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Old 21 November 2020, 12:17 AM   #1
italiafan
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Purchasing a Patek from Watchbox/Govberg online?

Hi All,
Sorry if this has been beaten to death, was looking through a search of same and didn’t find anything that stood out in first couple pages. I have never bought a watch online, much less a Patek, a little nervous doing so.
Thought I’d ask anyway....

I’m contemplating buying a Calatrava off Watchbox, which I understand is Govberg.

Any issues concerns come to your more experienced minds?
Offer 10% below?

If you prefer to be anonymous please PM me and I will certainly keep any comments 100% confidential.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 21 November 2020, 01:39 AM   #2
jon_jon
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I would call them and talk to a salesperson over the phone. They are a Patek AD and one of the largest reseller of pre-owned watches. So they are certainly reputable. As for pricing negotiation, call them and see if they are negotiable on price.
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Old 21 November 2020, 02:06 AM   #3
dchang81
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they're pretty easy to deal with, more flexible with pricing if the watch has been sitting, but unless it's a dog i doubt you're gonna get much off from asking. certain models better off using a local AD if you have that option.
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Old 21 November 2020, 02:28 AM   #4
italiafan
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Thank you.
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Old 21 November 2020, 03:43 AM   #5
smallcollector
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Much better experience with DavidSW than Govberg
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Old 21 November 2020, 03:46 AM   #6
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dealt with Govberg for an fp journe resonance. the experience was perfect.
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Old 21 November 2020, 05:03 AM   #7
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Watchbox is very reputable. So are the other aftermarket dealers that have been assigned their own listings here. Watchbox does carry a very large inventory and they are perhaps the biggest. But their prices are consistently at the top of the range compared to the other dealers. This close to Christmas it will be difficult to get much of a discount, but it’s always worth a try, especially if a watch has been sitting. Best of luck!
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Old 21 November 2020, 05:29 AM   #8
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Just for some balance there have been issues with Govberg on this forum and are well documented should you wish to search, but hopefully their actions are now all kosher.
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Old 21 November 2020, 07:39 AM   #9
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Just did a purchase with them a few weeks back - super easy and transparent. I'd recommend them without hesitation.
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Old 21 November 2020, 07:43 AM   #10
Jay (Eire)
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I don’t think there are any questions / doubts re dealing with them insofar as legitimacy of product, quick delivery etc is concerned.

Be sure to ask about tax, delivery fees. Depending on where you are those may be a factor.
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Old 21 November 2020, 08:53 AM   #11
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I am also new to the pre owned scene, having always purchased thru AD or Boutiques. I will tell you I was very nervous. So far I have dealt with Chris from David SW, and Takuya Watches - both were very good at communication and servicing my requests. I am in the middle of a transaction on a Patek with Jason Mane from Watchbox and he has been excellent wrt communication- emails and texting as well as phone calls, advice, and any concerns I had on values and alternative choices. I am expecting my delivery next week so I will keep you posted.
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Old 21 November 2020, 10:46 AM   #12
italiafan
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Again, thank you all very much.
Rob
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Old 21 November 2020, 11:02 AM   #13
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I know Brian Govberg personally

I just bought an ap from him sight unseen for over 20k and platinum Patek for almost 50
Both wires

We did deals in person too prior to covid

They are amazing and Brian and his father are hands on with everything

Their reputation is gold. If you want me to put you in touch with Brian directly lmk
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Old 21 November 2020, 11:04 AM   #14
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I bought an AP from Govberg about a year or so ago. Zero issues and when I sold it, the salesman was nice enough to verify to my buyer that I bought it from them. I will gladly buy from them again.
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Old 21 November 2020, 11:14 AM   #15
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I’ve done several transactions w Watchbox/Govberg and they have been as smooth as with my transactions w other TS on the forum - Davidsw, Takuya


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Old 21 November 2020, 03:57 PM   #16
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Never had any issues with them, bought several watches. They REALLY lowball you if you try to trade in or sell a watch though.

They have a huge buffer on their inventory, ask for at least 10% off their ask.
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Old 21 November 2020, 09:38 PM   #17
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Have visited their Philadelphia store for a Rolex reception, staff friendly, nice selection. Recently tried buying a used Navitimer watch off the web... called left message thru live answering service, didn't get a call back, called back later next day, watch was gone. Sales person who I eventually made contact with apologized. Would give another opportunity to earn my business.
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Old 21 November 2020, 11:13 PM   #18
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Never had any issues with them, bought several watches. They REALLY lowball you if you try to trade in or sell a watch though.

They have a huge buffer on their inventory, ask for at least 10% off their ask.
Yeah, shocked from some of their price quotes on trades. I think they offered me like a hair over 2k for an omega diver 300. I was like
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Old 22 November 2020, 12:02 AM   #19
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Yes they really lowball badly.

Asked them about a full set 2020 unworn and unsized steel Pepsi with some stickers still on, they offered less than US$12000.
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Old 22 November 2020, 12:10 AM   #20
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Think about all the people not on here that don't know better, that's how they make their money.

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Old 22 November 2020, 01:04 AM   #21
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Yes they really lowball badly.

Asked them about a full set 2020 unworn and unsized steel Pepsi with some stickers still on, they offered less than US$12000.
Consider that they are an AD and purchase that watch at cost, to offer anything more than msrp could be considered generous on their part.
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Old 22 November 2020, 08:33 AM   #22
JR16
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Yes they really lowball badly.

Asked them about a full set 2020 unworn and unsized steel Pepsi with some stickers still on, they offered less than US$12000.


By way of comparison did you ask other TSs (eg DavidSW) what they would offer ?


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Old 22 November 2020, 10:15 AM   #23
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They recently offered me a strong price, a lot more than several other greys. I’m guessing they have inquiries about the watch so probably know the interest but still, i think a lot of the hate is a bit overblown.
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Old 22 November 2020, 10:44 AM   #24
JR16
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They recently offered me a strong price, a lot more than several other greys. I’m guessing they have inquiries about the watch so probably know the interest but still, i think a lot of the hate is a bit overblown.


Agreed. Recently sold my hulk- offered exactly the same amount from watchbox and DavidSW .


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Old 22 November 2020, 11:30 AM   #25
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can they source a 5320?
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Old 22 November 2020, 12:36 PM   #26
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Govberg always ask for bid. I’ve bought two nice Pateks from them.


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Old 22 November 2020, 12:41 PM   #27
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Have bought and sold with them. They have always been fair and honest with me.
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Old 22 November 2020, 11:57 PM   #28
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By way of comparison did you ask other TSs (eg DavidSW) what they would offer ?

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Oh no I didn't ... I was just curious to see what Watchbox would offer me, since I see them selling the Pepsi for quite high prices.

If I wanted to sell it I could do it very easily and get a good price for it without going online. I also get asked by friends who are willing to pay market price, knowing that it's the real watch they are getting and it's unworn with a lot of stickers still intact.
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Old 23 November 2020, 12:04 AM   #29
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Oh no I didn't ... I was just curious to see what Watchbox would offer me, since I see them selling the Pepsi for quite high prices.



If I wanted to sell it I could do it very easily and get a good price for it without going online. I also get asked by friends who are willing to pay market price, knowing that it's the real watch they are getting and it's unworn with a lot of stickers still intact.


I guess my question was more about whether WB was “low balling” relative to other TS. It’s hard to compare selling to a large/established TS vs selling privately.


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Old 23 November 2020, 12:45 AM   #30
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Good to buy from. Tough to trade in for, as their offers tend to be lower than market in my experience.
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