During the past fifteen years, the vintage and used watch market has surpassed the expectations of everyone involved as demand has exceedingly surpassed supply-making prices rise to incredible new levels. Because of no "value added taxes" and favorable exchange rates, German, Italian and Oriental dealers flock to the Western Hemisphere in search of vintage and high caliber pre-owned watches.
What do these dealers know that you don't? There are great deals to be made with the purchase of pre-owned watches! As the price for skilled labor climbs up, so does the price of Swiss watches. A watch is not like a car where there are "model years." Most watches have mechanisms that don't change for decades at a time and unfortunately, when they do change it's to replace the existing models with cheaper quality mechanisms. These are just a few of the tangibles that make pre-owned watches such good investments. For the most part, the average consumer can count on substantial savings along with a higher return on his initial investment if he ever wants to sell or trade his pre-owned watch in the future.
In the past, there were many warnings put out against buying pre-owned watches-mostly by dealers of new watches or others who were ignorant of the market. But even though there can be certain risks involved in buying a pre-owned watch, if the consumer purchases his watch from a reputable or his personal jeweler he will eliminate most of these risks. A jeweler who deals in pre-owned watches should be responsible for disclosure if the watch has not been maintained properly, had water damage or has been "enhanced or altered" in any way. Most jewelers will also give a 1-2 year labor warranty, assure authenticity, water resistance and some might even cover parts they have replaced when rebuilding a watch.
There are plenty of jewelers that offering pre-owned watches. Compare their prices and the condition of the watch being offered before making your final decision. Remember if it sounds like too much of a good deal, it probably isn't! Pre-owned watch purchasing in not only a smart decision on the part of the consumer, but it also results in bringing the prestige of wearing the finest high grade watch models within the reach of many of us.
Quick History/Facts: Louis Breguet considered to be "the father of the modern watch" because of the technical innovations he invented. George Washington was among the historical figures who wore a Louis Breguet. The Brazilian aviator, Santos Dumont, inspired Cartier's to produce the "Santos" watch. Today most high grade watches are fitted with synthetic sapphire crystals that are highly scratch resistant. While many Swiss brand watches may have their own unique styling, most have movements manufactured by one company, ETA.
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