By Amir Bibawy | The Associated Press
NEW YORK—Luxury watches have long been a symbol of the wealthy. That’s changing thanks to a booming trade in preowned luxury watches, driven by a growing number of specialized retailers. Established luxury watchmakers and dealers are also getting into the trade.
“Retailers seem to get much more excited about selling preowned than new because they can set the price,” says Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch, the foremost authority in watch blogs.
From a vintage 1930s Cartier Tank to a gently worn 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller, there are deals to be had. Here’s a guide on how to score one:
WHERE TO BUY
The luxury watch you have coveted for years might no longer be out of reach. But where to start looking?
There are many dedicated online retailers like SwissWatchExpo and Second Time Around Watch Co. Most established retailers offer pieces that have been serviced by watchmakers and tested for mechanical accuracy. To avoid knock-offs, check online reviews for the dealer.
Don’t discount online outlets that are not just for watches. Overstock and eBay offer thousands of well-priced luxury watches.
WHAT TO BUY?
“The most important piece of information I tell people is: Buy a watch you want to wear,” says Adams. “Now that sounds really obvious. But a lot of people, without really knowing, try to follow other people’s advice. Watches are like clothing: Just because someone really likes their pair of jeans that doesn’t mean it will look good on you.”
Paul Boutros, head of Americas for auction house Philips Watches, cautions against approaching the watch as an investment.
“Buy watches because you love them,” he says. “As far as investment goes, it’s best to invest in stocks or real estate.”
HOW TO SCORE A DEAL
To figure out roughly how much you should pay, compare prices on online marketplaces like Germany-based Chrono24, where retailers and individuals list watches for sale. But watch collector Paul Bragan, a senior partner at market research firm Wakefield Research, cautions shoppers to take those figures with a grain of salt. The list price is often not what a watch ends up selling for, Bragan says.
Once you have price points, zero in on a good-condition piece. Have a watch you don’t wear anymore? As with cars, figure out if you can trade it in for your dream piece.
CONSIDER THE ‘GREY MARKET’
If you really want a new piece, consider the so-called grey market. Brand-authorized dealers often offload excess inventory onto third-party web sites. Those sites, in turn, will offer discounts of roughly a third on new and unworn pieces. But there’s a catch: Those third-party sellers can’t offer warranties against defects or mechanical failures.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE FINE PRINT
There are details to consider beyond the sale price. How much of a warranty does the seller offer? Does it cover water damage? What’s the return policy? Does it include a restocking fee? If you are on the hook for return shipping costs, that could be good chunk of cash if you need to insure the package.
TAKE CARE OF THE WATCH
Luxury watches are made to last decades, but they require care. Mechanical pieces need more care than those that run on batteries, known as quartz watches.
“You should make sure it’s wound at least weekly and running at least weekly,” says Susanna Woycitzky, watchmaker at Watchbox. She adds that you should also keep your watch away from magnets.
Most watches are waterproof but it’s best not to test it.