Buying a second hand watch

[chickenkiev]

I've got a significant Birthday coming up and DH would like to buy me a watch. I've lusted after a Cartier tank or a plain Rolex for years and preowned makes them more affordable.
Is this a wise move or foolhardy? Any advice welcome.

How exciting! Are you anywhere near London? I haven't used these guys myself but some colleagues have and were happy:

www.royalexchangejewellers.com/watches.php

Thanks Click, I'm not in London but would be keen to go to look. Thanks for the recommendation.

I've been looking at watches. I don't think a Rolex is my thing but do like the plain Cartier tank.
Could any experts suggest other makes I might like? I'm not a fan of bling.

Omega are pretty up there in the posh watch stakes.

Check out Black Bough. They have some gorgeous ladies watches available and they are a lovely company to deal with.

I love Cartier. It's so elegant.

I have a ballon bleu but of the squared faces I think the santos is the nicest. However the tank is a classic so you can't really go wrong.

Watch snobs look down on Cartier but I think they are beautiful and don't warm to Rolex.

Yes my DH is a watch snob and says that Cartier is jewellery and not a proper watch. I suppose it is - but they are beautiful. I also have the ballon bleu.

I wanted a Cartier but DH ended up surprising me with a Rolex Oyster Datejust and I LOVE it, it's classy and understated and built like a tank so can withstand my accident-prone-ness. I'm a very understated person (If I'm at home I'm in jeans and a hoodie or jodphurs) and it doesn't look pretentious or blingly. It looks good for a night out or with jeans and a t-shirt.

I wouldn't spend money on a Cartier, it's like buying Tiffany, you pay for the name not additional quality. With the Rolex I can't get over to you how bullet proof the thing is AND having the date on my wrist is a game changer. I'm easily pleased!

I'd love a Rolex.
The more basic ones aren't astronomical if it's for a special occasion