Originally Posted by Bteljuice

I am about to purchase a Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Caliver 17RS in April.

So far, I checked the price and found it to be between 4,500-4,900$ in the Middle East (I am currently on Vacation).

I have a few questions:

1 - Can I find it cheaper in the US or Canada (I live in Montreal).
2 - Anyone familiar with TAG watches and can tell me when is the next release of the Grand Carrera? (I don't want to purchase it and find out that a few month later, the new one got released).

Any further help or suggestions are much appreciate it.

This will be my first BIG BOY Watch that I buy. Want to be as knowledgeable as possible.

Originally Posted by healthservices

looks like a nice watch I'll ask my wife about it.

Originally Posted by CWS530

I have both the silver and black dial versions of this watch. I also have a stainless steel band, a brown croc, and a black croc band that I interchange between them. The watches retail for $5900 each, but can be had for $3500-$3600 from online outlets, such as Amazon. I am not sure when a new Carrera will be available, but I doubt there will be one with the same name/style as the Grand.

Originally Posted by Bteljuice

Thank you so much for the info.

seems its more expansive in the US than in the Middle East.
1- Is it safe to buy from Amazon such a watch? I mean is it an authentic dealer of Tag? We're talking about 3.5K $. Need to be 100%. I know Amazon is trustworthy, but is it an authentic TAG dealer.

2- I see what you are doing. So you have different bracelets for the same watch. That way you will have different styles according to what you are wearing. Is it easy to change bracelets?
Can you do it yourself?

3-I know that TAG keeps releasing new Grand but different names such as 8RS, 17 RS, 36RS. Just wondering when a new RS will be released. If anyone knows.

4- If anything happens to the watch (glass gets scratched or broken), is it in water under warranty? Warranty consists of what? and how many years?


Sorry for all the questions, but want to learn everything about a purchase before I spend BIG money on it.

Originally Posted by CWS530

No problem.

1. Amazon is not an authorized TAG dealer. No third party or internet source is. Only watches purchased from a TAG dealer (in store) are covered by the official TAG warranty. TAGs purchased through Amazon are covered for the same two years by Amazon's own warranty however. I'm not sure if it is EXACTLY the same though. I suspect it is similar since most watch warranties are basically the same as explained below.

2. It is extremely easy to change watch bands. Basically, you just need to depress a spring bar and pop it out. Steel bands are a bit more difficult to line up, but just be patient--you'll get the hang of it. I would suggest practicing on a cheap watch first until you are comfortable. Here's a good vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtPde-M5Xz0

3. I thought you meant a new version of the 17 RS. I'm not sure when the next RS model will come out in the RS line, but they usually get more complicated and expensive as they are introduced.

4. The watch is not covered by the TAG warranty for damage caused by the customer. This also includes moisture in the watch caused by customer error (i.e., taking it beyond the depth stated, leaving the stem unscrewed in water, etc.) If there is a flaw in the manufacture, however, it is covered.

The TAG warranty is for two years. It covers any factory flaw in the watch not caused by damage or wear. Therefore if you damage the crystal, it is NOT covered.

I'm not giving you advice regarding whether or not to buy from an authorized TAG dealer. But keep in mind, it is unlikely that any manufacturing flaws will be present. I own seven TAG Heuer automatics and have yet to have a problem. Also, the savings from purchasing the watch from an unauthorized dealer usually will more than offset the cost of repairs IF something is wrong with watch. Also, again, Amazon does offer a similar two year warranty. Other third party sellers may offer a similar warranty/pricing; I was just using Amazon as an example.

Let me know if you have additional questions. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Bteljuice

Thank you so much for the in depth info.

You basically answered all my questions and more. Thanks again.

Oh, one last question.
Im still confused which bracelet to buy first that comes with the watch. The black leather or the stainless steel.
When buying them with the watch, they are both the same price but forgot to ask which is cheaper to buy alone later on.

Originally Posted by CWS530

Definitely start with the stainless steel band. Locating one later will be a PITA. The leather bands are far easier to locate--you can even find them on e-Bay. The bands are also less expensive so long as not purchased from a TAG dealer. It makes no difference where you get it, it's not like it's going to have a warranty anyway. Also, you can fit just about any standard 22mm strap (TAG or aftermarket), whereas only the OEM stainless steel band will fit. Another consideration is that you will be more comfortable getting stainless steel wet when swimming, sweating, etc. The leather band really looks good for dressing up a bit IMHO. I generally wear the stainless in the summer (swimming and sweating) and the leather in the winter (not swimming and sweating).