I got this in my mailbox last evening:
“I was looking for a nice and inexpensive watch and I come upon a watch company
called Louis Bolle. I look at their web site http://www.louisbolle.com and they
have many nice watches. I looked for more infomation but I couldn’t find any. I
search on Ebay and “My God they were every where. The watch was being auction of
for as low as $175. The retail price(according to the web site) was over $3000.
What is going on? Do you know why this watch company are letting people selling
their watches for so cheap? If you have any information or answer please let me
know. My e-mail address is xxxxx@xxxxxx.com
Thanks,
L”
The website of Louis Bolle is nice indeed, but when you give it a closer look…. what brand uses pricing on the company website? Next, the watches have very familair looks. Omega DeVille Co-Axial casing and the brickstone bracelet are copied for some models, I also saw a model which looked familair with the Seiko Kinetic models (with the integrated bracelet). Next, like the sender of the e-mail did, I visit eBay and was amazed by the number of Louis Bolle auctions. Several different sellers, but all with names like ‘watchdiscounters’ and ‘uniquejeweler’ etc. Probably a good scam to make some money out of poor people who don’t know at all about watches…. it is nice to buy a 200 USD watch and see on the company’s website that the retail price is 4495 USD. However, for 4495 USD you can probably order 100 of these watches in China. Including your name printed on the dial.
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Louis Bolle is a downright scam. I bought a very good-looking watch for my boyfriend last October and right away the finish on the leather band started wearing away which is ridiculous for a supposed thousand dollar watch (granted I only paid $200, but still). It eventually started running weird and broke all together last month. I tried to use the warranty to try to get it fixed but was unable to access the website and found out there is no way to get in touch with the company. They’re garbage and I am so disappointed that I can’t get that money back. Please spend your money elsewhere. It’s worth it to pay an extra couple of dollars on a watch that will be reliable. However, if you don’t care that your watch breaks within a year, go for it.
after reading all thos i was looking for a lb citadel (2006 collection) still want one but must be in good condition
I have bought several of these watches like Tavan, S.U.G, Rommelly and Rousseau and every one of them works great. I agree that the msrp is a little bogus but the most i paid is 83.00 and that includes shipping and handeling.
I recently bought a tavan watch from ubid- after seeing a couple of my co-workers with them- they absolutely rave about the tavan watches- of course the MSRP is way too high but I love this watch and comparing to jewelers – this same watch that I paid 26.00 for would have cost close to 425 with them for comparable looks – it keeps great time looks good- what more does one want with a watch- if it works you’ve made it- in comparison i own a citizen eco- 500 for a watch that was constantly breaking that you had to ship back to them – and pay the shipping plus the cost of repair(always around 75-125) as far as i’m concerned- i made out a lot better than going to a jeweler with so called warranties- most warranties from the name companies aren’t worth the paper they are written on!
Why pay a couple or even a hundred for these dubious brands when you can find a very good used condition Tag, Omega or Movado for about $200. These fine watches are of established quality and reputation, respected for their inner workings rather than their fancy looks.
A while ago I bought myself a nice-looking “Louis Bolle Glacier” w/black dial, for about $200 on Ebay. This bloody watch wasn’t accurate at all from the very start: it was about 1+ minute late every day!
After 8-9 months it just stopped, and that seems to be the end of it. Voila! No more “LB” and other Chinese watches for me, despite their appealing design…
Alex- sorry to hear that, BUT, I’d like to use your example to go over a few things for everyone OK?:
#1. You bought it from an UNAUTHORIZED “RE”SELLER/outlet on Ebay.
I know that for a FACT, because my company was- and still is to this day even though we currently don’t (business decision based on profitability and other not so cool decisions/factors..won’t go there;)- the ONLY company that was ever authorized to sell these watches, DIRECT FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR, there on Ebay.
**In my listings, I NEVER put the “MSRP” and I even warned trustings Buyers about buying from “Unauthorized Resellers”!! You know what??? IT DIDN’T- AND STILL DOESN’T MATTER!!! Folks just keep buying them from no matter where or from whom!!!! Crazy, isn’t it?????
#2. You paid WAYYY too much.
#3. That’s a 2006 model year watch- it may have been sitting in that person’s living room for quite some time before you bought it! Heck, who knows HOW many people owned it before you got it, right?? =:0
#3. If you had only paid $50-75 and knew what you were buying from the start, you would NOT be here, correct?
