WatchFinder & Chrono24 - What do I think? PLUS some of your Watch questions answered
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- A lot of people ask me about WatchFinder and Chrono24. Here's my view plus I answer some of your questions. Please don't forget to view my MEMBERS video and I truly appreciate your support. With special thanks to my Friends, Patreon's, Channel Sponsors, Trusted Dealers & Partners:
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#Watchfinder #Chrono24 #TudorWatches
Your mate at Edinburgh offered me £9000 for my unworn full set - deep sea JC .. no wonder hes struggling for stock.. 👍
Thanks for the transparency Paul (as always)
cheers mate
I worked in the motor trade in sales for 20yrs so a lot of these practices sound very familiar. Agree about Chrono24. Some very lazy dealers putting up blurry photos with big price tags. Only experienced Watchfinder in Maidstone when they serviced my Tudor Sub 79090. They were fine but they were muh smaller then. Great video mate 👌
Some funny comments below, people, you’ve got to love them, where’s my blinkers gone . . . 👀. . ..
I had a terrible experience with Chrono24 and Fairfield Prestige. The Cartier I bought was not in the condition claimed. Cartier examined the watch and confirmed that it was in very poor condition, yet Chrono24 and the dealer didn't want to know. I would warn buyers to keep away from Chrono24. I am a customer who has a serious problem with them.
Paul my brother and I popped up to Bond Street on Wednesday- as expected every Rolex boutique we visited ( Bond Street , Harrods, Selfridges- had no sports steel , )couldn’t give us any time , had a fuck off attitude .
The other brands were amazing , great service by the staff . Also went into the GS boutique and Panerai boutiques and the staff & service was amazing - panerai even let me try on a watch priced at £100k
They only bring steel sports out for their good clients and for walk ins that can also afford to buy more expensive pieces
@@MTbone7 if they create opinions of their customers before even talking to them - then the customer service non existent.
"As expected" says it all I'm afraid.
@@DaveMGmovies yep not a single sports model anywhere and none of the staff even started a conversation- the only ones who spoke to us where the geezers on security as we walked in . Panerai and GS on the other hand were amazing .
@@markdance574 It's so poor isn't it. Rolex make good watches but that kind of behaviour just drives me to rival brands. As you mention, I too don't get any of this nonsense with Omega or JLC. David Khalil has made the point on his channel that these steel sports watches aren't rare or exclusive. You can get one today if you don't mind paying the premium on the grey market. Oh well -- I guess there are more important things to worry about..
I bought a milgauss from watchfinder here in Switzerland 🇨🇭, found the service very professional, personal and friendly. Went to their showroom in Zurich. Had the option of over the net or goto the showroom. I agree with the preference for the personal touch, ive bought several from smaller shops also.
This channel definitely gets more exciting as time goes on. Asking and answering some of the more difficult questions helps build trust in the voice that you bring.
Bought a JLC master comp Chrono and Omega SM gmt from Chrono24; painless process 👌
WF are difficult to deal with, they have a bad habit of keeping hold of the extra links when you asked them to size the bracelet (I made the mistake of asking them to do this). Had a bit of hassle asking them to send the extra links, as they initially told me that they only sell watches 'to size' which is ridiculous. Otherwise, everything else was fine with my WF purchase, just don't ask them to size the bracelet!
@@j.burgess4459 , they actually sell the individual links on eBay as I have on occasion bought a couple of spares from them. They also sell the used leather straps that they replace on watches, some of which are in poor condition and quite expensive. The links though are reasonable. They certainly know how to squeeze every penny from their stock lol
Bloody link pinchers!
No issues with Chrono24 for over 5 years now. Bought and sold from and to abroad from the UK. Always worked for me. Watchfinder much the same. Bought and sold, good customer service directly with Birmingham Bullring branch. Just my personal experience.
You should mention that some dealers do on chrono 24 say that watch is sold, but you can buy the same model watch for more money that they have in stock. They try to fish you in with a lower price and try to sell you something thats in line at other high prices.
