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First time Poster: Trying to buy first Omega: Questions

philG
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Hey all, first time looking for an Omega. I was traveling and saw a dark side of the moon behind the counter at a shop, really fell in love with it. As I looked it up and started reading about it I fell in love even more with the grey side of the moon, with the meteorite dial. I decided this is the one I want and I’m setting out to buy one.

I have been looking online and seeing multiple websites that carry this watch and many many others. I Stumbled upon this forum in my research and started reading about authorized vs non-authorized sellers and grey market watches. Haha. So much in the watch world going on I am learning.

The purpose of this watch is for me personally. I like it, and I just simply want it. It’s not for any other reasons other than that. I do want it new, and I want it with all original documentation.

I see a very good deal on this watch from a website called watchmaxx the deal is very far below other websites. It’s over 3k off Omega’s retail price. I’m wondering how reliable are some of these websites you see advertised quite frequently, watchmaxx, watchshopping etc. I would say specifically watchmaxx as it has the best deal.

any input would be appreciated, and as I’ve been looking into Omegas more and more. I can see myself adding more to my wrist.

thanks in advance

Phillip
 
Evitzee
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It's good you are doing your research and due diligence. There are many grey market retailers out there, you can score some good deals. Usually these watches will not come with a factory warranty but with some in-house warranty instead. The lack of a factory warranty is important for some, to others it doesn't matter. Most major watches are pretty reliable these days. Did you check Chrono 24, they are a huge market where most everything is available. I see 25 of Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.001 for sale on there now at various prices. I don't think these are hugely discounted under normal circumstances. Also be aware that there are two options for this watch, one with ceramic tang buckle and one with ceramic deployant buckle. Different prices, obviously, so make sure you are comparing like watches.
 
philG
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
Hi Phillip, welcome.

Not familiar with them as I am strictly a vintage buyer, but they seem to get very good reviews.

They are not however an authorized Omega dealer so any warranty would be one offered by them and not Omega, not necessarily a bad thing though.

https://www.google.com/search?q=watchmaxx+reviews&sxsrf=ALiCzsYaOFVPnHCJVQPZw6djFKGS3HSzmw:1671489123228&ei=Y-agY6rFDb_hkPIPiJycqA4&ved=0ahUKEwjqgr6b3ob8AhW_MEQIHQgOB-UQ4dUDCA8&oq=watchmaxx+reviews&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQDDIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIHCAAQsAMQQzIHCAAQsAMQQzIHCAAQsAMQQzIHCAAQsAMQQzINCAAQ5AIQ1gQQsAMYATINCAAQ5AIQ1gQQsAMYATINCAAQ5AIQ1gQQsAMYATISCC4QxwEQ0QMQyAMQsAMQQxgCMhIILhDHARDRAxDIAxCwAxBDGAIyEgguEMcBENEDEMgDELADEEMYAkoECEEYAEoECEYYAVAAWABghpMBaAVwAXgAgAEAiAEAkgEAmAEAyAESwAEB2gEGCAEQARgJ2gEGCAIQARgI&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

I’m aware of the warranty with them. Doesn’t bother me really. Even if I had to pay out of pocket for repairs I’d be more inclined to have omega do the work anyways than anyone else.

I looked at their reviews and their rating seems decent. I think for the price savings it seems like it’s worth it. Just milling it around at the moment. Thanks
 
philG
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Evitzee Evitzee
It's good you are doing your research and due diligence. There are many grey market retailers out there, you can score some good deals. Usually these watches will not come with a factory warranty but with some in-house warranty instead. The lack of a factory warranty is important for some, to others it doesn't matter. Most major watches are pretty reliable these days. Did you check Chrono 24, they are a huge market where most everything is available. I see 25 of Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.001 for sale on there now at various prices. I don't think these are hugely discounted under normal circumstances. Also be aware that there are two options for this watch, one with ceramic tang buckle and one with ceramic deployant buckle. Different prices, obviously, so make sure you are comparing like watches.

I actually have checked chrono 24, they actually have the same watch listed that watchmaxx is listing on their site for the same price.

I’m aware of the different serial numbers. 001 has the ceramic clasp and 002 has the pin buckle. Other than that they are identical. The top deal im finding is for 002. I’d like 001 but for simply a clasp I’ll be ok.
 
