How to Buy Pre-Owned Watches

by Judi Booker Online Researcher

If you are skilled at searching the market for competitively-priced pre-owned watches, then you can save a substantial amount of money while also boosting the quality of your collection of fashionable accessories and timepieces. The key is to know how to properly search the market for a solid deal. Here is a brief guide to walk you through the process:

Why Not Just Buy a New Watch?

Before you can understand the ins and outs of buying pre-owned watches, you must first understand why you should not just agree to only buy new watches for your wardrobe. Typically, it boils down to 2 key reasons:

Pricing
Availability

High-end watches fresh out of the box can be very pricey depending on the style, material, age and brand. You could easily spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a high-quality model that has a captivating appeal and jaw-dropping performance to match. However, you can save a lot of money on those high-end watches by deciding to buy them used instead of new. The availability factor is important, because the watch you may really want may no longer be in production. Therefore, finding classic, discontinued models can easily be done while perusing the market of preowned options.

Examine the Condition of the Watch

Pay close attention to the condition of the actual watch. In addition to examining if the watch works, study its cosmetic appearance as well. Investigate any scratches, scuff marks, or even frayed edges of the watch band. The overall value (and pricing) of the watch depends greatly on the condition in which it is being sold. You want to make sure that you get your money’s worth in this regard and that you are not being robbed by the seller.

Analyze the Service History of the Timepiece

One of the first things you should consider while examining a pre-owned watch is its service history. Documentation is essential. In most cases, an experienced seller will be able to provide you with a documented listing of repairs, accidents, recalls and any other pertinent service information that specifically involves the watch you want to purchase. A bonus and major selling point is an applicable warranty or insurance coverage that will allow you to protect your investment just in case any technical difficulties or service-related issues arise in the months or years after you purchase it.

Shop Competitively, Research the Market

Another helpful tip to follow closely as you shop for pre-owned watches is to study the pricing factor carefully and cautiously. You may feel comfortable with a specific seller but take the time to shop other companies and websites offering the same watch at different prices to ensure you have selected the best deal available. This level of research will also provide you with tools and resources to use as you converse with the seller in any applicable negotiations.