[docmfg]

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

You guys think this is a good deal?

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...nd-papers-8249

Look like its in solid condition. Also does this model have the ceramic bezel?

Amazing how certain models lose little to no value. I bought mine new in 2006 from a dealer for less than current selling price.

[docmfg]

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

What year did the ceramic bezel come into production?

Thanks for the info in advanced.

2005-2006 with the GMT 116710, 2008 for the white gold submariner and 2010 I believe for the stainless steel submariner.

[roll_the_dice]

I also debated new vs pre owned and the price difference. I think it is worth it, but only for a watch that has little wear. I am still looking for a watch and will get one soon. I am in no hurry.

I also think the ceramic bezel started in 2010.

[mookie45]

Although it's a stretch, I've heard the Caribbean is a good spot to buy one new. St. Marteen, St. Thomas and Aruba.

I know you're on a budget, but you could make a vacation out of it.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by mookie45

Although it's a stretch, I've heard the Caribbean is a good spot to buy one new. St. Marteen, St. Thomas and Aruba.

I know you're on a budget, but you could make a vacation out of it.

I've heard this too and was thinking of picking ine up when we went to Bahamas last summer. The main thing is that each person only has $800 in allowance before having to pay customs fee (unless you wear it and ship the box back).

[Z K]

I got a great deal on a pre-owned Submariner in Tokyo, Japan. My friend picked up a Panerai for a great deal as well. The dollar to yen exchange ratio is great and no taxes. They'll usually give extra discount if you use cash. I've yet to see the price I got anywhere on TRF or any of the forums.

Japanese people are notorious for keeping their watches in mint condition. I stared at it for 10 minutes with a loupe and couldn't tell it wasn't new. All boxes and papers were mint as well.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Z K

I got a great deal on a pre-owned Submariner in Tokyo, Japan. My friend picked up a Panerai for a great deal as well. The dollar to yen exchange ratio is great and no taxes. They'll usually give extra discount if you use cash. I've yet to see the price I got anywhere on TRF or any of the forums.

Japanese people are notorious for keeping their watches in mint condition. I stared at it for 10 minutes with a loupe and couldn't tell it wasn't new. All boxes and papers were mint as well.

Which shop in Japan? Been there a few times and had thought about picking one up (same with Thailand) as they seemed reasonable. Would love to know the shop for next time.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by BMW F22

Which shop in Japan? Been there a few times and had thought about picking one up (same with Thailand) as they seemed reasonable. Would love to know the shop for next time.

There's a couple of places in Tokyo that have good prices. You generally want to avoid the large department stores as they'll charge retail prices. The places to go are the watch stores.

One of the most popular pre-owned watch store is Jack Road. It is in a huge mall that sells a bunch of collector's and vintage stuff. You can see their inventory and prices on some items on their web site.

http://www.jackroad.co.jp/shop/pages/access_en.aspx

Inside that same mall, you'll get to see 3-4 other watch stores as well. It's inside the Nakano Broadway shopping arcade with other stores like Kamekichi, Betty Road etc.

I got my Sub from Housekihiroba. They have a nice upscale boutique in Shibuya district in Tokyo. I feel like service and display is a notch above Jack Road.

http://housekihiroba.jp/shop/

There's various other stores as well that you can check out. Depending what kind of watches you're into, you can find different places that specialize in those watches. Like if you like vintage Daytonas, there's stores that specialize in only those watches. You can find various replacement parts and watches for sale.

Here's a list of some luxury watch stores in Tokyo area:
https://timepeaks.com/shop/watch_shop_tokyo_japan/

If you want Japanese domestic watches (many are not sold outside Japan), there's a ton of things to look at. For those things, you can visit places like Yodobashi Akiba in Akihabara - they have a huge selection of new domestic watches like the cool Seiko Grands. Also lots of specialty shops that sell pre-owned ones.

Japan takes their watches seriously - as with most Japanese things they have OCD with their hobbies. You can spend weeks wandering around watch stores.

Here's an example at Jack Road. A used 116610LN - ceramic Submariner Date:
http://www.jackroad.co.jp/shop/g/g2575535/
Sells for 729,630 yen if you have a US passport (no tax) - that translates to $6k USD with 120 yen/dollar exchange rate.

[ryem3]

I just got an IWC from Govberg Jewelers in PA. They also sell on eBay, but i figured I could get a better deal direct with them. Made an offer and got the watch. It's a brick and mortar store and they are a retailer of a number of brands. My watch had a warranty punched by them a few months prior. They have many brands including Rolex, Hublot, etc. Very competitive and the watch was shipped to my door in the original box with papers, etc. Highly recommended.

[bimmerfrk]

Update:

So i finally pulled the trigger on a pre owned sub. Purchased it from DavidSW. It was a little bit more money but was assured the watch looks perfectly brand new. It comes with box, tags, and serial card and all other documentation. I felt this was important for resale value if i every wanted to sell it.

