8 Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Luxury Watch

Purchasing a brand new luxury watch is an excellent choice in some circumstances, but there’s something to be said about finding a great pre-owned luxury watch.

The market for pre-owned timepieces has risen exponentially through the past couple of decades, with more and more people discovering the joy of collecting used watches. Here’s why shopping for secondhand watches could benefit you:

Get better value for your money.

Luxury watches can be expensive. A decent, entry point watch can cost around $1,000 – $3,000, midrange watches can go anywhere from $5,000 – $10,000, while the sky’s the limit for top-of-the-line watches.

The pre-owned watch market gives you a chance to own a luxury watch at a more accessible price point, with a huge chunk of the depreciation being absorbed by the original owner. If you’re lucky, you can even own a watch that’s been barely used for a fraction of its original price. 

Most people dreaming of an expensive model would settle for a cheaper and more readily available new watch, only to end up with buyer’s remorse. Consider buying a previously owned watch if you’ve already set your heart on a specific timepiece that may be currently out of your budget.

Another type of previously owned luxury watches are vintage watches. These are rare, hard-to-find models that have appreciated in value and are worth a whole lot more than their original price. If you buy from the pre-owned market, not only will you be owning a beautiful timepiece; but you’ll also be getting a luxury item that is going to hold its value, and even appreciate over time.

Own a limited collection model.

Some high-end watch brands want to be known for exclusivity by producing watches in limited quantities. Most will discontinue a watch collection if it doesn’t sell well, or if the brand is coming up with a newer version that has slightly different aesthetics or an updated movement inside the case. Going the preowned route gives you the chance to own a watch that has been taken off the market that you weren’t able to grab the first time it came out. 

Enjoy a more extensive selection. 

Instead of restricting yourself to new releases, buying pre-owned will give you a wider selection of choices, and allows you to shop for special editions and discontinued styles.

Make an investment.

Buying pre-owned watches is an excellent investment opportunity, and will provide you with a decent ROI. You can buy a previously owned watch and then sell or trade it for profit at a later time. 

Own a piece of history.

Old watches come with heritage and history. While most people love the look of a shiny, new watch out of the box, others appreciate the look of an old watch, whether it’s the patina showing off on the dial, the worn color on the bezel, or the scratches on the case. These qualities give lots of character and depth to the watch. 

Own a great quality watch. 

There is a myth that buying secondhand means getting an inferior watch. You’ll be surprised at how many used watches are kept in a great condition. Most of these watches are made from high-quality, sturdy materials that will stand the passage of time. Just because they are pre-owned doesn’t mean they’re lacking in quality.    

Help the environment.

To prevent unnecessary waste, people who are letting go of their watches choose to put them on the pre-owned market. Buying a secondhand watch gives new life and longevity to an already existing piece, and is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to shop. 

Start a watch collection.

If you have recently discovered a love for the history, design, engineering, and craftsmanship of a luxury watch, starting a collection is easier on the budget if you search for good deals on the pre-owned luxury market. You won’t have to spend a fortune on your collection when there’s a lot of great watches you can choose from in the secondhand market.

Whether you’re shopping for pre-owned or new watches, make sure to buy from an established retailer to ensure you’re getting a quality timepiece. If you’re shopping for pre-owned watches, Houston’s local and leading jeweler, Zadok, is a great place to start. We are happy to assist you in your search for limited editions, special editions, and hard-to-find pre-owned watches. All purchases also come with proof of authenticity, so you can rest easy knowing you’re buying an original watch.