The Ultimate Watchbuying Guide

Buying a new or used watch can be a daunting experience. We consulted with watch collectors, luxury watch salespeople and even watchmakers to compile a list that will help you avoid the pitfalls of owning luxury watches.

Tips From The Watchmakers

• Ask for a current timing ticket – Timing tickets are as close as we can get to a health check on a watch. They tell you how well a movement is running and how well it is keeping time. If you can’t get one of these then assume that you are going to need to have your watch serviced.
• Get a pressure test ticket – Are you buying a dive watch or just a watch with 30m of water resistance? Get one ticket to prove that the seals are still in good order on your timepiece. You won’t want to be removing your watch every time you wash your hands. Otherwise, assume you are going to need to get a partial service on your watch at the very least.
• Examine the crown and pushers – Look for signs of an impact. Even small dents can be a sign that the watch will no longer be water-resistant and could need at least a partial service.
• Send your new watch back to the manufacturer before the end of the warranty – This way they can run diagnostics on your watch and make sure everything is as it should be. Many companies have unadvertised extended warranty periods. So keep this in mind and be sure to ask when contacting them.
• Are you going to want to have your watch polished? – Keep in mind that to polish a watch properly the case has to be broken down and the crystal and gaskets removed. So include the price of a partial service if you want your watch professionally polished.
• Check the functions – Make sure to manually wind the watch. Check any additional functions to make sure they are all working properly. Adjust the time and date. Check that the date clicks over at midnight.
• Bring a loupe – Examine the dial and hands for signs of moisture penetration. Move the hands and check that they don’t touch when passing each other.

 

Tips From Experienced Collectors

• Don’t settle for second best – If you have your heart set on a watch and you are struggling to find it then don’t give up. Some people impulse buy something that they don’t really want just because they can’t find their current goal. It wastes money and wastes time.
• Get help – Ask for a second, third and fourth opinion on the watch you are looking to buy. One of the best parts of our community is the wealth of knowledge that we are happy to share. Get help from people in the know. As they say, two heads are better than one.
• Will your love stand the test of time? – Give yourself time to fall out of love with watches. You can be head over heels for a watch but a few months later be on to the next big thing. Take some time to see how your feelings change about a watch over a set period of time. It could save you a lot of money.
• Try before you buy – You never know how the watch will feel until it is on your wrist. Try them on in-store or if you want to buy a Rolex then borrow one from a friend/community member because you have zero chance of finding one in a boutique.

 

Tips From The Sales Professionals

• Shop at the end of the month – People will either be trying to make their monthly target or will already have met it. It should be easy to tell which is which as they will either be happy to do a deal or they won’t.
• Shop around – This doesn’t just apply to getting the best price. Retailers will be less likely to discount the more you visit their store to try on the same watch. They will assume that you will be shopping there regardless.