Pre-owned watches have their own unique appeal. Many collectors are drawn to acquiring secondhand timepieces. Here, you’ll find a guide on how to buy pre-owned watches correctly.
Both new and pre-owned watches come with their own advantages. Before purchasing a pre-owned watch, take a moment to understand the tips below.
The Advantages of Buying Pre-Owned Watches
There are many benefits to buying pre-owned watches. First, by purchasing a secondhand watch, you can get your hands on rare or discontinued models.
Certain watch models may stop being produced after a while, making them extremely rare. To acquire them, you’d only be able to purchase the pre-owned version.
Additionally, pre-owned watches often have a proven track record of quality. These watches have already demonstrated their durability over time.
Price Comparison: New vs. Pre-Owned Watches
The prices of new and pre-owned watches are influenced by different factors. For new watches, the price is primarily determined by the brand-new condition, official warranty, and the experience of purchasing directly from a store or distributor.
These factors reflect the full value of the product, including the brand, material quality, and the latest technology offered.
On the other hand, the price of pre-owned watches is influenced more by rarity, market interest, and the condition of the watch. Rare models or limited editions often hold high value in the secondhand market, especially if they are in demand among collectors.
Additionally, the physical condition, authenticity, and maintenance history are key determinants of a pre-owned watch’s price.
New watch prices tend to be more stable, whereas secondhand watch prices can vary significantly depending on their appeal to buyers.
Read more: Are Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Watches Worth It? Here’s The Answer!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Pre-Owned Watch
After learning about the advantages and price factors of pre-owned watches, you might be more interested in acquiring one. Check out this guide for buying pre-owned watches below.
1. Check the watch authenticity
When purchasing a secondhand watch, buyers are more vulnerable to fraud or buying counterfeit watches. Therefore, it’s recommended to verify the watch’s authenticity first.
One way to ensure authenticity is by checking supporting documents, such as certificates of authenticity issued by the manufacturer or authorized parties.
For example, certifications like the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) guarantee that the watch has undergone rigorous testing as a high-precision chronometer.
Additionally, buyers can also check the serial number on the watch. Every watch has a unique serial number that proves its authenticity. The location of the serial number varies depending on the watch brand’s policies.
Read more: Detecting Fakes: How to Check Your Watch’s Serial Number
2. Inspect the condition
Pre-owned watches should still meet certain quality standards to ensure optimal functionality and durability of their mechanisms.
This inspection includes external aspects such as the condition of the glass, bezel, case, and strap to ensure there are no scratches, cracks, or significant signs of damage.
Furthermore, internal components like the movement should also be carefully examined. If the movement is not functioning properly, the watch may require additional servicing, which could incur extra costs for the buyer.
3. Check for warranty
A warranty can serve as an indicator that the watch has been well-maintained or is being sold by a reputable seller.
For pre-owned watches, a valid manufacturer’s warranty indicates that the product has not exceeded the standard warranty period and is likely still in optimal condition.
Even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, some sellers or stores offer store warranties as additional assurance, usually covering movement repairs or component replacements within a certain period.
4. Buy from a trusted seller
To avoid fraud or counterfeit watches, it’s recommended to purchase pre-owned watches from a trusted seller. One example is Luxehouze.
At Luxehouze, you can find both new and pre-owned watches that are of high quality, 100% authentic, and available at the best prices.
The collection at Luxehouze is highly varied, including brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and more. So, if you’re looking to get a good pre-owned watch, don’t hesitate to explore Luxehouze!