Fusion
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One personal anecdote, I purchased a new (popular model) Omega two years ago from watchshopping. It came with a warranty card dated 2 weeks prior to my purchase from a legitimate authorized dealer and the full warranty. I saved 32% off of list price. It came with free shipping and no tax (not even factoring that into the 32% figure). 10/10 from my point of view. Some websites such as Jomashop will NOT include the factory warranty so it's important to ask the company and understand exactly what you're getting. There are a lot of grey market dealers that you can find on websites such as Watchrecon.com, type in keywords or the reference # and find private listings. This is another great way to go
 
Fusion
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philG philG
I actually have checked chrono 24, they actually have the same watch listed that watchmaxx is listing on their site for the same price.

I’m aware of the different serial numbers. 001 has the ceramic clasp and 002 has the pin buckle. Other than that they are identical. The top deal im finding is for 002. I’d like 001 but for simply a clasp I’ll be ok.
A lot of times these websites list their watches up on chrono24 and they will craftily signal to you in their listing their actual website. It is beneficial to both parties involved to purchase from their own website as Chrono24 doesn't take a (sizable) cut. Watchshopping.com does this as do many other websites
 
BarbVl
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Very nice watch you purposed to buy for your first Omega..Hope you will succeed to find a good example to a good price.
 
philG
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Watch has been purchased. Should receive it Wednesday. I’ll update when I get it. Thank you gentleman.
 
Mr. O
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If that specific style Omega watch is what you really want....along with papers, box, etc.,etc.....then I would highly recommend that you purchase it exclusively from an Omega AD (Authorized Dealer). Especially knowing that you'll have full warranty without question.

Last.....if the price seems to go to be true.....then more than likely it is and one would have to question the authenticity of the watch itself and its history.
 
M
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From what I’ve searched, the primary issue with gray market watches is whether or not you need to use their in-house warranty. For the most part, it seems like none of them offer a good experience with that situation. People even get a lot of issues with Omega servicing when they’re paying $750 for it.

It’s basically a gamble just like most great deals. Probably 99% chance your watch will be fine until well out of the warranty window. But there’s that small chance you either have to deal with the nightmare of the in-house warranty and question to what level your $8,000 watch was repaired, or you end up paying thousands for Omega to fix a big issue.

The questionable servicing that seems standard across the entire watch industry is confusing. One of my other hobbies is knives. There are countless popular knife makers that stake their reputation on outstanding post sale service. It makes me wonder why this is not found in the watch industry, outside of extremely high end examples, probably sold to people who don’t care about a $20,000 servicing anyway
 
OmegaOwner2019
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M matlt
From what I’ve searched, the primary issue with gray market watches is whether or not you need to use their in-house warranty. For the most part, it seems like none of them offer a good experience with that situation. People even get a lot of issues with Omega servicing when they’re paying $750 for it.

It’s basically a gamble just like most great deals. Probably 99% chance your watch will be fine until well out of the warranty window. But there’s that small chance you either have to deal with the nightmare of the in-house warranty and question to what level your $8,000 watch was repaired, or you end up paying thousands for Omega to fix a big issue.

The questionable servicing that seems standard across the entire watch industry is confusing. One of my other hobbies is knives. There are countless popular knife makers that stake their reputation on outstanding post sale service. It makes me wonder why this is not found in the watch industry, outside of extremely high end examples, probably sold to people who don’t care about a $20,000 servicing anyway

The most expensive thing nowadays is manpower.

Knife manufacture is mostly automated.
Wrist watches demand more manpower, especially those on the tier of high horology.

Knife makers probably won't take a huge loss even if they replace your blade completely.
Watch servicing/exchange represents a much bigger loss for the manufacture. Of course they won't just hand out those for free.
 
philG
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Package was delayed yesterday. It’s out for delivery today. I’ll send pics when I get it.
 
RevZMan123
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I have read the reviews on watchmaxx and they are hit or miss. YMMV as usual. Most people have no issues, let's hope you are in the 98%!
 
philG
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RevZMan123 RevZMan123
I have read the reviews on watchmaxx and they are hit or miss. YMMV as usual. Most people have no issues, let's hope you are in the 98%!

that’s what I’m hoping
 
RevZMan123
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philG philG
Aaaaaand. It doesn’t work. Lol. Fun stuff.

Now is when it counts ... Customer service makes or breaks a company and this is exactly the situation where watchmaxx does NOT shine.
 
philG
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I tried to set the time and actually, you know, use it to keep time.

and it doesn’t work at all. Got the movement to actually start for a moment. And then it stops
 
SC1
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philG philG
Aaaaaand. It doesn’t work. Lol. Fun stuff.

What?!
What happened?

**just saw your comment above.

Man, I am completely bummed out for you. This sucks.
So you thoroughly wound it (stupid question I know but... )?
 
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