Okay guys, let me break down how I scored the Doxa Sub 1500T without getting ripped off. This thing was tough to find at a decent price.
Why I Wanted This Watch
Been drooling over dive watches for months. Saw some dude wearing a Sub 1500T at the beach last summer – that orange dial popping in sunlight just stuck in my brain. Researched forever, comparing specs. Water resistant to 300m? Perfect for pool days with kids. Domed sapphire crystal? Yes please. Bulletproof ETA movement? Exactly what my clumsy self needs.
Where I Started Looking
First mistake: walking straight into the fancy watch boutique downtown. Sales guy smirked when I asked about discounts. “These are Swiss mechanical instruments, sir.” Translation: prepare to pay full sticker plus tax. Uh, no thanks.
So I hit every place possible:
- Big name jewelry chains – all MSRP plus insane “service fees”
- Random eBay sellers – prices were suspiciously low but smelled like scams
- Used watch groups – decent prices but all beat up by previous owners
Felt like everyone was either trying to rip me off or pawn off damaged goods.
How I Found The Real Deal
Finally remembered this small family-run jeweler my buddy used for his Seiko. Called them asking about the Doxa. Old dude who answered goes: “We’re not authorized dealers… but check back Thursday morning.” Weird but okay.
Thursday rolls around. I stroll in pretending to browse rings. Guy slides a catalog under the glass counter with prices that made me choke. His exact words: “Manufacturers hate this trick. We buy bankrupt dealer stock.”
Price was $300 cheaper than anyone else, but no factory warranty. Did I care? Hell no – this place gives lifetime servicing for anything they sell. Shook hands like old pals.
Verifying The Watch Was Legit
Got paranoid after paying. Spent three days doing forensic-level checks:
- Serial number engraving depth? Crisp as ice carving
- Lume brightness? Glowed like radioactive waste at midnight
- Bezel action? 120-clicks with perfect resistance
Hodinkee forums confirmed: grey market but authentic. That rotating bezel clicks smoother than my kid’s fidget spinner.
What Finally Worked
Key things I learned hunting this thing:
- Mom and pop shops can order more than they advertise
- “Out of network” dealers cut the biggest deals
- Pay with credit card – always protected if things smell fishy
Been wearing it daily for weeks. That bright dial makes me smile every time the sun hits it. Worth every minute of the hunt.
