Buying watches online question

I would....if it's from a reliable source....

 

I think you will find that for most folks that are familiar with you and your business they will buy those online from you. Though many people still prefer watches like that from a brick and mortar. To me the real key if your selling timepieces like that online is that you are in fact a factory authorized dealer who buys direct from the company and not from a distributor. You need to keep in mind there are many folks out there that don't have brick and mortar dealers for brands such as this anywhere near them. So they turn to an online source. By being able to tell folks you are an factory authorized dealer. I firmly believe this allays many fears that people have when making a purchase such as this from an online source. I would say you really are on the right track especially in selecting this particular brand which is a very good fit to the Italian Exotic sports car enthusiast.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

You think they are going to make you an authorized dealer and honor warranties, taking business from their own boutiques and Tourneau?

 

Not to second guess anyone here, but I am with Darth. I'd be shocked if Panerai, or any major haute manufacturer, allowed you to sell their watches online and not have them considered Grey Market.

That said, I buy watches online, and have no problem doing so if its from a trusted source (like a TimeZone, WatchNet, or FerrariChat sponsor).

Best,
dsd

 

Like the rest, I think there is GREAT comfort in purchasing online. We are all here afterall so we are on the cutting edge of technology. Keep in mind most folks don't do chat and forum type stuff so we are the odd ones...plus folks here are fans of or owners of F-cars so they probably have a little more money to spend. If you make $1MM a year spending $5k+/- online on a watch is not going to kill you if the sale and service don't go well. Someone who makes $100k will probably be MUCH more leery about buying online for anything less than a VERY trusted source. It would be to much money to loose. If you make less than about $100k a year you probably don't have any business wasting $5k on a watch! Well, I guess if that was ALL you were into that would be cool for you, but if you are on this forum you probably like cars more than watches...

Good luck. In case you missed it I am VERY comfortable purchasing just about anything online.

Best,
James

 

From Panerai's website:

"Where can I purchase a Panerai watch?

Panerai watches are exclusively sold at the Panerai boutiques and Authorized Dealers' around the world.

Products offered on the web may be counterfeit, used or of doubtful origin and are not covered by the international guarantee/limited warranty."

 

I know for fact that despite the fact it says that on their site, this is BS. As there are other dealers that sell this brand and online at that. These are legit and they are authorized. Any dealer that has a brick and mortar and his Swatch Group brands like this can and do such things. The reason I know this is I a know the largest internet seller of watches and they handle many of the Swatch Group brands. They are factory authorized for all the lines the carry. Oh and I don't sell this brand. =)

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

I realize that my previous post in response to dsd's post may seem harsh. Which is not the intent. I just want to point out there are dealers who are authorized selling this fine brand online and the warranty is in fact being honored. Though I will share this with you as well. In the last few years I have talked to more than a few collectors of this brand that have told me there are a lot of fakes out there for this brand and they are being sold by some as the real thing. I have also been told the fakes are quite accurate and have fooled knowledgeable people. Though I will say in all these instances it was a case of someone buying a watch for a crazy low price thinking they were getting a great deal. I am quite sure there are fakes being sold as the real thing and at the price of the real deal as well. So by all means buy from a trusted source. Be sure to ask if a watch you are buying is covered by the manufacturer under warranty before making a purchase. If you don't get a straight answer then I would suggest finding another source.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

I would agree with previous posters if you are well known the reliability issue will follow on naturally, I would certainly buy from you.

 

Panerai is owned by Richemont, not Swatch. I am surprised Swatch allows internet sales, this must be a recent change as they used to have enormous pop-ups saying Internet is not an AD.

Sorry for the Hijack. If I liked Panerai, I would have no issue buying from you or the internet.

-dsd

 

Buying online from an unauthorized dealer = maybe save a little $$$ but no warranty.

Roll the dice and take your chances around door jambs! Simple

 

My mistake you are correct they are owned by Richemont. All the dealers that I have found selling these online do state they are not authorized dealers and also in most cases state that they are the warranter for the brand as they are not an authorized dealer. So I stand corrected. Apologies to dsd and I have some crow to eat now. =)



Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

Even better.......