three weeks ago i featured 3 vintage rolex oyster datejust watches (which is all sold out now). i bought one of them, and am so so happy with it. buying a vintage watch can be a very daunting experience, especially online. i thought it would be beneficial for me to share my thoughts:
- i bought the watch from asos.com, a very reputable online shopping site, listed in the uk stock exchange, famous for £6 bracelets and initially started as a company specialising on clothing "As Seen On Screen". perhaps not a site one would associate with vintage watches.
- the very brief description and minimal pictures doesn't quite help to sell a watch that retailed well into the 4 figures. the 3 month warranty and 28days free return does provide a peace of mind.
- the bracelet was obviously shortened, but it wasn't mentioned on the description. but luckily, it fitted me alright. quite possibly the problem with online shopping: the generic approach to product listing doesn't work. i think the higher the price of an item, the more description it should get.
- however, delivery was exceptional. i've shopped at asos.com numerous times, but this time i was provided with a text message to my phone, specifying the exact hour my parcel would be delivered. right on time they were, i was very impressed. i wonder if this is a new service for all items, or just a selection.
- the watch doesn't come in it's original box, but in a terrible leatherette box.
- nonetheless, the watch box contained very important clues to the origin of the watch: DM London. again, nothing was mentioned in the product listing for the watch.
- researched around, DM London grew out of renowned bond street jeweller david morris. the company also took up a third of the space at selfridges' "wonder room", including the rolex and chopard's shop-in-shop. since 2008, DM London took over as watch buyers for asos.com. the information would have provided so much faith to the customer, but nothing was mentioned.
- the watch came with a certificate of authenticity from DM London, a licensed reseller of rolex watches, although the purchase was via asos.com. my friend who is a watch enthusiast dropped by my house last week, he gave it his two thumbs up. (his missus came with her new hermes shoulder kelly, which i also gave two thumbs up, but that's another story...)
- 3 weeks on, the watch is ticking fine. because the trio of watches, all from the same era (70s) and price range came on site at the same time, i suspect it was from a collector who let go of his collection. perhaps the reason why my watch was in a very good condition. whoever you are, thank you for taking good care of the watch.
- the very brief description and minimal pictures doesn't quite help to sell a watch that retailed well into the 4 figures. the 3 month warranty and 28days free return does provide a peace of mind.
- the bracelet was obviously shortened, but it wasn't mentioned on the description. but luckily, it fitted me alright. quite possibly the problem with online shopping: the generic approach to product listing doesn't work. i think the higher the price of an item, the more description it should get.
- however, delivery was exceptional. i've shopped at asos.com numerous times, but this time i was provided with a text message to my phone, specifying the exact hour my parcel would be delivered. right on time they were, i was very impressed. i wonder if this is a new service for all items, or just a selection.
- the watch doesn't come in it's original box, but in a terrible leatherette box.
- nonetheless, the watch box contained very important clues to the origin of the watch: DM London. again, nothing was mentioned in the product listing for the watch.
- researched around, DM London grew out of renowned bond street jeweller david morris. the company also took up a third of the space at selfridges' "wonder room", including the rolex and chopard's shop-in-shop. since 2008, DM London took over as watch buyers for asos.com. the information would have provided so much faith to the customer, but nothing was mentioned.
- the watch came with a certificate of authenticity from DM London, a licensed reseller of rolex watches, although the purchase was via asos.com. my friend who is a watch enthusiast dropped by my house last week, he gave it his two thumbs up. (his missus came with her new hermes shoulder kelly, which i also gave two thumbs up, but that's another story...)
- 3 weeks on, the watch is ticking fine. because the trio of watches, all from the same era (70s) and price range came on site at the same time, i suspect it was from a collector who let go of his collection. perhaps the reason why my watch was in a very good condition. whoever you are, thank you for taking good care of the watch.
my point is, i am very happy with my purchase. it's been the big ticket item i've been saving for, and i'm glad i made the first foray into vintage watches. (fine line between pre-owned and vintage, but since the watch is more than 30years of age, let's call it vintage). i'm happy, and have no qualms about buying vintage watches from asos.com again. hope the above points do help you to decide.
click here for the small selection of vintage watches available on asos.com.
click here for the small selection of vintage watches available on asos.com.
an early birthday present for myself (mid september if you're asking and planning to send money and/or gifts!)
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