Beginner's guide: Reasons to buy a pre-owned or vintage watch?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Pre-Owned and a Vintage Watch? What arguments speak for and against investing in one of these Watch categories? Is it still worthwhile to buy a new Watch directly from the brand boutique or dealer? And is that even possible without a long waiting time? In this article, we will get to the bottom of the most important questions.

At first glance, the terms Pre-Owned Watches and Vintage Watches appear similar and for some are understood as synonymous terms. But in fact, there are subtle differences between these two types of timepieces. 

Certified Pre-Owned Watches are usually used or worn Watches offered at a price that is typically below that of a new Watch. However, they can significantly increase in value over time and thus represent a worthwhile investment. This is especially true for popular models of certain brands. For example, the Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and other candidates. Of course, it should be noted that the Condition of the Watch plays a role here. Pre-Owned can also mean that the Watch has had a previous owner but was never or rarely worn. 

In contrast, Vintage Watches are not necessarily used or previously worn Watches by definition. However, they are definitely older and essentially embody the charm of bygone times. These Watches radiate a nostalgic atmosphere of past eras. A Vintage Watch is usually considered as such if it is at least 20 to 30 years old, and all models manufactured before 1990 are counted among the so-called Vintage Watches. Before that, watch experts speak of “Neo-Vintage Watches.” However, there is still no universally accepted definition of when a Watch is considered Vintage.

This means that the term “Pre-Owned” refers more to the Condition and the number of owners of the Watch, whereas the term “Vintage” refers more to the age or the year of manufacture of the Watch. Vintage Watches often carry cultural or historical value, while Pre-Owned Watches are simply used Watches that are offered again on the Watch market. Their Condition is thoroughly checked for authenticity, genuineness, functionality, and water resistance before resale. At least, this should be the case with a reputable dealer. Ideally, the dealer, like us, has their own workshop with experienced and certified master watchmakers.

Collector’s Piece Limited

Cartier

Tortue

Cartier Tortue 18 ct gold automatic men's watch CRW1548151, W1548151 LP: 173000EUR Limited [2505652] Sale price94.450€

Must Have

Rolex

Daytona

Rolex Daytona chronograph 18 ct gold automatic men's watch 116518 [2601383] Sale price25.650€

Must Have

Rolex

Daytona

Rolex Daytona chronograph 18 ct gold automatic men's watch 16518 [2601382] Sale price25.350€

Collector’s Piece

A. Lange & Söhne

Langematik

A. Lange & Söhne Langematik 18 ct white gold automatic men's watch 308.027 [2602215] Sale price24.450€

Must Have

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ceramic / titanium automatic men's watch 26405CE.OOA002CA.01 LP: 54400EUR [2601219] Sale price24.350€

Collector’s Piece

A. Lange & Söhne

Saxonia

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia platinium manual winding unisex 105.025 [2506602] Sale price24.150€

Must Have

Patek Philippe

Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava 18 ct white gold automatic men's watch 5296G-010 LP: 43802EUR [2602775] Sale price22.500€

Must Have

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chronograph steel automatic men's watch 26703ST.OO.A027CA.01 [2600525] Sale price22.150€

Distinctions between Pre-Owned and new Watch:

A new Watch, unlike a Pre-Owned Watch, has not been owned by anyone and therefore has not been worn before. A Watch purchased new from the dealer or directly from the brand is in flawless, unused Condition.

It is important to note that these Watches have not had an owner until now. When you buy a new Watch, you are the first owner. Upon purchase, the warranty card or guarantee certificate is issued to you. If you sell the Watch, it would then become a Pre-Owned Watch, as it now has a previous owner. However, the Condition of the Pre-Owned Watch should always be considered. As mentioned, these Watches can also be in like-new Condition.

The story behind well-known and interesting Vintage models:

• The Omega Speedmaster Professional, also known as the "Moonwatch," was first introduced in the 1950s. Interestingly, this Watch model holds significant historical value as it was worn on the moon for the first time in 1969 and was presented by NASA to the first astronauts as a luxury item, as it was meant to withstand all adversities.

• The Cartier Santos Watch is a classic model from Cartier with a long history. The Santos was first designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. This Watch was one of the first wristwatches specifically developed for men and was characterized by its angular, square case and the distinctive Dial.

• The Rolex Explorer is an iconic wristwatch whose history is closely linked to milestones in mountaineering. The birth hour the Explorer is the year 1953, when it was launched on the market. Its design was inspired by the experiences of British mountaineers during the first ascent of Mount Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore Rolex Watches when they climbed the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. This triumph greatly contributes to the fame of the Explorer.

Pros and cons for Pre-Owned or Vintage Watches and new Watches:

Vintage Watches are, according to experts and watch enthusiasts, far more than just collectibles from past times. They are also works of art that tell of nostalgic and historically significant eras. In addition, Vintage Watches are no longer available as new Watches. So you can acquire rare designs that no longer exist on today's market. Rich history and own character – so a first "pro" for the Vintage Watches!

New Watches are often considerably more expensive than their older variants. Some Watch models, apart from the higher purchase price, also have an immediate loss in value after purchase. If you do not like the Watch after all, this can become a disappointing factor. Therefore, the purchase of a new Watch should be well considered. A "con" for the new Watch variant!

Pre-Owned Watches are in some cases considerably more affordable than their new variants and there is also no waiting time. A "pro" therefore for the Pre-Owned Watches!

New Watches are sold on the watch market directly to you as the first owner in their original and full scope of delivery including Box and papers. A warranty for several years is documented in writing. A "pro" for the new Watch!

Vintage -200€

Omega

Seamaster

Omega Seamaster steel automatic women's watch 566.0007 Vintage [2505076] Sale price1.550€ Regular price1.750€

Vintage

Rolex

Datejust

Rolex Datejust steel / white gold automatic men's watch 1601 Vintage [2601379] Sale price4.450€

Vintage

Rolex

Datejust

Rolex Datejust steel / white gold automatic men's watch 1601 [2602270] Sale price4.450€

Vintage

Omega

Speedmaster

Omega Speedmaster chronograph steel automatic men's watch 176.009 Vintage [2600992] Sale price2.650€

Vintage

Glashütte

Spezimatic

Glashütte Spezimatic gilt-brass automatic men's watch Vintage [2600577] Sale price850€

Vintage

Rolex

Lady Date

Rolex Lady Date steel / white gold automatic women's watch 6517 Vintage [2601397] Sale price2.750€

Collector’s Piece Vintage

Patek Philippe

Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava 18 ct gold manual winding men's watch 3512 Vintage [2602034] Sale price7.450€

Vintage

Rolex

Precision

Rolex Precision steel manual winding men's watch 6694 Vintage [2602278] Sale price3.350€

Often, it cannot be guaranteed that a Pre-Owned or Vintage Watch is waterproof and shockproof. This requires inspection and regular checks. Good dealers will examine the Watch for its full functionality and quality before handing it over to you. Due to the higher effort and risk, a slight "con" against the Pre-Owned Watches!

New Watches are usually bought with the latest and newest technology and design. Additional functions as well as new complications are guaranteed by the dealer or the watch brand in the new Watch models, unlike the Vintage variants. A "pro" for the modern and new Watches!

This pro and con list could be continued in the smallest detail. It is therefore in the eye of the beholder and buyer how they weigh advantages and disadvantages and how they want and can allocate their budget for the timepiece of their dreams.