Screw watch finder, out of curiosity I priced my White Dialled 2020 OP39. They offered 3,250. You know they would list it for more than 7,500, which is also a rip off. All of their watches are massively over priced. I love their videos but would never buy off them.
I went into watchfinder bluewater to enquire about a certain watch. Guy in the store treated me very condescendingly. Like I couldn’t afford it. That really irritated me and I ended up buying the same watch new and was petty enough to wear it back to the store.
A watch channel saying he doesn’t have the time lol
Watchfinder have always offered me more than independent dealers. Prices are too high to buy though.
@Annie Rhodes that's becouse they have to make profit
I really like Chrono given I live in a more rural area.
DO NOT USE CHRONO 24. THEY ARE AWARE THAT THIER SO CALLED TRUSTED DEALERS SUPPLY FORGED WARRANTY CARDS WITH WATCHES SOLD. TO QUOTE. "It happens quite often, the dealers just says that it is the warranty card that they received with the watch when they aquired it."
There's a guy called, Kevin Smith at WF and he doesn't react to my SNOOGANS references in emails, which I find very annoying. SNOOTCH TO THE BOOTCH!!
Retail clients can be a pain in the neck… Some will always complain and get angry bc they don’t get the watch for free.
Paul I have the same watch as you the Tudor chronograph S/G my watch doesn’t rattle it’s a brilliant watch. It’s a man’s watch and the movement is brilliant for the money.
I've read c24 verify that seller has watch via photos showing a time arbitrarily picked by c24. If what you say is true, c24 are not verifying watches.
I wouldn’t never use chrono24 to buy my futer watches, shocking experience, terrible customer support, and information, then try to get them to discuss your issue, 4 hours between each email so maximum 2 in a business day then you wait till the next day, which you better hope isn’t a weekend,
I used Chrono24 for a couple of watches after researching the sellers. I had zero problems apart from one seller taking too long to dispatch.
The good thing about Chrono24 is that your are protected to an extent when buying from a private seller. I have never had a problem and got good prices:-)
Paul another great video. Two comments:
1. Your place is exactly as I would have imagined. A lot of character and class with a great view.
2. You speak the truth whether good or bad. People have a difficult time stomaching the wrong perception of someone else making too much money. If you as an individual sell anything (watch or otherwise) directly to the consumer you should expect to receive retail minus risk (that the buyer is willing to absorb) and service (that the buyer is willing to forgo). When you sell to a middleman you have to understand that they have overhead and risk that you do not and that has a value.
Stay safe my friend.
Glad you discussed Watchfinder in this video. I appreciate they are running a business they needs to generate a profit. However, I don’t agree with alienating your future clients by offering extremely low price for sought after professional sport watches.
It makes laugh when people don't like the price of a watch, nobody is forcing them to sell it to them. If your watch is worth more, sell it to them. Simple
These 2 companies are like Mobsters their commission fee's are just as bad as loan sharking fee's. I would never use these criminals in suits. This is simply my opinion.
It’s paddy pants down like the car trade, got a offer 30% plus down for my nautilus. Bloody ridiculous.
Good to put the record straight. Sadly there will always be cynics and those that dislike the video after 3 seconds! As I always say, if you don’t like an offer, don’t accept it! As for watchfinder, there is scope to haggle from their first offer, but I have heard they offer very low.
Yes they offer very low 5500€ for my zenith defy el primero 21 nearly new
Not to forget their offerings usually are more expensive than other sources. With cheers fm the Fareast.
Totally agreed!
I have to wonder if Chrono24 isn't a platform where these watch thieves are selling their watches.
I've used Chrono and can concur they are completely safe. I've also had an experience like Paul where the watch was advertised and when I inquired, the watch wasn't in their stock. Interesting video.
