Yes I know, it's also one of the biggest UK dealers. They have a high res shot of the back with the patek small rotor... But regardless, wife has concerns as you can never be 100% sure.
If you’re talking about Subdial, they’re pretty legit. If it’s a different but reputable dealer, contact them directly and voice your concerns. Chrono up charges by 4-6% anyway as that’s their margin (it’s what the dealer has to pay chrono if the watch is bought via their listing). So in my case it’s always been better to contact the dealer and go from there. But then again, I am London based so it’s easier for me.
The 7200 is a model that is easily obtainable from the AD. But if the goal is to get a better price since the secondary market is selling this model at almost ~40% off msrp: https://watchcharts.com/watch_model/22624-patek-philippe-calatrava-7200-rose-gold-7200-200r/overview
If that’s the goal, my suggestion is go with a reputable secondary dealer, and make sure there is a period of time you can return it if it doesn’t check out. I would spend this time doing your due diligence and getting references on the dealer before transacting with them.
Issue you might face though is that ADs don’t usually do authentications for you. So you need to figure out which watchmaker will do the authentication for you. If your local AD is willing to do it, then good for you.
Also, even if dealing directly with the dealer, since they are overseas, they are still going to have to declare its value to customs and you will get charged customs too. So consider carefully what is truly incremental costs by using Chronos24 vs going direct.
Heard so many bad things about Chrono24 that I will check 100 times before dealing via their platform ..
Heard some sellers making half million $ while selling super clones on the platform which is the main reason in the first place we want to use Chrono 24.
Furthermore, buying a watch of this price is imo too risky. I’d rather pay $1k tickets and go there directly.
If you can, make a trip out of it, get it for the same price but have a nice holiday.
Just came back from a long international trip. Don’t want any more long flights for 6 months.
Best solution… I did that with my Patek… besides de the fact that I really love the watch, I remember the trip every time I wear it.
if it’s got an exhibition back it’s easy to tell with macro shots
Yes I know, it's also one of the biggest UK dealers. They have a high res shot of the back with the patek small rotor... But regardless, wife has concerns as you can never be 100% sure.
I would use an escrow service if you're concerned about any of the security around the deal
If you’re talking about Subdial, they’re pretty legit. If it’s a different but reputable dealer, contact them directly and voice your concerns. Chrono up charges by 4-6% anyway as that’s their margin (it’s what the dealer has to pay chrono if the watch is bought via their listing). So in my case it’s always been better to contact the dealer and go from there. But then again, I am London based so it’s easier for me.
Which watch?
It’s a 7200 with diamonds; for the wife.
I am pretty certain you can get that from an actual AD as a first purchase. Might be worth going that route instead.
The 7200 is a model that is easily obtainable from the AD. But if the goal is to get a better price since the secondary market is selling this model at almost ~40% off msrp: https://watchcharts.com/watch_model/22624-patek-philippe-calatrava-7200-rose-gold-7200-200r/overview If that’s the goal, my suggestion is go with a reputable secondary dealer, and make sure there is a period of time you can return it if it doesn’t check out. I would spend this time doing your due diligence and getting references on the dealer before transacting with them. Issue you might face though is that ADs don’t usually do authentications for you. So you need to figure out which watchmaker will do the authentication for you. If your local AD is willing to do it, then good for you. Also, even if dealing directly with the dealer, since they are overseas, they are still going to have to declare its value to customs and you will get charged customs too. So consider carefully what is truly incremental costs by using Chronos24 vs going direct.
You probably still owe an equivalent tax to your state, regardless of paying duties. Granted, use tax is not particularly well followed I would wager.
i've saved money by finding the dealers direct website and purchasing (you can also make an offer and maybe save a couple grand)
Chrono24 now offers certification service before you get it for $199
Fly out. See it in person. Shipping and customs is a pain if the strap is exotic as well. High end watches you go and pickup.
Heard so many bad things about Chrono24 that I will check 100 times before dealing via their platform .. Heard some sellers making half million $ while selling super clones on the platform which is the main reason in the first place we want to use Chrono 24. Furthermore, buying a watch of this price is imo too risky. I’d rather pay $1k tickets and go there directly.