Selecting Between Brand New and Second Hand Watches

Why would you buy a pre-owned watches? Initially there is the chance that a watch that you truly like (or always have liked) is out of fabrication and simply not available in Singapore. The only chance to gain such a watch would be in the pre-owned market, except if you are hoping to come across a never-used model at a trader who never sold it. The chances of that happening are pretty slim.

Additional reason might be the devaluation on a second hand watch. This devaluation is, for some watch brands and models, a bit more appropriate than for others. The contrast with cars is not the best one, as those depreciate like almost no other ‘durable’ product, but even here, there is a difference in the depreciation of a BMW 328i and an Alfa Romeo, for example. It is the same with watches. The depreciation of a stainless-steel sports Rolex is far less than that on a quartz Chopard ladies’ watch. Almost any watch will acquire some depreciation. It is up to you to decide how much depreciation is acceptable when you’re considering the acquisition of a pre-owned watch rather than a new one.

Buying a second hand watch is by far the way to go — if you know what you are doing or you shop in Singapore markets with someone who does. If you have no idea what you’re doing, there is a good chance you will either overpay or worse yet, buy a fake luxury watch. There is nothing like buying things brand new. Especially when it comes to your luxurious timepiece. The clean look, feel, and scent of a brand new timepiece is something that you just won’t be able to experience when you buy one that’s used. But that, of course, comes with a much higher price tag for those ready and willing to indulge in the pleasures that a new timepiece has to offer. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you shouldn’t buy used: It’s risky since you never know what kind of surprises may arise later with your watch i.e. mechanical and cosmetic issues; You are at the mercy of the individual seller’s or company’s terms of service; There are many knock-offs out there that can easily pass as the real thing and have even passed authentications by authorized dealers.

Buying a new timepiece not only gives you a peace of mind, but it also allows you to have the original manufacturer’s warranty available to you, which is always one of the best things to have, especially since it is an investment. Vintage timepieces are an area that many people are attracted to. Often it’s due to budgetary constraints, yet for many horologists it’s simply a matter of the watch itself and the lineage it possesses. The watch may be deemed important due to it being a limited edition, having an unusual complication for that model, or even due to the caliber. Another aspect that can make a watch important is the history behind the owner. Obviously the pocket watch carried by Abraham Lincoln is far more important and valuable than the one my great grandfather owned. Typically these watches are not found for a great deal and the value can often far exceed that of a new model.