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tikkathree
·I am going to go back to the beginning and read all these replies very carefully [EDIT: I've now done that, all additional comments in bold] but having got only partway down the first page I am struck by:
1. The sentiment "It doesn't look exactly like mine": quite often in posts like this one I am troubled by a feeling of are we in danger of presuming that "mine" is the completely original as-left-the-factory version?
2. Talk of dial and insert swapouts: I refer my wise colleagues to my first concern. There's plenty of comment in this thread acknowledging changes of bezels and inserts: Trigger's Broom/George Washington's axe spring to mind. Can I also suggest that "the seller didn't say anything about XXX" can mean any one of a number of things maybe good, maybe not so?
3. "You can buy cheaper from Japan": if the OP is in Great Britain, any purchase he makes from Japan is likely to attract VAT/Duty so whilst the Japanese purchase prices may well be lower, the as delivered price isn't going to be quite so appealing.
I've bought from Japan for import to GB before and I'll do it again: watches, cameras, lenses. There is usually a greater choice available but to the OP my advice would be:
1. DO NOT think you'll dodge the VAT/Duty especially if the vendor is using one of the globally-known courier companies. Once you've added say 20% to the import how do things look?
2. Read the detail of the listing very carefully and if you're unsure ask direct questions. If you're still unsure and unless your £ is burning a hole in your pocket be prepared to search again.
3. Ex Japan watches often come without original box, paperwork and tags: is this a deal breaker for you? Ex Japan watches sometimes come with shortened bracelets and lack the missing links: be aware before you buy.
The OP talks about wanting a watch to wear and not a safe queen. Empty watch boxes take up space but can be useful when it comes to sale time.
The local vendor in Leamington:
ask if they offer warranty on the watch and don't forget that there may be some wriggle room in the asking price but you're going to have to ask and the worst they can say is "no".
Now, to read everything carefully and hopefully acquire some wisdom..... I'll look forward to photos of the new acquisition. We all mean well here.
1. The sentiment "It doesn't look exactly like mine": quite often in posts like this one I am troubled by a feeling of are we in danger of presuming that "mine" is the completely original as-left-the-factory version?
2. Talk of dial and insert swapouts: I refer my wise colleagues to my first concern. There's plenty of comment in this thread acknowledging changes of bezels and inserts: Trigger's Broom/George Washington's axe spring to mind. Can I also suggest that "the seller didn't say anything about XXX" can mean any one of a number of things maybe good, maybe not so?
3. "You can buy cheaper from Japan": if the OP is in Great Britain, any purchase he makes from Japan is likely to attract VAT/Duty so whilst the Japanese purchase prices may well be lower, the as delivered price isn't going to be quite so appealing.
I've bought from Japan for import to GB before and I'll do it again: watches, cameras, lenses. There is usually a greater choice available but to the OP my advice would be:
1. DO NOT think you'll dodge the VAT/Duty especially if the vendor is using one of the globally-known courier companies. Once you've added say 20% to the import how do things look?
2. Read the detail of the listing very carefully and if you're unsure ask direct questions. If you're still unsure and unless your £ is burning a hole in your pocket be prepared to search again.
3. Ex Japan watches often come without original box, paperwork and tags: is this a deal breaker for you? Ex Japan watches sometimes come with shortened bracelets and lack the missing links: be aware before you buy.
The OP talks about wanting a watch to wear and not a safe queen. Empty watch boxes take up space but can be useful when it comes to sale time.
The local vendor in Leamington:
ask if they offer warranty on the watch and don't forget that there may be some wriggle room in the asking price but you're going to have to ask and the worst they can say is "no".
Now, to read everything carefully and hopefully acquire some wisdom..... I'll look forward to photos of the new acquisition. We all mean well here.
Edited:
