This time we keep the discussion confined within the watch market. This is where most people are knocked-off by a knock-off too good to be true. It oftentimes is because the item on sale is a counterfeit or is stolen. In that case, it will have its serial number scraped off, often to such perfections it’s hard to believe if an engraving existed there. In return, the grey market gets a bad name. That’s certainly not something to like especially when you are selling genuine watches from well-known brands. Neither are they factory seconds.
Note that we are not talking about fine watches. These are available only through special, manufacturer-authorized dealers and buying them from another place might affect its warranty and resale value.
Grey market watches chiefly come from smaller authorized dealers who are trying to get rid of inventory and make space for new watches and increase sales. This excess inventory is then sold to other legitimate watch dealers, at wholesale prices. This brings down the unit price and so a grey market dealer can offer higher discounts than the former authorized dealer. So, the grey market replaces the good things in a watch is mostly a myth. This is done by a handful who takes advantage of this alternative selling protocol. It’s up to you verifying beforehand if the seller is a trusted one and the product you are buying comes with the warranty, serial number.
To be sure that your purchase doesn’t rest heavy on you, check that the:
i. Offered discount on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price doesn’t a huge amount.
ii. Often the dealer also offers an extended warranty; make sure the dealer’s stamp is there on the card.
The only thing you might not get is the COSC certificate, but then again, that doesn’t come with the discounted price.
