The answer for buying a preowned watch will depend on the purpose, budget and availability. It can be because you want to buy a more expensive watch brand but cannot afford the new watch, or you want an older style watch that is no longer available. It can depend on many factors.
Watches are more than just timepieces. They are accessories that can speak volumes about your personality, style, and taste. While some people prefer to buy brand new watches, others prefer to buy pre owned watches. If you’re considering buying a pre owned watch, there are a few things you need to know before making your purchase. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 things you need to know about preowned watches to help you make an informed decision.
Photo by Mat Brown: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-wristwatch-1034065/
1. Pre Owned Watches Are More Affordable
One of the most significant advantages of buying a preowned watch is that it’s typically more affordable than buying a brand new watch. Depending on the brand and model, you can save anywhere from 20% to 50% or more by buying Pre Owned. For example, a Rolex Submariner can cost upwards of $9,000 brand new, but a Pre Owned one in excellent condition could cost around $6,000 to $7,000. This is one of the reasons people buy preowned. It may come down to wanting a pre owned Rolex Submariner versus a brand new Tudor Black Bay. With luxury watches, there price factor plays a big part in the decision-making process.
2. Preowned Watches May Have a Story to Tell
Another advantage of buying a preowned watch is that it may have a story to tell. Pre Owned watches are often sold by collectors or enthusiasts who have taken great care of them and have a deep appreciation for the history and craftsmanship of the watch. These collectors may have interesting stories about how they acquired the watch, where they wore it, and what they did while wearing it. Some watches are only produced in limited batches and have some historical meaning behind it.
Watches that are produced to celebrate a specific event in history may no longer available. It opens up the option of watches that are no longer available brand new i.e. allows purchase of rare and vintage pieces that may not be available on the market anymore. Buying a watch made in the year of an anniversary or a first release of the watch may be enough of a reason to buy the watch. The owner of the preowned watch may be someone famous and maybe fetch a higher price in the future.
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3. Pre Owned Watches Can Be Just as Reliable as New Watches
One of the biggest concerns people have about buying Pre Owned watches is the reliability of the watch. However, it’s essential to note that preowned watches can be just as reliable as new watches. This is especially true if the watch has been properly maintained and serviced over the years. Most luxury watches are built to last, and with proper care, they can last for decades. Quality watch brands such as Rolex, Omega, Seiko are known to last for a very long time due to their excellent craftsmanship. The thing you can try to find out is the watch history and record of maintenance.
4. Pre Owned Watches Needs to Be Serviced
While Pre Owned watches can be just as reliable as new watches, they may require servicing to ensure they continue to run accurately. Depending on the age and condition of the watch, it may need a simple cleaning and oiling, or it may require more extensive repairs. It’s essential to factor in the cost of servicing when buying a preowned watch. However, keep in mind that the cost of servicing is usually less than the cost of buying a brand new watch. Any previous servicing paperwork would be nice to have if the seller includes them when selling. This will be a good sign the owner takes good care of the watch.
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5. Validate the seller
When buying a preowned watch, it’s crucial to ensure that the watch is authentic. Unfortunately, there are many fake watches on the market, and it’s easy to be taken in by a convincing fake. To ensure that the watch is authentic, it’s best to buy from a reputable dealer or seller who has a proven track record of selling authentic watches. Original looking boxes and certificates can be faked. You can also have the watch authenticated by a trusted third-party before making your purchase.
A Quick Checklist Before Buying a Pre Owned Watch
To recap, there are a few things you need to consider before buying a preowned watch
Purpose : What is your reason for buying the pre owned watch?
Allows purchase of rare and vintage pieces that may not be available on the market anymore
Budget: What is your budget for the watch? Have a strict budget and stick to it
Research: Find out what you want for the watch. Do some researching using blogs and YouTube to find out what you want. This can be the style of watch you want, function, brand etc. Its very important to be very clear on what you want before looking for a pre owned watch.
Shortlist: Determine a few non-negotiables. You may want a watch that is Swiss-made and mechanical. Narrow down your choice to 2 to 3 models you want to buy.
Reputation of the Seller – Determine if the seller is reliable and credible. If the seller is a reputable seller. If online, ensure the website is reputable and there are a large number of reviews.
In conclusion, buying a pre owned watch can be an excellent way to save money and own a piece of history. However, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons before making your purchase. Remember, preowned watches are typically more affordable, may have a story to tell, can be just as reliable as new watches, may need to be serviced, and authenticity is crucial. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect preowned watch for you. Good luck with buying your pre owned watch.