Now, let’s ask some follow-up questions, OK? For ALL to read……
#1. What was your education level BEFORE you bought this watch??
(If you knew all of this, then you shouldn’t have posted your post)
That is, did you know it was a Chinese made timepiece with a Sea-gull TY-601 movement? Did you Google to find out info on the Brand? (My bet is “No”, right?
#2. Did you get the 1-Year Original Manufacturer’s Warranty with this watch? Did you ask? Did you CARE?
#3. Did you follow-up with the Ebay Seller for resolution/service??
#4. Did you just want this watch because you thought you were getting a steal on an attractive timepiece for ONLY $200?
What I’m getting at is that there is now PLENTY of information out here on the Internet for folks like you- and ALL of us- to be more informed, EDUCATED, NON-IMPULSE CONSUMERS!
These watches are what they are: a viable, cost-effective, Chinese-made solution for wearing a timepiece on your wrist with LOOKS AND FEATURES that the MAINSTREAM POPULACE still does not wear!
I own MANY of these watches- LB’s, Wohler, Romilly, Eberle, DuBoule, SUG, Rousseau, Bernoulli, et al.- both auto’s & quartzes- that I’ve NEVER had a serious performance issue with!
For everyone who reads this- PLEASE GET EDUCATED BEFORE YOU BUY!!
Remember, when you point your finger, the other 3 fingers on your hand are pointing back at you! 
(Really, they do! 
Don’t buy something and then just point the finger and blame everyone and everything that led up to that point! (ALL Chinese made watches?? Do you truly know the real extent of what that means???
Any questions, let me know.
Does anyone know where I can send a Chinese tourbillon watch for repair? It cost a thousand bucks. My local watch repair shop won’t touch it!
just bought recently a louis bolle henry I skeleton silver white – black. hoping it will arrive sooner than expected (paid another 30.30usd just to have it shipped on the philippines). i hope it will not let me down
will post comments on the watch soon after ived recieved it. good day to all
I just found this website and blog about these watches. I must say, I am pretty amazed at the talk about these watches. I just recently stumbled upon them on SHOPNBC.COM. I was really amazed at the MSRP. I went on to their website and noticed their prices and how nice the timepieces were.
I have bought a total of 5 watches. Two Rousseau and three Wohlers. I have received all except for the Wohler Skeleton.
Now, I have read just about all the comments on this page. Overall, we all have our opinions about these watches. If any of us actually thought that we were getting a 1000.00 dollar watch for 40 or 50 bucks on an auction. You need to be shot. Come on people!!!! If this was true, how many watches dealers would be on the net trying to get these watches.
Overall, it appears that the discussion is about the MSRP. Well, given the watches probably aren’t worth from 695.00 – 1395.00. However, if they said the watch was worht 250.00-350.00, how many of us would still be buying them on auctions because we like the timepiece? They have either mineral or saphire crystal, the case is oversized, automatic, leather straps and a great appearance. The watches that I have bought have all been heavy and comfortable.
The most I paid for one of these watches was 68.00 dollars with shipping on SHOPNBC.COM.
I am pleased so far with the watch. I have received a lot of compliments. Actually, I have received more compliments about these watches than I have about the Croton, Nautica or Citizen that I own.
I will continue to buy these watches as gift or even for myself. So for those that think they are cheap or rip offs, better luck watch hunting.
I have to leave my 2 cents. These watches are gorgeous. I paid $135 for mine back in 2005. The invisible clasp broke though. Out of all my watches it is my favorite. I get more compliments on it than any other. And it is the cheapest of all my other watches. So is it worth it. Absolutely! Is it a scam. No. Not if they keep putting out these beautiful watches. Now if only I could get them to send me a new clasp I’d wear it everyday again.
well,
I find myself leaving another posting about these watches. I must admit I am very surprised by the outcome of the watches. Two of the watches (the ones I kept) did not turn out to good. The Wohler Fromm lost the date hand. I was wearing the watch and noticed a gold piece next to the 2 on the dial. I could not figure out where it came from until I look for the date and noticed that all the numbers were there, but not hand to indicate the date.
The other Wohler was the Skeleton (rosetone). Very attractive watch. However the automatic mechanism made a very loud and winding noise. I have several automatic and none made that noise.
I contact Wohler and they sent my a UPS label within an hour via e-mail. I contacted them today and they gave me the option of replacing the watch or a refund. I asked for a refund.
