Buying a Pre-owned Watch
If you’ve only ever bought new watches, entering the pre-owned or used men’s watch market can feel daunting. However, the vintage watches for men market is both vibrant and buoyant, with investors securing rare, hard-to-find models and buyers fast-tracking jewellers’ waiting lists for some of the top brands.
Prospective buyers explore the Cartier watch men’s vintage market to pick up a classic watch or browse used Omega men’s watches to secure a hard-to-find model.
What defines men’s used watches?
Buying a pre-owned watch means that the watch has had one or more owners – and it usually means that it is a watch of value or it comes from one of the big watch brands, including used Rolex watches, IWC or Omega.
Why do people buy used gents watches?
For many, part of the joy of buying used watches lies in the provenance of the watch – as evidenced in the watches’ paperwork and sales documentation. Luxury watches are very hardwearing, like pre-owned men’s Rolex, which means that they can be worn every day but are still highly saleable.
In fact, particular signs of wear may actually increase the value of the watch. The most expensive watches ever bought or sold have been pre-owned watches, as the history and the story of the watch has driven up the value. Pre-owned watch buyers often enjoy the idea that they will play a part in the watches’ journey.
Buying a second-hand or used men’s watch can also be a more affordable option for buying luxury or high-end watches. As well as leap-frogging the often lengthy waiting lists for some models, buying pre-owned men’s watches means that you could pick up a model that has been discontinued or that was crafted in a significant year.
Why do people sell men’s used watches?
For many people, collecting luxury second hand men’s watches is a passion that is fuelled by an appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in the production of each watch, as well as the differences between models.
Selling second-hand men’s watches allows individuals to develop their collection or release some of the value that is held in the watch as an asset.
Sourcing used Rolex watches for men
There are many opportunities to buy men’s Rolex used watches, both online and from private individuals and dealers. The same can be said for other major brands, such as Omega used men’s watches and men’s vintage Cartier watches. However, as you are buying a high-ticket item, it is essential to research the seller as not all sellers are reputable.
Don’t dismiss an online purchase but do ensure that you are buying from a reputable dealer and spend time researching them. You may also want to ensure that they have a physical store as well so that you can visit in person if required.
Reputable and knowledgeable pre-owned watch dealers that have an online outlet can buy watches from all over the world, making their collections diverse and interesting.
Vintage Watches for Men – The Box and Beyond
Rather than an unnecessary extra, the original box is crucial to buying a preowned luxury men’s watch. The box shows that this watch has been cared for and has been valued – and the presence of the box adds to its value.
In addition to the original brand box – both inner and outer boxes, the documentation associated with the watch is key to a pre-owned purchase. A well-looked-after second-hand watch should be sold with its warranty certificate, its manuals, hang tags and original sales receipt. If the watch has had more than one previous owner, it may even have all the receipts of purchase.
Men’s Vintage Watch Service History
Another smart way of valuing your purchase is to request and review a pre-owned watches’ service history. Like taking care of a car, a mechanical watch should be sold with documentary evidence of its most recent service, as well as any other fixes made to the watch.
If you are buying your first pre-owned watch, ask the seller to explain the service history and what it means. A reputable and knowledgeable dealer will be happy to take the time to walk you through the service details and offer advice on how to upkeep the watch.
Research Men’s Used Watches
The luxury watch market can count on a lot of online content, which makes it easy to do some desktop research before you approach a dealer. Consider what brand you might like to invest in and check out their website. You will begin to understand why some models, like used men’s Rolex watches, are more valuable than others and it will help you to define your requirements.
As with most things in life, if something looks too good to be true, it most likely is. It is unlikely that you will be able to secure a high-end Patek Philippe for the same price as Hublot or a Breitling, so if you’re being offered the deal of a lifetime, all may not be as it seems.
Vintage mechanical watches are comprised of parts that can be used to make composite watches that may be presented as the ‘real thing’. Known as a Frankenstein watch, these can be found in circulation.
Doing your homework will help to dramatically reduce the chance of you buying a pre-owned watch that is not all it should be. Take time to understand the different parts of the watch as this will help your conversations with dealers. It shows that you have some knowledge of watches if you can identify the parts of the watch, such as the case, clasp, dial, bezel and crown.
Returns Policy for Used Men’s Watches
Good dealers will allow you to return the watch within 14 days if you are not happy with your purchase. This is especially useful in online purchases. It demonstrates that your dealer will be happy to meet your expectations, even if something goes wrong. This is an important criterion to include in your search for the right dealer for you.
As well as a no-fuss refund policy, it is important to make sure that your dealer offers a warranty on your purchase and is willing to supply full documentation of your purchase. This will be essential if you ever decide to sell the watch in future.
