So straight forward question. I have an opportunity to trade my Omega PO 8500 for an Omega FIOS which was bought from Jomashop. I am a bit hesitant to trade for a watch bought on the grey market, especially since mine is from an AD. Does anyone have any input or experience with the grey market? Is it worth it or would you guys hold out for a warrantied product?

 

Is the serial number visible?

 

I haven't asked yet. But it will be an in person trade. Also he has all paperwork from Jomaship.

 

I traded my IWC chrono under AD warranty for a PO 8500 from Jomashop. SO I guess the answer to your question is yes.

 

The only question that matters is if it still under warranty. Otherwise, why would one care? I would imagine a bunch of watches traded here, ebay etc are gray watches and no one would know unless the sales receipt is included.

 

I do not know if Jomashop is a grey that etches out serial numbers, but personally, I would not buy a watch without its serial number.

 

If the serial number is on the watch and the warranty card is filled out it is all good! Just watch out because if the warranty card is blank,it can mean that the watch was never sold by an Omega AD so the warranty will be void. I can be wrong, so if I am, please correct me!
It's a small risk to take in order to pay less for a brand new watch, which has very slim chances of going wrong anyways. Personnally I would sell the PO and look for a second-hand FOIS, but if they offer you a good deal then go for it.

 

I just asked him and he said serial number is intact. The warranty card will be blank since it is via Jomashop. They would not fill it out and sell it via Grey Market. I will also get the OEM metal bracelet along with the OEM strap as well.

 

I asked if the warranty card is filled out because I've heard grey dealers buy inventory from ADs or individuals that had purchased from an AD and the card is filled out. As I stated, if the deal looks good then go for it.

 

Curious which metal bracelet you will be getting? Does Omega make a bracelet for the FOIS? As far as I know it typically just comes on the strap.

 

Omega makes an OEM bracelet for this watch.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d1/67/8c/d1678c956e871455256c91b78abbb802.jpg

 

I believe that is an old Speedmaster bracelet and not designed for the FOIS but does fit reasonably well.

 

Reasonably well as in comfortable with the end links?

 

A second hand watch from Jomashop has zero warranty as their warranty (as worthless as it is) is non-transferable to a new owner... so if anything ever happens to the watch, you are paying all cash out of pocket for repairs.

 

Really so I cannot use the Jomashop warranty then if I do this trade?

 

I don't believe so nor would you want to even if you could. My advice: Sell the PO, with funds in hand, contact any of a myriad of highly trustworthy and professional sellers such as @Kringkily, @WatchVaultNYC, @mdgrwl, Chitownwatch, or many others in a list too long to type out. You can get a very well priced FOIS BNIB or used with intact international Omega warranty.

Point: Not all "grey" sellers are created equally, and imo, Joma is at the bottom of this particular barrel.

 

I've never dealt/bought anything via grey market just because I am a bit wary of that whole warranty issue.

 

Here's how I look at buying a new watch from a grey market dealer vs. an AD. First, I feel the chances of something going wrong with a brand new Omega is very small. It happens, but it's relatively rare. Second, you're likely to save enough money buying grey market to more than cover the cost of a service if something does go wrong with the watch.

I recently purchased a new Speedmaster from Chitownwatch.com, and couldn't be happier. JMHO.

 

So, other than the warranty not being transferrable to a second owner, and assuming I do not sell the watch later on, is there any other reason to avoid Jomashop?

What about Authentic Watches, Prestige Time, Chrono24, or Bernard Watch? Recommendations?