Ever Bought a Watch on a Cruise Ship? 🛳️
I’m taking a cruise for the first time in my life. There’s a watch store onboard called Time Is Now. They have a few pre-owned Rolexes and boast that the prices are good, because all sales are tax free.
Looked at a (decent condition) 2003 Explorer. Inspected the tag and saw $4,449. Thought…that sounds about right. Not unreasonable. Was about to ask about box and papers and then noticed I’d missed a ‘1’.
That’s right. They’re selling a 2003 Explorer for fourteen-and-a-half grand!!!
I assume these retailers are just targeting people who have a lot of money and zero knowledge?!?
I'm a poker commentator (yes, that's a thing) and former film critic who recently started a YouTube channel documenting my travels, obsession with James Bond and passion for watches.
It's the old concept of a captive audience.
I could see these big brands putting low-inventory watches on the more expensive cruise ships, almost like making it a point to pick them up on these specific trips. 🤷🏻♂️
Yes I have.
Nope. All over priced preying on those that don’t know better. Most can be had online for at least 1/2 off.
I've just returned from a cruise on the Iona from the UK to Norway.
They had a watch AD on board with quite a good selection of decent brands.
Prices on new watches were very competitive compared to UK prices and ai did buy a Pelagos FXD MN for about 800 quid below UK retail so I was very happy.
I went to a couple of presentations in this shop whilst on board around rhe history of various brands including Rolex and Tag. These were not really aimed at enthusiasts, more the captive on board potential customers.
I also went to an on board auction where they were selling four vintage Rolex. A datejust, day date, two tone sub and a ni date steel sub. None sold on rhe night but the steel sub, which was the only one I liked was purchased by a guy the following day. He got a good deal as there were no other interested parties.
Interestingly this dealership sold 13 new Tudors during this 7 night cruise.
I would say if you know what you are after and do your price research there are bargains to be had for sure.
Yes, I bought my first real watch in a cruise ship. And even if I wasn’t completely ripped off, I payed nearly retail price for a Citizen chronograph, at a generous 30% according to them. But fortunately it wasn’t an expensive watch and it now reminds me of how much I’ve learnt in terms of watches.
Or very drunk people. Wtf have they been smoking if selling 20yo Exp1 for 14k
How many of those watches were just forgotten in guests rooms?!?! 😅🤭
I bought my Tag Monaco on the P&O Iona last summer. It was brand new, stickered etc. (in fact, there wasn’t really any pre owned other than a single day date). The company which runs the watch and jewellery shops is an AD for a number of brands, invites and Tudor, really pushing the latter through the cruise. Cost wise it was retail rrp minus tax with another couple of hundred knocked off, plus a 5% P&o loyalty scheme reduction off the final bill, so cheaper than I would have got it at home.
Off soon on Arvia which has a shop run by the same folk, will have a mooch!
I’ve bought a couple watches over the 30 years my wife and I have been cruising. They often have a nice selection so it is fun to browse but generally not a “great” deal but better than retail for some brands like Citizen or Tag. Sometimes fun to mark a special trip, memory or special occasion. I bought a Tag Aqua Racer on a cruise celebrating our 10 year anniversary so while I can’t remember the exact itinerary (Alaska) I have something tangible that places us there then and why. The pre-owned Rolex stuff is just crazy and wouldn’t touch.
Was Dick Turpin at the sales desk?🤣😅
Dumb enough to go on a cruise, dumb enough to buy that !
Barely been on a cruise ship, so no. Lol
Oh man. First cruise. Coming home with an Invicta!
I attended my friends wedding and puchased him an Invicta Prodiver blue TT. He won't wear smaller watches. He has it on constantly.
They wanted an ungodly amount. They are hoping you didn't sign up for the internet package. Got the price I wanted.
Nope...never been on a cruise and likely never will go on one...being confined on a floating building with no easy escape...
There's only 1 watch cruise worth being on baby