When you’re shopping for a new watch, it can be all too easy to stick to the newest designs. Regardless of the product, there’s just something about having the latest model of anything that will always be an attraction. However, if you want to buy a watch as a long-term investment, buying a brand-new watch is not the best course of action. It’s with pre-owned luxury watches that you can create an excellent investment opportunity.
Here are a few tips to help you in your search for a second hand watch purchase as an investment.

Set yourself on budget and consider the return on investment (ROI)

Research is absolutely crucial. Naturally, any pre-owned watch should be priced below the original RRP. Therefore, you need to find out what this is. You obviously also need to do a bit of homework regarding how much you can expect models to depreciate in value.
Similarly, the demand for makes and models can fluctuate, as can trends and the price of precious metals. It’s always worth seeking the advice of a jeweller or brand manufacturer, so that you are informed about the likelihood of how a piece might rise in value over time.
Supplement your research by gathering more information from watch forums and specialist sites. This will give you an indication of the demand there is for particular pieces. Once you’ve satisfied yourself that there is likely to be sufficient interest in a piece, you need to aim to find the most competitive prices so that you can make the largest ROI (return on investment).

What to look for with pre-owned watches

When shopping in the pre-owned watch market, it’s really important that you check for damage. Put simply, damage of any extent will reduce the value of a pre-owned watch. You need to keep your eyes peeled for marks and scuffs so that you don’t end up paying over the odds. Don’t dismiss a piece which is damaged out of hand entirely. It could still be a worthwhile purchase, especially if it can be fixed.
Bear in mind also that some collectable watches can be worth more with all the original parts included, even if they are damaged.
The original packaging and certification papers are also a massive bonus, if a watch comes complete with them.