I am writing this for the benefit of those folks who are where I was 6 weeks ago - researching and deciding whether or not to get into this hobby. First, research, research, research! There is tons of information on these pages, information that will make the process easier and lower your stress level because it really is a big waiting game these pages will teach you about what goes on behind the scenes so you're not so nervous. I spent weeks reading what I could about the processes involved in purchasing items from half way around the world (I'm in the US) it certainly isn't the same as ordering off Amazon.
Second, read up on and take a look at the pages of trusted dealers (TDs) and compare the various sites and their offerings, look at their stock, their prices etc. I was all set to do business with Puretime but I found them less than helpful when I ran into ordering issues so I canceled then went with my back-up TD Intime all went as smooth as silk (I just ordered Oct 7, 2019). Just goes to show you have to be ready to change things up at a moments notice.
Third, for US based folks, I would really consider the Bitcoin route which is a pain in the ass but not as big a pain as using a credit card from a US based bank. I bought my bitcoin from coinbase,com it's super easy a lot of folks talk crap about it but I'm not a bitcoin investor I just need it to buy my watches so simple is better. Let my experience with coinbase lessen your headaches: (1) fastest way to get bitcoin into your coinbase account and ready for use is using your debit card as your way to purchase bitcoin. I bought direct from my bank account and while your bitcoin purchase is effective the same day you purchase, you cannot send your bitcoins (or use for purchases) for 9 days!!! With debit card your purchase and bitcoins are immediately available to send (2) you will read info out there about using your credit card to buy bitcoin through coinbase.com IF YOU ARE IN THE USA THIS IS NOT ALLOWED...NO CAN DO....NO BUENO!!!!! (3) to send bitcoin with coinbase.com you need to verify your identity (US finance regulation) by snapping a picture of your driver license (if in the US you cannot use passport as ID) you will have to surf around your profile site to find where to verify ID. It's not that tough but you sure do have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there - you will be rewarded with a discount from your dealer, I was offered 6% off my order saving me $38 so my discount paid for my shipping.
So as I stated my order was placed the evening of October 7, 2019 and this morning I received my email from Intime with instructions on where to send the bitcoin (unfortunately I have to wait 1 more day for my 9 days to be up...funds are still locked up with coinbase). I will keep you posted on how the process goes from here. If it makes a difference I am from/in Los Angeles Calif and i ordered the Royal Oak 15400 and the Patek Phil Nautilus both from Intime. MORE TO FOLLOW
Second, read up on and take a look at the pages of trusted dealers (TDs) and compare the various sites and their offerings, look at their stock, their prices etc. I was all set to do business with Puretime but I found them less than helpful when I ran into ordering issues so I canceled then went with my back-up TD Intime all went as smooth as silk (I just ordered Oct 7, 2019). Just goes to show you have to be ready to change things up at a moments notice.
Third, for US based folks, I would really consider the Bitcoin route which is a pain in the ass but not as big a pain as using a credit card from a US based bank. I bought my bitcoin from coinbase,com it's super easy a lot of folks talk crap about it but I'm not a bitcoin investor I just need it to buy my watches so simple is better. Let my experience with coinbase lessen your headaches: (1) fastest way to get bitcoin into your coinbase account and ready for use is using your debit card as your way to purchase bitcoin. I bought direct from my bank account and while your bitcoin purchase is effective the same day you purchase, you cannot send your bitcoins (or use for purchases) for 9 days!!! With debit card your purchase and bitcoins are immediately available to send (2) you will read info out there about using your credit card to buy bitcoin through coinbase.com IF YOU ARE IN THE USA THIS IS NOT ALLOWED...NO CAN DO....NO BUENO!!!!! (3) to send bitcoin with coinbase.com you need to verify your identity (US finance regulation) by snapping a picture of your driver license (if in the US you cannot use passport as ID) you will have to surf around your profile site to find where to verify ID. It's not that tough but you sure do have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there - you will be rewarded with a discount from your dealer, I was offered 6% off my order saving me $38 so my discount paid for my shipping.
So as I stated my order was placed the evening of October 7, 2019 and this morning I received my email from Intime with instructions on where to send the bitcoin (unfortunately I have to wait 1 more day for my 9 days to be up...funds are still locked up with coinbase). I will keep you posted on how the process goes from here. If it makes a difference I am from/in Los Angeles Calif and i ordered the Royal Oak 15400 and the Patek Phil Nautilus both from Intime. MORE TO FOLLOW
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