weeks for perhaps the Navy Blue. I'd avoid the GMT as above.

[Dimebars]

Jamescrs said:

Dimebars said:

Finding a Black Bay in stock shouldn’t be too difficult, unless it’s a GMT you’re after. They’re a bit harder to come by, but stick is out there.

I’d avoid Goldsmiths/WoS like the plague though.

Why avoid Goldsmiths/ WoS?

I do have other options in the local shopping centre to me but just curious?

Personal experience. They were most unhelpful when I was buying my GMT

[joropug]

I got excited about the navy blue but when I saw it in the flesh I found it to be a little dull ? Just my opinion.

I'd be looking at the BB58 personally , for the fact it's thinner mostly, and I think it looks the best.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/tudor-bb-red-vs...

[Paulr1980]

Well after some yo-yo’ing I’ve decided to sell on my Black Bay 58 Navy Blue.

Basically unused. Worn around the house a bit and maybe twice outside thanks to 2020.

If anyone is interested drop me a message. Obviously near perfect condition and with unmarked packaging.

[OGR4M]

Tudor is definitely the easier brand to buy at any shop.

I’ve bought one from Goldsmiths in the Bullring. I’ve got no problems with their service - but obviously it depends hugely on the staff in your local.

WoS down the road were much more ‘snobbish’ IMO, not sure if that’s repeated in others’ experiences elsewhere.

Getting a discount on a ‘sports’ Tudor is probably less likely these days if you’re buying a newer model (BB58 or GMT) but a 41mm BB or bi-metal should be available with a few quid off, if you show you’re in the market for a purchase there and then.

But please buy that navy BB58 posted above so I don’t!

[Paulr1980]

I’ve only posted on two forums and had a couple of messages already which I expected.

I (in bold) don’t want to list it on eBay but will if I don’t get a commitment from anyone by tomorrow as I have a £1 fee offer.

[Paulr1980]

In terms of buying experience, I’d try to shop with independents. I make sure I do and have nothing but good experiences and am personal friends with the chap I see now.

[gregd]

How about the Harrods one for a bit of rarity value?

[joropug]

Paulr1980 said:

I’ve only posted on two forums and had a couple of messages already which I expected.

I (in bold) don’t want to list it on eBay but will if I don’t get a commitment from anyone by tomorrow as I have a £1 fee offer.

I have sold one thing of value via the postal system on eBay in 15 years and it was a nightmare. Buyer claimed faulty, it wasn't , returned it , confirmed it wasn't faulty. I got lucky but was still out of pocket. I would never sell a watch on there ! Asking for it.

[OGR4M]

joropug said:

I have sold one thing of value via the postal system on eBay in 15 years and it was a nightmare. Buyer claimed faulty, it wasn't , returned it , confirmed it wasn't faulty. I got lucky but was still out of pocket. I would never sell a watch on there ! Asking for it.

I sold my Tudor BB Bronze on eBay, and I got lucky with a decent purchase, quick payment, and no issues.

I insured it fully through the post, but it was a stressful time. In my opinion it wasn’t worth it, I could have sold to a jeweller/trader etc. I don’t think I would have lost any more than an eBay sale, and it would have been done and dusted.

[Paulr1980]

gregd said:

How about the Harrods one for a bit of rarity value?

I’m on the list for a Harrod’s black bay and they’re talking a few years now. How accurate that is I don’t know but in case you’re expecting to call and grab one.

[Jamescrs]

gregd said:

How about the Harrods one for a bit of rarity value?

The Harrods one does look lovely, I hadn't even heard of it before but having done a quick google I have no doubt i'd go for that but the poster above states there is a significant waiting list and looking at the grey market options i'm not sure it justifies the additional mark up for me personally.

[Meeten-5dulx]

Paulr1980 said:

I’ve only posted on two forums and had a couple of messages already which I expected.

I (in bold) don’t want to list it on eBay but will if I don’t get a commitment from anyone by tomorrow as I have a £1 fee offer.

OP

Buy this!

Stunning watch.

I'd be on it if I hadn't just got my latest last month.

[liner33]

I need to get around and advertise mine

[Jamescrs]

Meeten-5dulx said:

OP

Buy this!

Stunning watch.

I'd be on it if I hadn't just got my latest last month.

It is nice but same colour scheme as my current Seamaster so too similar for me unfortunately