View single post by Matt V
 Posted: Wed May 30th, 2007 08:10 pm
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Matt V

 

Joined: Wed May 30th, 2007
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota USA
Posts: 104
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 Most companies have such a disclaimer these days to protect themselves if an innocent customer purchased a knock-off somewhere believing it's the real deal and decides to go after the manufacturer of the original watch.

Also, manufacturers don't like gray market; the reseller in which region the watch gets sold (who makes a few $$$ selling it) is supposed to support the customer and frankly, if he doesn't sell the watch and has made no $$ in that sale, his motivation in supporting the watch and that customer is zero or less. The end result is a dissatified customer and a tarnished reputation for the manufacturer.

Having said that, some of the sales tactics of watch manufacturers are actually to blame for this. Certain Swiss brands are known to enforce quotas on their resellers; if they don't sell enough watches, they loose authorization and the watch line. Or they only give access to higher end models if a certain number of lower end models get sold. Consequently, those dealers look for ways to move volume, even if that means selling to gray market dealers.

Either way, if you do your homework and buy from a reputable dealer who does provide a warranty (manufacturers warranty might not kick in when buying from an unauthorized reseller) you should be fine.

I have purchased this beauty from Ashford, not an authorized reseller but well known.

Cheers

Matt