Bought any one a watch from Japan over Chrono 24

Since a while I am looking at Chrono after different timepiece’s and often I found a good deal in pretty good or even great condition’s in Japan.

Has any one made a experience? Good, Bad and thoughts are highly appreciated 😊

Perfect would be if a German response as well. In case at least one made some experience. I ask because of the tax (Zoll) and shipping ;)

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Bought a new Japanese-Market Grand Seiko from C24. All went smoothly.

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TickyBurden

Bought a new Japanese-Market Grand Seiko from C24. All went smoothly.

Thanks for sharing your experience. How was the communication with the dealer?

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wrist.journey

Thanks for sharing your experience. How was the communication with the dealer?

Really didn’t need any. The listing was comprehensive, and the transaction went off without a hitch.

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I’m sure the c24 Japan dealers are the same as eBay so I’ll post about my eBay purchase from Japan.

fast shipping fast processing. Arrived in 2 days BUT don’t forget the DHL customs fee. If you pay that ASAP , no hiccups on shipping time. This was Japan to Commifornia.

i remember mine was a $1.1k watch and customs was like $250 I believe. Still cheaper and rare to find Hamilton Ventura Skeleton Elvis80 on bracelet

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All of my Chrono24 trnsactioons have gone well. Even when we didn't speak the same language.

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Bought one from Japan. Dealer was fine. BUT.

Chrono 24 did two currency exchanges. From Yen to USD and then from USD to mine. The effect was it cost a bit more than it was listed for. And im sure the profit went to chrono 24. Chrono 24 just avoided the issue when I challenged them.

I'll try to deal directly with a dealer in future.

And not use chrono 24.

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My last transaction with Chrono24 was poor. The dearer was great however Chrono24 couldn’t find the address I wanted it shipped to. The dealer knew it and found it easy so it was a complete shambles. I threaten to cancel the order then somehow it all worked out. I have been looking at Japan as well as there are some pieces out there that a lot less than in Europe.

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I’ve purchased 2 watches from 2 different dealers in Japan using Chrono24 and both transactions went very smoothly. I didn’t communicate with the dealers because there was no need to. I wouldn’t hesitate buying another watch from a Japanese dealer again using Chrono24.

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I have no experience with chrono24 but i ordered a few times from Sakura and it was always going well. Just add about 24% for Tax and Customs. Packages were delivered by DHL within a week.

https://www.sakurawatches.com/

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I bought my recent new GS from an AD in Hiroshima Japan through Chrono24. The experience could not have been any better. Great communication, perfectly packed, and they even through in a free 5 holder watch box. I believe Chrono24 added in my local state sales tax to the cost, but the AD adjusted the price absorbing the sales tax. Actually the AD went too far, and my final cost was lower than negotiated price. It was sent FedEx, with customs handling done by FedEx agent, and FedEx billing for duty costs later.

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2 cents from Japanese local.

1) Being in Japan doesn’t mean the seller is legitimate. Buy the seller. At least check the reputation. If possible check if they have a physical store, not just on the net, which reduces the risk.

2) If you are buying a vintage watch, know that it is very likely polished. Hard to find unpolished watches here.

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I have bought a couple of watches from Japanese dealers via C24 and both have been very smooth- keep in mind there may be import duties and taxes - but even with these costs they still made the watches a good deal

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parechute

2 cents from Japanese local.

1) Being in Japan doesn’t mean the seller is legitimate. Buy the seller. At least check the reputation. If possible check if they have a physical store, not just on the net, which reduces the risk.

2) If you are buying a vintage watch, know that it is very likely polished. Hard to find unpolished watches here.

Please excuse my ignorance. What is the issue with polishing?

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I recently bought 3 watches from Chrono24. All from Japan from a dealer with a good rating. The watches are better than the description. I think if you stick with buying from a dealer you would be ok. my dealer in Chrono24 is Closer.

Bought 2 beautiful Credors, a Chronograph and a rare dual time from Credor

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I have used Chrono24. I've had no problems.

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sagebrush

I've done it twice - my collection is not that large.

#1 was a used Citizen AQ4024-53Y (this is Citizen's line that's meant to compete with Grand Seiko) for C$2,180 (+ tax and shipping). Being less popular than the very similar AQ4020-54Y, on Chrono24 this model can only be found new for C$2,935.

I have been very satisfied with the low amount of wear on my watch. The more common AQ4020-54Y currently has two used listings on Chrono24 at reasonable prices, but both of them are noticeably more blemished than the piece that I bought.

