Not everyone has the purse to afford the latest watch from this or that big name in watchmaking. Some others do not see the point and prefer to focus on models steeped in history: that of a brand and its flagship models unfortunately no longer produced today, but also that of its wearer with a preference for a product that has already lived. These various cases lead us today to ask the question of purchases of second-hand luxury watches. Indeed, it is often the opportunity to make excellent deals on current watches or to acquire a unique model. On the flip side, if you consume a second-hand car more easily, it is easier to come across a bad deal in terms of watchmaking. So,
Why buy second hand?
The idea of buying a vintage watch or a used watch may seem strange to some when you have just started a love affair with high-end watches. However, as for the automobile, the major question posed by this approach is that of cost, namely that one can save up to 40% or even 50% of the price of new for a watch still in production, the purchaser previous having already assumed part of the depreciation.
The purchase of a vintage watch, if this approach remains in the similar background, can induce quite different motivations. Indeed, finding unique, mythical models that have sometimes made the glorious past of the big names in watchmaking and who have left the displays of watchmakers can have a much higher cost depending on the case and the coast of the coveted model. The price is thus multiplied and the points on which to focus different.
1. Research
As with any purchase of a relatively large sum, the research phase is of crucial importance. Obviously, it starts on the internet, its sites, blogs and forums specializing in watchmaking, but also on these rectangular stuff made of paper also known as "books". The most evocative example is that of the Italian Mondaniwhich has privileged access to many brands such as Rolex or Patek Philippe about which there is a lot of information on watches and their spare parts. Also, some names like IWC or Omega publish their own book of the same ilk. The price is high (sometimes more than 500 €) but it is to be considered as a deposit to protect a future investment (what does a book at 300 € compared to a watch worth 8000 €?).
Some addresses:
http://www.chrono24.fr - International platform on which we find a large number of watch opportunities for individuals and professionals
https://www.cresus.fr - Site specialized in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http: //www.berenger.fr - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http://www.verhoeven-joaillier.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http: //www.faubourg- des-montres.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
https://www.collectorsquare.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http://www.maier-vintage.fr- Joallier specialized in second-hand luxury watchmaking
When one is about to spend a certain amount on a watch jewel, the seller is obviously of all importance. Is he the first owner of the watch (private individual) or simply an intermediary (professional)? Also, be aware that even if it is good to present a 100% authentic watch with its box, its papers and the original invoice, if you doubt even for a moment its honesty, it is better to retract. So be careful with yourself and with the watch, do not engage in the process if you are not confident.
Don't believe in miracles
Acting with too much haste and too much enthusiasm is often the major flaw during a scam. It is often the emotions that control such a purchase, but they also cloud judgment. So, if for example you are not sure that the crown or the hands are not original on a Rolex, try to find out if the seller was aware and ask for advice on a forum for example. When it's too good to be true, it means it's false. Therefore, it is impossible to have a Speedmaster Professional for 500 € or a Submariner from the 1990s for 1500 €. you may visit Buy Watches & Eyeglasses for buying a watch
3. The watch
When you spot the watch of your dreams on the internet, it's difficult to get a real opinion on its real state, because nothing beats the naked eye. Nevertheless, we will try to approach both cases. Obviously, going there allows you to better appreciate the object. Here are some key points that you can take into account as a checklist :
Appearance
- Assess the general appearance of the watch, how does it look?
- Are the needles and all the elements in place? Finding a replacement can quickly be expensive.
- The condition of the bracelet can suggest the maintenance and care given to the watch.
- Inspect the case, the glass and the bottom. Very pronounced wear and tear can lead to negotiation.
Movement
- Try to use the watch winder: date and hand adjustment.
- Activate the mechanism with a flick of the wrist in the case of an automatic, the hands should rotate naturally. Sometimes, it can freeze if the watch has not been running for a while. In this case, you can then give it a little hit on a surface that will not damage it on the side opposite the winder with the seller's agreement, which may be enough to unlock everything.
- Check its regularity by comparing it to your watch. Measure the gap over 2 or 3 minutes. If it is set, it doesn't have to be important.
- In the case of a chronograph, activate the pushers to check the operation and let the chrono run for several minutes. Also note the correct alignment of the second hand at noon when resetting to zero.
Interior
- Bring your penknife or any other object allowing you to open the watch to access the mechanism (and ask the seller to be able to open it).
- A clean interior is a sign of good condition.
- Take a magnifying glass and observe the traces of soiling, rust and examine if none of the different parts of the mechanism have traces of too pronounced wear or breakage.
- Note that the movement is very original with the different markings engraved on it.
Whatever happens, never buy a watch that does not turn, a blocked mechanism can be expensive to repair (if it is however possible to repair it).
In the case of a professional dealer , the latter will in most cases have cleaned and polished the case, revised the movement, waterproofed the watch and replaced the strap. He will also have authenticated it and will accompany it with a new guarantee for the movement. So, whether online or in real life, the risk is limited.
