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The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Pre-Owned Watch
As with any item, some people want to buy new watches, while others prefer used and vintage watches for various reasons. Here's our guide to what to consider before buying a used watch, which is, in many ways, one of the best ways to enter the amazing world of watches!
The Difference Between Buying A Pre-Owned And New Watch
A big reason to buy a used watch is the price, which is often cheaper. If you look at a new watch produced in 2024 and find the same model, even though it's an earlier version from a couple of years ago, it will most likely be cheaper. So buying pre-owned watches is, for many, a cheaper way to get into watches. One example is, a vintage Omega Seamaster which you can get for a lot less than a new 2024 Omega Seamaster even though these two watches are completely different on many levels.
Another reason to buy pre-owned watches is to get your hands on so-called ‘hype models’. To buy a new Rolex Datejust 36 mm in steel or a Rolex Submariner, it can be very hard to do. So the easier way is to buy it pre-owned, although many of these models, of course, have a higher market price compared to the official retail price.
We also have rare watches, including limited editions, which can be, hard to buy new. For example, this limited edition pre-owned Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms which you only can get pre-owned.
Iconic Watch Models
This is one of the most important pre-owned watch categories, for many reasons. If you are unsure, where to start regarding buying or collecting pre-owned watches, iconic watches are a great way to start. Do you want to buy watches that don't lose so much value over time? Maybe you plan to sell them in the future? Once again, iconic watches are a great choice.
And lastly, if you don't know which watch to buy, then an iconic watch can be the best choice because they have stood the test of time, and they are iconic watches for a reason. The good thing is that we can find many of them, and almost all big watch brands have at least one of them. Some of the most famous iconic watches are: Rolex Datejust, Rolex Daytona, The Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster and Seamaster, TAG Heuer Monaco and Cartier Tank. Here are some of our in stock iconic watches.
They can have a relatively higher price tag than other comparable models from lesser-known brands, but because they don't lose their value so much in the long term, they can still be a pretty safe investment.
Differences Between New and Pre-Owned/Vintage Watches
One given difference, is the warranty that comes with new watches. Warranty periods are often between three and ten years with watch brands in the premium segment, and this is something that doesn't come with pre-owned watches, which at most have around a one-year warranty.
The biggest aspect, though, is the quality of new vs. pre-owned/vintage watches. Technology and materials have come a long way in the last 30–40 years. If we compare an old, vintage Omega Seamaster from the 1950s or 1960s to a new one from 2024, the difference is vast! Newer watches also have higher water resistance and shock resistance, which of course comes with higher price tags. We can't forget, though, that older vintage models have something that not all new watches have, and that's vintage charm and history, and some of them can be a lot more expensive than their newer iterations.
Should You Buy A Serviced Watch Or Not?
The condition of the watch is imperative if you're not after a renovation object, which we do not recommend! If you buy a watch from a private person, it can be harder to know the condition of the watch, so read the description, look at the images, and ask for service history and if service documents are included in the sale.
When you buy from a pawn shop or at an auction, the condition of the watch is what it is. The watch can be in good condition, but it can also be the opposite, as many of these entities do not check the watches they sell, more closely.
Our recommendation if you want to use the watch at once when you get it, is to buy watches in good condition that have preferably been serviced in the last around one to three years (this can depend).
How Does A “Full Set' Impact The Price?
When you buy a watch that comes with a full set, you get everything that the watch had when it was sold new: the watch, box, certificate, receipt, and, in some cases, even price tags. A full watch set, could cost up to 30% more, or be 30% as valuable, depending on how you view it.
If you are buying a watch just for use and don't plan to sell it in the future, you can, of course, buy a watch without a full set or even without a box and papers. Make sure tough it’s a genuine watch, preferably from a reputable watch dealer, and that it's much cheaper than the same model with a box and papers. It's also always good to ask for a watch certificate or watch appraisal that guarantees the authenticity of the watch.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
If we look more closely at the main ‘platforms’ for buying watches, we have: watch dealers, auctions, pawn shops, and directly from private persons. If you are concerned with the condition of the watch, then a watch dealer is the best choice. The reason is that most (reputable) watch dealers usually check all their watches before they sell them, which auctions and pawn shops often does not. If you buy directly from a private person, our best bet is to read reviews to see if it is a common seller, but it can still be risky.
It's always wise to do some research before buying it from any person or entity, read reviews and check the reputation of the company or person.
Safety
It's important to be safe when you are buying pre-owned watches. Be conscious of your environment if you meet sellers in person. The best option is really to buy watches through platforms such as Chrono24, where you can have barriers between you and the seller and where you actually pay for the watch first after you have received it. If you want to know more, you can read our previous article where we gave our best tips regarding selling watches, and many of the safety tips can be applied here.
Check The Watch After Purchase
You should also, check the power reserve and accuracy so you know that the movement doesn't have an apparent issue. And, of course, use the watch! That is in many ways the best way to see if the watch has any hidden issues, and also why you hopefully bought the watch—to enjoy it on the wrist!
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