Do “quality” watches sold at department stores have “less” quality?
I’ve noticed recently you can get a lot of “Reputable” watch brands from stores like Belk, JC Penny, etc. watches like Hamilton, Tissot, Seiko, Bulova and the like. I’m wondering, do you think these stores get the last pick of the bunch in terms of quality control? I’ve noticed they run pretty hefty sales that would make those watches ALMOST a no brained to pick up, I’m just curious if anyone has had any experience in this area?
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Aaron
Hi there! I’m Aaron, I’m from the U.S, I’ve been in the watch community since mid-2020, and I’m into almost everything! I love everything from chronos, to divers, to elegant dress watches. I’m just he...
Asheville, NC
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No, I really don't think so. This would very strongly dilute the brand. If a certain standard cannot be maintained, the item is usually sold under a different brand. I would exclude some fashion labels from that rationale.
I would possibly expect a compromise on the warranty when buying at Costco, similar to buying from an online grey market dealer, but I would expect a genuine item.
Good point 🤔 the warranty conversation is definitely food for thought
Most brands sold in ADs have massive markups so the AD and the brand can make money. What department stores do is simply reduce their profit on the watch to move stock. Because a department store has other products they make money on, they can cut prices deeper than a watch/jewlery store can.
Most brands sold in ADs have massive markups so the AD and the brand can make money. What department stores do is simply reduce their profit on the watch to move stock. Because a department store has other products they make money on, they can cut prices deeper than a watch/jewlery store can.
Great insight, thank you!
Most brands sold in ADs have massive markups so the AD and the brand can make money. What department stores do is simply reduce their profit on the watch to move stock. Because a department store has other products they make money on, they can cut prices deeper than a watch/jewlery store can.
Wait, the middle man can cut out the middle man? Mind blown.
I have a Seiko SSB377P1 chrono that was a Costco purchase. I know not high-end, but the watch is flawless in every aspect ... except that it doesn't have lume ... that's Seiko fault LOL! 😉
I have a Seiko SSB377P1 chrono that was a Costco purchase. I know not high-end, but the watch is flawless in every aspect ... except that it doesn't have lume ... that's Seiko fault LOL! 😉
No lume would be a huge bummer lol but glad to hear the quality was the same 👌🏼
Wait, the middle man can cut out the middle man? Mind blown.
If only someone would cut out the middle man, and sell me the watches directly...
No, they'll be no reduction in QC, they're not factory seconds or anything like that. In the most part it's just excess stock that is being 'shifted' to generate a cash flow and sales figures, and sometimes with no or very little profit for the seller. Its a strange world retail, yes profit very important but some operate primarily on units shifted and the all important cash flow. And this is one of the reasons why the little guy struggles, not only having to compete with online but with the stack em high n sell em cheap model of places like Costco.
Personally never been lucky enough to drop on some of these bargains, but I know people who have and been very happy with their purchases. The only Downside,as has already been said is the warranty or lack of, but you should have some sort of maybe 1 year from the retailer, so if the worst happens you'll get your money back.
I've treated watches like Tacos. The further away they're acquired from a retail chain the better the experience.
No, they'll be no reduction in QC, they're not factory seconds or anything like that. In the most part it's just excess stock that is being 'shifted' to generate a cash flow and sales figures, and sometimes with no or very little profit for the seller. Its a strange world retail, yes profit very important but some operate primarily on units shifted and the all important cash flow. And this is one of the reasons why the little guy struggles, not only having to compete with online but with the stack em high n sell em cheap model of places like Costco.
Personally never been lucky enough to drop on some of these bargains, but I know people who have and been very happy with their purchases. The only Downside,as has already been said is the warranty or lack of, but you should have some sort of maybe 1 year from the retailer, so if the worst happens you'll get your money back.
It’s unfortunate as a consumer, because we always want the lowest price, but the ethical dilemma of supporting small business + higher price is a hard line to toe
I've treated watches like Tacos. The further away they're acquired from a retail chain the better the experience.
Good point haha
This is completely irrelevant but made me laugh, while I'm reading your post as 'ThreeHandRon' I'm listening to 'One Armed Man' by The Lillingtons, you should team up! 😄 😄
https://open.spotify.com/track/4N5cH5J4rIwwwpKDcpCvFX?si=1fc072f07c70472b
This is completely irrelevant but made me laugh, while I'm reading your post as 'ThreeHandRon' I'm listening to 'One Armed Man' by The Lillingtons, you should team up! 😄 😄
https://open.spotify.com/track/4N5cH5J4rIwwwpKDcpCvFX?si=1fc072f07c70472b
Hahaha 😂 I’ll check it out!
I have a Seiko SSB377P1 chrono that was a Costco purchase. I know not high-end, but the watch is flawless in every aspect ... except that it doesn't have lume ... that's Seiko fault LOL! 😉
Costco is great though for most watches they are grey market dealers (the legality of which they fought Omega on all the way to the Supreme Court:). That being said, I'll take Costco's warranty any time.