In the case of a particular online retailer , there is a tendency to formally advise against any attempt. Who would want to spend € 5,000 on a watch that would ultimately be a counterfeit? So even if you have the feeling that you are missing out on a golden affair, abstain. For the more adventurous, try failing to discuss by asking a maximum of questions and arrange on YOUR drastic conditions: payment in several installments, possibility of return, meeting halfway, etc. using this checklist. A beautiful photo certainly means a beautiful watch, but today, retouching works miracles… by the way, who tells you that these are his own photos?
Counterfeits & special effects
When you are about to invest a certain amount in a watch, you generally know the difference between an authentic and a counterfeit. In most cases, they have many differences compared to the original model and are made of coarse materials and do not have a serial number (or very poorly imitated). Also, watches that are very popular with major brands have sometimes undergone various alterations to the mechanism (it has sometimes even been changed), the dial (paint), the crown, the bezel, etc. If you have learned about the desired model beforehand and follow the checkpoints above, you should be able to locate them easily.
4. The paperwork
Check and re-check if most of your requirements are met. For example, in some cases, papers can inflate the price of a watch, what is their value to you? This will differ depending on the models and their year. In fact, it is obvious that you will not necessarily be able to claim the originals of a watch dated from the 1970s. Anyway, there is always with the models of big names watchmakers a follow-up of maintenance, at least that from the last revision. If any doubt remains about its authenticity or its source, go your way. In the best of cases and for a not too old watch, the seller will be able to provide the original purchase invoice and the complete maintenance book. Also, he must attest to the authenticity of the spare parts,"Also, have the seller complete and sign a dated certificate of sale, attesting to his identity on which all the watch information is noted (make, model, serial number, etc.), as well as the amount of the transaction and the mode of settlement. »The Watch Coast.
5. Payment
Once you have agreed with the seller on a price, be sure to agree on the method of payment and transportation. Generally on the internet, it is a bank transfer which is the most common method. Once you've made sure of the seller's reliability, it's okay as long as he's professional. Otherwise, if you are adept, you can request payment by Paypal, a safe way to secure the transaction and offer guarantees to buyers. Also, agree on the order of things and write it black on white so that it acts as a "contract": I receive my product before or after payment, I can examine and return the watch, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reflexes to adopt when considering the acquisition of a second-hand luxury watch. In fact, all the points detailed here are crucial insofar as this purchase sometimes represents a significant sum. In the end, there are not so many scams when you stay on the beaten track. So even if you think it's crazy, keep your head on your shoulders and remember that as the buyer, you have the final say. Even if the model is the one of your dreams, that it is a business not to be missed on paper, act only if you are confident and that all the conditions are met.
Why buy second hand?
The idea of buying a vintage watch or a used watch may seem strange to some when you have just started a love affair with high-end watches. However, as for the automobile, the major question posed by this approach is that of cost, namely that one can save up to 40% or even 50% of the price of new for a watch still in production, the purchaser previous having already assumed part of the depreciation.
The purchase of a vintage watch, if this approach remains in the similar background, can induce quite different motivations. Indeed, finding unique, mythical models that have sometimes made the glorious past of the big names in watchmaking and who have left the displays of watchmakers can have a much higher cost depending on the case and the coast of the coveted model. The price is thus multiplied and the points on which to focus different.
1. Research
As with any purchase of a relatively large sum, the research phase is of crucial importance. Obviously, it starts on the internet, its sites, blogs and forums specializing in watchmaking, but also on these rectangular stuff made of paper also known as "books". The most evocative example is that of the Italian Mondaniwhich has privileged access to many brands such as Rolex or Patek Philippe about which there is a lot of information on watches and their spare parts. Also, some names like IWC or Omega publish their own book of the same ilk. The price is high (sometimes more than 500 €) but it is to be considered as a deposit to protect a future investment (what does a book at 300 € compared to a watch worth 8000 €?).
Some addresses:
http://www.chrono24.fr - International platform on which we find a large number of watch opportunities for individuals and professionals
https://www.cresus.fr - Site specialized in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http: //www.berenger.fr - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http://www.verhoeven-joaillier.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http: //www.faubourg- des-montres.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
https://www.collectorsquare.com - Joallier specializing in second-hand luxury watchmaking
http://www.maier-vintage.fr- Joallier specialized in second-hand luxury watchmaking
2. The seller
When one is about to spend a certain amount on a watch jewel, the seller is obviously of all importance. Is he the first owner of the watch (private individual) or simply an intermediary (professional)? Also, be aware that even if it is good to present a 100% authentic watch with its box, its papers and the original invoice, if you doubt even for a moment its honesty, it is better to retract. So be careful with yourself and with the watch, do not engage in the process if you are not confident.
