Buy from a TD or an RWI member?

[Sumo86]

So I have a question. Those with experience.

Did you buy from a TD first or from another person posting on the forums? What I tend to be seeing is that actually the value from chazing or trusty or HONT etc seems to be pretty good. You're getting either a CF or GM or VSF es per their website...

The resellers are obvs posting the same info but you don't get Quality Control pics. You don't know how scratched a clasp is or how well it's clicking.

But this is ultimately my question I guess, are you better off going with a TD through all the processes or getting a member watch that's already through customs and in your country etc ready to go?

It's probably a rhetorical question really and each to their own but this is the place to ask others based upon their actual experiences.

(So far 3 of my wishlist watches have come and gone on here and only a maximum of $50 reduction from going through Andrew or Steve...)

 

[TESLA760]

I don't count pennies. If a member lists something I like, I buy it. As members we provide the best pictures we can. QC pic madness is out of control these days. I just sold two watches to folks who are not psychotic and I know will appreciate the watches they picked up. If you're going to be difficult I'd suggest to go with a TD.

 

[domiffm]

The resellers are obvs posting the same info but you don't get Quality Control pics. You don't know how scratched a clasp is or how well it's clicking.

Hi!
What do you mean with this sentence?

If by "resellers" you mean other RWI members who simply sell their watches here in the M2M section, I don't understand your objection. Detailed pics of the current condition of the watch are posted and the watch is described in detail. Of course you have to trust the seller. Therefore "buy the seller" and check if the member has a good reputation at RWI. You have already listed the other advantages of M2M deals.

Otherwise, you can always order from the TD. Both are good.

 

[crashworkz]

I usually go with m2m because I’m impatient and want my reps quick, but some models are hard to find and then a TD might be the best choice.

You can always ask for better “QC” pictures, even if it’s m2m, just be reasonable and understand what you’re paying for.

All in all it’s (relatively) super safe either way, considering we’re dealing with illegal and/or counterfeit goods. And that’s all thanks to RWI!

 

[TESLA760]

Hi!
What do you mean with this sentence?

If by "resellers" you mean other RWI members who simply sell their watches here in the M2M section, I don't understand your objection. Detailed pics of the current condition of the watch are posted and the watch is described in detail. Of course you have to trust the seller. Therefore "buy the seller" and check if the member has a good reputation at RWI. You have already listed the other advantages of M2M deals.

Otherwise, you can always order from the TD. Both are good.

I think most long time members would take offense to this assumption

 

[Winni1611]

I have bought from both, TD and M2M. Because of the sales rules you can trust Members selling here,
They try to dicribe as good as possible. I've made only good experiences. If something really might go
wrong you will get assistance from the staff Members here.
You can also trust in TD's , but there may happen a iussu too. In this case TD will Tell you to send
the watch back to China for repair which is not really an option. On the other side TD's can source you
any watch which is still produced by the factories.
So at least it depends on you. If there is something you like at M2M you can buy with confidence.
Wish you much fun in this Hobby.

 

[P..DR..D]

M2M for the most part is quicker and likely a little cheaper (if not on the actual watch, depending on condition, definitely on shipping).

With M2M, although you want a watch, you will be in a queue and may not get it, as it's not always first come first served. Some members will sell to new members, some will not. The seller chooses. There is also a risk of customs etc.

With a TD you will get it, if you send the money, but it will likely take longer. Customs risk with TDs (not all) is mitigated by their first order refund/replace policy, so always best to double check and clarify.

When you say 'You don't know how scratched a clasp is or how well it's clicking', you can always ask for additional photos or zoom in?

My first buy here was actually an M2M purchase. When received I discovered it didnt actually fit, too tight, so off it went to my brother. That was a lesson to be more careful, observant, ask more questions and not rush in.

 

[Grapeshot]

It is not just about deciding between a TD or a member to member purchase. Some gems are not available any more from any TD and the only chance of acquiring one is if members decide to part with their rare and elusive timepieces. I think most new members will start with a TD, mainly because they are new to this hobby and will be after a relatively current design of whatever model/brand you are looking for.

As experience infiltrates you may start looking for something that’s more unusual. Tastes change and evolve.

 

[Rx4Time]

Well, to be clear, there are no resellers here. We have dealers selling new watches and members selling used watches not for profit. I personally haven't purchased from a TD, only m2m and I've bought (and sold) easily 75 watches if not more over the years. Most experiences I've had were positive. Occasionally there was an otherwise undisclosed minor issue which I chalk up to the cost of doing business, but overall I've been very happy. I recommend if you go m2m, stick with people who have a good selling history and be sure to ask any questions or concerns before buying, and do your research so you understand what you are buying and what are known flaws. If you're worried about how a bezel clicks, you can request a video clip, but keep your expectations reasonable as ultimately we're talking about replicas.

 

[Sumo86]

I think most long time members would take offense to this assumption

I'm hoping my original message isn't causing any offence with any assumptions... Or those that others reply with

It's great to see so many replies, clearly passionate, to my post

I have a feeling I'm hours away from buying

 

[Sumo86]

Well, to be clear, there are no resellers here. We have dealers selling new watches and members selling used watches not for profit. I personally haven't purchased from a TD, only m2m and I've bought (and sold) easily 75 watches if not more over the years. Most experiences I've had were positive. Occasionally there was an otherwise undisclosed minor issue which I chalk up to the cost of doing business, but overall I've been very happy. I recommend if you go m2m, stick with people who have a good selling history and be sure to ask any questions or concerns before buying, and do your research so you understand what you are buying and what are known flaws. If you're worried about how a bezel clicks, you can request a video clip, but keep your expectations reasonable as ultimately we're talking about replicas.

Ta

 

[Wolf22]

So I have a question. Those with experience.

Did you buy from a TD first or from another person posting on the forums? What I tend to be seeing is that actually the value from chazing or trusty or HONT etc seems to be pretty good. You're getting either a CF or GM or VSF es per their website...

The resellers are obvs posting the same info but you don't get Quality Control pics. You don't know how scratched a clasp is or how well it's clicking.

But this is ultimately my question I guess, are you better off going with a TD through all the processes or getting a member watch that's already through customs and in your country etc ready to go?

It's probably a rhetorical question really and each to their own but this is the place to ask others based upon their actual experiences.

(So far 3 of my wishlist watches have come and gone on here and only a maximum of $50 reduction from going through Andrew or Steve...)

I think it depends on how fast you want to get a watch (I guess we all want to get it as fast as possible lol) So if it's in a good condition and you find a watch you want here in your region it makes sense to buy it from RWI member.