When selecting their next new timepiece, many watch collectors are intrigued by second hand watches. These collectors often ask themselves, ‘is buying pre-owned watches worth it?’ The pre-owned watch market is vast and full of fantastic timepieces. However, many collectors choose not to explore these avenues, instead opting to always buying brand new watches. It is always worth considering the pre-owned alternatives when selecting your next timepiece. This post will explore the reasons why buying a pre-owned watch is worth it.
5 Reasons Why Buying Pre-Owned Watches Is Worth It
1. Some watches are hard to find brand new.
Many watch brands create limited edition and special edition timepieces. These watches can only be purchased for a specified amount of time. This means that many people cannot get their hands on these watches once they have sold out. However, many people buy the watches to enjoy them for a short period of time before selling them on. This means that the limited edition watches are often available to buy on the second hand market.
Additionally, many luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier and Patek Philippe do not make their brand new watches available online. This means that they quickly become incredibly desirable with many people trying to get hold of them. By making the watches available to only a select group of people, it is almost guaranteed that people with access to them will resell the timepieces. If you have been trying to get your hands on a limited edition or luxury timepiece, it is always worth checking the pre-owned options as it is very likely you will find one there.
2. Pre-owned watches are often sold at a lower price.
As with many other second hand items, pre-owned watches are often sold at a lower price. This is because the initial high value of a watch is partially caused simply by its brand newness. Watches work in a similar way to cars. A higher price is charged for a brand new one as some people simply want the pleasure of knowing that it has not been used by anyone else previously. If you have your heart set on your dream timepiece, but it is slightly out of your budget, try checking the pre-owned market as you might find it for a slightly lower price.
Additionally, buying a pre-owned watch means that you will avoid the initial depreciation. When a brand new watch is removed from its box and worn for the first time, its value decreases. When you purchase a second hand watch, you will avoid this depreciation as it has already been absorbed by the original owner. This is perhaps the most tempting of all of the reasons why buying pre-owned watches is worth it.
3. Pre-owned watches come with a history.
Pre-owned watches come with a history. This is especially the case for vintage timepieces that may have been worn through major historical events. Pre-owned watches are similar to vintage jewellery in this respect. Many people who purchase second hand timepieces like to hear the stories behind the watch. It allows them to better understand who has previously owned it and what events the watch has seen. Many well respected second hand watch retailers will be able to inform the customer of the history behind the timepiece. Brand new watches do not come with this sense of heritage.
4. Pre-owned watches can look brand new.
When thinking of pre-owned watches, many people immediately assume that these timepieces will be tatty and faulty. This is very rarely the case. Although some second hand retailers may sell watches that need plenty of care and time put into restoring them, most will sell watches in a very fair condition. It is even possible to find pre-owned watches that are in a brand new condition. Some watch collectors will invest in a timepiece and quickly decide that it is not for them. In this eventuality, they will often decide to sell their watch on the pre-owned market. Watches tend to be sold at a lower cost than was initially paid for it. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to find almost brand new watches for a considerably lower price when searching for second hand timepieces. It is always worth checking the second hand market when browsing for your next timepiece.
5. Pre-owned watches are better for the environment.
Many fashion and accessory enthusiasts are moving away from fast fashion and instead choosing to buy second hand or investment pieces. The theory behind this is that it generates less waste that will end up in landfill. Although most watch collectors select their timepieces as an investment piece that they will keep for generations, this is not always the case. To prevent unnecessary waste, many people are choosing to sell their high quality items on the pre-owned market. This means that a watch collector can make a positive environmental choice whilst also saving money and getting their hands on a brilliant, high quality watch.
Buying a pre-owned watch is certainly worth it for all of the fantastic benefits that it offers. However, collectors should always double check that the retailer that they are buying from is authorised and has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that the timepiece is working and of a high quality. It is advised to always see a pre-owned watch in person before purchasing it to ensure that it is as advertised. However, when purchasing from trusted pre-owned watch retailers, you are almost guaranteed to get a fantastic watch for a fair price.
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What are your thoughts on buying pre-owned watches? Have you got any pre-owned timepieces in your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
