I’ve been saving for a new hesilite speedmaster for a while now after many years lusting after one. Best price I can find on the UK grey market is circa £3250. However there are 3 AD’s in my city all advertising them for £4000. I’m torn between going grey market or seeing if I can get a decent enough discount off an AD (ie; 20%)
Given the current climate of poor footfall on the high street at the moment, has anyone any recent experience in negotiating with UK AD’s? Are they hungry to shift metal?

 

ADs will usually discount. Only way to know is to try.

 

IMO, it boils down to how much you are willing to pay for the five-year OEM warranty — £250? £300? above the grey dealer price? then try to get the AD close to that price.

 

Look for resellers who will provide the full Omega 5 year warranty.

 

I'm not sure how things are your area, but my local AD will offer15-20% off a standard speedy for anyone walking in off the street. Probably worth asking.

 

I strongly suggest you go to each of the ADs and tell them that you are considering buying a grey market Speedy but would prefer to buy from an AD - could they match the price? I speak from experience - paying full retail for a new watch from an Omega AD is crazy.

 

Omega ADs will discount most regular production models. If I were you, I would call all the ADs in the area and express your interest.

 

For piece of mind and warranty reasons the AD would be better. You will find one that will get you pretty darn close to £3250 and they might throw in a NATO as well. OB is a different story

 

As already said above, I'd only buy a grey market watch with full manufacturer warranty, i.e. one with the warranty card. (I don't think they get stamped any more; somebody please correct if I'm wrong.) But it might be nice to buy a watch you can see and handle before you buy it, for the same or insignificantly higher amount. (80% of 4000 = 3200, so the AD doesn't even have to stretch their discount).

 

If I were you I would go to an AD and get a discount.

Also, you are aware that its an open secret that the 1861 speedmasters are going to get a new movement (3861) most likely later this year? I hope you factor this into your decision as it affects the price, technical specifications and heritage of the watch you are looking for.

 

My ADs do stamp each warranty card when you purchase from them. The one without stamp may be not valid when you sent the watch for warranty service.

 

Yes I was aware an impending update is due that will likely push it out of my budget so I’m hopeful the AD will be willing to shift the “old stock” at a discount before the new model comes. I work in the automotive industry where this is very much the norm