G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 I have a WTB out for a piece, which I assumed is out of production - No luck, so I thought I’d have a quick trawl through the TD websites for inspiration/alternatives A TD next door had what I wanted listed on the site (I know not an indicator of stock availability) so I pinged them a message to see if still in production, along with a few TDs from here just in case To say the responses I got were mixed would be an understatement! I’ve had two tell me it’s freely available, two tell it is out of production/unavailable, and another TD even going so far as to say they sold all the units ever available, and anyone who says they can get it is a liar and a scammer! Obviously not naming names here, but what am I to believe? Really want this piece, but don’t fancy having my ‘play money’ tied up with a TD for something that doesn’t exist! I don’t have a ‘regular’ TD, as 99% of my purchases have been made through M2M This just a case of suck it and see (Ooo’er) and part of the ‘game’? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simonix 8,660 Posted March 2, 2021 This will probably end up being a thread of people saying “I always use such and such TD, so contact them and go with what they say” So I will start off... haha. I have used Mary, and she has found watches for me that other TDs have stated as not available. She has always come through for me. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foxindebox 464 Posted March 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Simonix said: This will probably end up being a thread of people saying “I always use such and such TD, so contact them and go with what they say” So I will start off... haha. I have used Mary, and she has found watches for me that other TDs have stated as not available. She has always come through for me. ^^^ this 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,383 Posted March 2, 2021 10 minutes ago, Simonix said: This will probably end up being a thread of people saying “I always use such and such TD, so contact them and go with what they say” So I will start off... haha. I have used Mary, and she has found watches for me that other TDs have stated as not available. She has always come through for me. Agree but she has also told me she could get something i paid and then was told it was unavailable so even the best can trip up 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
black263 228 Posted March 2, 2021 Mary is a one-woman-band. She doesn't seem to deal in anything like the volume of the others, and will go the extra mile to source hard to find watches. It seems to me that the big boys have a few go-to factories or wholesalers from whom they buy, and if these suppliers don't have what you want, the TDs don't waste time hunting for you. Many years ago, I was looking for a watch, and Mary said it was out of production. Big TD said it was in stock. I sent my money and got a "sorry, no longer available; please select something different" response. I got most of my money back. About three months later, Mary emailed to say she had found what I was looking for. I learned a lot from that encounter Now, I would only use three dealers. Mary, obviously. Reg, because he may only have a limited range of cheapies, but he actually holds his own stock and if he says it's available you can believe him. Toro, because he is a genuinely nice guy, and having shared a few beers in his company, I have rock solid trust in him. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 I'd just like to add Marvelous Replica to the list. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BadPickle 2,746 Posted March 2, 2021 let’s face it, we all have our favourites and can tell tale where they’ve been unhappy with a dealer or two, I had a bad time with Mary once so won’t use again, that’s just how it is. Ryan or Angus for the big volume stuff, they both seem to be a big players with the factories and can get stuff as and when it’s released, like they’re first in the queue steve for everything else cos he doesn’t pull my pants down with the delivery cost 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 14 minutes ago, pickledbeetroot said: Steve for everything else cos he doesn’t pull my pants down with the delivery cost This Hundred times this Million times this ’The price you see is the price you pay’ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 2, 2021 Some of the smaller TD’s maybe able to find you the watch from return, b-stock etc. The bigger ones probably don’t want the hassle. because chances are when a batch is done any now available are going to be parts watches and returns. So 2 questions is it a model like a sub where they are just waiting on the next version or is it like the Ebel that when it’s gone it’s gone. If it’s a returning model wait it out. If it’s rare reach out to smaller TD’s and roll the dice on what you get. let’s avoid “what TD people use” like @Simonix said. As every TD will get mixed experiences from members, it’s business. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flinnt 2,009 Posted March 2, 2021 It pays to develop a relationship with a small TD. In my very limited experience (with reps, but I draw on all experiences) I’ve found once they trust you as an honest repeat customer they’ll say “I’m not sure, let me have a look” and then get back to you with “I’ve found it” or not get back to you because they haven’t found it. Small business will always help you out more...if you have a relationship. Big business is big business, you have to fit what works for them. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,285 Posted March 2, 2021 What watch are you seeking? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Degsy1880 254 Posted March 2, 2021 @black263 "Toro, because he is a genuinely nice guy, and having shared a few beers in his company, I have rock solid trust in him" now this is interesting or is this a whole other story ha ha like others have said all have their favourites I dont buy often but i have my goto's when I do due to past experience Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 47 minutes ago, TheGingerFerret said: What watch are you seeking? Fixed Chrono hand SS Daytona 2824 or 23J movement 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 2, 2021 16 minutes ago, G_sus said: Fixed Chrono hand SS Daytona 2824 or 23J movement It is probably available without the mod... there is a post somewhere on how to do it. That could be an option 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 23 minutes ago, G_sus said: Fixed Chrono hand SS Daytona 2824 or 23J movement Can I ask why you want a 21j? Why do you want the hands fixed? Why not just get a quartz? Cheap as chips on the Gate, like under $50 Here's mine: I cheated though and took a pic when the running seconds hand (at 9) was exactly at 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavezzito 121 Posted March 2, 2021 1 hour ago, TheGingerFerret said: What watch are you seeking? LHD Pelagos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 25 minutes ago, Waspy said: Can I ask why you want a 21j? Why do you want the hands fixed? Why not just get a quartz? Cheap as chips on the Gate, like under $50 It’s a good question! Couple of things! I have no use whatsoever for the chronograph, despite liking the looks - A7750 makes the piece thicker, and potentially unreliable - This counts those versions out I’ve been recommended the DH Quartz version previously, and have seriously considered it Think I’d like a mini sweep on my seconds @6 as small as it is! I’ve also been working on waiting/saving for pieces I really want, rather than settling/hoovering up anything in sight that is a good price Must resist... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) 13 minutes ago, G_sus said: Think I’d like a mini sweep on my seconds @6 as small as it is! Yes, sorry, my mistake, the running seconds is at 6. But surely a 21j or ETA clone does not have seconds at 6? Edited March 2, 2021 by Waspy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
k4jun 251 Posted March 2, 2021 3 hours ago, pickledbeetroot said: steve for everything else cos he doesn’t pull my pants down with the delivery cost What is his screen name? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 4 minutes ago, k4jun said: What is his screen name? I think they mean this TD: His name is Steve and his stuff is free shipping https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/forum/354-theonewatches/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 18 minutes ago, Waspy said: Yes, sorry, my mistake, the running seconds is at 6. But surely a 21j or ETA clone does not have seconds at 6? They sure do Chrono hand is fixed at 12 Sec @6 running as per gen Best of both worlds for me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 2 minutes ago, G_sus said: They sure do Chrono hand is fixed at 12 Sec @6 running as per gen Best of both worlds for me You live and learn... on RWG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 And as if by magic, this arrived at my door 5 minutes ago...spooky. It was ordered 11 days ago and cost £46. It is a gift for a family member. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G_sus 549 Posted March 2, 2021 3 hours ago, Waspy said: And as if by magic, this arrived at my door 5 minutes ago...spooky. It was ordered 11 days ago and cost £46. It is a gift for a family member. You may well have to PM a link for that my good man Doesn’t look like il have any luck elsewhere... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waspy 306 Posted March 2, 2021 33 minutes ago, G_sus said: You may well have to PM a link for that my good man Doesn’t look like il have any luck elsewhere... Done Share this post Link to post Share on other sites