What’s the Deal With Costco Men’s Watches?

Everyone recognizes Costco for its great deals on groceries and household products. But this article on Costco men’s watches might surprise you. It may even change where you shop for your next luxury timepiece!

Watches from Costco are cheaper than those from a flagship boutique or a luxury watch stockist. That’s a fact. 

If you’re wondering whether Costco men’s watches are worth it, this article will help answer that question. 

From a cheap Casio watch to an entry-level Omega watch, Costco has options to suit every budget. But why are Costco watches so cheap? And are they authentic? Let’s find out.  

Costco Is a Grey Market Dealer

When browsing luxury watches online, you may have heard of the term “grey market”. But what does it mean?  

For those of you who don’t know, grey market watch stockists are neither authorized dealers nor black market dealers. They simply purchase a watch from a collector, retailer, or dealer and sell it on their platform.  

The grey market has been growing ever since the industry saw an increase in pre-owned market sales in 2019-2020. Research indicates that in some parts of the world, sales doubled in 18 months. In fact, the Swiss watch industry reported a 15.5% growth in general between 2018 and 2022.  

Some of the most popular grey market dealers include Ashford and Jomashop. These companies operate by taking unwanted stock off the hands of retailers and selling them for an affordable price. Costco works similarly, buying stock from retailers and dealers and selling it for an affordable price.  

Below: Timex American Documents watch sold at Costco

Of course, a large part of the concern regarding grey market watch dealers is the authenticity of a timepiece. 

So, if you were wondering whether grey market watch dealers like Costco are legitimate, then yes. Rest assured, when you purchase a watch from Costco, you’re getting a Rolex, not a “Nolex”.  

Costco Watch Warranty  

Have you ever thought a deal on a watch seems too good to be true? More often than not, you’re right. When it comes to Costco’s competitive prices on watches, they come with a drawback. 

Costco watches are genuine and authentic, but there is a compromise to consider. They’re cheaper than buying from an authorized dealer, that much is true. But they don’t come with the same warranty you’d expect to get when buying from an official dealer.

Below: Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic watch sold at Costco

Many watch connoisseurs won’t entertain the thought of purchasing a watch from anywhere other than an official stockist. That’s because when you’re spending thousands on a watch, the warranty to cover replacements and repairs is crucial. That said, sometimes the price of a Costco watch is just so good that it outweighs this snag.

What Costco does promise, however, is an extended warranty of two years. This covers you for the period you’d normally be under warranty with a direct manufacturer or official stockist.

And, although you won’t get an official manufacturer warranty, Costco does promise a competitive refund policy.  So, if you’ve tried the watch on and feel it’s not for you, return it, and you’ll receive a full refund.  

Below: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Land Atomic watch sold at Costco

One of the key reasons why many men find Costco watches so appealing is because the refund policy protects them. A glance through the company’s reviews will show you that customers frequently return watches. 

Also, customers are genuinely happy with the service they receive from Costco. That’s always a good sign.

Bear in mind, however, that if you have a repair carried out with Costco Wholesale Watch Service, it won’t be by an authorized brand repairer. So, look after your watch!

Costco Men’s Watches Are a Good Deal

There are no two ways about it: Costco watches are a good deal. Despite compromising on the manufacturer’s warranty, the selection of watches at Costco is incredible.  

One thing to remember when buying men’s watches from Costco is that stock is continually changing. Some models appear in the Costco catalog for a time, but once they sell out are never restocked. So, if you spot a watch for a good deal, you’ll want to bag it while you can.  

Watches at Costco range from your everyday Casio or Timex to specialist timepieces from Montblanc and TAG Heuer. The key to spotting a great deal is to check on the company’s stock frequently.  A quick peruse through the “Costco Watches for Men” category enables you to search from low to high or vice-versa.

To appreciate the difference in price between Costco and an official retailer, let’s compare. Take the Alpina Startimer Pilot ref AL-255GR4S26B, for example. Right now, the watch with a world timer complication and steel bracelet retails at Costco for $699.99. But directly with Alpina, you’ll pay $1087.00.

Below: Alpina Startimer Pilot Worldtimer Watch sold at Costco

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Land Atomic watch is another example. At Costco, the watch will set you back $399.99. Yet the same watch will cost you over $500 from an official Citizen watch stockist.

Of course, Costco’s offerings change daily, and prices fluctuate throughout the market. But the verdict on Costco’s prices?  They’re pretty much unmatched anywhere else.

FAQs

Here are a couple of frequently asked questions about Costco. They may help you decide whether buying watches from the store is worth it.  

Are Costco Watches Authentic?

The watches sold by Costco are authentic and genuine. The difference between Costco and an official luxury watch stockist is that Costco is not an authorized dealer.  

Why Are Watches Cheaper at Costco?

Men’s Costco watches are cheaper than buying from an authorized stockist. This is because the company sells the watches outside official distribution networks. It also can’t offer the same official warranty on its products. To overcome this, it offers an extended warranty of two years.  

The Takeaway: Costco Watches Are Legit 

Costco is a legitimate way to buy watches online for a cheaper retail price than directly with a manufacturer. It’s also cheaper than going through an authorized stockist or dealer. That said, there are things to consider if you don’t like to cut corners in the buying process.

Buying Costco Men’s watches is all about weighing up what’s more important to you. The warranty of a watch, or its retail price? 

Of course, if you’re only spending a small amount on a Casio watch, the warranty is less important. But make sure when purchasing something like a TAG Heuer or Omega that you’re happy to compromise on a manufacturer’s warranty.

Everyone knows Costco for its bargain bulk buys, but it doesn’t stop short on luxury items either. 

See for yourself!

Have you ever stumbled upon a great watch deal at Costco? Drop us your story in the comments.