<p>It does seem odd to see things like a Tag ,etc. in Costco. Some of this is about the brand with some of these high end watches so seems strange to see them in a discount store.</p>
<p>I bought a bike from Costco years ago. After a bit of sleuthing it turns out that this bike was made by a very high end company, with high end parts but in a version exclusively for Costco. The benefit…it was about 1/3 of the cost.</p>
<p>There are certain companies I trust…Costco being one of them. I would not be surprised at all if the Costco version of this watch was somewhat different than the Tiffany’s or high end store version. </p>
<p>However, since Costco stands behind their products like no one else I know it make no difference to me. I trust they wouldn’t label a Times as a Rolex (obviously dumb and exaggerated example) so if they place the diamonds in a different pattern or the numbers in a different font in this particular case…i don’t care. In my case, I like the watch not what it may represent to others.</p>
<p>Much of the cost of high end products is the result of snob factor. How much is the Tiffany colored box worth? DH has purchased most of my special occasion gifts from various Costco jewelry counters. I’ve had to take them in to local jewelers for adjustments. In each case they’ve validated the value of the product. I think Costco takes the snob upcharge out of products.</p>
<p>Now, maybe we could get these guys to run a University.</p>
<p>The Swatch Group, that owns Omega, sued Costco to keep them from selling their watches. Tiffany sued to stop Costco from claiming they sold Tiffany jewelry. Tiffany says nothing by Tiffany has ever been sold at Costco. Michael Kors sued them too.</p>
<p>How did Swatch claim that Costco got their watches?</p>
<p>I’ve seen Omega watches and Gucci bags at our Costco. Would have no qualms about buying them if they suited my taste or I felt it was the right gift for someone special.</p>
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<p>The thing is, that if you purchase an expensive watch from a reputable jeweller, you can always, and I repeat always, negotiate the price. They expect it on these expensive watches. They are also there if there is any issue post-purchase for repairs, new bands, etc. I somehow doubt, even with a guarantee, that Costco has trained professionals to provide that same service you’d get from a jeweller. I would never recommend purchasing an expensive watch at Costco. It’s true that many high-end designers have pursued legal action against Costco for claiming to sell their products.</p>
<p>For my kids’ watches, we have to take them back to the jeweler to have the bracelets adjusted for their wrists. I wouldn’t trust anyone at Costco to do that.</p>
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<p>dietz, I have a Bedat. I had never heard of it, but my husband saw it at a jewelry store and thought it would look nice on my wrist. I had mentioned that my watch had finally died, (cheap nursing watch), our anniversary was coming, so he gave it to me as a gift. I don’t know anything about it as a brand, but mine still looks brand new several years later and I’ve had no problems with it.</p>
<p>Costco specifically states on their website that it does not provide additional services such as watch wristband and ring resizing. However, they stand behind the products they sell and will take back and refund money if something does not perform as expected. They also process returns of online purchases at their warehouses. Mr B had no problems returning a $2K diamond band that he bought online - no questions were asked.</p>
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<p>On what is called the “gray” market because the watches were originally sold abroad and then imported here. When other retailers complained to Omega, Omega put a small emblem on the back of the watches and claimed Costco was violating its copyright. The watches are not sold at the same price all over the world so Costco can buy them from importers in other countries and still make money selling them below what Omega sells them for here. Costco won at the lower level, but the 9th Circuit reversed in favor of Omega. The Supreme Court deadlocked 4/4 so the 9th Circuit ruling stands and Costco cannot sell Omega watches. Costco did nothing illegal. Omega just did not want Costco selling their watches at below what other retailers were selling them. The case is more complicated than this description and has ramifications on the pricing of domestic vs internationally manufactured goods. It may encourage manufacturers to put a copyright emblem on their products, move the manufacture overseas and then better dictate how the item is sold here because had Omega manufactured the watches here, Costco would have won. Others claimed Omega used copyright law, drafted to protect creative interests, to control prices.</p>
<p>I’ve had to adjust the bracelets from Costco. My local jeweler does a great job and I trust them completely.</p>
<p>D purchased diamond earrings from Costco for a special anniversary. After about 2 years of wearing the little disc which screws onto the post kept coming off. I went back to Costco with receipt in hand (this is required for all jewelry purchases no matter when returned). However I could not find the appraisal certificate. Without the certificate they would not do an exchange or return. But…they did send the earring into someone who does work for them. It was free of charge and the problem was fixed within 1 week.</p>
<p>The Omega issue described is sad.</p>
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<p>Sounds similar to why the MPAA and Hollywood insisted on the creation of multiple DVD regions to ensure only the DVDs from a specific market region could be played on DVD players/drives sold there. </p>
<p>It also sounds similar to the selling of “OEM” computer parts which were meant to be sold from manufacturer to computer manufacturers like Dell, HP, etc. While “OEM” computer parts are essentially the same as their more expensive retail counterparts, the cost difference is partially due to warranty coverage…any warranty issues with OEM parts are solely the responsibility of the OEM which made/sold your OEM computer. </p>
<p>If the enduser bought OEM parts on the grey market, while it may be much less expensive than retail…it also means any warranty issues are between you and the seller…assuming you’re not completely on your own and thus…up the creek.</p>
<p>Costco has been excellent about refunding but I wouldn’t count on them to service or repair. Their branch nearest my home DOES have some Omega watches in the showcase. Have not been interested because the faces are too big from wrists in this household.</p>
<p>Have never had any problems with anything I’ve purchased from Costco if I wanted a refund. They’re quick and cheerful.</p>
<p>Well there appears to be an update to the Omega/Costco story. They are now litigating whether Omega misused its copyright and Costco won that battle. I don’t see where there has been a final judgment in that case so I guess Costco can still sell Omega watches until every issue is sorted out.</p>
<p>Pizzagirl,
Which watches did your kids pick?</p>
<p>D picked out a Rolex Lady Oyster with navy face and S picked out an Omega Seamaster. Even though we were looking at the Omegas because we could get a good discount, the Rolex actually turned out to be less expensive.</p>
<p>Very nice!</p>
<p>May they wear them in good health.</p>
<p>Thank you! They’re pretty understated. D actually didn’t go for diamond chips on the numerals or bezel like I thought she would.</p>
<p>My girls would have. Understated? What’s that.</p>