Watches - Discount off MSRP

[rajesh06]

So what's the usual discount off MSRP on watches? I'm looking at a JLC with an MSRP in the $7K to $8K range. I'd buy at a speciality watch store.

 

[odoreater]

You should ABSOLUTELY never pay full MSRP for a watch. I'd say that getting a discount of at least 20% off is standard.

 

[Artisan Fan]

In my experience only some watches are discounted. In Atlanta you never get a Patek or Rolex at any discount unless you have a very good relationship with your jeweler.

Recently I was offered a 15% discount on Omega, Breitling and Tag Heuer.

Do give consideration to the after-sales service which on an automatic watch can be important.

 

[Don Goldstein]

It depends.

The first issue is if you are buying from an authorized dealer or not (i.e., on the internet). Some authorized dealers will give 20 - 35% off (I can recommend one in Los Angeles like that). Internet dealers will give 35% - 45%.

The next issue is the brand. It is very difficult to get a discount on a Rolex or buy one from an unauthorized dealer (Rolex has a really, really tight grip on their distribution).

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by rajesh06

So what's the usual discount off MSRP on watches? I'm looking at a JLC with an MSRP in the $7K to $8K range. I'd buy at a speciality watch store.
There is no usual discount, much depends on the brand, model and the particular AD's policies. Most JLC's can be had for around a 25% discount from an AD, and a substantially greater discount on the grey market.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

There is no usual discount, much depends on the brand, model and the particular AD's policies. Most JLC's can be had for around a 25% discount from an AD, and a substantially greater discount on the grey market.

Yep. Also, if its a discountinued model, discount will be greater. The Gran Chrono Sport line was discountinued and that is one of the best hand wound Chrono movements on the market so if the design floats your boat, you can get a nice price on one.

 

[rajesh06]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

There is no usual discount, much depends on the brand, model and the particular AD's policies. Most JLC's can be had for around a 25% discount from an AD, and a substantially greater discount on the grey market.

Thanks - I was looking at buying from an AD. There are at least two ADs in the area - so I figure I should be able to play them off each other to get a reasonable discount.

Appreciate the advice from all.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

There is no usual discount, much depends on the brand, model and the particular AD's policies. Most JLC's can be had for around a 25% discount from an AD, and a substantially greater discount on the grey market.
Aargh. I used to get 30-35 off JLC from Shapur in San Francisco, and that was enough to keep me from going to the grey market. Now Shreeve is the local dealer and they refuse to move one penny from MSRP on anything.

 

[Thurston]

As previously stated, there is no 'usual' discount. Some people pay full retail, some get offered a discount, some ask for a discount and take what they get and some go to the dealer armed with knowledge. Know what they gray marketers sell the watch for. Make the dealer aware that you've looked there and know that he can't really compete with them, but ask how close he can come.

With the above groundwork, you should get at least 25%, more likely 30% and maybe 40% on Breitling, Omega, JLC and IWC. Rolex and Panerai you're lucky to get 10%.

 

[norcaltransplant]

You should get at least 25%, more likely 30% and maybe 40% on Breitling, Omega, JLC and IWC. Rolex and Panerai you're lucky to get 10%.

20-25% off is the norm. 30-35% off for JLC is really pushing it, unless its a deadstock model or a model that isn't selling. 40% is reserved for Breitling.

 

[coatandthai]

Check out Collectors Time for JLC pricing. Zeetan is very reliable.

 

[Thurston]

Originally Posted by norcaltransplant

20-25% off is the norm. 30-35% off for JLC is really pushing it, unless its a deadstock model or a model that isn't selling. 40% is reserved for Breitling.

Man do I long for the good old days of Mike Gacki at Kenjo. IWC at 40 off was the norm plus he'd throw you a deployant or an extra strap. You're right regarding JLC though. I wasn't really thinking. The best bet for JLC is either used or Zeetan.

 

[Fabro]

Does Zeetan discount further on his Web site prices? Or do they already reflect his maximum discount?

 

[Ed13]

I purchased a recently discontinued JLC model for about 60% off retail a few months ago. I considered this a very good deal for a watch I have been very happy with so far.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Ed13

I purchased a recently discontinued JLC model for about 60% off retail a few months ago.
What model, pray tell? Photo?