I feel like Paul is a no nonsense no bull type of guy. He is honest as I can see it and is very sincere. Few people out there that deal in watches really have the courage, candor and transparency. I am proud to identify with him as a subscriber!
I tried to sell a Rolex watch to Watchfinder. It would retail for 3800-4000. They wanted to give me 1500. We all understand a markup and the need for dealers to make money. But 1500 to sell for 4000 is a bit too ripe. Thanks for video Paul
My experience with my Black Bay ‘Bronze’ is fantastic. In my opinion, the watch keeps great time and feels very smooth to wind. I think my 41mm Date Just is not quite as smooth.
I’ve used Chrono24 and it was great 👍
Prices are overinflated and it is rather impersonal - we would rather get to know our customers
Watchfunder are horrible they low ball every buy offer and are a joke if selling
Hi thanks for another informative video. I was thinking about a Tudor for a 21st birthday present-In my opinion, I wasn’t impressed by the finish eg faux rivets on the band and the noise.
I want to age like this dude.
Do you have any recommendations of sellers in the US?
Is Watches of Switzerland legit.
I haven't bought anything from watchfinder but I do like their UA-cam videos 👌
Did you read this one Paul? (just kidding mate)
what's with the hand tattoos? Was he in a gang or something?
Lots come back and say it is available in 6 weeks - should not be allowed
I’ve stayed well away from watch finder
At an AD for patek, rolex, AP how much would you generally need to spend before they'd consider you more of a priority customer in terms of the more popular stainless steel models? if you have another video, or a link on this topic I'd be very interested. Cheers new subscriber, really enjoying your informative content.
I politely told WatchFinder to do one, they offered me a ridiculously low offer for my steel Sky Dweller, the same watch they was selling at very high, got a much better offer from an independent trader. Didn't end up selling though love the watch too much. Love the content Paul, keep it up mate.
Has anyone heard anything good/bad or had personal experience with watchrapport . com?
You must be a psychic, I was about to ask the same question!
Watchfinder always bid in the gonads!
You are exactly right Paul! It’s not Chrono24’s fault, I had a very bad experience with one of the dealer. Very informative video ❤️👍
i appreciate all your videos cheers
Love your UA-cam videos I’m getting my first Rolex in December hopefully sea-dweller James Cameron
I bought a watch from watchfinder 3700 a year later they are selling the same watch same year 4500 and cheapest i can find it on ebay 4100 they offered me 2800 ive only worn the watch once by the way its as mint as it was when i bought it
Hi a question, I was going to sell my explore 2 through a well know Watch dealer based in the UK, but was stunned to find out that he would take 10-15% once or if the item was sold! Can this be correct..... Is this normal practice and If so what's the best way to sell eBay?
10% isn’t that high. Don’t forget he’ll pay 20% vat and 40% tax on that 10% that’s without his regular costs. Hope that helps explain.
I sold a gold watch through Chrono 24 and they were great. I felt safe and comfortable selling my watch.
I have this Tudor you have on your wrist, love the watch, just the winding could be smoother. other than that, the reserve is so good that I hardly have to use that function ]==.
Of course the practice of "fishing" IS the Chrono 24's fault. If they want to stop it, they easily could. They just don't want to, because that would mean that the number od watches offered on their platform would fall, as well as the number of deals. And that means less money for them in fees. Otherwise, that practice could be dealt with in a heartbeat. As it is solved on other watch sale platforms. They can do three things, which would ensure that the sellers do have in their posession the watches they are selling. Those are: 1. Demand that the photos uploaded have to be less than 2-4 weeks old (which can be checked in the properties section of the pictures files); 2. Demand a picture of the watch next to a piece fo paper which would have a hand written date of the watch being posted; and 3. Send the seller a random time (hours and minuties) during the posting proccess and demand a photo of the watch set at that exact time. All of these three security procedures, when implemented together, are a proof that the seller really does have the watch they are trying to sell in their possession.