So, they other 3 watches I used as gifts. I hope they turned out better because they are really nice looking watches. I doubt that I will continue to buy these watches as I had posted earlier.
All,
As an owner of Omega and Rolex watches, I was looking for an everyday timepiece that was functional, attractive and keeps good time. I wear the highend watches at more formal functions.
In late 2005 I bought an OMIKRON EXCALIBER. With the exception of one cleaning, the watch runs perfectly. I am pleased and will buy another one of these watches.
does anyone have access to an watch invoice from Montres Allison, I need to verify authenticity. Thanks please e mail me to mas1sxa@ups.com
Wait just a second here! Did I miss something, or is everyone complaining for no reason here? LB makes a wonderful watch. They stand behind their craftsmanship and will replace any watch that has even a small problem (like a fingerprint behind the glass). These are not cheap china watches that you can pick up on the streets of NYC by no means. They are LOW PRICED, but somehow that does not mean bad quality with this company. They are finely crafted out of top grade materials. I agree with the company website’s pricing. If you went to a store and tried to buy this watch after every jewelry middle mans markup, then you could expect to pay $1,800 – $4,000 for one. You are lucky and have found a creative company that actually cares about your wallet. Reward them with your purchaces.
I bought a ramses I for $70. The retail is $1560. I am taking it to my local watch appraser very soon for an honest apprasial (something that no one else on this site has bothered to do btw). I am not in the watch business, but I am a precious metal dealer (platinum, gold, some silver) and I see these sort of things pass by me every day, and I feel very confident that $1,100-$1,300 would be an honest price to pay for the watch that I purchaces if I had went to a dealer. This watch is not only a timepiece, but an investment. Reward this company for what they are doing for you, don’t put them down because they are not robbing you blind like many others.
btw, I forgot to add that the Lb watch you bought 2-3 years ago and the one that you can buy now are not the same! They have really improved their watches. Here is a list from the official Lb yahoo group.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=66304
“Some of the things that you can expect to see from these upgrades are;
> > >
> > > ;Much more substantial, very high quality metal bracelets with
> > > individual link pieces, not fake links that only “look” like
> > > individual pieces.(hopefully, you’ll be able to buy links if needed).
> > >
> > > ;Superior deployment clasps (made with Swiss parts, I believe) that
> > > can endure the Swiss standard of 25kgs of pull.
> > >
> > > ;More intricate dials with improved legibility (the new Richard ll,
> > > for instance, has tiny LB’s all over the dial) Beautiful!
> > >
> > > ;Metal movement holders in the cases instead of plastic so the
> > > movement has a more stable ride.
> > >
> > > ;Redesigned night/day indicator wheels. Much nicer than the “stock”
> > > sun/moon wheels we’re all used to seeing.
> > >
> > > ;Much higher quality hands.(this makes a good watch, in my opinion)
> > >
> > > ;100% original design watches (from their designers, not OrientWay designs)
> > >
> > > These watches will continue to be sold the same way; internet auctions and ShopAtHometv. com, so basically, the customers will still dictate the price, but they’ll be getting a better watch than before. You should also see more designs than ever before
You are crazy if you think a watch that cost 1100 – 1600 on their website is going to be sold on an auction for 75-90 dollars. Like you said, you aren’t in the watch business; however do deal with metals.
I took my Wohler Fromm watch to a dealer for an appraisal. It was appraised between 150-200 dollars. That was before the date hand fell off.
I contacted Wohler about their watches and where they are made. All they could tell me is that they are made in the Orient. They could not be precise.
Also, isn’t it kind of weird that Wohler, Tavan, Rousseau, SUG, Romilly, Eberely and other watches spoken of all have the same contact number and address in Carrollton, Texas (outside of Dallas).
Hey about 2 year afo i bought a Louis Bolle PALISADE 2 watch which i really liked, but then it broke and i sent it away to get it repaired back to LB, over a year has gon and i still have not recieved it back, to be honest i am not keeping my hopes up that it will come back one day but i still want the same watch.
So does anyone know where i can buy a Louis Bolle PALISADE 2???
