so are many/most of the "certified" Omega's on the "Grey Market" fake...or just not from an Authorized Dealer?? I'm currently looking at one on Amazon (from Japan)...any thoughts? If I got it and I learned it was a fake Omega, wouldn't Amazon be held responsible since they're promoting it as "Real" through their site??

 

By definition, gray market means not sold by an authorized dealer. Sometimes this means they do not have a manufacturer's warranty. We would need much more information and photos to say anything about the specific watch you are looking at.

 

A link to the Amazon page would be beneficial.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Seamaster-Automatic-Stainless-231-10-42-22-02-001/dp/B00IKBHPWM/?_encoding

 

They look legit. Here's their web site: https://time-japan.com/

 

Thank you! How can they tell me "it's new and certified" if this Day Date is an older model (I think 5 - 10 years ago)? Any thoughts...it's a big purchase...coming from Japan...I worry it's a fake from China. Should it have a serial number on the back of the case?

 

You think those pictures are of the actual watch? Those are stock photos.

 

of course not...I realize that...but are watches coming out of Japan real or Chinese copies?

 

You need to better understand how legitimate grey market sellers like Jomashop operate. Unless otherwise stated, the watches that they sell are authentic, in new unused condition, still in the original packaging, and with the box, manual, and all accessories. Grey market sellers typically buy excess stock from authorized dealers at heavily discounted prices and then pass part of the savings on to their customers. Depending upon the model of watch, grey market discounts off MSRP can be anywhere from 5% to 40% or more. Generally, although not always, what you don’t get in exchange for the discount is the manufacturer’s warranty. Grey marketers often substitute their own warranties in lieu of the manufacturer’s warranty. Only you can decide whether the grey market discount is enough to offset the risk of having no manufacturer’s warranty if something goes wrong. It’s your responsibility to research a grey market seller before you buy to determine whether or not they are legitimate.

 

Thank you.

 

Personally I wouldn't be buying a Japanese sourced watch through Amazon, there are just better avenues like Chrono24 which are set up for watch sales. Or other grey marketers on the net.

 

Well respected sellers with independent shops with established histories don’t sell fakes.

so do your research. FYI domain was registered in Feb 2022
https://www.whois.com/whois/time-japan.com

 

Best way to not get a fake is “pony up” and buy from a boutique.

A watch worth as much as you want to spend, and no doubt your first big purchase. Will feel much better with all the bells and whistles of buying new from Omega.

Grey market as mentioned above is basically overstock sold by a dealer that buys overstocked models. As you would know cheaper than a boutique but usually without the factory warranty but their own warranty. Outside of any warranty work Omega will still fix and service them.

(the Japanese site linked is a grey dealer)

 

Do the manufacturers push 'seconds' or somewhat less-perfect watches to gray market dealers? On another thread, someone received a 300M with clearly defective dial print quality from an otherwise well-respected gray market webstore.

And to what degree are gray market dealers selling 'used' watches vs. new from manufacturer.

Thx.

 

No to your first question. There are no 'scratch and dent' watches pushed out by the manufacturers.

A grey dealer usually sells new watches, but sometimes these watches have changed hands several times between dealers. A grey dealer can sell LNIB (like new in box) watches but they will state this up front.

 

I think the highlighted part needs to be said more often.

If you're a worrier, an anxious person, a little scared of spending so much money on something which might be fake... spend a little more at an Omega boutique and buy a watch which is guaranteed real, should be in perfect working order, and comes with a five year warranty. That peace of mind is probably worth the extra $$$ you'll save by going grey.

 

Depends. I worry a great deal more about spending several thousand dollars more than I need to for something that I want.

 

Obviously one can't generalize like this. There is nothing different or wrong about Japanese sellers in general. Many of them are totally legit. If you are risk averse and not satisfied with the research you have done about the seller, then you should just buy elsewhere. Our opinions won't help.

 

Here is a link to the Seamaster Aqua Terra Day-date 231.10.42.22.02.001 sold by Time Japan on Chrono24
https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-day-date-23110422202001--id22530595.htm

I live in Japan, but this is the first time I've heard of Time Japan.