New vs Pre-own

I usually am strictly pro new only, but I found a seller that sells watches that have been returned shortly after a purchase. I've gotten a few (like 6) watches from here that have saved me over 50% - 65% on some watches.

So Its not really new but its not totally used .... If it works perfectly then I can deal with it.

Can you share who this dealer is? In sure he would have a large fan base here

I typically like new, but with the recent price hikes across the brands, I’m looking to the preowned market for better pricing.

Example: JLC - love the brand but the price hikes over the past couple yrs are ridiculous. Preowned for me moving forward.

Please share details!

https://www.ebay.com/str/officialwatchdeals

This is the store that I like to check out. Citizen, Bulova, Alpina and a few others are what they carry. Changes every few days.

Depends on the deal.opportunity. There are too many brands that lose a ton of value the moment they hit the gray or secondary market. Happy to let someone else lose 1/2 the value.

Add me to the list of also intrigued

I usually buy new but I also like vintage. I have also bought used when a watch has gone out of production and I was not able to get one when new.

You can punch up a few levels by going preowned. For some options you may not have a choice, the only move is preowned.

Never even considered used until I bought a lightly used MSAR this week. It arrived in pristine condition and I saved roughly $500.

I bought one watch used from Crown & Caliber and it was delivered in mint condition. Could have been polished but I couldn’t tell. It had stickers and everything. I think it depends on the watch and of course the seller. Ideally I love new/unworn watches as I have OCD and cannot deal with scratches that I haven’t created myself. I just loving putting on a brand new minty fresh watch. Perhaps this is why I fell so hard for Traska’s hardened case and bracelet design. Hopefully it keeps its new luster for ages! Perhaps vintage watches could help me change my tune but I don’t see me buying those any time soon.

Choosing to avoid "pre-owned" is a great way to close the door on yourself on the thousands of cool pieces out there.

I guess it depends on the watch, price, and it’s intended use. But I would most likely go new.

Since I tend to like obscure microbrands I've gotten a large chunk used. Never paid over MSRP, mainly cuz TBH they are micros.

And while not used, I follow a great many brands Instagram pages and if they come out with something I like, I put money down since the pre order price is usually a lot better.

Finally the only way I'm getting a Bell and Ross Type Demineur, a Tudor Sub, OG DTU-2AP, or Type I is used so 😅.

Pre owned is obviously the smart choice: you allow someone else suffer the depreciation with a timepiece but I do not buy a ton of watches each year and generally to mark some small event even it is just paying my taxes one more year. I just believe starting new with something as personal as a watch on my wrist is my best plan.

Stickler for New in box. Never purchased pre owned. My family values buying quality products new even if it costs a little more. Now Vintage might be different. I’ve been eyeing a mint 60’s Seamaster downtown for some time. It’s a steal at $750.

Vintage of course means preowned however new at retail or below is often fine especially if the savings is minimal for a specific preowned model.

A bonus of attending watch gatherings is meeting other collectors who've taken good care of their watches and offer them up at substantial savings as they pursue other pieces. I've purchased three of my favorite watches this way. A Seiko Bullhead, Junghans Meister Driver and Zelos Aurora.

I prefer to buy new, however I got my 9F GS pre-owned with no scratches and with original papers on Chrono24.

I saved at least C$700. Luckily, the seller was Canadian and did not have to pay any duties.

It really depends on the situation.

1. If you are looking at vintage/discounted models, then chances are you are probably only left with pre-owned.

2. If I am able to get almost BNIB condition with full set at a very good price vs buying brand new for a watch with no milestone purchase in mind. I will most definitely go this route.

3. If it marks for a significant life milestone and if will be in the collection for life. I would probably want it new with the papers dated the occasion that marks the milestone.

Different folks, different strokes. Do what makes you comfortable. You are the one parting with your money with purchases that you like. So do what you feel comfortable with. 🥂

If I think I’m keeping it long term and it’s a special watch to me I buy new. As I have a limited budget everything else is used as I can move them on for little loss and put the money into something else

I buy Rolex new, secondary market prices are too high.

Other stuff, if used is cheaper, I get them used.

Patek, AP, RM, etc is not my game -> No comments.

I bought a couple of watches at retail from boutiques (Omega and IWC). It was lovely, but I have come to learn that I change my mind too often, I cannot be trusted to keep a watch. Buying new often results in a three figure loss in depreciation! I’ve stopped doing that. These days I like to be able to duck in and out of pre-owned watches at little to no loss.

Less than $1000, I'll buy new, as the savings might not be worth potential headache. Also, people seems to wear cheaper watches more carelessly, so dings and bursts are more apparent. For $2000 plus watches, I'll focus in finding used items from reputable watch dealers, as the savings is often significant and it can go to fund another watch.

Depends if the watch is discontinued or how big the price new vs. used is. If not much always go for new, helps building relationship with AD too.

For me it clearly depends on the watch.

UN, Tonda 1950? GP? Piaget? Breguet? It's the preowned path because they make great watches, available pre-owned at nearly half price. Just because they're not popular.

Anything popular may be a totally different game. I guess it depends on the "value" proposition between the used & new. So my vote goes to C.

I like old Seiko divers. New ones are not just more expensive, they have quality control issues and IMO they're just inferior.

But I don't plan on buying any more watches, new or old. I'm happy with what I have.

I'll always want new coz I might as well

If I ever buy something more expensive though I might consider second hand

Usually I buy new and in official retail only. But it's not because something is wrong with used watches, but because I taught myself a rule: if you are not ready to pay retail for a watch, you don't need it.

Always used, I can afford higher quality used than I can new.

Only bought one watch new in 10 years, that's the Seiko 55th anniversary "5" and I'm going to sell that 😂

Quick… hide the vintage ones