Buying A Nice Watch In Thailand

[thelongshoot]

Hello all. I am after an Omega Planet Ocean watch and if I have to, I will buy from the Omega store in Paragon and Grayson. They are massivley over priced there however and I have heard there are one or two pre-owned dealers around Bangkok that sell a variety of high end watches.

I just dont feel to safe buying a pre-owned watch for like, 150,000 Baht in a country that seels more fake watches than anywhere else in the world.

Does anyone have any experiences they could share?

Thanks

[Ijustwannateach]

The normal caveats with antiques and collectibles and jewelry apply- look for a reputable dealer who's been in business a long time, ask for any possible certificates of authenticity, etc.

[damo]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

[HalibutJones]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

[richard_smith237]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

It does absolutely nothing. Some people simply can't understand the desire to own a nice watch.

Even more to the point, what do a handful of nice watches do that one can't do on its own. Actually, what's the point of a watch when you can use your phone or ask someone the time ?......

MBK has a number of legitimate second hand and new watch dealers. Are they reliable ?... Research your product completely, know the idiosyncrasies and details of the watch you intend to buy, trust your instincts and if in doubt simply walk away. I bought a legitimate second hand Panerai from MBK a few years back, no issues there.

Do not buy from Paragon etc... I had B70,000 reduced off a Bell & Ross watch because my wife knows the owner of the shop in Central World. That's at least how much profit they are making on an expensive watch.

I believe you would actually save money flying to Singapore and buying a decent watch there than purchasing one in one of the 'Mall - shops' in Thailand.

[Bagwan]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

Bolster the self esteem and level of arrogance of the insecure?

[HalibutJones]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

Bolster the self esteem and level of arrogance of the insecure?

Oddly enough I find most of the arrogance and self esteem issues come from those criticizing, not from those with the aspirations.

[garrfeild]

Simple answer, don't buy it in Thailand, Not unless you know everything about the watch and can see a fake from six miles.

[isanbirder]

I was in the watch business for some years. My advice.... fly to Singapore and buy it there (Hong Kong also possible).

[William Osborne]

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

OMG

I have bought a couple of good watches here.. got a decent price on a Tag Huer upstairs in Central, Pattaya and got Citizen in the airport.

You can see the quality over a fake no problem..

[damo]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

Bolster the self esteem and level of arrogance of the insecure?

Oddly enough I find most of the arrogance and self esteem issues come from those criticizing, not from those with the aspirations.

Narcissistic

[thelongshoot]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

The exquisite engineering, the craftsmanship, the history of the brand, the way that if feels on your wrist which I doubt you would ever understand, to be honest. And that’s not an insult – it’s just that some people just don’t get it.

For me personally, it’s a celebration that I have done ok so far in life. Looking down at the watch reminds me that I deserve this beautiful expensive watch, through all the hard work I have put in.

Also from a financial point of view, most decent watch brands hold value or increase in value over time anyway. This is not a suit, or an expensive pair of shoes…. It’s a form of investment that you can enjoy daily.

And as for the “value of my life if people knew” I won’t be walking down the street holding a banner in the air saying “Mug me, my watch is worth a mint”. Anyway 150,000 Baht is actually way under the average price that your average person who appreciates nice watches would spend. I would say 300,000 – 400,000 would be more average.

[thelongshoot]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

It does absolutely nothing. Some people simply can't understand the desire to own a nice watch.

Even more to the point, what do a handful of nice watches do that one can't do on its own. Actually, what's the point of a watch when you can use your phone or ask someone the time ?......

MBK has a number of legitimate second hand and new watch dealers. Are they reliable ?... Research your product completely, know the idiosyncrasies and details of the watch you intend to buy, trust your instincts and if in doubt simply walk away. I bought a legitimate second hand Panerai from MBK a few years back, no issues there.

Do not buy from Paragon etc... I had B70,000 reduced off a Bell & Ross watch because my wife knows the owner of the shop in Central World. That's at least how much profit they are making on an expensive watch.

I believe you would actually save money flying to Singapore and buying a decent watch there than purchasing one in one of the 'Mall - shops' in Thailand.