Technically yes, but with doing so for a couple of hundred if not thousands of watches per year, the benefit of the platform would decrease for the individual dealers.
I get your point, but let's say you're having a website and maybe feature your stock on two or three portals. Managing all watches separately is rather time consuming already and dealers are probably happy about everything they can automate.
Chrono24 e.g. tries making the platform nicer to use with the option to copy the watches straight from the dealers website and keep the stock updated - a service that kinda wouldnt work with individual proofing.
I'm sure the Zero West watches are nice. I commented after your posting on their watches being a little tongue in cheek describing their watches as "Bremont lite" however also stating that I very much liked the case designs. Within the hour I recieved a response from one of the owners of West One complimenting me for my remarks. That's how to build respect for a brand!!
Your voice sounds much better than the guy from Watchfinder.
Blimey that is a compliment! cheers!
Another top video Paul, very interesting hearing your points of view, keep an coming please .
I wouldnt use "x" but you can if you like?
I'm a former Air Traffic Controller, if I told you or your viewers, Paul, I wouldnt fly this airline, or use this airport, but you can if you like! What would you do?
I appreciate your transparency, and levelheaded approach. Thank you for providing value in ways others can learn from. As a fellow UA-camr I profoundly appreciate it and respect your hustle. Keep dropping that all killer no filler content!
Paul Thorpe you are a star mate
James at Time4People is great to deal with as a smaller independant dealer, he has a large selection including AP. Not sure if he will have what you're looking for Paul but may be worth giving him a look up at www.time4people.com I got my 114060 from him brand new and unworn JUST before it was discontinued at an extremely reasonable price for a steel Rolex sports model.
Chrono24 make you take photos of the watch with the current time you place the ad , to ensure you actually have it. Not sure if this applies to dealers or not. They definitely do for private sellers.
Private sellers only.
I just tried to buy a watch through Chrono 24 and a dealer in Germany who sources watches...paid the full price and was told the watch would be sent in 10 working days,,after the time expired ,the dealer sent a message to say the watch was no longer available and did I want to buy another watch at a good price! I cancelled the order and am awaiting the refund from Chrono 24...but I wasted a lot of time and had a stressful experience...buying an expensive watch should be easy and an enjoyable experience...
chrono24 is overpriced
interesting and always great to know the thoughts of someone that was in the industry.
as for selling a used watch, first thing that came to mind for value is watch auctions, why not?
what about wanting to find the value of watches one inherits, where would I go or talk to?
Are Chrono24 sellers legit AD? If a watch is MSRP $12000 an its being sold for $8000, are they just selling it pretty much at cost?
Paul, you say private sellers are hard work. Watchfinder have offered me £30,000 to buy my unworn 5711 and have one on their website now for £63,000! That’s a huge markup! And you wonder why we’re cautious?
Those are starter of watch inflation prices!
@Paul Thorpe Watch Dealer - Is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono gold or gold-plated? On the website it has a variant that allegedly has a gold bezel and a steel bracelet with gold center links, yet it doesn’t specify a specific karat, such as what I am accustomed to seeing with other watch makers.
I have bought from Watchfinder a few times and was happy, but having said that I bought a pre-owned watch from a local jeweller for £850 and saw the same watch on Watchfinder for £1300...
Paul, I've been a CHRONO24 DEALER for a few years, And I only post what I have on hand ... I have a 5 Star Rating .. as usual a few bad apples ruin it for the honest ones.. always trust the DEALER your doing biz with.. love your vids Brother !
