I've been an occasional buyer and seller of vintage and pre-loved watches for some twenty years. A well-designed watch is an important part of the style equation and says much about the wearer in the same way that a stylish outfit does.
Over those years I've seen watch values rise steadily and in the last 18 months prices of some of my favourite used watches have increased by 20% or more. Purchasers have come to appreciate the stylish beauty of a good vintage watch which will often hold its value well, offering a financially attractive alternative to a brand new timepiece.
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| A vintage watch is very much part of the style equation (image Grey Fox Blog) |
I don't advocate buying watches for investment - they are best worn and enjoyed - but whether you do or not, a high level of expertise and experience is required to buy safely. Too many poor quality and even fake watches (particularly Rolex, the fakers' favourite) appear on the market and great care is needed to buy successfully. If you're knowledgeable then the rare bargain can be picked up on online markets like eBay, but it's too easy even for an expert to buy a fake or a watch needing an expensive overhaul or one that's been messed around and is worth less than you paid.
A safer option is to buy from a trusted dealer, but prices will be high and you also need to be sure that you can trust the dealer. A sensible solution is to buy via Chrono 24 (link below). I browse this international online watch sales site several times a week to keep an eye on prices and when I'm looking to purchase (which is rarely nowadays), so I was pleased when they approached me with the idea of a paid collaboration. I'm happy to use them and can give my genuine views about purchasing a watch through their site.
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| Chrono 24 online watch sales |
Sellers on Chrono 24 are both dealers (the majority) and private but, most importantly from the point of view of the purchaser, Chrono 24 offers a number of safeguards to ensure that you buy well and safely. These include:
- An authenticity guarantee with 14 days to return a watch and an escrow service whereby they withhold payment from the seller until the purchaser has had time to ensure s/he is happy with the watch.
- A 14 day refund service.
- A forty person security team to spot suspicious listings.
- Dealers ship watches fully insured.
- All dealers have to go through a verification service, details of which are given on the site.
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| Study images for clues as to condition; ask for better if, like this one, they lack detail |
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| Study movement images; signs of dirt and rust here suggest caution |
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| The exterior of the same watch: some wear to the dial, the bracelet may be worn |
Whenever you buy from any vendor keep your wits about you. Genuine bargains are almost impossible to find now, so be prepared to pay well for a good example. Take into account the costs of servicing a watch which hasn't recently been overhauled and ask plenty of questions about the watch before buying. The vendor's replies will tell you much about them as a seller - remember that you're buying the seller as much as the watch. Take into account also that buying from abroad may attract VAT and other costs.