Buying advice

[Blue62]

I had a watch stolen recently, a Girard Peregaux that I bought in 2004. Fortunately I still have the valuation certificate and had itemised it on my home contents, so have had a fair settlement.

I’m now looking to replace it and have been looking at Watches of Switzerland, especially some of their interest free offers (which would mean I could treat myself to some new golf clubs), I know they’re reputable but are their prices keen? It’s been so long since I went watch shopping that I fear I’m out of touch. The insurance company coughed up £12k.

[Jamescrs]

They put everything out at RRP unless they have a sale on.

Depending at what you are looking at they may offer a discount but it is very much dependant on which brand you are looking to buy and they may not offer it alongside the 0% finance. I previously managed to get a discount on an Omega but it was on the basis I paid in full without taking finance.

Purchasing on the pre owned market can see some decent discounts but again it can be brand dependant.

[Geertsen]

In my experience all retail shops have exactly the same prices. Watch prices are evidently set by the manufacturer. As the previous post mentioned the only discrepancy comes when there is a sale on, if a discount off RRP can be negotiated or if you are looking at pre-owned watches. This is virtually true for anything from a Seiko to a Patek Philippe.

[NDA]

Sorry to hear you've had your watch stolen - was it a Laureato (I only ask as I have one)?

I reckon once you have chosen what to replace it with, then you can shop around a bit - brand new is always going to be RRP in most instances.

[Econpro1]

If you’re looking to replace with a GP, there have been some strong discounts around. Laureto via Harrods have been attractive:

[Blue62]

Thanks for all the replies, the Harrods offer looks good but I’m thinking of a Jaeger this time round (I still have a classic GP that the thieving gits didn’t find) for a change. You’ve reassured me that not much has changed, I’ll probably go retail and look for interest free, a set of me golf clubs will help to cushion the blow of a break in.

As a footnote, I will now make a point of photographing any and every valuable item and hanging onto receipts, something I’ve never been good at.

[Ninjin]

Blue62 said:

Thanks for all the replies, the Harrods offer looks good but I’m thinking of a Jaeger this time round (I still have a classic GP that the thieving gits didn’t find) for a change. You’ve reassured me that not much has changed, I’ll probably go retail and look for interest free, a set of me golf clubs will help to cushion the blow of a break in.

As a footnote, I will now make a point of photographing any and every valuable item and hanging onto receipts, something I’ve never been good at.

Depending on which model JLC you are looking at, expect at least 30% off retail from a grey dealer for brand new.

[Blue62]

Ninjin said:

Depending on which model JLC you are looking at, expect at least 30% off retail from a grey dealer for brand new.

Thanks, I’m always a little wary of this route, though I bought a nice TAG some years ago and made a saving with no issues. I’m considering the master ultra thin, best I’ve seen is 10%.