Are used watches for readily available watches worth it? What is the appropriate discount?

For watches that are widely available , I wouldn't go on the used market. That's just me. I suppose one could argue that for some brands that aren't widely available just to try on, you could buy one used, see how it fits, sell it for the same price, and then buy a new one if you like it.

The following were all purchased pre-owned at WUS over the years. All were as described, in great condition, and bought for far more than 10% off retail. (not sure where you got that from) Most were past the warranty . If you research a little and vet the seller and ask the right question after viewing the sales posts you can save a ton of money on a pre-owned watch.

I prefer to buy watches pre-owned, with the exception of pieces that trade over retail on the secondary market. Savings can be significantly greater than 10%. For example, I picked up an IWC Pilots Chrono41 a year ago for $7,500 CAD, for a watch that retails at $12,432 CAD with taxes. The watch I bought was about 6 months old when I bought it, in almost new condition with full box and papers, including the remainder of the 8 year extended warranty.

Watches are worth whatever someone is willing to pay. I think in some cases, you’re right. People are far too eager to throw money at a watch. In other cases, there’s some great deals.

Another consideration is just because a watch is listed at a certain price point doesn’t mean it sells.

One final thought is partly a buy the seller. Suppose I’m going to buy a watch that’s $300 on AliExpress. You tell me you just bought that watch, but for whatever reason aren’t keeping it. You offer it to me for $275. I don’t have to wait on customs or shipping. There’s less concern of it being DOA.

I guess my argument is more for the watches in the 800-1500 range and watches that are within 10 percent of reatil price. I see christopher ward watches on ebay and chrono24 for a two year old sealander or trident at 900 when you can buy a new one for 1,000 today. It just doesn't seem worth it for a 100 less to get some scratches and 40 percent of the warranty burned off. Servicing watches is expensive and to exposing yourself two years sooner. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Yes you can buy watches at deeper discounts than 10 percent but to me it seems like a lot of them are priced too close to retail.

Love that bronze casioak - is that an original or a mod?

He must be a politician

This was purchased for 50% off retail with 4 1/2 years of warranty left and an extra strap. Look harder for the deals.

My BB58 was less than a year old and in perfect condition with no visible wear on either the case, crystal or bracelet. Independently authenticated it cost 65% of the retail price. I call that great value.

I tend to agree. I would rather go to the grey market and get a new watch than get a pre-owned watch. I only go pre-owned for vintage or out of production watches.

Me personally, I would totally buy a Nodus, Sangin Instruments, Elliot Brown, Ares, or Marathon used. More so if the seller is reputable, honest, and there are good pictures. Just my.02¢.

What you speak of is the "asking price." One is supposed to give a "offer" that is about 60% of that value. Then they either accept, counteroffer, or keep having an unsold watch.

Talking about other people’s money and how they should spend it is like touching the electric third rail. I will say get a deal if you can and if the watch is acceptable to you.

That is great news. I stopped selling stuff on eBay because of those fees 👍

Exactly the opposite of my method - I buy used pretty much exclusively, but rarely buy anything below £600. Gives me access to nicer stuff.

I work in retail so warranties etc don't bother me as I know they're usually a waste of time (& only valid against manufacturing faults and only 28 days).

Watch exchange reddit, watch u seek, anywhere besides ebay probably.

Christopher Ward do sales themselves for 30% off RRP on watches twice a year once in July and Once in December/Jan.

Which Christopher Ward are you after?

I was looking for a dune (sand preferably or blue) or the sealander (blue).

Never thought my rant would expand into such a large discussion. Its good though!

Yes those watches are regular production models you should have no issues finding them at discount. There's a couple of groups on Facebook called Christopher Ward Enthusiast or afficionado's both have people buying and selling Christopher Ward's plus tends to be the first to let you know when the bi yearly sale goes live.

I love used watches, I love hearing the stories of the watches... Even better if there are inscriptions on the backs...

30% or more off of the REAL cost (not MSRP) for a new watch currently in stock is enough to sway me from new to preowned.

I love a bargain. I try to save wherever I can. Haven't been burned yet.

Guess is only in Germany.

Google say: The amount eBay makes on a sale depends on the final selling price of the item, the category of the item, and any additional fees that may apply. On average, eBay takes between 10% and 15.55% of the final selling price in fees. This percentage can increase if you're selling internationally or using promoted listings.

Thanks for the info! It’ll make a nice Xmas gift for myself

Most of my watches have been bought preowned on eBay. I do the auctions and bail if the price gets to high. I’ve bought several CWs at half of retail with warranty left. I also buy preowned because I can normally sell it (if I don’t like it) for a least what I paid for it. I’ve sold several for more than I paid. For example a few years ago I picked up a few Seiko SXKs for $100-125usd a piece and sold them all for $350usd each. You have to remember just because the asking price is what it is doesn’t mean it will sell for that price. My opinion is to let someone else take the hit. I can live with a few scratches for up to 50% of retail.

Bought my Aquastar very nearly new...paid 90 percent of retail but avoided the dreaded waiting list...

I tend to look, dribble maybe drool at things even secondhand and new watches ( looking at you Laurient Ferrier ! ) AND dreaming costs nothing ! I am like a spider 🕷️ waiting for that perfect fly caught in that perfect storm …. Impossible standards with my taste is my safest ally in this watch collection game , boffin gym type of mind thingy it is too …. Love that…..

Im thinking guitars are a better option for me maybe next in line is a $4500 K , Top of the line Gretsch in black ….. damn sexy thing……. But I need to sell two left handed guitars a Player series Fender Strat in ice blue and light maple 🍁 and an Acoustic Col Clark , Aussie made guitar viewers , and also like to possibly buy a new Australian Luthier brand by “ Fenech” . Good buying if your a player not a trader .. damn hobbies …..

Sometimes it’s the only way when new models have ballooned in prices.