For department stores, the watch is the watch. It doesn't matter who is selling them. If I find a watch I want at Macy's and have a 30 or 40% off Christmas coupon (which happened once), ring me up.
A department store, the likes of Macy's, is an AD. Buy from them and you get a watch like you would get anywhere else, along with stamped warranty card.
I've bought sekio from Macy's and had it warranty serviced though a local AD. They are genuine and come with a warranty card just make sure you keep the receipt as well.
A department store, the likes of Macy's, is an AD. Buy from them and you get a watch like you would get anywhere else, along with stamped warranty card.
That’s great to know! Thanks
I've bought sekio from Macy's and had it warranty serviced though a local AD. They are genuine and come with a warranty card just make sure you keep the receipt as well.
That’s awesome! Good to know
Stand alone Ad stores can not deal in volume like the big retail chains who also buy bulk at discount. Same brands but huge markups with some lesser known pieces the big guys did not want to carry. Quality varies from brand to brand but mostly by price point. Invicta sells a lot of junk but they also sell watches with quality movements like the Ronda GMT 505 24, Seiko NH35 and the Sellita Sw200. With watches shop the movement and then for pretty.
At one point everyone was clamoring for the new Omega dive master with green dial. I got the impression that it was so rare to find. Then I saw it on Walmart website. From a third party yes, but available. If I'd been in the market, I'd have snatched it up.
Stand alone Ad stores can not deal in volume like the big retail chains who also buy bulk at discount. Same brands but huge markups with some lesser known pieces the big guys did not want to carry. Quality varies from brand to brand but mostly by price point. Invicta sells a lot of junk but they also sell watches with quality movements like the Ronda GMT 505 24, Seiko NH35 and the Sellita Sw200. With watches shop the movement and then for pretty.
Definitely!
At one point everyone was clamoring for the new Omega dive master with green dial. I got the impression that it was so rare to find. Then I saw it on Walmart website. From a third party yes, but available. If I'd been in the market, I'd have snatched it up.
Walmart sells the wildest stuff sometimes haha
I've treated watches like Tacos. The further away they're acquired from a retail chain the better the experience.
Thats gold Quervo gold 😂
If the price is right I see no issues buying in a department store. Except you should not expect anyone there to know anything about the watch.
The benefit of buying from an AD is you can ask questions and usually they know something about the watches. You can usually negotiate a better price as well.
If the price is right I see no issues buying in a department store. Except you should not expect anyone there to know anything about the watch.
The benefit of buying from an AD is you can ask questions and usually they know something about the watches. You can usually negotiate a better price as well.
For sure. The way I’d buy is definitely from a dept store is definitely oline, I just saw a really good price and thought I’d see what other enthusiasts thought
For sure. The way I’d buy is definitely from a dept store is definitely oline, I just saw a really good price and thought I’d see what other enthusiasts thought
I usually cut through one of those department stores to get into the mall. As I cut through I always make a brief detour to see what watches are in the case. The last Macy's cut through I did the case was scantily populated with Raymond Weil & Bulova watches. There were tons of those inexpensive fashion watches strewn about on the counters and on small islands around the counters.
No differences by default, production should be the same regardless where its sold (which does not happen with clothing brands). However in general, there might be some differences deending on where you buy your watches, these are some, not necessarily related to department stores:
Packaging: stores like Jomashop buy in bulk and might sell watches with generic brand boxes and movement manuals (I saw this happening with the Tissots I have bought). Still a Tissot box but not the fancy ones with promotional material which Tissot usually include.
Signed and stamped warranty card: not sure if the department stores do this
Quality checks at good receipt points: Authorized ADs and some stores in some instances do check for some common things like misaligned chapters or second markers and might return them (maybe difficult todo with Seikos as its a common trait but do this for models and brands where this is not an expected issue).
No differences by default, production should be the same regardless where its sold (which does not happen with clothing brands). However in general, there might be some differences deending on where you buy your watches, these are some, not necessarily related to department stores:
Packaging: stores like Jomashop buy in bulk and might sell watches with generic brand boxes and movement manuals (I saw this happening with the Tissots I have bought). Still a Tissot box but not the fancy ones with promotional material which Tissot usually include.
Signed and stamped warranty card: not sure if the department stores do this
Quality checks at good receipt points: Authorized ADs and some stores in some instances do check for some common things like misaligned chapters or second markers and might return them (maybe difficult todo with Seikos as its a common trait but do this for models and brands where this is not an expected issue).
Good insight! The warranty piece seems like the biggest drawback honestly
I don’t think it hurts the brand, more like it make the stores look better. I bought a Seiko at Macys but waited for the big sale. Otherwise the prices are no better than anywhere else.