Expected discount on watches?

[Jumbie]

I'm going to be in the market for a new watch as a grad gift pretty soon.

I think that with this economy I should be able to score a [hopefully] decent discount off MSRP from an AD. I've read online that people have reported discounts up to 30% or so with about 15-20% being "normal".

Brands I'm interested in are IWC, Omega, Tag (I like the Carrera) and Glashutte. Maybe a VC Overseas if I can get a low enough price.

My other options are a used gen from TZ or to go with a reputable grey market dealer. I don't mind the former at all and have considered some of the drawbacks of going grey market including possible serial number removed (a deal-breaker if that's the case), decreased resale value, no dealer warranty, etc. I don't mind the lack of dealer warranty so much beacause I've seen discounts of over $2k on certain watches and even if I have to pay $1k to send it back to the manufacturer for a service, I'd still end up ahead. Of course, this is without factoring in a discount from an AD.

Anyway, if anyone has any feedback I'd appreciate it. Also, if I can save on tax by ordering from an AD in another state, that would be great. I know some people have done this before. PM me any dealers you're aware of if you don't want to post in the thread.

Thanks!

Actually, one more question - how should I broach the subject of a discount? Should I just say that if the watch were X percent or dollars cheaper I'd take it, state that the price is not within my budget and I couldn't swing it, or say something like "is that the best price you can give me?"

 

[osc]

For the Omegas and Tag, I've seen anywhere from a 15% (standard) to 35% discount.

If you do a search on WUS Forums, there is a forum favorite that is an AD with Omega (located in the US) and he offers very competitive (read: unbeatable) prices... I can probably dig up the contact in my WUS inbox if you want it

 

[micbain]

Originally Posted by osc

For the Omegas and Tag, I've seen anywhere from a 15% (standard) to 35% discount.

If you do a search on WUS Forums, there is a forum favorite that is an AD with Omega and he offers very competitive (read: unbeatable) prices... I can probably dig up the contact in my WUS inbox if you want it

second that. bought my seamaster PO from him. best price around and very easy transaction. PM if you'd like contact info. I think he carries a few other brands as well including longines, tag, and zenith (I don't know how heavily he discounts those brands though).

 

[osc]

Originally Posted by micbain

second that. bought my seamaster PO from him. best price around and very easy transaction. PM if you'd like contact info. I think he carries a few other brands as well including longines, tag, and zenith (I don't know how heavily he discounts those brands though).

With the previous exchange rate (1:1) his deals were even sweeter for us Canadians

 

[micbain]

Originally Posted by osc

With the previous exchange rate (1:1) his deals were even sweeter for us Canadians

that's when I bought

 

[fashion_newbie]

You didn't mention Rolex but just as a comparison, my dad just picked one up from an AD at 20% off.

 

[osc]

IWC or Stowa would be my next watch - those are gorgeous watches

 

[psangha]

If you have a referral to an AD, ~30% is common

 

[anon]

How does one go about getting this discount? (Jumbie has asked but no one has answered).

When you're at a store, do you just say "I'll give you (asking price -20%)" or what?

 

[psangha]

Originally Posted by anon

How does one go about getting this discount? (Jumbie has asked but no one has answered). When you're at a store, do you just say "I'll give you (asking price -20%)" or what?
Many manufacturers frown upon discounts greater than a certain percentage - something about devaluing their brand? However, there are ADs that regularly provide discounts and the best way to find out about those is through a personal referral. You just need to be discrete in sharing said AD's info, as you don't want the manufacturer taking away the 'authorised' status from the dealer. For example, you can pop over to one of the TZ forums, and under whatever brand your're looking to purchase, simply ask for an AD referral....

 

[SlamMan]

Go for the IWC or GO. Maybe the VC.

 

[boo]

As far as broaching the topic of a discount, I like what someone else suggested here a ways back. Ask them, "What's the customary discount?". And bargain it down from there.

As others have mentioned, I would expect a discount of 20% at a bare minimum from an AD, with the exception of brands not normally discounted like Rolex or Panerai. These days, however, I wouldn't be surprised if more ADs were more willing to be flexible on those.

 

[osc]

PMed OP the AD information - let me know if anyone else is looking for it.

 

[fox81]

i negotiated 30% off my planet ocean around 12 months ago. i just told the AD that i heard that people had bought it for rrp -30%, they checked and 2mins later it was sorted. almost wish i had asked for more.

that being said, there are a million omega ADs out there, so they have to win your sale somehow.

 

[Moto]

Originally Posted by osc

With the previous exchange rate (1:1) his deals were even sweeter for us Canadians

Hello can someone PM this person contact as i am looking to pick up a watch

Thanks,
A