I'm in the USA and when shopping/looking on the bay I see so many pre-owned Omegas for sale at somewhat good prices, but I feel there must be a catch somewhere and I am reluctant to buy from anywhere outside of USA. I *have* bought from the UK but only twice, took forever to receive and had to pay customs on top of the price.

 

They sell vintage Omegas in Japan??

 

Quite true. Found a Breitling 806 with obvious dial damage and incorrect crown. They still wanted top dollar.

 

I know it's not the point of your post but, speaking from the other end, your experience is the same as mine.
"Special relationship" between our two countries? In theory yes, but so special that buying a pre-owned watch from the USA is never a bargain. Okay your $ price against our £ looks appealing but there is ALWAYS tax/duty on the declared value and postage/shipping plus the customary two week layover in HM Customs shed.

I blame those fellows with the tea and Boston harbour but only in a nice way.

 

How is it America’s fault that HM Customs house levies fees on UK imports?

It’s unfortunate when Churchill spoke of the Special Relationship between the English Speaking Peoples he was only referring to a common language, history, literature and fight for liberty in two world wars. Probably an oversight that he didn’t foresee vintage watch transactions.

 

I’ve scored 2 watches from there. Big watch culture. Lots of the smaller speedmasters also. My Speedy Date was there before I had it and I scored my Lemania powered Sinn 903 from there. I swear it was listed as a “remania” 903.

So 2 stereotypes confirmed?

 

A $500 US watch sold to the UK becomes a $600 watch (due to VAT) When sold back to the US it becomes a $650 watch ( due to sales Tax )

Someone’s making money and pushing the price of vintage watches up.....

 

Had nothing but good experiences when buying from Japan, from Rare watches to expensive pens (all pre-owned), only thing I noticed they don't bargain much on the price. (found a lot of rare Omega accessories there also)

 

Co-signed on the no bargaining. I picked up a very excellent Dynamic I blue bullseye but the seller wouldn't budge an inch despite me watching the thing go unsold for 2 months.

 

A serious note...pay attention to the case size and band length!!

Many Japanese wear what we would call 'boy' watches with smaller cases. Some models are made specifically for the Asian market to be smaller, but look exactly the same as full size.

What may look like a great deal may actually be a 34mm case size and 6cm band length.

Check the listing!

 

I purchased a watch about 10 days ago and it shipped EMS. 24 hours after I placed the order the watch was in NY. It's been 9 days since and EMS tracking says the last place it was seen was customs. Very frustrating.

The fact that the Japanese wear smaller pieces is actually very convenient for people like me who look for smaller watches. My mid 2000s 36mm railmaster had a tag that was in Yen. In the mid 2000s when watchers were huge, no one would have considered a 36mm RM in the US.

 

There was a time when I would not have dreamed of buying anything from Japan. But acquiring my Japan Racing 2004 Speedy softened me up somewhat. And, just recently, I found just the 3590.50 I was seeking for my son's birthday on eLady. Since there are several thumbs-up for this business here on the Forum, I decided to give it a go . . . and it's been a 100% positive experience. My outlook turn-around has also allowed me recently to buy an ex-Japan Lupo Gti, a very rare car here in the UK, and the beauty of one that previously lived in Tokyo is that the underside is in super condition thanks to the salt-free roads over there. Blimey, I may even be tempted eventually to buy a Japanese electronic product of some sort!

 

I LOVE the Japanese designed Omegas, I have a 3511.20 generally released for the Asian markets - and its so beautiful and well balanced.

 

Don't forget to check also on Rakuten japan and put in the ''shipping to : Japan'' , you'll be amazed how many Pre-owned omega there is ! and most of the time even if they mention will only ship inside Japan they will still be open to ship elsewhere as long as you don't mind paying extra shipping.

 

Fancy Japanese Speedy...1996 special edition...original yellow band.

 

That's cool!

 

Grab a Japanese knife while your at it, the make some great ones......

 

Yes they do! My 3592.50 numbered edition came from there

 

whoooooosh....