I'm interested to get you guys take on this. In my particular case, I've been eyeing an Omega Aqua Tera, but there's no reason to limit to that particular watch. Looking at grey market prices for that piece, it appears that discounts from 15 to 25% can be had for an unworn example of the currently produced model. I suspect that may get even better if the economy continues to go in the direction it seems to be going. As best as I can tell, that discount comes at a price of potentially a bit more stressful buying experience and the lack of a factory warranty. So the stress part aside, what is a factory warranty worth to you? At what point do you click buy? 25% is a big chunk of change for something like an Omega, which seems to be a very stable and reliable watch. The likelihood of needing to service it under warranty seems relatively low. I realize it's always a gamble, but is there a number that would make you take the plunge? At what point do you say sure, I'd miss the glass of champaign at the fancy AD, but this is worth it?
Jeklotz
If I'm spending high 4 figures on a watch, I want to buy new and I want the peace of mind of a warranty.
A warranty is worth absolutely nothing . . . if everything goes right. And worth absolutely everything . . . if something goes wrong. What's the worth of health insurance? Car insurance? Life insurance? Home insurance? The answer is always dependent on the individual AND their circumstances at the time.
I've more or less stopped buying from the grey market. The sourcing issues & slow delivery combined with sketchy 2 year service warranties make it not worth it for me. This is especially true where some manufacturers now have 8 year warranties. On top of it all, most ADs will negotiate to some degree if you show up prepared to buy on that day.
A full factory service (which would then come with its own warranty) is a good number to start. For a non-chrono Omega, that's ~$600? Add in the value of your time and stress. For a simple quartz three hander, probably easy enough to forego and save the dough.
I've rarely bought from an AD and have never missed it; actually, I sorta loathe the atmosphere of most ADs, which only gets worse as the price goes up.
I've rarely bought from an AD and have never missed it; actually, I sorta loathe the atmosphere of most ADs, which only gets worse as the price goes up.
At chrono24 I've seen 15-40% difference between 4-5 years omega international warranty and 1-2 years seller in-country warranty (for example $5K vs $6.5k), where in both cases watch listed as "new, withought signs of wear"
A 10% saving? Not worth it.
40%? I think I'd forgo the factory warranty.
Anywhere between? Depends on the cost of the watch and how risky I'm feeling that day.
40%? I think I'd forgo the factory warranty.
Anywhere between? Depends on the cost of the watch and how risky I'm feeling that day.
You better off finding a AD giving 15-20% discount, or slightly used one with warranty,
As many said, you might not needed, but would be great if you had it if things go south,
Only watch i brought second hand with expired warranty was due to 60% saving compared to new msrp
As many said, you might not needed, but would be great if you had it if things go south,
Only watch i brought second hand with expired warranty was due to 60% saving compared to new msrp
It depends on whether you have access to a decent watchmaker, and the price differential. You can get an AT new on the GM for close to 4k, about 25% off AD prices. That more than covers the cost of a service. I've never bought a watch at an AD and when I've needed a service I had a watchmaker that was able to do it for a reasonable price.
Also, some brand's manufacturer warranties follow the watch, so even if they were purchased from a GM they're still valid. Depends on the brand.
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Also, some brand's manufacturer warranties follow the watch, so even if they were purchased from a GM they're still valid. Depends on the brand.
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I would take a steep discount. To me, warranty is worth the cost of a full service, so I think ~$750 for Omega.
Paragraphs are your friend.
Paragraphs are your friend.
Go to any Gray Market dealer or Pre-Owned Dealer and price the difference between watches sold with warranty and those without. For example, many watches sold by DavidSW come with box and papers, with a valid warranty . Some don't have the warranty.
It's only worth your piece of mind. As shown on here many times, some warranties from manufacturers are worthless. I personally dislike a lot of ADS now, the snobby buggers have ruined what should be a fun experience. The only real plus is the ability to hold and examine your watch before the machine eats your bank card.
It depends on the buyer. To me a factory warranty is worth a great deal but that’s for my own peace of mind. I’m sure that there are many people out there who think I’m an old fool who is prepared to essentially pay over the odds to get a manufacturers warranty.
It is worth whatever YOU think it is worth......
Very subjective and each person's interpretation of it is different.
Very subjective and each person's interpretation of it is different.
Non pm non chrono omega service is $550 i believe. So thats the price to get a two year warranty. Other considerations involved, but as stated, thats a good starting point
I would say it's worth the price of servicing at least. Assume a gray market watch will at least need a servicing especially if it's over five years old. For an Omega that's going to start at $550. If it's a legit seller and they say unknown service history, tack $550-$700 to the price of a potential service.
In general, a factory warranty is worth the price of a service providing the watch is in good shape and original. For Rolex that's about USD800. I assume it's about the same for Omega.
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