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Benefits of Buying a Pre Owned Watch

Why Buy a Pre Owned Watch

If you’re in the market for a designer watch, then you’ve probably come across a lot of pre-owned and used watch sellers. There is a huge industry behind pre-owned watches, both for collectors and casual watch-wearers but you may be asking why not buy new? We’ll go over what pre-owned means and why pre-owned luxury watches are so popular.  A pre-owned watch has had at least one previous owner before it gets to you. This can include watches from this year, as well as vintage watches – typically defined as any watch over 40 years old. While a watch over 100 years old would be considered an antique. There can be some hesitation when it comes to secondhand purchases, especially in an age where we all have to buy the newest must-haves. However, here are the benefits of buying pre-owned watches that make them a smart investment for those wanting quality and style.
Pre-Owned Watches
Buying pre-owned watches is a great way to get a luxury brand, such as Rolex or Omega watches, for a lower price. Many secondhand watches may be available for less than the RRP, which means you can get more for your money by shopping used. If you go with a reputable seller, like Ramsdens, you can rest assured that all of our pre-owned watches are thoroughly inspected and valued by a team of in-house experts.

Find vintage and exclusive models
For serious horology enthusiasts, vintage and limited edition models are difficult to get new, so the secondhand market is a feasible alternative to track down specific pieces. If you’re looking for an investment piece, pre-owned could be the way to go.

Made to last
Luxury watches are a testament to the expert craftsmen who built them. They are created to stand the test of time and become a piece you can pass down the generations. Even pre-owned, high-quality watches have plenty of life left, making it a purchase you can enjoy for decades to come.

What to look for when buying a pre-owned watch
Whether you’re new to watches or a seasoned collector, it can be difficult to determine whether you’ve found a legitimate source for a pre-owned watch. Especially when shopping online. We have put together some of our top tips on how to shop for an authentic secondhand designer watch.

Identifying the Right Watch

If someone is offering a luxury watch at a surprisingly low price, then it’s most likely too good to be true. It’s a bit disappointing if you’re looking to spend less but when it comes to high-quality timepieces, they won’t depreciate massively. This is especially true for top-of-market brands and highly sought-after vintage models, which will likely increase in value.

It’s a good idea to do lots of research and get to know the specifications of the watch you’re after so you can examine it for yourself. However, if you’re sceptical of an offer, it’s best to find a trusted professional watchmaker or buyer for an accurate valuation.

Boxes and Papers
One of the best ways to prove a watch is genuine is to have the original box and papers stating the model reference, serial number, and sometimes when and where they were originally sold. This is significantly harder for older models as many people didn’t keep these documents or they have been lost to time. However, these original documents can increase the price of a pre-owned luxury watch as many people want to ensure they’re getting the real deal.
Research the Model
One of the most effective ways to determine the authenticity of a high-end watch is to familiarize yourself with the specific model you are considering. In the world of luxury timepieces, each model often possesses unique features, design elements, and intricate details that counterfeiters may struggle to replicate accurately. By educating yourself about these distinguishing characteristics, you can significantly enhance your ability to spot a genuine watch from a counterfeit one. 

Reputable source
In the pre-owned luxury watch industry there are plenty of unscrupulous people who are trying to scam you with fraudulent pieces. When you’re looking for somewhere to trust with your purchase, trusted businesses like Ramsdens are the way forward.

Pre-owned Rolex