Don't believe in miracles
Acting with too much haste and too much enthusiasm is often the major flaw during a scam. It is often the emotions that control such a purchase, but they also cloud judgment. So, if for example you are not sure that the crown or the hands are not original on a Rolex, try to find out if the seller was aware and ask for advice on a forum for example. When it's too good to be true, it means it's false. Therefore, it is impossible to have a Speedmaster Professional for 500 € or a Submariner from the 1990s for 1500 €. you may visit Buy Watches & Eyeglasses for buying a watch
3. The watch
When you spot the watch of your dreams on the internet, it's difficult to get a real opinion on its real state, because nothing beats the naked eye. Nevertheless, we will try to approach both cases. Obviously, going there allows you to better appreciate the object. Here are some key points that you can take into account as a checklist :
Appearance
- Assess the general appearance of the watch, how does it look?
- Are the needles and all the elements in place? Finding a replacement can quickly be expensive.
- The condition of the bracelet can suggest the maintenance and care given to the watch.
- Inspect the case, the glass and the bottom. Very pronounced wear and tear can lead to negotiation.
Movement
- Try to use the watch winder: date and hand adjustment.
- Activate the mechanism with a flick of the wrist in the case of an automatic, the hands should rotate naturally. Sometimes, it can freeze if the watch has not been running for a while. In this case, you can then give it a little hit on a surface that will not damage it on the side opposite the winder with the seller's agreement, which may be enough to unlock everything.
- Check its regularity by comparing it to your watch. Measure the gap over 2 or 3 minutes. If it is set, it doesn't have to be important.
- In the case of a chronograph, activate the pushers to check the operation and let the chrono run for several minutes. Also note the correct alignment of the second hand at noon when resetting to zero.
Interior
- Bring your penknife or any other object allowing you to open the watch to access the mechanism (and ask the seller to be able to open it).
- A clean interior is a sign of good condition.
- Take a magnifying glass and observe the traces of soiling, rust and examine if none of the different parts of the mechanism have traces of too pronounced wear or breakage.
- Note that the movement is very original with the different markings engraved on it.
Whatever happens, never buy a watch that does not turn, a blocked mechanism can be expensive to repair (if it is however possible to repair it).
In the case of a professional dealer , the latter will in most cases have cleaned and polished the case, revised the movement, waterproofed the watch and replaced the strap. He will also have authenticated it and will accompany it with a new guarantee for the movement. So, whether online or in real life, the risk is limited.
In the case of a particular online retailer , there is a tendency to formally advise against any attempt. Who would want to spend € 5,000 on a watch that would ultimately be a counterfeit? So even if you have the feeling that you are missing out on a golden affair, abstain. For the more adventurous, try failing to discuss by asking a maximum of questions and arrange on YOUR drastic conditions: payment in several installments, possibility of return, meeting halfway, etc. using this checklist. A beautiful photo certainly means a beautiful watch, but today, retouching works miracles… by the way, who tells you that these are his own photos?
Counterfeits & special effects
When you are about to invest a certain amount in a watch, you generally know the difference between an authentic and a counterfeit. In most cases, they have many differences compared to the original model and are made of coarse materials and do not have a serial number (or very poorly imitated). Also, watches that are very popular with major brands have sometimes undergone various alterations to the mechanism (it has sometimes even been changed), the dial (paint), the crown, the bezel, etc. If you have learned about the desired model beforehand and follow the checkpoints above, you should be able to locate them easily.
4. The paperwork
Check and re-check if most of your requirements are met. For example, in some cases, papers can inflate the price of a watch, what is their value to you? This will differ depending on the models and their year. In fact, it is obvious that you will not necessarily be able to claim the originals of a watch dated from the 1970s. Anyway, there is always with the models of big names watchmakers a follow-up of maintenance, at least that from the last revision. If any doubt remains about its authenticity or its source, go your way. In the best of cases and for a not too old watch, the seller will be able to provide the original purchase invoice and the complete maintenance book. Also, he must attest to the authenticity of the spare parts,"Also, have the seller complete and sign a dated certificate of sale, attesting to his identity on which all the watch information is noted (make, model, serial number, etc.), as well as the amount of the transaction and the mode of settlement. »The Watch Coast.
5. Payment
Once you have agreed with the seller on a price, be sure to agree on the method of payment and transportation. Generally on the internet, it is a bank transfer which is the most common method. Once you've made sure of the seller's reliability, it's okay as long as he's professional. Otherwise, if you are adept, you can request payment by Paypal, a safe way to secure the transaction and offer guarantees to buyers. Also, agree on the order of things and write it black on white so that it acts as a "contract": I receive my product before or after payment, I can examine and return the watch, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reflexes to adopt when considering the acquisition of a second-hand luxury watch. In fact, all the points detailed here are crucial insofar as this purchase sometimes represents a significant sum. In the end, there are not so many scams when you stay on the beaten track. So even if you think it's crazy, keep your head on your shoulders and remember that as the buyer, you have the final say. Even if the model is the one of your dreams, that it is a business not to be missed on paper, act only if you are confident and that all the conditions are met.
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