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help to newbie
I decided to buy my first Patek watch. Thought is was as simple as going to the AD, negotiating a price, and taking it home. Then as i did more reading, I got more confused. What are grey market dealers? A reputable (national) watch store told me that while they're not an AD for PP, they can sell me a PP without papers or certificate, but that they aren't used.....same confusion in looking at the collector's market forum on this site.
I guess the bottom line questions are...... what's the best way to buy a Patek (or other high end watch?) and what should I avoid? How (or can) I negotiate a price with an AD
Thanks
help to newbie
I decided to buy my first Patek watch. Thought is was as simple as going to the AD, negotiating a price, and taking it home. Then as i did more reading, I got more confused. What are grey market dealers? A reputable (national) watch store told me that whi...
Quick explanation
AD: Authorized Dealer. They are contractually bound to the brand, so there are limits to their price flexibility. They are also required to (usually) buy a certian number of watches per year, to keep their status. Gray Market: a non-authorized dealer. The...
Glad I Did!
Your information and considerations about the pros and cons of buying from an AD versus on the gray market were very helpful. I enjoyed the beautiful pictures of the vintage Patek pocket watch. Thanks for sharing! m
more questions
Aaron, thanks for all the insight...I'm starting to understand, but... what does a GM watch NOT have that one from an AD does....specifically, serial numbers, certificate and....does a watch from a GM hold its value equally over time as much as an AD watc...
Attempted answers
In the days of yore, (C. 2000) there were rumors that if you bought a gray-market watch from the internet, it would have the serial-numbers filed off. I never saw this, nor actually saw a post by someone that had, it was more "be careful, my friend said t...
thanks...and...
could you recommend reputable grey market dealers? Also, can you comment on what I % discount (if any) that I could negotiate with an AD. Looking at the 5119 or the 5196 Calatravas. I've allowed PMs now, so you can send me the info. Can't thank you enough...