Browsing for these obscure, specific models, I found that many Japanese sellers openly list the same items on eBay for $500 more than they do on Yahoo Auctions. They are hoping that a strong U.S. dollar will prevent American buyers from looking for their "secret" Japanese-language listings.

#2 is a used Seiko Alpinist SBDC149 for C$600 (+ tax and shipping), hopefully arriving tomorrow. Not a huge savings here, but on English sites I see this one mostly retailing for C$800 in similar condition. It will also come with an extra strap. When it arrives I will definitely post about its condition and whether I think it was good value.

Ok 👌

So definitely will double check yahoo auctions as well. It seems can very good deal if you invest time an compare the deals and get in contact with the dealers before you purchase.

Do you now if yahoo auctions offer also a buyer’s insurance ?

I am excited to hear and see your new purchase. Hope it wil arrive soon 😁

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I looked at a few offers from Japan, but when you add all the taxes and costs, the deals aren´t better, than buying it within the EU.

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Rome1234

I’m sure the c24 Japan dealers are the same as eBay so I’ll post about my eBay purchase from Japan.

fast shipping fast processing. Arrived in 2 days BUT don’t forget the DHL customs fee. If you pay that ASAP , no hiccups on shipping time. This was Japan to Commifornia.

i remember mine was a $1.1k watch and customs was like $250 I believe. Still cheaper and rare to find Hamilton Ventura Skeleton Elvis80 on bracelet

Commie fornia hehe 😜

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I'll be in osaka tomorrow, anyone recommend a shop or place I cam visit? Would it be better to buy there than in C24?

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Bought my GS SD GMT (SBGE009) used from a Japanese Chrono24 dealer. Everything went smoothly.

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skydave

That would be dependent on the specific state you’re in. I believe in my case, it’s only if the vendor has a physical presence in my state, which I suspect Chrono24 doesn’t, and ofcourse the Japanese seller doesn’t. I’m not sure why my final bill showed my states 6.25% sales tax, but the seller adjusted the final price subtracting approximately 6.3%, so my net cost was actually less. It seemed like the vendor may have checked the wrong box on their end, and my grand total was less, so I didn’t complain. Paper work says that local sales tax is now paid 🤷‍♂. Not that it matters…. Who knows, maybe he actually did send 6.25% to my state, though I doubt it.

I think Chrono24 (like eBay) is subject to the "online platform" provision of state tax law, which means they have to collect state sales taxes no matter where the seller is, and even if the watch is used. Am I wrong about that?

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I bought from a Japanese shop on chrono. No problems at all…. In fact the opposite. Japan has a massive watch culture. The biggest thing when buying on chrono or anywhere else grey is the seller….. check how many wsrches and reviews they have. Chrono allows u to check this quite easily. The particular place I bought from had 3800 sales on chrono and almost all 5star reviews. The issue id watch for is a newer seller with less reviews

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I bought 2. Good communication. Excellent condition and even the descriptions were accurate and not "inflated". One watch was listed as in fair condition but I swear it looks almost like new (a few oxidation marks on hands and indices) and runs like a champion within COSC... it's 25y old.

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Also consider VAT (MwSt.) in addition to the Zoll. ;)

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Bought my grand seiko from japan. Also a principle as with any sellers in any market place... read all the reviews. If reviews say trustworthy and the seller description is accurate then all good.

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Yohanne

I'll be in osaka tomorrow, anyone recommend a shop or place I cam visit? Would it be better to buy there than in C24?

Hey. Did you get some tips via PM ?

Did find a shop or watch.

Hope had some great experience !

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Michel

I looked at a few offers from Japan, but when you add all the taxes and costs, the deals aren´t better, than buying it within the EU.

I think that’s depending on the watch. I saw some they offering new watches 40% + cheaper then I need to pay my AD.

I think in this case you will be cheaper.

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Al_Ra_Ra

Both times I bought through a dealer called IPPO JAPAN WATCH. Very quick delivery.

I'm in the UK, and yes I think the time where I paid no tax was a fluke. I would budget for paying the import tax, but maybe you'll be lucky.

Thanks for your response.

I am happy for you. Always good to save a bit Cash.

After a purchase is before a purchase 😄

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wrist.journey

I think that ist brave 😁

You are all ready the secon one who bought a watch without communication.

Did you remember the shop name ?!

I bought my watches from -

1) The Watch Company

2) Hachimura Watch Japan

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Poonsy

I bought my watches from -

1) The Watch Company

2) Hachimura Watch Japan

Thanks. I will check them out 😊