Sure I saw prices quoted here in US and AUS dollars that worked out approx half of UK price.

 

To the OP...you're in Dundee? As am I.

Not sure you'll squeeze much out of Goldsmiths, I often pop in for a look around and they know I have a liking for Monaco's. I asked just see what they'd offer - free watch winder and interest free credit was their best. Cash discount didn't appear to be a likely outcome.

Kenneth Walker, an independent, is far more amenable to cash discount and I've managed healthy discounts on Omega's and Breitlings...they have a few Monaco's on display too.

Best chance I think maybe TB Mitchel in Perth, I recently got offered 18% off a new Monaco but the watch wasn't for me.

I've got a post "Monaco Madness" showing my recently acquired collection of Monaco's. All bar the Blue cal12 came via sellers on Chrono24, very happy with their buying/selling platform. The Blue came via a private seller on eBay and was not a gnats whisker off being mint - an expression I don't like! None the less, like new for a huge saving off retail.

Watchfinder, I'm not keen on...rather pricey in comparison to others.

 

You're spot on... almost...
Mitchel offered me the same 18%... I nearly fell over.

Because I'd already spoken to Goldsmiths I gave them a chance to do their best. I got the watch winder offer (which I'd already asked for and was part of the full price deal anyway) and a discount that took the watch down to £4725... reasonable, but not the Mitchel, even without the watch winder.

So, I joined the Monaco club yesterday with a trip to Mitchel in Perth.

Thanks everyone for all the advice... I had much more confidence in the purchase than I would before I joined this forum.
I'm saving for a 90's special edition blue/red strap now...

 

Wow, congrats to getting a true classic that will forever look amazing!

 

Thanks man..!

 

Your photos really capture my absolute favourite feature of the Monaco, the crystal!

 

Thanks... that's what I was going for. It's a little dull today but I imagine in the sunshine it'll really dance!

 

Congratulations! I'm glad TB Mitchell looked after you, they're a good bunch and Andrew is a true watch enthusiast - assuming it was he that looked after you.

Not certain which strap you're after, but have a look at watchstrapworld.com They sell some very decent replacement straps for the Monaco, different colours with contrasting stitching...huge savings over new and I've been hard pressed to see fault with them. I'd argue they'd be more durable than TH's straps. M.Worth a look perhaps?

 

Good call on the strap site, thank you!
It was Paul who I dealt with... very helpful, knows his stuff

 

Brilliant well done (was that the place I recommend? Haha

 

Welcome to the McQueen club! Congrats!!!

I've added you to our C11 Monaco Blue McQueen owners' list: https://forums.calibre11.com/thread...calibre-11-caw211p.23229/page-10#post-1764494

 

Welcome, mine is on the Gulf strap, blue with orange stitching, about £80 from Mitchell’s I think.
I’ve pretty much dealt with Paul or Leyton in there.

 

Is that the shop off the main road that’s a Rolex dealer,? If not I need to find the shop next time I’m in Bonnie Dundee.
Edit, yep that’s the shop I thought, been in a couple of times, seem nice guys.

 

Yes, you've got it. Haven't been in for a while but friendly and always happy to try and work out a deal.
Early 2000's even managed a discount on a Sea Dweller
...changed days now!

 

Congrats!!!!

The off thing that I've noticed is the sun makes the crystal go nuts, but can make the dial look a bit more dull or grey.