is anyone aware of whether you can buy a watch directly from the factory? there's a Jaeger LeCoultre in my near future (50th birthday!!!), and I'm wondering if it would be nice to get it "at source" ...

I don't know of any big brands who will sell direct from the factory. One (very) small boutique maker I know of will, but then at full retail and they still give the commission to the authorized dealer in Switzerland. It's basically a courtesy to the client, so they can get a little tour of the facilities and walk away with their watch. They also cost what a couple of handfulls of JLCs would cost too...

hahahaha! I know that my JLC is a "cheap" watch here, but compared to my $35 Timex, I'm moving up in the world ...

Does anyone under the age of 30 still use watches, what with 100% saturation of mobile phones, PC's, TV's etc?

Wasn't trying to imply that JLC is cheap by any standard- they're awesome. One of the best pedigrees of the great makers from the Vallee de Joux.

I do! (24) but i am a rarity :-)

of course, me included. It's elegant and they're nice and I find it more practical to check the time compared to having to find the phone in the pocket.

Are you sure? most of friends have watches too.

When you are spending thousands for something that can be done for 30 bucks (quartz Timex keeps better time than the best and most expensive mechanical watches), it isn't so much about telling the time. For some it's a fashion or lifestyle statement, for others it's about having an appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making a fine watch. Or many other reasons. Every chav has an Iphone in his pocket; having a nice JLC Reverso on your wrist means something (usually). Perhaps it's a reward for an accomplishment, or a gift from a dear friend or family member, who knows. But a fine watch is something that has substance; it's a tangible and timeless thing that can be treasured and passed down through generations.

You don't wear a JLC or similar just to have a device that tells you the time... a Swatch would do that job easily. A nice watch is in my eyes the only "jewelry" (except of a wedding ring) a man should wear (the exception being Mr.T).

Rule of thumb is that Swiss watches are cheaper anywhere in the world outside Switzerland... I find the idea of going to the factory cool but if they don't offer it, check the prices just over the border... if you can deduct the 19% of German VAT (and yes, better declare and pay the Swiss one as the border control seem to tip each other off when it comes to really expensive purchases...) - you can save some ten percent which is well worth a trip to Konstanz or the like...

IWC in schaffhausen have a factory/museum and you can buy there.

IMO, a gold wedding band is the only jewelry a man should wear, and even then only under duress.

Insteresting. IWC is another favorite (they were founded by an American whoohoo!).

If your watch is timeless then I'm afraid you've been had. Sorry dude, they sold you a bracelet.

Was waiting for it~!

Sounds like an advert to me.

I have two watches, both made 50+ years ago, both broken. I just admire the work that goes in a real watch.

One of my best friends and mentors worked his last years at Timex, after a long career in 'high end' watchmaking. That was his proudest period: making high precision watches for a low price. It is, in many ways, harder than making exclusive stuff. Mastering mass production is no easy task.

So true. I just helped a friend in Asia price out a Cartier watch, and it's certainly more expensive in Switzerland.

Thank you - my dad was a watchmaker for the sister company in Fleurier, Favre Leuba. He once made me a watch with lots of bits and pieces lying around- and some ******rd stole it from our house in UK- having pretended to call to buy a car we had advertised. That watch meant so much to me- and a one off, made with love by dad. Sadly this part of the company is no longer active, but I'll always be a fan of JLC. You are right Mud, none of the reputable watch companies will sell direct, as they have strong contracts with their suppliers. Employees are allowed 1 watch per year at very reduced price for family and friends- but it is a sackable offence to re-sell.

Just returned from Tenerife - if you want to buy a top brand and at a cheaper price, and that you can barter about - go there for your next holiday. They are not supposed to allow bartering and lowering of prices, but most do. Most of the watch selling shops there are Asian owned.

If I had the money though, I'd buy a watch from our new boy in Fleurier, Parmigiani, but they have very few outlets around the world. Or one from a lone watchmaker, like this guy who was at school with my brother.
Alexis Piaget- because his watches are one offs. He also sell rubbish porno watches, mainly bought in the Middle East. A pity as his 'normal' watches are excellent- and you can buy direct from him (pricey though!).

if you think "J'J" is cheap.... come to the Polo Masters in August and have a look at some of the cheap - bling on display

http://www.poloclubdeveytay.ch/en/Mu...ters-2010.html

Favre Leuba, now that's not a name you hear everyday! Sorry to hear that your watch was stolen, I can imagine how much it meant to you. They made some great pieces in the last century, from very complicated sonneries to the excellent automatics they did in the 60s.