Awkward question, what is the maximum discount?

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Hi, I was wondering, what is the maximum discount on MSRP anybody had on a regular Aqua Terra? No limited edition, just standard assortiment. I do not come further than 20%. And I live in the Netherlands, FYI. Interesting to hear other experiences.
Thanks!
I am negotiating a PO the list price is $6.000 they gave me a 20% discount. Buying in Brazil at AD
 
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In Singapore & Hong Kong, which have always been the most worthwhile countries to buy watches IMO, I have almost always managed to get a 30% discount from a recognised dealer.
The two cities have alternated from time to time & brand to brand.
 
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Not an awkward question at all. In fact, it's often a question that brings new watch collectors to forums such as this. And once here, it's a question of how far one wants to dive further into this world : )

When I first started getting into watches ~mid 2000's, it was the norm to get 30 - 40% off Omega's in the US. Even popular Seamaster and Speedmaster models. My 2254 and 2220 were both purchased at 33 - 37% off from an AD in San Diego, that is no longer an Omega AD. Around the early 2010's, Omega began tightening its distribution network and reducing the # of authorized dealers, together with opening dedicated brand boutiques.

Discounts since then have diminished, but models like the Aqua Terra, Globemaster, De Ville, can still found with 30+ % discounts in channels across the world. It's not uncommon to see the occasional Planet Ocean come up for around 30% discount, although it's more rare now than even just 2 years ago since the global stainless steel Rolex mania has driven more customers to Omega's professional models.

Have you looked through the Sales section of this forum? There are some Europe-based sellers who can track down the specific Aqua Terra configuration you're looking for, brand new in box with stamped warranty, for discounts greater than 20%. As recently as Jan 2019, I was able to get 25 - 30% at an AD in Eastern Europe, and that was even pre-VAT refund! While that additional VAT refund won't apply to you in the Netherlands, I would encourage you to keep looking if % discount is a major factor in weighing a purchase.

Keep in mind that an incremental 5% discount may not be worth the benefits that come with purchasing from your local authorized dealer, if they're a nice bunch. Assuming they'll throw in a lifetime of bracelet adjustments, spring bar replacements, or more significant freebies like a strap + buckle as part of your purchase. The latter can be a major financial incentive, if you ever plan to switch back & forth between bracelet and strap options.
 
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Thanks all, very helpful. Still very much in doubt between a current model AT and the one with the blue/gold “wave” design which obviously is not in production anymore. Still one or two new on stock from just under 2 years old.
 
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Lowlifes using the "five finger discount" get the maximum: the full value of the watch
 
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I bought a standard Hesalite Speedmaster in October 2018 from an AD for about $3600. I thought it a tremendous deal on a current-year piece with warranty. The added bang for the buck came when my serial number was grandfathered in for 5 year warranty when they made the announcement a few months later.
 
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In Singapore & Hong Kong, which have always been the most worthwhile countries to buy watches IMO, I have almost always managed to get a 30% discount from a recognised dealer.
The two cities have alternated from time to time & brand to brand.


Recent experience? when was your last purchase made and what model (photos)? otherwise this is just a mountain of salt ..
 
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I bought a standard AT (38 mm, blue dial, steel bracelet, ref. 220.10.38.20.03.001) for €3,700 from uhrinstinkt.de in May 2018. At that time the German MRSP was €5,100. This would result in a discount of 27%. (There was a seller in Monaco that offered the watch EUR 3400, i.e. 33% discount).

Given the current prices (€4,130 vs. €5,300) the discount at uhrinstinkt.de has decreased to 23%

Greg
 
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My local OB didn't entertain my recent offer on an Aqua Terra, and offered a 3% discount. This is quite an educational thread; my questions are regarding potential purchase of new or used (yet still in warranty) Omegas that are resales. If the seller is not an AD or OB, simply either a watch dealer or even a private owner selling their watch, what must the warranty card read/have in order for me to have it serviced or repaired as necessary with Omega. Are blank warranty cards / watch sales to be avoided? I'm a newbie in all this, but have an excellent local OB and Manager who sells across the USA at least. Will Omega accept my watch for servicing without any documentation? Yes, I am aware of excellent watch servicing available from private craftsman/companies. Thanks!
 
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My local OB didn't entertain my recent offer on an Aqua Terra, and offered a 3% discount. This is quite an educational thread; my questions are regarding potential purchase of new or used (yet still in warranty) Omegas that are resales. If the seller is not an AD or OB, simply either a watch dealer or even a private owner selling their watch, what must the warranty card read/have in order for me to have it serviced or repaired as necessary with Omega. Are blank warranty cards / watch sales to be avoided? I'm a newbie in all this, but have an excellent local OB and Manager who sells across the USA at least. Will Omega accept my watch for servicing without any documentation? Yes, I am aware of excellent watch servicing available from private craftsman/companies. Thanks!

Paperwork is meaningless. The watch was entered into the system when sold by an AD or OB or not. If not no warranty.

not many watchmakers can service modern Omega Co Axials and they must have an Omega parts account or they will not be able to get parts needed for service.
 
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100% if you take advantage of the 5 finger discount (shoplifting) but the warranty isn’t worth a damn! 😁
 
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Whether it’s true or not, my AD recently told me that Omega would pull his franchise if he discounted any watches, so those days are gone. But he easily threw in the nice rubber strap on my blue AT 38. So, given the $750 retail price of the rubber strap and the $5700 MSRP on the watch, I essentially got a 13% discount. It sure felt like I’d paid full price, though.

Side story: To make things worse, I personally didn’t find the little blue Aqua Terra to be quite the “GADA” watch many claim it to be. It was way too shiny and dressy for this old salt, so I bit the bullet and traded the watch back in six months later. Ya pay for yer lessons, boys.
 
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Paperwork is meaningless. The watch was entered into the system when sold by an AD or OB or not. If not no warranty..
Never count on it being in 'the system', always have a hard copy receipt of your purchase for ultimate proof of date-of-sale and the start of the warranty.
 
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Some perspective? Just recently, an OF member made mention of a Rolex price. In 2003, he paid $3K for a watch. Today he says they want $9K today for that same watch.

I'm largely an online buyer. I hate traditional shopping. I hate malls. Hunt, kill, go home. That said, I also not a fan of buying at 'boutiques' and other such high-cost brick & mortar. I see that and my 'cost of products' contempt skyrockets. I'd like to see 'pro' retailers come up with a hybrid option. FYI - I don't need a jacked up 'retail experience.'
 
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When I was looking at watches around 2019, the best ‘official’ deals were in the airport outlets at around 20%, I got my local Watches of Switzerland to give 10% off my Speedmaster by saying I was flying soon and would just wait til then if they could do me a deal that day.
Not sure if you’d still get those kind of deals now, right enough!
 
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The first rule of discount club is....................

Depending on the item and the market 0-35% I would say. Currently 0-20% would be more probable.
 
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Here in Singapore, I was quoted a 5% discount for Omega's at an AD just yesterday. Not sure about the other brands they were selling. But they mentioned there's no discounts for their Tudor models. Used to be a lot higher pre-Covid. But the staff member said its lower now because of the pandemic.
 
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Depends on how hard you press the pistol into the nape of the neck.

I kid; don't do this at home, kids.