PS watch gurus - grey market watches?

[NovemberBride]

I am expecting my 2nd child in a few weeks and my DH has suggested that to commemorate the birth he would like to buy me the Cartier tank watch that I have wanted for some time. I know that it is a quartz watch and some of you will frown on spending $$$ for a quartz watch, but I am not a watch afficionado and I am drawn to the style, rather than the mechanics of a watch.

I have done some research and it seems that I can save about $725 (plus tax) by buying the watch from a grey market dealer. Specifically, I am thinking of buying from Amazon or jomashop. I have bought watches before from both places with no issues, but those were much less expensive watches (Victorinox watches for my DH and Dad). I would obviously like to save the money, but it is a large purchase and I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences buying luxury watches from either of these places. I know I won't get the Cartier warranty, but I am not that concerned since both of these offer their own warranties. So, would you all buy from one of these places or would you spend the extra to buy directly from Cartier?

 

[decodelighted]

Hmmm. For that amount off I'd be leaning toward getting from an Authorized Dealer w/full box papers warranty etc. HOWEVER, some Cartier tanks can be had for 30-40% off 2nd hand. To save THAT kind of money - I'd personally consider 2nd hand versions of the exact watch I wanted ... through folks with a good reputation on the watch forums ... or a well-known reseller like Tourneau or Oak Gem.

Which one are you looking for?

 

[TravelingGal]

Hmmm. For that amount off I'd be leaning toward getting from an Authorized Dealer w/full box papers warranty etc. HOWEVER, some Cartier tanks can be had for 30-40% off 2nd hand. To save THAT kind of money - I'd personally consider 2nd hand versions of the exact watch I wanted ... through folks with a good reputation on the watch forums ... or a well-known reseller like Tourneau or Oak Gem.

Which one are you looking for?

Ditto.

 

[NovemberBride]

Thanks Deco - I am looking for the classic tank francaise - small. It retails for $4100 and is avaialble grey market for $3375. I would prefer to buy a new watch, I know I could save substantially on a second hand one but my personal preference is for new.

 

[decodelighted]

Thanks Deco - I am looking for the classic tank francaise - small. It retails for $4100 and is avaialble grey market for $3375. I would prefer to buy a new watch, I know I could save substantially on a second hand one but my personal preference is for new.

Nice one! Look forward to seeing wristshots when the deed is done! Totally understand about "new" - especially as a gift for an event like this. For me, I really would go whole hog then -- from a Cartier store if possible! It's not gonna be the same to get a box from Amazon & have to return to them for any problems. JMHO.

 

[NovemberBride]

Thanks! I have loved this watch for a long time but could never bring myself to spend the money. I also love a lot of the larger style watches that are trendy right now but I am pretty petite with tiny wrists (about 5 1/2 inches circumference) and unfortunately the larger styles tend to be a little much on me, especially for professional wear. This will be an everyday watch for me and I think this style transitions nicely from jeans to suits.

There is definitely something to be said for the experience of buying in the store, and we do have a local Cartier boutique. I will also need to have links removed, which is probably another factor in favor of buying it in the boutique.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Thanks Deco - I am looking for the classic tank francaise - small. It retails for $4100 and is avaialble grey market for $3375. I would prefer to buy a new watch, I know I could save substantially on a second hand one but my personal preference is for new.

what is the ref # of the watch?

 

[Logan Sapphire]

My husband gave me a Cartier Tank to commemorate our kids and I got mine through Quest Jewelers for a discount (I think it was 20% off or a little more so not much more than what an authorized dealer could give), but it came with the warranty, super fancy box, etc. I love it! It has our kids' names and birthdays engraved in the back.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

What is not to like about the Tank? Gosh!

Have you looked at the Tank Solo?

cheers--Sharon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I was just looking at the Tank Solo and think I like it about as much as the Tank Francaise, other than I haven't tried either one of them on! I really want a steel Cartier watch for everyday, but my dressier watch (Ebel) is tank style. So I can't decide whether to go with the round Solo or another tank. I have seen the solo tank $1000 off on ebay. Killer problem. $1000 is a LOT of money.

Good luck with that decision, but shop around before deciding!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Mine is actually the Tank Solo. I don't wear leather so a metal band was a must.

And one with their names (blurred out) and birthdays engraved. Ignore the dirt- needs to be cleaned.