Thanks. Yes it is frustrating knowing the margins these dealers make...... I called and asked about the new PO at the Omega store and they are knocking them out for 234,000. I could not believe it. Thats at least 70,000 more than it should be.

I just stated looking at Singapore today actualy. Well, I just googled a few pre owned dealers. Are you saying the authorized dealers are better priced over there? I would have no issue with nipping over if that was the case.

[richard_smith237]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

It does absolutely nothing. Some people simply can't understand the desire to own a nice watch.

Even more to the point, what do a handful of nice watches do that one can't do on its own. Actually, what's the point of a watch when you can use your phone or ask someone the time ?......

MBK has a number of legitimate second hand and new watch dealers. Are they reliable ?... Research your product completely, know the idiosyncrasies and details of the watch you intend to buy, trust your instincts and if in doubt simply walk away. I bought a legitimate second hand Panerai from MBK a few years back, no issues there.

Do not buy from Paragon etc... I had B70,000 reduced off a Bell & Ross watch because my wife knows the owner of the shop in Central World. That's at least how much profit they are making on an expensive watch.

I believe you would actually save money flying to Singapore and buying a decent watch there than purchasing one in one of the 'Mall - shops' in Thailand.

Thanks. Yes it is frustrating knowing the margins these dealers make...... I called and asked about the new PO at the Omega store and they are knocking them out for 234,000. I could not believe it. Thats at least 70,000 more than it should be.

I just stated looking at Singapore today actualy. Well, I just googled a few pre owned dealers. Are you saying the authorized dealers are better priced over there? I would have no issue with nipping over if that was the case.

Much better priced.... I just picked up the new Rolex Explorer II in Singapore... I've not seen it in the shops here yet, but when I do I expect it will be at least B50,000 more expensive in Thailand. Singapore prices are competitive with Europe and the US. Although I have heard that the Middle East (i.e. Dubai) has very competitive pricing.

[transam]

I bought a very nice Rolex at Chong Mek border. I could be persuaded to part with it for say, hmmm, 100,000bht.

[richard_smith237]

I bought a very nice Rolex at Chong Mek border. I could be persuaded to part with it for say, hmmm, 100,000bht.

A bargain... Attempt to scratch the face with a nail and dip it in a glass of water and I'll take it.

[transam]

I bought a very nice Rolex at Chong Mek border. I could be persuaded to part with it for say, hmmm, 100,000bht.

A bargain... Attempt to scratch the face with a nail and dip it in a glass of water and I'll take it.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer, OK, to you, eeeeeeeeeer, now l am being generous here, eeeeeeeeeeeeer, 500 bht.

[wandrinstar]

I sold a Rolex here,they checked it out with Watches of Switzerland from their invoice i kept,and paid me cash,so they are not all bad.

[wandrinstar]

P.S. i like the insecure and arrogant Nurd comment. Why do some of us buy expensive food when you can live on Thai Gunge for 20 Bht a Splodge. Because we can. Why did i get fined 25 K Bht at Chong Mec for over the limit Ciggarettes, because i Smoke.What a Waste.

[h90]

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

OMG

I have bought a couple of good watches here.. got a decent price on a Tag Huer upstairs in Central, Pattaya and got Citizen in the airport.

You can see the quality over a fake no problem..

No on a good fake you don't. Friend of mine a Rolex sales and repair guy, told me on a fake Rolex that he can't see the difference, beside that this engine should not be in this housing.

It was just 5000 Baht 11 years ago.

[HalibutJones]

P.S. i like the insecure and arrogant Nurd comment. Why do some of us buy expensive food when you can live on Thai Gunge for 20 Bht a Splodge. Because we can. Why did i get fined 25 K Bht at Chong Mec for over the limit Ciggarettes, because i Smoke.What a Waste.

Now you're just being arrogant and insecure. And narcissistic, apparently.

[wandrinstar]

He Would say that Wouldn't He. Im all those things ,but not insecure, like most here if their honest, grab life by the balls mate, save nothing. the kids will blow it anyway

[William Osborne]

No on a good fake you don't. Friend of mine a Rolex sales and repair guy, told me on a fake Rolex that he can't see the difference, beside that this engine should not be in this housing.

It was just 5000 Baht 11 years ago.

