Consensus on buying secondhand?

[Debaser]

dustybottoms said:

Debaser said:

dustybottoms said:

Of the other three watches purchased used, one was purchased at the higher end of used prices and was immaculate and complete in every way. This watch was purchased from a well known online used watch dealer who has a reputation for dealing in only the highest quality examples and as a result you pay top end prices. Can’t fault this watch in any way and specifically wanted a model that is no longer in circulation new, so used was the only way to go.

If you don't mind me asking, which dealer did you use? I hope to be in a similar situation in the next couple of months - the watch I want isn't in production any longer and I'm a lot more interested in getting a top quality watch than getting it cheap.

Don't think I am breaking any rules in posting the company name as they are a company that have been mentioned positively many times on PH before. Watches.co.uk also known as swisswatches.co.uk. Can't recommend them highly enough!

Thanks, I'll keep them in mind when the time comes for me to buy.

[macar]

Usually buy my watches new, from Selfridges, two watches ago bought a £5k watch and the alarm didn't function properly. Took the watch back for repair, was directed away from the glitzy show cases and away to a booth for watch warranty work' back of house'. Less than impressed. Last year bought a second hand Cartier Roadster from Austin Kaye, the leather strap broke after 1 month, took it back and was told they would order a new one(list price £230), great service. Definately will use Austin Kaye again.

[taffyracer]

Just bought my new (to me) unused sub from Blowers....absolutely superb service, ordered at 4.25pm and arrived next day ay 8.30am, just bought a watchbox and winder from them as well, equally impressive service, quick to respond and great prices....the watch was 1 month, never been worn and pristine with all the seals in place etc.......will be my 1st port of call on my next purchase for sure

Edited by taffyracer on Monday 26th April 16:12

[S Works]

I've recently had a similar conundrum as the OP. Inherited a small amount of money from a relative and wanted to put it towards something special to remember them by, time to buy a really nice watch. Chopard MM GT XL is the choice and I did a fair bit of research to check new prices. Ringing around ensured I got some excellent offers from RRP (£3010), the lowest being £2440. Then found out about TZ and a couple of nice folks told me that there was a used example for sale on there. Another subsequently was also offered and having met both, I decided to purchase one at a discount considerably lower than either price above. I am confident that I've got a good watch, with all the correct documents and boxes etc. Shouldn't be long now before I get it.

Whilst waiting the TZ forums have opened my eyes to various other things, and I bought a Precista "Italian" PRS-20 used at a discount to RRP. It is immaculate and came with a lovely Strap Culture strap.

I'd happily buy used again, and probably will. Best advice I was given was "buy the seller", just as you would with a car.

[Clintster]

Bought my Girrard Perregaux and Jeager le Coultre second hand, both close to mint condition and a good saving over new. Only problem I had was the JLC I wanted was in very short supply secondhand so I had to keep looking and move quickly when one came up.

As other posters have said, if you stick with reputable dealers I would have no problem recommending secondhand.

[Pommygranite]

When buying secondhand do the watches come feeling 'used' (i.e scratches, dirt etc) when buying from say Blowers, Watches.co.uk etc, or do they feel 'as new'?

[bogie]

all the watches ive bought 2nd hand feel as new

its like buying a car - do you look for a 12 month old one with 30000 miles on to save 20% off list ...or are you buying something 10 years old with 100K which cant possibly be "like new" but could be in great condition

[Incredible Sulk]

bogie said:

its like buying a new premium car - you do it once, and then more sensible as you get older and have blown a load on depreciation

Id always buy used now, Ive had a couple of nice new ones

when you see what some people move on, just on a whim ...well basically there are loads of mint watches around for huge discounts off new retail

watches.co.uk is very good

and the forums on TZ-uk.com ...be aware you have to have 50 posts to see the sale forums on there - keeps out the spammers I guess...

Not quite true. You need 50 posts to sell, but only 25 to look at Sales Corner.

I've just bought a nice BreitBling Chronomat Evo on there............... (with 25 posts).

[Fittster]

Does the fact someone has posted "Nice watch mate" before selling make TZ safe?

Buying from a forum is more dodgy than an established dealer IMHO.

Edited by Fittster on Tuesday 27th April 12:32

[Dakkon]

To put this into context, I travel a lot for work and would like a nice GMT watch, I have been looking at all the major brands trying to decide what I like and I am sorry but a GMT Rolex really does nothing for me and a Patek Philippe World Time is a little out of my price range

Now I know some will consider this to be more of a fashion watch but I am more and more drawn to a Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chrono, I really like the look and the ETA movement is well established and reliable.

Now it appears to be around 3,800 euros new or around 2k second hand.

[Incredible Sulk]

Fittster said:

Does the fact someone has posted "Nice watch mate" before selling make TZ safe?

Buying from a forum is more dodgy than an established dealer IMHO.

Edited by Fittster on Tuesday 27th April 12:32

Isn't it just a matter of asking the right questions, and setting out clearly your understanding of what you are buying, so if you don't get what you thought you were going to get, you have some comeback?

The people over on TZ seem to take postings in the 'Heroes and Villains' section quite seriously. I used to buy from established dealers, but I got fed up being ripped off. I can't name names here because of the naming and shaming rules, but some of the grey market operators out there are really taking the piss IMHO. But, at the end of the day they are in business to make money, not to be nice to the punters. So, you pays your money and takes your chances on places like TZ, but you aren't paying the inflated prices that some second hand dealers charge, and, more importantly, you aren't losing the spread every time you buy and sell.

[halfpenny43]

I just bought two Omega's one used Seamaster and a new Speedmaster from watchfinder.co.uk.

Was very unsure at first as it is a sizable chunk of case to part with.

But I would deal with them again - no problem. And the watches are great.