Should I go grey/second hand or buy from AD?

Buy it new, you won’t regret it.

I recently saved $1,000 buying my own milestone watch slightly (very *very* slightly, collectors are insane) used. Since my intention is to hang onto it for decades and completely ruin it, it doesn't make much difference to me to be the person who puts the first tiny scratch into the bezel. If I could buy a heavily discounted used car that was driven 10 miles, I would choose it over a new one every time.

Ultimately we all have different motivations but $1,000 is an impressive chunk of change that you'll definitely be able to find other uses for.

For a difference of 1K, I’d get new over used. I have no problem going grey market for a good discount though.

Aren't something like a third of these put up for sale within a year? Given the absolute glut on the pre-owned market, I'm skeptical that actual used transaction prices are even that high.

I’d buy used a lot of people don’t think they would ever sell or need box and papers so they go grey and then 10 years down the road want to sell but don’t have box and papers. However, if you don’t pay for box and papers it’s ok to sell for a bit less. I’d go used. I just recently got a used Panerai for 4200 when msrp is 7300 you can save alot of money and you will still highly enjoy it. I like the used car analogy someone in the comments made. As far as scratches a few scratches might actually be a good think and make it easier to wear for when you do ding it up a bit you won’t care as much

I would buy a Tudor pre-owned because they are known to lose their value a fair bit when bought new. At least that way you will minimise your loss when you sell it.

Make an appointment. You’ll get the attention that you deserve. Purchasing the watch is as much about the experience as the timepiece itself. Have them pour you a cocktail and soak it all in and leave with your prize!

This is a tough, since suggesting you buying it new from the AD without knowing how long it might take you to save the $1k balance may have bearing on availability and price increases - putting you further away from the watch. Good compromise might be to scour Chrono24 and settle for one in best condition from the highest rated seller. Hope this goes well & congrats on the milestone! 🤙❤️🤙

Gray market Jomashop for 3100 new

https://www.jomashop.com/tudor-automatic-blue-dial-mens-watch-m79030b-0003.html

I would usually go with the cheaper option but you wrote that there is a significant emotional part involved with this purchase decision. Since you can't put a price tag on emotions and 1KU$ rebate from a 4KUS$ watch is nice but it's not going to change the rules of the universe, I say go with the AD. Buy it new, get this nice satisfying feeling of being the first to peel off the stickers and strap it on your wrist thinking about the milestone you achieved and how it makes you happy to wear a new watch that you coveted for 3 years.

Alternatively you can buy grey at 3KUS$, send me the 1KUS$ you saved and I promise I'll post here how it made me happy.

It's like buying a new car. Sure, you pay a premium to have the privilege of being the first one to fart into the seat cushions. But it's so nice to have that new car experience. Do what the heart desires. Buy the watch new and avoid somebody else's dead skin cells.

Grey or second hand, 2 different things. If second hand, get the newest you can get. Grey is good also. I’ve used all 3 styles, Joma, big used reseller (Crown & Caliber), AD in person and online, never an issue. Had good service and support from all. Just use reputable companies and you should be okay.

I always buy used, what's the point in buying new for a lot more money? It's got no microswirls already? Well you will have those in no time with a new one.... Emotionally ? Grow a pair 😁

Unless you are super rich of course... then buy new, why not

My motto is anything under $5k is fair game from a reputable grey market dealer. Key condition is that it has to be at least 35% off of list.

Here you're talking about less than 25% off list, so not really worth losing the benefit you get from purchasing from an AD especially since Tudor has a somewhat spotty quality record (just check out all the YT videos about manufacturing defects on Tudor watches).

This 100% best of both worlds 👌🏻

New slightly above preloved...

If used, try to find a trusted seller or shop near you. eBay would scare me. I would probably buy new and see if the ad is willing to give out a little discount. Always good to have a place to go to if there is a problem with the watch. Also having a good relationship with an AD is great of you just want to pop in from time to time to check out new releases or watches that interest you, but you do not consider buying.

It depends on broader spectre of future activities but in your case I would go for new at AD. F.i. if you want to have this watch long term ( never 100% but you have certain plan ) I would buy new as % diff is just too small to justify hassle with C24 or other grey market methods. And secondly, if you plan to buy more from that AD in future and you want to build good relationship that could secure better position for some other desirable watches it is also better to buy new from AD. A 1k$ investment for additional security, better AD relationship and getting brand new watch to make your scratches and dents on it is worth more to me than saving that sum. If that sum of $ is deal changer maybe you shouldn't be spending 3-4k$ on new watch anyway

My recommandation is to buy from an AD, provided the people behind the counter are competent and friendly. The purchase experience is so much better than anxiously refreshing your Fedex tracking waiting for a guy to maybe drop a box on your doorstep, or maybe give it to a total stranger just passing by.

Unless you're in the business of trading watches for a living, in which case every penny counts, acquiring a luxury watch (around $ 4k, one can talk about luxury goods) isn't the same as buying a fridge or a vacuum cleaner. Especially if you won't buy similarly priced watches for the next 5 years

If value is a key part of the transaction, consider a perfectly good Citizen Eco Drive https://www.chrono24.fr/citizen/--bm8560-29e---orologio-citizen-core-collection-bm8560-29ee-avion-citizen--id28664365.htm, less than $200 on Chrono24, that doesn't looks like a cheap one and will be all the watch you'll ever need

Go grey if the price is good, otherwise if the secondhand is through a reputable dealer who will stand by the sale, run, don't walk, and grab it. The AD 'experience' is hugely overrated if you have a bit of common sense and buy sensibly elsewhere. Secondhand luxury watches are VERY smart buys, on the whole.

Let me clarify if you go down the second hand market, box & papers , preferably buy face to face on the grey market . Buy the seller not the watch . Lastly only if it’s substantially cheaper than retail , then no , go AD retail and satisfaction of guarantee and new . ( not been on a crash test dummies wrist for Tudor testing pre owned )

Never buy new, let some other mug take the hit.

Folks don't seem to keep Tudor's long, there's always a glut of used ones on the market.

Genuinely don't see that the AD experience being worth such a loss of money when there's so many nearly new pieces out there 🤯

I’m always buying used – after a lot of research of course. You get more watch for your money.

I depends on your budget and how much you can save.

Buying second hand let's you ask lots of questions and inspect the spesific watch you are buying. Also the warranty follows the watch 😊

Second hand BB58 = 25% discount,

That's a no brainer for me, especially if you can find like-new or good very condition.

1K is a lot of money.

Going Grey isn't bad. Dealing with them a reputable dealer will give you a warranty also. You may pay a little more or a little less from the AD. Some times it's better going Grey so you don't have to wait umpteen years to get the watch. Some of us would like to see, hold, and wear the watch before we die.

If you have the funds to deploy, and assuming you are American, then try the AD. ADs may not be discounting Tudors, especially the high demand ones, but they might be able do something about the sales tax, as you can always go to an out of state AD, buy it without tax and and get it shipped to you for free.

I’m biased as an AD but let me tell you why I believe buying from an AD is better.

1) It’s not stolen

2) Warranty is activated the day you purchased it

3) no carfax on watches. Just b/c it’s only lightly scratched or not scratched at all does not mean that the watch was well treated.

4) you know allllll the parts are authentic

5) something goes wrong you have a relationship with someone who can help make it right

6) they will size it for you and show you how it operates

7) now you have a relationship with someone

I got other reasons too but like I said I have skin in the game so I’m openly biased on this topic