Crash Course on Buying a Watch

Either you're about to start your watch journey or you're in the market for another and thinking about starting a collection. Maybe the waitlists at AD’s are getting to you but you’re nervous about purchasing a used watch. We get it, no one wants to get burned with this much of an investment on the line.

The best way to start is an old saying, "Buy the seller, not the watch." Make sure the person you're dealing with is trust worthy. Are they looking to help you make a good decision or are they trying to just sell something quick? Could there be a relationship in the future for more, or are they just trying to get you out the door? This is the big one but the team at 1MoreTime Watches has come up with a few more positive green flags to look for…

1. The price is a Fair Market Value. Does the watch you're looking at online, or in a store, seem to have a reasonable price? If that Rolex Submariner is $4000, it's not a real Rolex. Do your research and remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

2. The seller has a large, current online presence. Up to date social media, professional websites, reviews, these help you see that the seller isn’t some fly-by-night entity. Scammers will not be sharing their lives on IG and FB and bad reviews should always be taken seriously.

3. The watch keeps time accurately and all of its functions work properly. This might seem “understood” but you shouldn’t assume. If you're buying face to face, have the seller show you everything, if it's online, ask them to send pics!

4. Clear, sharp, well lit photos of the actual watch. Blurry, dark, noisy photos are an immediate red flag. Stock images can mean you might not get what you see, if anything at all. Make sure the photos show the dial, crown, lugs, strap, clasp, etc. If a box and papers are included, there should be an image of those as well.

So what are you into? Vintage GMT? An IWC Portuguese? Maybe that big Panerai? One thing is for sure, you’re more than a smart watch and you're not interested in playing the waitlist game. Purchasing a Pre-Owned watch, particularly with us, can be a joyful journey. Steer yourself towards the above green flags and leave the red flags behind you.