I am one of the ‘idiots’, that bought several of these watches, i.e. LB, Rousseau, Eberl etc. ok they are not the best in the world but then again I paid peanuts for each one of them and all I can say is that they are beautiful, solid timepieces, what lets them down is the finishing, e.g I ve had to open a few of them to clean the crystals from the inside, one watch had something fall off, I just glued it back on, most of the straps are made of boring black leather etc. but overall I am quite happy and just keep them as part of my collection ( I have around 50 at the moment, incl Rolex, Breitling, Oris x 2, etc.) I even sell them if the price is right, back to the LB’s etc., they are indeed made in China, but they are making some very good movements there, even tourbullions, I have recently bought an Invicta and a Lucien Piccard and both have Chinese movements, the one in the former looks great ( Venus re-production), I can’t say how reliable they are cause I hardly ever wear them, the only advise I can give on this subject, is make your research before you buy anything, whatever it may be, because once you buy it more than often than not you will be stuck with it, and please don’t pay more then a $100 for any of the China made watches, unless off course its a tourbullion.
to the guy who is looking to fix his Chinese tourbullion watch, ( somebody is selling them on Ebay ), this watch was probably made by Seagull watch co., hope this helps, otherwise look for a top watch repairer, they do exist!
I have a couple of new Louis Bolle watches I want to sell, a Power Reserve and a Jump Hour, both in gold tone s/steel and with leather straps, they can be viewed at http://www.kronoking.com, if anyone is interested please make me an offer, I can be contacted at dborg73@yahoo.com
Quite a while ago I read most of these comments, most of which were complaining about the poor performance and quality of these L/B watches. I am writing this today in support of the watches fine quality and finish. I have two L/B both with steel bracelets and they would take a lot of beating even by the high end well known brands. All I can say is that I am delighted with both my watches which I bought on eBay for literally a fraction of there MRRP. I know the MRRP
doesnt or shouldn’t mean much to anyone with an ounce of common sense, these figures are I think just plucked out of mid air by unfair people with no scruples hoping someone will be gullible enough to fall for it. It might be that those who have grumbles were unlucky but I am very pleased with mine and if I was in the market for another watch L/B would be one of my first
considered.
I have bought LOUISE BOLLE through ebay.When I received it, there is are Serial No., Seller’s Name etc. On belt written “CHINA” and also on box is written made in china. In LB’s card written ” upon receipt, you may register your watch….. …” it is a lie out of whole cloth. I cannot do it !!!
My conclusion LB is cheap China watch with nice looking. So consider well before you buy it. Be careful, do not swallow the bait.
I have bought LOUISE BOLLE through ebay.When I received it, there are NO Serial No., Seller’s Name etc. On belt written “CHINA” and also on box is written made in china. In LB’s card written ” upon receipt, you may register your watch….. …” it is a lie out of whole cloth. I cannot do it !!!
My conclusion LB is cheap China watch with nice looking. So consider well before you buy it. Be careful, do not swallow the bait.
It is with much regret I cancel my comment. On back of watch there is serial no, and finnaly I can open warranty register. If posible I hope moderator can cancel my comment.
Ive bought several LB’s and a SUG Hercules. My first Lb just straight fell apart and my local watch shop (chineese) wouldnt touch it. They said it was all cheap chineese junk parts and they would just break again. I bought a skeleton which has had to have lots of maintance but holds up. The Sug besides the dial falling off has helt up for 2 years and looks great. Ive had sucess with 1 out of 3 LB’s. I think a replica is a better investment if your going for looks and not quality.
I used to own several Rousseau Watches & after my first 4 watches, I stopped buying them. They are cheap & not of quality. But the most I ever paid was like 70 bucks. So in essence, I got what I paid for. I was ignorant & coming from Fossil, Guess fashion & Kenneth Cole watches. Rousseau Watches are better than Fossil & Kenneth Cole because they are automatic. But a nice automatic watch will cost you at least $200-$300 bucks. My advice would be to start with 32 Degrees watches, Jaques Lemans, Adee Kaye & the cheaper Invicta’s as they will have swiss or japanese mov’ts. The chinese movements are downright appauling. Swiss-made watches will never be sold for under $300.00 bucks (and that is a steal). So just as someone fooled you on Ebay, start giving those crumby watches away as gifts. My dad is getting the last two I own & he will be thrilled as he is a Timex / Casio type of guy.
Hi guys, I have some AM watches I’de like to sell, i.e. Louis Bolle, Rousseau, Eberl etc. They can be viewed at http://www.kronoking.com, where you will also find my contact details.
