Pre-Owned Without Papers

[Bizarro]

Looking at possibly buying another watch to my small collection, currently own a 90s Seamaster, a Speedmaster 57 and a CW C60 Abyss that I wear as a daily.

Looking for something different and quite fancy an IWC Portuguese.

One of the watches I’m looking at is pre-owned but doesn’t have original papers. Would buying a pre-owned watch that doesn’t have original original warranty card, manual etc put people off?

For future re-sale would IWC provide authentication certificate once purchased?

The watch in question is at Watchfinders so no problem with it being fake, if it did turn out to be fake I’d be able to get a full refund.

[Meeten-5dulx]

The price should reflect the lack of papers (and potentially box).

Can you see if there is a comparable WITH papers and see what the differential is?

If it is old enough, it is not assumed that it will have papers. Obviously there is a tangible worth to the papers (and box).

[bristolbaron]

With regards to future resale, either a copy of your purchase receipt or any future servicing guarantees would cover that.

In terms of difference in value, I’d personally pay 10% more to have paperwork, but at 20% I’d keep the saving - depending on the watch price too.

[HocusPocus]

Get the serial numbers and cross check with manufacturer against stolen list before you buy without original papers.

[KungFuPanda]

HocusPocus said:

Get the serial numbers and cross check with manufacturer against stolen list before you buy without original papers.

Most manufacturers don’t offer that service.

Rolex used to have a lost and stolen register but no longer offer it.

[Bizarro]

This is the watch I was looking at

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/IWC/Portuguese%20Man...

It says it’s two years old and never worn, looks like it has the protection still on the clasp. Does sound a bit dodgy, why does someone buy an expensive watch, never wear it and lose the original papers?

Price wise, compared to this similar watch, older but with papers and box, the original is quite a bit cheaper

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/IWC/Portuguese%20Man...

[anonymous-user]

Sometimes they are display/trade fair models in the retail group (watchfinder is owned by Richmonte, who own IWC).

The papers may get lost. Also, IWC stopped supplying to a few independents in the past few years, this could be unsold returns.

I wouldn't assume dodgy.

[nikaiyo2]

Watchfinder always used to be up for a bit of negotiation, so I would imagine you should be able to get a few hundred off the shown price.

They seem to be £5.5k ish on C24 so a decent saving.

IMHO the papers are to prove authenticity not much more, the receipt from a respected dealer does the same.

[Bizarro]

Thanks for all the input, gives me something to think about.

The watches I have are all very similar and all have dark faces, looking for something with a white face and numbers, the Portuguese fits the bill + manual wind appeals.
Any other recommendations?

[anonymous-user]

Bizarro said:

Thanks for all the input, gives me something to think about.

The watches I have are all very similar and all have dark faces, looking for something with a white face and numbers, the Portuguese fits the bill + manual wind appeals.
Any other recommendations?

I would have said an Aqua Terra, but you say you want numbers. I never liked the AT until I actually spent some time with one in a dealer and ended up buying this one:

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-sea...

The dial is beautiful in light. Sadly all of the omega renderings that they and the AD's use make them look awful. The movement and quality is excellent for a true mass produced one, too.

I think IWCs are a bit meh. Have you considered the Nomos Glashutte Tangente? (or, even better, the Metro with pimento olive power reserve - if you can do without numbers.) Absolutely beautiful.

Polar EXP II is an classic (and seems to skirt around the rolex stereotype).

Finally, if you have budget creep, in my eyes the greatest white (silver, really) Faced watch on earth is the Breguet Classique. The machine turning, combined with the tried and tested movement and the history make this an absolute dream.

Whatever you buy, I hope you enjoy it.

[nikaiyo2]

Bizarro said:

Thanks for all the input, gives me something to think about.

The watches I have are all very similar and all have dark faces, looking for something with a white face and numbers, the Portuguese fits the bill + manual wind appeals.
Any other recommendations?

Have a look at https://www.dornblueth.com/centersecond you will have to wait whilst they make it for you

They are lovely things I think they start at similar money to the IWC.

[anonymous-user]

Excellent shout on the Dornbluth.

Edited by 01WE01 on Friday 6th November 18:52

[Bizarro]

Thanks for the pointers.

The Dornblueth does look very nice and always good to have something a little bit different.

Edited by Bizarro on Saturday 7th November 09:46