How to buy expensive pre-owned
I’m interested in knowing all the ins and outs of buying an expensive pre-owned watch. Would love some insights from those who have a lot of experience doing it. Here are basic questions:
What are the best places to find watches from reputable sellers at the most reasonable prices/lowest vigs? Big watch stores, chrono24/bob’s watches, Antiquorum, or somewhere else?
How do you know the watch isn’t completely crap on the inside?
How do you know whether you will be ok with the scratches and dings on the watch? I assume some of this wear and tear will not show up well in photos.
What if you are unhappy with how the watch looks in person due to above scratches and dings? Is there usually a return policy? If so, who covers cost of shipping?
Any other tidbits of knowledge would be appreciated!
I’ve had a one watch collection for a while now. But recently been nerding out over watches and looking to add. I’m here to learn more about watches.
Buy the seller, not the product. If you are certain the seller is reputable, then you’re probably in good shape.
Buy the seller, not the product. If you are certain the seller is reputable, then you’re probably in good shape.
I don’t know any sellers. How do you find reputable sellers?
I don’t know any sellers. How do you find reputable sellers?
Unfortunately there is no sure thing. If you’re risk averse, go to an AD or local jeweler. Otherwise, I think folks have had luck with Chrono24/Bob’s. There’s some reputable guys on YouTube who have online shops as well. Do some research on those guys and see who you’d want to do business with.
whilst the stakes are higher, I don't think it has to be that different to buying a cheap pre-owned. if someone puts more effort into scamming you than you do into not getting scammed, then you'll get scammed.
ideally buy the seller and failing that, try to buy in a way where you have protections e.g. seller's name and address, a decent amount of seller feedback that you can validate, a watch with papers, platform money back guarantees, escrow, credit card etc.
This is a good video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X59e0fSZN08
Bob’s is good.
Bezel is getting positive reviews from YouTubers but note they also sponsor some of these shows.
Personally, I would look at the gray dealers too — Jomashop and Prestige.
Swiss Watch Expo is another preowned only dealer. Photos on the site are of the actual watches. They will also FaceTime to show you the watch.
I can DM you my broker's contact info if you want a reputable seller. I've bought and sold back to him something like 30+ watches over the past several years. He also pre-owned as well as new.
Yes please! A few questions:
Does he authenticate every watch he sells?
Does he open it up to see if everything is in working order or in need of repair?
I imagine he sells watches based on photos. What happens if the photos don’t show scratches very clearly and when I receive it, I am able to see a bunch of scratches?
Do you know what his vig is?
How are his prices relative to chrono24 or bob’s?