AIBU in expecting a £600 watch to NOT be a throw away item?

[NannyRed]

My DH bought me a beautiful rose gold watch shortly before we married (4 months)

It’s a ‘quality’ brand ( Emporio Armani) he spent £600 on I, so it wasn’t cheap. I took it for repairs just before Christmas (so 5 years old) and it was sent away to EA for a new bracelet and glass. It’s just been returned with neither the glass or the bracelet replaced as “it’s too old”

Am I bu for expecting an Emporio Armani to be repaired?

The company dealing with this is Fossil and tbh I’m disgusted with the “here, take 30% off” sorry Fossil, I have a Fossil purse but I will never use you again

I don’t want money off of another watch, I expect Fossil to repair my current watch ( I had already paid £150) for the imaginary care.

I’ve found a replacement bracelet (EA) for £76 and will be taking my watch for independent repair, why do companies think we want to ‘throw away’ £600 watches as if they are a Timex? (The original ‘throw away’ watches)

that my mother gave me (where did the "gave me" go to? I swear I typed it...)

Fossil actually own the EA watches.
So they supply and make them.
The parts become obsolete after a few years because they make a set amount of spare parts and once they run out, they usually aren't made again.
This is incredibly common, if not the norm with fashion brand watches.

However - take it to a real watchmaker and they will possibly be able to get you a new glass fitted. If its a common size and thickness they can replace for you.

Seems pretty shit tbh. But I guess some companies are better than others at supporting their products. And perhaps you should expect no better from a "fashion" brand, fashion being something that goes in one year and out the other.

HowlsMovingBungalow thank you! I love that watch. I've had it for about 10 years, it works great, looks great, never needs a battery because of the Ecodrive.

I have a wind up timex that still goes after 40 years. It doesn't keep time as well as it used to, but who cares because it only cost a few quid.

I think it's daft to spend £600 on a watch. You're paying for the name, not because it's going to be a quality item. These things aren't a lifetime investment, they're designed to need replacing quite frequently for the sake of fashion. People who buy designer goods are just cash cows.

@steff13 Citizen is the Rolex of Asia. I've had several ecodrives and loved them all. I'm wearing a Tissot now because I wanted to buy a Swiss watch in Switzerland and had a Citizen budget . I also wanted needed a bigger face, which I got with the Tissot. I wouldn't buy a fashion watch.

I highly doubt your DH paid £600 for an Armani watch. C. £300 max.

But still, it’s rubish but you bought a £20 watch with a £280 surcharge for a logo.

So then,,and im digressing now,,for those in the industry,,if i wanted to buy a new watch and i wanted a decent quality one ,what should i buy? Indeed,,if i were looking for a quality used watch of maybe 10 years old or more,what brand should i look at?

Depends on your budget and needs.

If I had up to £200 - I would buy a Citizen Ecodrive - 5 year guarantee and no need for batteries.

and don't forget your tesco vouchers, ..if you have a Goldsmiths and a fist full of tesco vouchers you get 3x face value.

there's a lovely citizen ecodrive in the sale, I might blow mine on that.

I have a Seiko titanium that I’m very fond of - they seem to be discontinued now but several independent jewellers that I’ve spoken to have new old stock.

Thanks Bungalow..

I have a citizen ecodrive on my wrist right now. Its my main watch and ive had it a fair few years now.

@Arnold Glad to know you have a decent watch!

My citizen eco drive is about 14 years old and still going strong. I haven't spent a penny on it. Great value for money and a really nice watch.