Is there a dollar limit that you will not by a used watch? If so, what’s the max limit you set for yourself?
Many friends ask me about my watch collection. It’s been growing recently and many ask, how and that’s expensive. I tell them at times I trade or sell watches to get the watches I want. I buy at estate sales, pawnshops and even thrift shops. I have cleaned up many and given away some for gifts. One thing I question when I buy is, how much? What is my limit to buy a used watch? Don’t know honestly. My mind says anything over $200 requires me getting someone to review it for me. But after doing this for a while you get a “feel” for what to look for.
Vintage-what happens if it breaks?
Automatic-does it keep time?
Too scratched-can it be cleaned up?
Too cheap-is the movement or watch real?
I’m am a collector and I also review watches. I’m designing my YouTube channel and I look forward to assisting others in their journey. I started at a very young age when my grandfather gave me my fir...
No top limit (apart from what I can afford) but I do have a bottom limit.
I don't see the point in buying used under £500 because it's only a small amount saved.
At the other end of the scale, I paid £3500 for my used Seamaster and wouldn't consider buying anything over £1000 new as I genuinely don't see any advantage.
Buy used get more for your money... 🤑
Once you get a feel for it like you have. You shouldn’t put a limit on yourself.
I bought a Tag Heuer very lightly used in excellent condition for $1k below retail. No regrets!
My limit is much lower than 250
I bought my Panerai used for 4200
Honestly buying used for many luxury brands is kind of the sane and responsible move given recent surges in prices and thinking about value for money. If you're thinking of major brands then often service isn't much of an issue . . . mileage may vary once you start getting older than 20 yrs old or so . . . but even then a watchmaker worth their salt should be able to help you . . . and brands like JLC keep records for ALL of their watches since their inception, so at least the knowledge (if not parts) would be there to deal with any problems.
The only times I buy new is maybe for a big milestone or if I want some kind of special experience (i.e. if I was in Glashutte or at the Grand Seiko studio in Iwate etc.).
I’ll spend over $1k, shit I just did and await delivery on one as I type this.
At a brick and mortar trusted reseller I would spend as much as I would on a new watch. Online used sales I have my criteria I look for and judge each transaction individually. I understand the trepidation though and wouldn’t spend anything I wasn’t able of fully losing. Meaning a few days ago when I paid just a bit over $1000 on an online sale, I cross my fingers and accept that if it fell through completely I can afford the hit. I can still pay rent and get food and all the responsibilities get fulfilled and it’s a bummer but I’ll live. I also have a watchmaker I trust and if this watch I ordered shows up and needs service I can get that tended to easily.
I think the real question is not "how much", it's "where should I buy used watches"
I try to buy everything used. Not just watches.
Only one watch over $1k and doubt I'll ever buy another. One and done.