Experiences with Ashford.com

[Morris]

I am considering buying my wife a watch. I am torn between the potential savings to be had by making the purchase on Ashford.com, World of Watches or a similar website vs. bricks and mortar retailers. Since this is a reasonably significant purchase, does anyone have experience with these types of websites.

Thank you in advance.

 

[drizzt3117]

I've purchased from Ashford, World of Watches, Jomashop, Pacific Time, and Watchesplanet, on several occasions, and generally they provide good service and authentic products at reasonable prices. By the way, Ashford and World of Watches are the same company.

 

[Morris]

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

I've purchased from Ashford, World of Watches, Jomashop, Pacific Time, and Watchesplanet, on several occasions, and generally they provide good service and authentic products at reasonable prices. By the way, Ashford and World of Watches are the same company.

Thank you.

 

[kitonbrioni]

I would try Costco and compare. My wife sells very nice jewelry and thinks that Costco prices are wonderful.

 

[drizzt3117]

Costco is ok, I used to go there quite often to buy wine and checked out their jewelry, sometimes they have decent deals, and other times they are mediocre. I saw a breitling chronomat there for only 10% or so off retail, you could likely do better at a jewelry store by bargaining.

 

[Morris]

I would suspect that armed with a discounted price from Asford, etc. one might have a decent chance at negotiating a price match with bricks and mortar jewelers. Yes?

 

[drizzt3117]

Doubtful. Remember that products from online retailers are usually authentic but "grey-market" Most brick and mortar stores will not price match or even come close.

 

[countdemoney]

Check out timezone.com. Visit the appropriate brand forum there and ask for some dealer referrals. You probably won't find as inexpensive as your current options, but you should be able to find a good discount.

 

[SJX]

Many online grey dealers sell watches without serial numbers, some even state that explicitly on the site. I would advise against buying a watch without serial numbers as it will lead to all sorts of problems when servicing or reselling it.

That being said, I have bought from Ashford in the past with no problems at all, not watches though, I got clothing and pens when they were having a clearance sale.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by SJX

Many online grey dealers sell watches without serial numbers, some even state that explicitly on the site. I would advise against buying a watch without serial numbers as it will lead to all sorts of problems when servicing or reselling it.

That being said, I have bought from Ashford in the past with no problems at all, not watches though, I got clothing and pens when they were having a clearance sale.

That is true, certain watches from World of Watches do come without serials, but the two Tags and one Omega that I've purchased from Ashford/Wow have come with serial numbers intact.