Pre owned watch prices

[Eve]

Browsing for a new watch and looking at 2nd sites as well as new, but know nothing about watch brands/styles / model s / desirability etc

why are 2nd prices almost same as new - a Cartier tank is only few £s cheaper 2nd hand?

Hi OP, I've just bought a new Cartier Tank and looked at both second hand and new (and several different styles) before deciding to buy new, as you say the price difference isn't huge. In my I had nearly all the money but not quite enough, so I put down a deposit and the rest in interest free instalments rather than saving up for another couple of months, as the Cartier salesperson told me prices are going up from 01 May, which also influenced my decision to purchase now.

I got the Tank Francais and love it!

It’s quite common for pre-loved to be nearly as much or even more than a new one. It’s driven by the fact that new watches are incredibly hard to get hold of and for some brands and models you have to go through a long laborious process of courting the jeweller and getting in the good books and buying a less desirable model first to stand a chance of getting the watch you want. Very common with Rolex and higher end brands. Models of Rolex bought for £6k new 10 years ago will sell now for £12k pre-loved in certain circumstances.

Can be a similar sort of situation with high end handbags I.E. Chanel and Hermes.

@RubiesandRose

that is what I am looking at - where did you get yours from?

I have had the same watch for 20 years and despite new battery /service etc its losing time so want to invest in something to last the next 20 years.

@Eve, Goldsmiths with next day delivery! I absolutely love it. I couldn't make my mind up between the Tank Must, Balloon Bleu and the Tank Francais but went with the Francais after trying them all on and don't regret it for a moment!

OP, I don’t know if you’re looking for recommendations on other brands. Personally I wouldn’t spend Cartier Tank-type money on a quartz watch. Quartz watches are cheap to make, so all the money you pay goes on the branding. You should get one with automatic movement - that’s the kind of watch you wear your whole life and pass down to your kids. Tudor watches are Rolex quality at around £2K. Tudor black bay is bold and stunning, but if you like something more elegant than the clair de rose is gorgeous.

@Mrcpy

thanks for that - will have a look, not heard of Tudor before. I only know of the major watch brands so no idea of quality etc. Would love a rolex but way above my budget!

Watches are mad at the mo. I bought DH a Rolex for his 50th 2.5 years ago for £4.2k. The same watch second hand is now £9k.

PP are right, it’s the fact you can’t just walk into a shop and buy these watches, there’s a long waiting list for many of them. We ordered a Rolex for my 50th, next December, back in February, and there’s no guarantee they’ll have one in time.

Aware we’re buying ‘entry level’ Rolexes so no idea if the same is true of the more expensive models… but it does all seem bonkers.

I've got a ballon bleu 2020 pre owned in stock. 32mm pink dial automatic ref wsbb0046 if of any use. I'm in the trade.

independent jewellers and even places like the watch lab are better options
I have 3 omega watches and none of them were more than 20% of new retail price
I’ve got my eye on a vintage ladies gold Rolex in a town in my county - it would be well over £20k new and I’m trying to wear them down to under £5k 😉😊