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  1. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    I've had a watch on order from a grey seller (in Germany) for quite some time (almost 6 weeks). Today I finally heard that the watch arrived and is ready to ship.

    Before I ordered it, I got their confirmation that the watch is sourced from an AD. Now I just asked the seller who the AD is, but they seem to be avoiding sending me that info. I got a photo of the warranty card with serial/model #, but the Jewelry/AD is not visible. The card appears to have the model/serial printed, not written, but the date is handwritten.

    The shop has a lot of positive reviews (for a grey seller) but I'm still a big uncomfortable with this, why not just send a photo of the whole card, including supplier?

    Still, I've heard that many grey sellers are reluctant to reveal the AD, they just "promise" it is a valid AD but you only get to know who when you receive the item.

    This is my first "pricey" (by my standards at least) purchase so I'm a bit concerned about not getting the official Omega warranty (4 years in this case as it is a coaxial).

    Can anyone with more experience in the market share some opinions? Anyone smells a rat, or am I just being too careful?

    Thanks

    [EDIT] Removed a few digits from the serial # "just in case"
    MOD EDIT, Removed image as unhelpful.
     
    Edited by a mod Apr 11, 2016
  2. chunkythebulldog Apr 11, 2016

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    Looks good to me. The Grey dealer has omitted the AD due to what you've just done, ie post a picture on the internet. If Omega look at forums (which I believe they do according to a recent thread) then they would see which AD's are selling into the grey market, although I assume they can tell which AD it is by looking up the watch no and ref anyway.
     
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  3. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    That makes sense, although I only posted it because the stamp was indeed omitted, since I am aware that ADs do not want to be identified for obvious reasons.

    But there is clearly some reluctance in just telling me by email which AD sourced it, that's what made me wonder if I could be getting a watch without the oficial warranty (in that case it would be the usual 2-year store warranty, Jomashop style).
    I'll remove the image soon, in case the serial can be...inconvenient to someone.

    I'm going to bite the bullet and do the cash transfer later today unless someone spots any major issue. The seller in germany clearly "assured me" that the watch is AD sourced, and given the good reviews they have regarding their small online shop, I'd like to think they are playing fair.
     
  4. Optimizer13 Apr 11, 2016

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    If you buy from a grey dealer, the "official warranty" already began when the grey dealer purchased the watch from the AD. The official warranty still holds for the remaining duration or could have expired. However, its possible that the grey dealer offers their own store warranty but its not the same as the official Omega warranty.
     
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  5. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    I understand. In this case the grey dealer just purchased the watch from the AD, that's why it took 5 weeks, so the warranty should be new.
    I just transferred the money 30 seconds ago, so I suppose I'll soon find out how my first big watch purchase went. A bit of excitement and nervousness ahaha.

    Hopefully in 2 or 3 days the DSOTM will finally be here. I'll share some opinions on the seller then if everyone gets curious.
    Thanks all
     
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  6. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 11, 2016

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    My AD purchased watch has a hand written warranty card. And the watch has gone home for some rest and relaxation in the Swiss alls once already as it had a failure to proceed in Rolls Royce terms.
     
  7. Optimizer13 Apr 11, 2016

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    Hope all goes well! 'Buy the seller' is key!
     
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  8. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 11, 2016

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    First the dealer in question is not a Grey dealer. He is a middle man sourcing AD warrantied watches.
    A Grey dealer buys watches from various sources, usually in bulk, with NO manufacturer warranty. They distribute watches outside of the countries authorized distribution network.

    There are many watchmakers, former ADs and independents that will source watches in the first manner.
    Omega does not like this being done. ADs can get into trouble.

    Independents providing this service to you do not like being outed.
    ADs don't like you talking about it .

    This is why ( as someone already stated) the Seller was reluctant to give you too much information. You are shooting the goose that lays the eggs.

    There are many that know how to source Full Manufacturer warranty watches, it is not spoken about very often because people know to keep there mouth shut. Less said the better.
     
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  9. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    Interesting. That is the case then.

    I had the impression that the term "Grey dealer" would apply to any seller/shop that isn't an official AD shop. I got this idea since there are a few shops that people call "Grey dealers" but they do supply watches sourced/stamped by ADs. I see what you mean now.

    Good info everyone. Can't wait to get it. :-P
     
  10. stiofan WUS topic importer Apr 11, 2016

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    ...
     
    Edited May 9, 2016
  11. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 11, 2016

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    Price, not available in your country, etc.
     
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  12. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    As Foo indicated, there can be multiple reasons including availability, delivery wait, etc.

    In my case it was the most common reason, Price. I visited an AD and tried the watch, could buy it then but they would not lower the retail price by a single peanut. It was more than I would like to spend on a watch, so I looked for alternatives. Found this seller who assured me they would source it from an AD w/genuine warranty for around 30-35% less, which can make the difference between being able to afford a watch or not.

    But as cicindela clarified, my case wasn't the typical "grey seller", so there was not much to be lost except a longer lead time.

    Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Optimizer13 put it well... "buy the seller". I paid all of it and have nothing yet, but am curiously waiting.
     
    Edited Apr 11, 2016
  13. Bushido Apr 11, 2016

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    Since the terminology has been hashed out and the legitimacy too, I'll simply say this: Can't wait to see pics! I'm certain you will be very happy with the DSOTM and must be bouncing up and down with anticipation seeing how long you've been waiting :)
     
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  14. karalhoin Apr 11, 2016

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    I'm bouncing indeed, with a mix of excitement and worry, wondering if it was a bit of a needless waste or a good wise choice.
    Nothing uncommon I guess, pretty much what all the noob buyers go through.

    That said, I think the model is quite interesting, despite being common these days. Hope I'll be able to share some good photos. :-D
     
  15. abrod520 Apr 11, 2016

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    Buying at the secondhand discount (grey / internet AD guy etc) will far reduce the worry about needless waste, should the time ever come to sell it on.

    The first nice watch I bought was a TAG Monaco for full AD price, cause I was too green to think to negotiate. Traded it at a ~70% loss value two and a half years later when my tastes had trended more towards vintage. That sucked. You're fine :)
     
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  16. Nitzbar Will sell any watch tougher than him. Apr 12, 2016

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    Don't shoot the goose man, we really like the eggs. And most of us don't like paying retail for our eggs.
     
  17. karalhoin Apr 14, 2016

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    Look what the cat just dragged in...
     
    20160413_185315.jpg
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  18. kangajack Apr 16, 2016

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    Pictures of the watch please... Unless you just bought a box, in which case... It looks great. [emoji3]
     
  19. alam Apr 16, 2016

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    good looking box!
     
  20. Bushido Apr 16, 2016

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    Either he hasn't looked up from his wrist long enough to show us pics or he was literal in the cat dragging something in and he put it in that box. If the former, show us the pixel porn! If the latter, we don't need to see the mangled bird corpse...