The Rolex has a pretty basic housing so would be easier to fake... not so easy on other watches with more deatil.

[h90]

No on a good fake you don't. Friend of mine a Rolex sales and repair guy, told me on a fake Rolex that he can't see the difference, beside that this engine should not be in this housing.

It was just 5000 Baht 11 years ago.

The Rolex has a pretty basic housing so would be easier to fake... not so easy on other watches with more deatil.

yes but to my surprise the glass was also that nice glass that does not scratch and the watch was really waterproof+the engine had really these "gems" as bearings (he checked it). So it really costs something to produce it (not the cheap chinese engine)

[sotsira]

What does a 100000K Merc do that a ten grand Fiat doesn't?

OMG

I have bought a couple of good watches here.. got a decent price on a Tag Huer upstairs in Central, Pattaya and got Citizen in the airport.

You can see the quality over a fake no problem..

No on a good fake you don't. Friend of mine a Rolex sales and repair guy, told me on a fake Rolex that he can't see the difference, beside that this engine should not be in this housing.

It was just 5000 Baht 11 years ago.

5000bt 11 years ago

so

How much is it worth today ?

[sotsira]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

It does absolutely nothing. Some people simply can't understand the desire to own a nice watch.

Even more to the point, what do a handful of nice watches do that one can't do on its own. Actually, what's the point of a watch when you can use your phone or ask someone the time ?......

MBK has a number of legitimate second hand and new watch dealers. Are they reliable ?... Research your product completely, know the idiosyncrasies and details of the watch you intend to buy, trust your instincts and if in doubt simply walk away. I bought a legitimate second hand Panerai from MBK a few years back, no issues there.

Do not buy from Paragon etc... I had B70,000 reduced off a Bell & Ross watch because my wife knows the owner of the shop in Central World. That's at least how much profit they are making on an expensive watch.

I believe you would actually save money flying to Singapore and buying a decent watch there than purchasing one in one of the 'Mall - shops' in Thailand.

Thanks. Yes it is frustrating knowing the margins these dealers make...... I called and asked about the new PO at the Omega store and they are knocking them out for 234,000. I could not believe it. Thats at least 70,000 more than it should be.

I just stated looking at Singapore today actualy. Well, I just googled a few pre owned dealers. Are you saying the authorized dealers are better priced over there? I would have no issue with nipping over if that was the case.

thelongshoot,

Just out of interest where are you from?

If your from europe or the US, wouldn't it be better for you to wait when you are next back home to buy your watch?

Why buy in Thailand or the far East when the prices are usually higher?

Alternatively there are high grade watch dealers that operate online and some can be quite competitive on their prices,

they are usually based in the UK or US.

Here's a link as an example from the UK:http://www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/watches/omega-watches/omega-planet-ocean-watches?gclid=CKrd5uTvgawCFcMc6wodpF7fLg

[endure]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

Exquisite engineering...

http://ninanet.net/watches/others03/Mediums/mlange1.html

[HalibutJones]

safe, well you may not get ripped, but your watch will be more valuable than your life should some induviduals realise its real value. Apart from telling you the time which you can get from just about any stranger for free, what does this watch do that makes it worth 150K?

Exquisite engineering...

http://ninanet.net/w...ms/mlange1.html

Nice, but not the biggest fan of the Lange 1, much prefer the Saxonia Big Date, and some of the Langematiks. Wouldn't say no to an 1815, either.

[MEGALITHIC]

This:

Go down to Singapore for a day or two; approx 10000 baht round trip flight.

Prices are better and no problems with authenticity.

Problem solved.

[richard_smith237]

This:

Go down to Singapore for a day or two; approx 10000 baht round trip flight.

Prices are better and no problems with authenticity.

Problem solved.

Good advice. If you know what you are looking for, flying down in the morning and returning in the evening is not entirely unfeasible.

Combine it with picking up a few other more favorably priced items while there...

As an example:

In Singapore A Rolex Milgaus (green glass) is SG$9100 (THB222,000 / US $7200).

Online in the UK its £4800 (US $7670).

Tax can be claimed back (about 5.5% in Singapore / 15% in the UK if traveling with a non national).

It would be interesting to see how much this very same watch is in Thailand (i.e. More than THB 222,000 ?).