Buying vintage overseas?

[BuddhaOG]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum as of today, wanted to start off by asking some advice.

What is your experience with buying vintage pieces online overseas? Primarily the Asian market. I'm sure the biggest concern is getting stuck with a fake/frankenstein, but there seems to be some decent prices on vintage pieces.

Any tips on buying would be a great help, and don't be afraid to share horror stories! Much appreciated, look forward to learning more.

[exador]

Japan is a safe place to shop. And they're a nation of watch lovers.

[Dan S]

Are you asking buying in person while you are traveling, or buying over the internet? Or something else.

[BisonHead]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[BuddhaOG]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Are you asking buying in person while you are traveling, or buying over the internet? Or something else.

Buying online, sorry I should have clarified.

[colpol]

Both mines came from US

Surprised your having to look overseas as a lot of the top vintage guys based in US. Just saying ;.)

[1665fan]

Sometimes you have to look overseas...I would only do it with extensive knowledge on the vintage pieces. A lot of the best 16520 are in Spain and Italy I noticed

[miamiclay]

A lot of good vintage Rolex research and scholarship comes out of Italy. I’ve bought from EU (Germany, Portugal, Italy, UK) and Japan, I’m just doubly cautious about a) getting and checking their references from established/known people who’ve done business with them and b) clarity of the return policy. I doubt I’d risk a private one-off seller outside the US, at least not for any serious money. (E.g., I’m not too worried about the Damien Hirst Swatch currently en route to me from Singapore!)

[Gecko10]

Chron24 seems to be a safe place to buy. I have gotten a couple of Rolexs from them

[Dan S]

You will sometimes have to pay import duty, just be aware of that.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Gecko10

Chron24 seems to be a safe place to buy. I have gotten a couple of Rolexs from them

Well, Chrono24 can be OK, but it can also be a nightmare. It just depends on the seller, and like any purchase of anything, do a ton of homework on what you're buying and on the seller.

As for the OP's question about buying overseas, just be super careful and make sure the seller has impeccable references. The problem is with importing expensive vintage watches into the U.S., and also you are virtually eliminating the possibility of a return because of the potential headaches of shipping internationally.

In general, I'd avoid buying overseas if I'm in the States, except if I'm actually in the other country and can see the watches in person, of course. There are so many options in the U.S. that the risk of buying online from an overseas seller seems unnecessary.

[nigelk]

Bought an omega speedmaster reduced while in Japan. Happened to just enter one when the fam was shopping and the prices were really reasonable.

I would say shop from the bigger vintage watch dealers, and of course you would get "papers" and receipt from a reputable store, always a plus to have :)