Coming Via FedEx today wifey is home and will sign for it.


Pics to follow shortly :-)

[roll_the_dice]

Congrats...Looks nice...I also want a box when I buy mine...I like things in original boxes...must be my anal outlook on life...neat and orderly. haha

Wear it in good health. Post pics when you get a chance.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by ryem3

I just got an IWC from Govberg Jewelers in PA. They also sell on eBay, but i figured I could get a better deal direct with them. Made an offer and got the watch. It's a brick and mortar store and they are a retailer of a number of brands. My watch had a warranty punched by them a few months prior. They have many brands including Rolex, Hublot, etc. Very competitive and the watch was shipped to my door in the original box with papers, etc. Highly recommended.

What model IWC did you get?
If I had to guess a Pilot ?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

Update:

So i finally pulled the trigger on a pre owned sub. Purchased it from DavidSW. It was a little bit more money but was assured the watch looks perfectly brand new. It comes with box, tags, and serial card and all other documentation. I felt this was important for resale value if i every wanted to sell it.

Coming Via FedEx today wifey is home and will sign for it.


Pics to follow shortly :-)


Attachment 1558876


Attachment 1558877

Wild piece of jewelry there. I don't know much about the Sub. I think in recent years they've gone to a ceramic bezel, sone changes to bracelet, think a couple changes in movement like silicone parts here and there. Anyway just trying to point out how amazing a tool your watch is and every model year it's interesting to know of any changes and what they are.

[ryem3]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

What model IWC did you get?
If I had to guess a Pilot ?

Haha, nope! Limited edition ingenieur carbon performance. Really a great piece. I posted a couple pics on what's on your wrist today.

[Nivarox]

Congrats, a beautiful quintessential tool watch
Happy Days

[Dan.E46]

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

Update:

So i finally pulled the trigger on a pre owned sub. Purchased it from DavidSW. It was a little bit more money but was assured the watch looks perfectly brand new. It comes with box, tags, and serial card and all other documentation. I felt this was important for resale value if i every wanted to sell it.

Coming Via FedEx today wifey is home and will sign for it.


Pics to follow shortly :-)


Attachment 1558876


Attachment 1558877

Congrats! I'm hoping to get a similar piece in the near future. Did you ever look at the sea-dweller? I'm kind of torn between the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller. I know the Sub is probably more 'iconic' but I like how the sea-dweller does not have a cyclops... though with that being said the more I look at the Sub the more the cyclops is growing on me. What are your thoughts?

[bimmerfrk]

Originally Posted by Dan.E46

Congrats! I'm hoping to get a similar piece in the near future. Did you ever look at the sea-dweller? I'm kind of torn between the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller. I know the Sub is probably more 'iconic' but I like how the sea-dweller does not have a cyclops... though with that being said the more I look at the Sub the more the cyclops is growing on me. What are your thoughts?

Yea i like the date magnification. Its one reasons I got the sub with date. Awesome watch in general! Its been very easy to wear for the few days i have had it.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Dan.E46

Congrats! I'm hoping to get a similar piece in the near future. Did you ever look at the sea-dweller? I'm kind of torn between the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller. I know the Sub is probably more 'iconic' but I like how the sea-dweller does not have a cyclops... though with that being said the more I look at the Sub the more the cyclops is growing on me. What are your thoughts?

I am debating between the Sub, and Sea Dweller as well. I have tried the Sub on before but they had sold out so I tried the Sea Dweller...I had originally thought the Sea Dweller was too large, but it wasn't bad...I do like the cyclops on the Sub though...my eyes aren't as young as they used to be and it is nice to glance and see the date instead of staring.

[John Tanglewood]

go on Watchrecon.com, and shop the seller.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I am debating between the Sub, and Sea Dweller as well. I have tried the Sub on before but they had sold out so I tried the Sea Dweller...I had originally thought the Sea Dweller was too large, but it wasn't bad...I do like the cyclops on the Sub though...my eyes aren't as young as they used to be and it is nice to glance and see the date instead of staring.

The Sea Dweller is "larger" in appearance and taller but it is actually the same size as the Sub - unless you're talking about the Deep Sea.. that's big.

I think the Sea Dweller looks cleaner as it doesn't have the cyclops. I got a Sub No Date because of the lack of cyclops and the symmetry of the dial.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Z K

The Sea Dweller is "larger" in appearance and taller but it is actually the same size as the Sub - unless you're talking about the Deep Sea.. that's big.

I think the Sea Dweller looks cleaner as it doesn't have the cyclops. I got a Sub No Date because of the lack of cyclops and the symmetry of the dial.

You are correct, I tried on the Deep Sea...it didn't look big face wise even though I think it is 44mm, but it was extra thick and looked "funny" to me when I wore it. My wife thought it looked better than the Sub though.

[BMW F22]

Howcome Subs tend to be more expensive than Sea Dwellers (not Deep Sea models)? They look almost identical.