I have 4 Louis Bolle watches and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER also I bought S.U.G models as gifts from a ebay seller smark1004 and got outstanding prices everything under $125. I had a 32 Degree model that broke after 9 months from this seller and got a BRAND NEW WATCH in 3 weeks!! I guess it depends on who you buy from some of the resellers have a relationship with the supplier and can get things done. Try smark1004 on ebay if you want a quality watch and a dealer who takes care of their customer. I am VERY SATISIFIED!!
I bought an L.B Automatic last December 2009 and I’m very happy with this watch.
I paid it around $150.00 Canadian. Looks great and I always get compliments on it.
Remember it’s not the price that counts if you like the watch then it’s perfect. Nobody really cares how much you spend on it as long as your happy.
Ciao from Montreal
Angelo
i purchased a tavan laramie swiss quartz watch from ubid.i paid 58usd for it,the watch is beautiful,well made and keeps great time.i am not a big fan of buying something only because of a brand name.if you want to spend thousands on a rolex,that is fine,but,the time will be the same on my tavan….buy what works….buy what you can afford…..nobody really cares how much you pay,at least i dont.
i got an automatic LB skeleton from ebay 2 years ago for $100USD. I have worn it every day with minimal problems. the glass cracked but was replaced for $30 at a local shop. the shop could not believe i only paid $100 for it. he honestly believed it could sell for $1000+. it is accurate to about one minute / month and i will most certainly by another when it finally does die.
we buy all kinds of alleged “high end” products from china, etc….there’s no reason why they can’t make a decent watch. LB get an A+ for value from me.
i have been wearing my bolle watch for 5years and no problems. it’s not ascam to buyat $200 with an msrp much more . what is a scam is buying a watch at $5000 just based on a name
i own several of these watches mostly purchased through SHOPNBC….SUG, Woeler,Rosseau TAVAN, etc..I always get compliments when I wear these watches and they keep accurate time..Remember they say compare the prices with similar features…I also own a number of high end watches from a Movado to a Rolex and honestly I will not pay these steep prices again for these high end watches..I have given them as gifts as well..My wife also owns a number of the ladies watches. Overall, I’m extremely happy about these watches .
Had to give my two cents worth on this topic!
I too recently have discovered this huge Watch Auction venue! So many brands of watches available through these “Auction Sales”. And the same exact brands also available, via this avenue! Rosseau, Romilly, Louis Richard, S.U.G., 32 Degrees, Wohler, Jacot, Tavan, Bernoulli, with an occasional Louis Bolle, Invicta, Croton, Edox, Elini, thrown in! The MSRP shown is definitely a high price bait grabber totally misleading the customer!
Many of these watch companies I’ve never heard of before? Obviously each company offloaded watches at cost or below cost value, so to at least have a cash flow. This should be telling on their actual manufacturing value! Some watch manufacturers don’t even have a web site anymore? And I can’t find any reason why, like bankruptcy or corporate takeover or a buyout? No info available online too, curious?
I did fall for a few of these styles! They looked beautiful too, but the MSRP was what swayed my buying decision! Won’t do that again! I don’t believe I got scammed but probably paid a bit over actual cost! At least it wasn’t a huge dollar amount.
I believe these Auctions still produce a profit too! Especially when several unaware buyers want the same beautiful looking watch, making the bidding price go up! It seems many sell at or around $60-$100+ a watch, with MSRP averaging around $1195. You would think you got a steal of a deal. But you probably paid well over cost!
Hope this is helpful for the unaware watch buyer! The “Watch Auctions” are mostly unknown no name brands using a high MSRP price rarely applicable to that brand.
If you want to learn about the Louis Bolle line of watches including where they come from, who distributes them, and why there’s all this hubbub, checkout my LB guide on eBay. Dean
http://reviews.ebay.com/LOUIS-BOLLE-WATCHES-Q-amp-A_W0QQugidZ10000000005483308
I have had Louis Bolle, Jacot, and a few others… I have been happy.. searcging around for the 25 to 55 dollars deals on these watches is fun…. they are not worth the MSRP but are very solidfor the 20 to 200 dollar range… if you look at watches in that price range these watches seem to be a step above. I had LB watch that I wore all the time for years now… i have beat that watch up but it still works great…
ubid.com has been a good place for these watches ..
Alex 20 try always at auction .com they have two models up now and they r updated constanjtly. I have even found name brands occasionally. Most r chinese ty movements though. 32 degrees makes a fine watch and Jacot particularly the kigsbridge and the fordham I pd 1-200 at shopnbc when they had them now I have been getting for under 100 consistantly.
Duke good luck with the Bolle