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| Wristwatch Buying Experiences |
| Created 06-03-2002 |
| This page outlines my
experiences in buying wristwatches from various companies
and dealers, I hope that the information is helpful to
you. Please Note: The comments are my opinion only based upon one or more transactions with the dealer. Your experience may be different. |
| Company / Location | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommend |
| Higuchi Inc. Japan |
Excellent source for hard to get hi-tech Japan watches not found in the U.S. Market. Specialize in Seiko and Citizen. Fast shipping (Japan to U.S. in 6 days). Takes credit cards. Highly spoken of among watch aficionados. | Most watches he sells are warranted in Japan only. Prices slightly high, but include shipping and customs fees. | YES |
| Wayne Lee's Watch World Malaysia |
Good source for hard to get Seiko, Citizen, Orient and Titoni watches. Excellent to do business with. Runs the Seiko and Citizen Watch Forum. Fast shipping. Good reputation. | Somewhat bizarre payment scheme, would be much improved if he took credit cards. | YES |
| Princeton Watches U.S.A |
U.S. Based seller of Seiko and Citizen watches. Good prices, fast shipping (price includes shipping). Entire transaction accomplished o the web. E-mails you with a tracking number as soon as the item is shipped. | None | YES |
| Gem of the Day U.S.A |
Seller of Seiko and Citizen watches. Takes credit cards. Good prices. Shipping included in price. Standard U.P.S. shipping took 8 days (MS to CA). | Some buyers report problems, I have had none. | YES |
| Watches Planet Malaysia |
Carries many watch brands, heavy on Casio inventory. High prices on Seiko and Citizen. Good prices on other brands. Shipping extra. Last order took 2 weeks to U.S.A. | You can go through the whole purchase process, only to receive an e-mail the next day indicating they are out of stock on the item. This happened to me twice, both times they honored my request to cancel without hassle. | YES (for Casio) |
| AAA Watch Connection U.S.A. (Fla.) |
Carries Citizen, Seiko, Invicta, and many other brands. Fair prices. Shipping extra. Average time to receive watch 6 days. | Their web page is not necessarily in sync with their inventory. If you are looking for a watch not on their page e-mail them for price and availability. | YES |
| Ashford U.S.A. (Tx.) |
Giant dealer carries many brands as well as jewelry and other personal items. Average prices (except on sale items). Shipping used to be included. Fastest shipment I ever received (next day). | Since remodeling themselves as a purveyor of corporate promotional items they seem to have lost their competitive edge. Some of their prices are full retail and you can pay that price anywhere. | Only if in a hurry |
| Wristwatch.com U.S.A. (Tx.) |
The first large Internet dealer. Vast number of watches on web site, shallow inventory. Average prices. Shipping Extra. Charge CA sales tax on TX purchases. Last order took 2 weeks (Tx. to Ca.). | The only lines that they can ship in reasonable time are Casio. Many others have to be "ordered". Difficult if not impossible to cancel an order. Last order (a Lumninox) was received in a shopworn box with the model number on the hang tag crossed out and the model I ordered written in with ballpoint. | NO |