Chrono24 is terrible company. I got ripped off when I purchased Bremont MB2 . When I sent to Bremont for service they told me it was a fake. I called Chrono24 & got the run around each time I called customer service. I learned my lesson the hard way . After 12 hours of time communicating with them I just gave up . They would not support me or give my money back. If you want a fake Bremont MB2 I still have it. Good Grief
i have purchased 6 watches this year on chrono24 spending nearly Eu 80,000 and every transaction has gone smoothly. I scroll through thier website most days so i wish they would make some improvements to the search process and save process when looking at multiple watches and thier email replies are slow . But I have reported at least two sellers advertising watches which they didnt have and Chrono24 removed the listings very quickly . i have looked at watchfinder but find prices higher
Watch finder offed me £1800 for my near perfect breitling super ocean 2 blue. But have it for sale for £3450
Hello Mr Thorpe. What are your views on the effect of Brexit on online watch purchases from all but UK sellers? Clearly, VAT plus import duties will now add a significant amount to the 'headline' cost seen on all international online platforms (including Chrono24, Watchfinder and eBay), so it now appears to be pointless for UK buyers to search more widely than UK listings.
Sir I wonder if you could help ?. My insurance company sent my Rolex day date to goldsmiths who in turn sent the watch to Rolex for repair Rolex said that it needed various parts for repair!! That in saying the insurance company were to pay up to present I have waited 4 months for return with no sign of return I asked for the watch to be returned and Rolex have refused saying that the watch has been taken apart and waiting for the parts how long must I wait for Rolex to get the parts that supply they own parts ?.
People use Chrono24 to gauge pricing, anything listed on their subtract 20 percent that’s the actual market price.
Nice one Paul. Great vid! 👍
Greetings from northen Sweden and a fellow watch entusiast,, and new subscriber. This video came up in the feed so I thought I would have a look. I rather liked the video.
The way you spoke, I like this organisation because,, and this one I don't like because..
Brutally honest.
Stay safe and take care.
chrono24 are crap, they put misleading info, they say about watches in very good condition and when you look at the watches it is full of deep scratches
Watchfinder offered me £3500 for a 2018 Rolex Explorer with box and papers back in March this year. Needless to say I declined that offer!
Why would a dealer make a retail offer? Now you are describing my aunts liquidating my grandmother’s estate. 🤣🤣🤣 boy did they learn a lesson.
I put my name on Rolex list some 18 mths ago for a 116613 sub ,kept in contact with AD occasionally but as a popular model told it could be a while.So got the call from AD 2 weeks ago ,126613 arrived and available ,needless to say ,picked it up,No complaints with service from AD as were very helpful from first meeting.Enjoy your work Paul.🇦🇺
On Chrono24 you have to post two photos of the watch with the hands set to certain times they give you. I also think that after the three months the watch has to be listed for, you have to prove that you still own the watch. This is for private sellers, don’t know if it applies to dealers.
Hi Paul thanks for all the videos really helpful and enjoy them incredible watches
Yep that happened to me on chrono24 purchasing a hamilton psr gold. Annoyingly 2 dealers bragged having it but never actually bagged the watch and dropped out. Got one in the end for a reasonable price.
I haven‘t bought on either site.
I think, Chrono24 for instance has a huge offer on timepieces (I rarely check out WatchfinderI. But I would say, that you can get a reasonable discount on a new watch at an AD, if you want to buy right away and offer cash. You probably pay a little more than buying online, but in my opinion, it is worth it.
Chrono24 especially offers a wide range of used watches, many with box and papers. As Paul Thorpe has said, importing a timepiece increases the price quite significantly, so that is something a potential buyer has to keep in mind.
Chrono24 - it happened to me too, asked about a Omega but it was gone... wasted my time and totaly rubbish service
Watches are higher on chrono generally due to the percentages private & professional sellers have to give up with the sale. NOW they added sales tax regardless of who or where you’re buying from. A $15k watch could turn into an $18k buy
website is down
should I buy a second hand Pepsi(NEW) with papers and box for 17.5k USD to resell it?
but these costs are one time expenses. not all of them, but generally, the once you have your store, connections with with brands, distribution routes, etc. you dont have to but the building ever tiome you sell a watch
Found this channel recently and really love the information. One of the few channels that get the subscribe and the bell. Thanks for your knowledge and letting us pick your brain!