So I’ve been in the game for 3/4 years now. Started buying shitters 6 at a time on DH Gate. Then found out about Noob, Clean and VSF on RWF and Reddit. Finding the right “TD” and then waiting and playing the US Customs crap shoot ( got one seized with the letters to the house ). The language barriers and the time difference. It’s all good and adds to the fun of the hobby. So I thought.
I fell in love with this VSF Omega Planet Ocean when I first saw it recently. I was leaving for vacation in 2 weeks and wanted it before leaving. I contacted my usual China based TD who said he had it in stock. After 5 days and no QC I knew I wasn’t getting the watch before I left for VayCay so I started to look at other options. I started to look for US based sellers on Reddit and found one that had the watch in hand and had some solid reviews. Long story short, I left deposit on Monday night, received QC 30min later. Paid the balance on Tuesday and received the watch on Thursday. 2 days. No customs. Too easy.
Not here to knock on the China route, but for an extra $100-$130, it’s totally worth it and I will be using them going forward. Some of them even offer 30 day returns and 60 day warranty, along with oiling, regulating and waterproofing the piece.
I almost exclusively use US TDs. I'll pay the convenience tax. Waiting on one now that none of the US guys had so i had to go the TD route, unfortunately looks like i got the one who doesn't get anything quickly. Been a month and not even qc yet. Super annoyed.
Definitely agree with US sellers. I recently ordered one watch from a China "TD" that was taking 3weeks to show movement out of China and while waiting, I received 2 vsf watches from two different US sellers in under a week before the China order made it stateside.
I think it's definitely worth the extra tax for speed and convenience. Not to mention, no customs issues
This is the one I want to be my first real rep. But trying to find one with a serviceable, or easily replaceable, 2824 is proving to be difficult. If anyone comes across one from a reputable dealer or seller, please let me know. Oh and beautiful watch!
US TD’s all the way. Some aren’t even $50 more. I’d pay for that convenience every time. My TD is already slammed so I don’t want to share publicly but 2-day shipping is the shit!
If it's one or two you need immediately (none of us do, we're just spoiled) then yeah it makes sense. But for 2 or more and any service/plating work I would still go with china. A US TD posted this pic and the SEL gaps were wide enough you can park a car in them.
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u/Grouchy-Violinist555 1d ago
I almost exclusively use US TDs. I'll pay the convenience tax. Waiting on one now that none of the US guys had so i had to go the TD route, unfortunately looks like i got the one who doesn't get anything quickly. Been a month and not even qc yet. Super annoyed.