Luxury watch New or Preowned?

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#16
nycdiva said:
I appreciate the advice. The thing is two-tone rolexes with factory diamonds don't really hold their value. Because of this, I can get the same watch for more than 50% off list price depending on the year the watch was made. I had no idea how expensive this watches have become. If I end up getting a J12, I will definitely get a used one with diamond bezel, since they are so much cheaper used.
Now if I go the preowned route, I have to find a reputable seller, that may be the difficult part!
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An informend buyer!

There are reputable used watch dealers. Just do your homework as usual. Some of these even buy the old stock from the AD's when the new styles come out. These are retired models no longer for sale in stores.
Can buy a brand new watch this way complete with box, papers & warranty. I've done it & am always on the look out when opportunity arises. I've seen every other brand sold this way but Rolex. Not a Rolex lover so it might be they don't tell me about the Rolex stock.
 
#17
Personally i buy new. I purchased my yellow gold watch from a cartier boutique- I loved the buying experience and I definitely thought it was worth it. However u can save money going the used route. It just depends on how much time you are willing to spend researching watches/sellers.
 
#18
I have never purchased anything preowned, so this is new to me, but looking at the savings it just doesn't make sense to buy new. The only problem I am having now is giving up the factory diamond bezel. It is so expensive, but I really want a blingy watch. What to do????
 
#19
nycdiva said:
So my birthday is next month and I am looking to purchase a new watch. It has been years since I bought a luxury watch and I am shocked at how much prices have increased in the past few years. I can either afford a new plain watch like a chanel j12 or a SS rolex, or cartier, or a preowned two tone rolex with diamonds or a J12 with diamond bezel. I have never gone the preowned route, but it seems like the watches I am looking for really don't hold their value.
Those of you who have bought preowned are you happy with your purchase?
Do you regret it?
Is it easy to get scammed?
Did you buy it over the internet or in person?
What should I be looking for when purchasing a preowned watch?
Any advice would be appreciated!
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First of all, happy birthday in advance!!

You're right in saying most watches bought new do not hold their value. Even more so for the J12, since chanel is not a watch company. So I'd strongly recommend preowned.

I am a watch collector and all my watches were bought preowned, and i certainly do not regret it one bit!

The likelihood of getting scammed is the same be it online or in person, so the most important point is to BUY THE SELLER!
I would, however, strongly recommend buying from authorised and reputable preowned dealers.
This reduces the amount of research needed.

I'd also recommend the Rolex over the Chanel as i see the chanel as more of a fashion watch than the Rolex.

Good luck with your search!
 
#22
OP -

I am just curious and maybe I am misunderstanding but where have you be enable to get 50% off any Rolex?!! I am assuming this is not from a rolex authorized dealer or is being offered very under the table since Rolex would strip them of their AD status immediately. The general rule is about 10 to 20% discount for a new in box Rolex, depending on the popularity of the model, jewelers desperation and your ability to negotiate. Also suggest going to the shop with your card and or cash to show them you are serious.

I agree with the others who said to get a new Rolex. If you get a used one, go to someone who is an authorized dealer as that will offer you marginally more protection than eBay. Also beware that rolex does not allow their ADs to sell over the internet so those who do did not obtain their watches directly from official sources.

I have a very reputable AD in NYC if you are interested.
 
#23
I am sorry for the confusion. I have an AD who is willing to give me 20% off list, I was thinking if I went the preowned route I could get closer to 50% off list. The problem is the watch model I am looking at is pretty new and therefore I have not been able to find it preowned. I have seen preowned watches up to 50% off list. I am waiting for a few watch dealers looking for a used one, if I can't find it, I think I may just have to go the new route.
 
#24
I was in the same boat! I didn't have THAT much money to spend so I couldn't go all out but I allowed myself 3K either new or used for my 30th bday gift. I decided on the Cartier solo tank new. It's the exact style that I wanted and I like the fact that I am the only one who has owned it so I know it's history and how it's been treated.

I think there is a big risk in buying used. If you do happen to get a used watch (especially Cartier) make sure you see the INSIDE of the watch too. Cartier's watches will have Cartier stamped on their timepieces "guts" so to speak.

I vote for new. I think it's the only way to go if you want to drop cash on a watch and still feel good about it and at peace with it when it comes to working well for the next 10-15 years of your life.
 
#25
The thing is if I go the new route, I will have to downgrade the watch, no MOP dial, 24 diamond bezel, and I may have to give up the diamond markers as well. Not sure I want to do all of that. The other option is to get the watch with out the diamond bezel and buy a separate after market diamond bezel to switch out. Not sure if that can be done.
 
#26
As long as you're buying from a reputable seller I think second hand with more bling is absolutely fine. It's so common for high end watches to be bought and then traded in. I hope you find what you're looking for!
 
#27
I think I have to be patient and just wait to see what one of these second hand dealers find for me. I really want the diamond bezel, so I think I will wait a couple months and see what comes up. If I can't find the watch second hand, I will go the new route without a MOP.
 
#28
perfumegirl01 said:
OP -

I am just curious and maybe I am misunderstanding but where have you be enable to get 50% off any Rolex?!! I am assuming this is not from a rolex authorized dealer or is being offered very under the table since Rolex would strip them of their AD status immediately. The general rule is about 10 to 20% discount for a new in box Rolex, depending on the popularity of the model, jewelers desperation and your ability to negotiate. Also suggest going to the shop with your card and or cash to show them you are serious.

I agree with the others who said to get a new Rolex. If you get a used one, go to someone who is an authorized dealer as that will offer you marginally more protection than eBay. Also beware that rolex does not allow their ADs to sell over the internet so those who do did not obtain their watches directly from official sources.

I have a very reputable AD in NYC if you are interested.
Click to expand...

Hi I know it a old thread. But would you mind share the AD that you know??Im looking to buy a brand new JLC watch. So i need a discount TIA.
 
#29
nycdiva said:
I am sorry for the confusion. I have an AD who is willing to give me 20% off list, I was thinking if I went the preowned route I could get closer to 50% off list. The problem is the watch model I am looking at is pretty new and therefore I have not been able to find it preowned. I have seen preowned watches up to 50% off list. I am waiting for a few watch dealers looking for a used one, if I can't find it, I think I may just have to go the new route.
Click to expand...
Hi I know it a old thread. But would you mind share the AD that you know??Im looking to buy a brand new JLC watch. So i need a discount TIA.:D:D
 
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