Chrono24: Rolex Explorer 2 vs Blancpain 50 Fathoms

[ChrisPackit]

Guys

I've just had 'the' email from an AD for the Explorer 2 Polar which I've been pining for a while, but I always put the Fifty Fathoms as one of my Grail watches. I've just spotted the Blancpain on C24 for a very good price, so wanted a steer if any of you bought from Chrono24 from a foreign dealer - Any experiences buying from foreign, anything to look out for etc? Any risks?

It's a tough one... new vs used, Rolex vs Blancpain, head vs heart etc...

C

[NDA]

I would buy the Rolex from an AD to be honest....

I have a love/hate thing for Rolex - I don't care for the brand image, but I do like their watches and how they're made. I would also feel anxious about watches from overseas dealers.

[fflump]

You would be charged VAT on the purchase price if importing a watch from overseas have you taken that into account?

[Mosdef]

I went through the same decision and ultimately ended up buying a FF Bathyscaphe Ocean Commitment, so a ceramic case, blue dial, blue bezel with a Flyback function. I've not seen another one being worn (they only made 250) and FFs are pleasingly rare, I think I've only seen two others, both 45mm versions.

I haven't bought internationally but I have sold internationally and the process has always been fine. That said, my experience is with European and Australian purchasers, I would be wary of sending a watch to any country where a fake might be sent back.

I don't think there's much more risk buying internationally, provided you 'buy the seller' and if possible, get a watch that has been certified. You can always get the watch checked over here to make sure you're getting what you think you've bought.

Which FF are you after?

[ChrisPackit]

Mosdef said:

I went through the same decision and ultimately ended up buying a FF Bathyscaphe Ocean Commitment, so a ceramic case, blue dial, blue bezel with a Flyback function. I've not seen another one being worn (they only made 250) and FFs are pleasingly rare, I think I've only seen two others, both 45mm versions.

I haven't bought internationally but I have sold internationally and the process has always been fine. That said, my experience is with European and Australian purchasers, I would be wary of sending a watch to any country where a fake might be sent back.

I don't think there's much more risk buying internationally, provided you 'buy the seller' and if possible, get a watch that has been certified. You can always get the watch checked over here to make sure you're getting what you think you've bought.

Which FF are you after?

Thanks for the advice - This is the one

[rallye101]

ChrisPackit said:

Thanks for the advice - This is the one

Mmmm, lovely watch.....

[fflump]

FWIW I've bought many times from overseas sellers on chrono24 and the process has been smooth. Before Brexit there were lots of bargains to be had from places like pawn brokers in the former eastern block like Romania and Hungary. Now VAT is payable the prices are not so attractive anymore.

[TownIdiot]

The chrono 24 process is really good for both buying and selling

You just need to be prepared for the import duty and fees as well as the possibility of some delays

[ChrisPackit]

fflump said:

FWIW I've bought many times from overseas sellers on chrono24 and the process has been smooth. Before Brexit there were lots of bargains to be had from places like pawn brokers in the former eastern block like Romania and Hungary. Now VAT is payable the prices are not so attractive anymore.

Thanks for the heads up - If one were to assume that the seller could value the watch at £100, then Im guessing it might be still worth a punt?

[fflump]

ChrisPackit said:

fflump said:

FWIW I've bought many times from overseas sellers on chrono24 and the process has been smooth. Before Brexit there were lots of bargains to be had from places like pawn brokers in the former eastern block like Romania and Hungary. Now VAT is payable the prices are not so attractive anymore.

Thanks for the heads up - If one were to assume that the seller could value the watch at £100, then Im guessing it might be still worth a punt?

That is tax evasion so would not condone it and I doubt any reputable seller would agree to it either. There would also be the issue of the watch not being insured to the correct amount so if the package was lost you'd be out of pocket.

[TownIdiot]

ChrisPackit said:

Thanks for the heads up - If one were to assume that the seller could value the watch at £100, then Im guessing it might be still worth a punt?

There's nothing in it for the seller to do this.
And a world of pain if there is an issue with the delivery.

[fflump]

TownIdiot said:

ChrisPackit said:

Thanks for the heads up - If one were to assume that the seller could value the watch at £100, then Im guessing it might be still worth a punt?

There's nothing in it for the seller to do this.
And a world of pain if there is an issue with the delivery.

By definition I would not trust any seller that would agree to it, which kind of defeats the object!

[T6 vanman]

Go with the BP