Best Pre-Owned Luxury Watches To Buy in 2025

November 25, 2024 Tim Mahon

Luxury watches may experience ups and downs in prices. This doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable.

Certain factors work to make the prices fall. Economic situation, market correction, and oversupply are some of them.

Sometimes you see the retail price higher than secondhand. Sometimes it’s the opposite.

One thing that remains constant is– people’s desire to own one.

The reason?

A luxury timepiece brings several benefits–

Meticulous craftsmanship
Time accuracy
Classic design
History and legacy
Intricate complications
High resale value

For this, people appreciate them.

These are true for preowned watches too. So, if you want to buy one, we have something for you to check.

Best Pre-Owned Luxury Watches: Comparison Table

Model	Retail Price	Market Price	Special Features
Rolex Submariner	$10,250	$13,300	Water resistant up to 300m.
Omega Speedmaster	$2,500	$2,250	Withstands extreme conditions.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak	$23,600	$22,906	Unique designs like an Octagonal bezel, a Tapisserie pattern, and Exposed screws.
Patek Philippe Nautilus	$42,100	$84,409	Complex features like the annual calendar and moon phase.
Cartier Santos	$7,750	$6,017	7-sided crown with a faceted synthetic spinel.

Why Are Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Smart Choices in 2025?

Affordable Access to High-End Brands

Luxury watches hold their value even if it’s preowned. For this, you see the cost of many pieces higher than the original price.

This is particularly true for the big 3 brands i.e. Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet.

Then again, not all the preowned watches will be pricier and not always.

Several luxury brand models, including some from the big 3, carry price tags below the retail ones. Some consumers say–

Preowned watches can cost 10% to 30% lower than their new counterparts.

This doesn’t mean they lose value. It happens because of factors like:

Oversupply
Market correction
Limited documentation or market
Economic downturn

All these can cause the price of preowned watches to drop overall.

WatchCharts already has a report on it mentioning–

“Secondhand watch prices dropped about 15% in 2022.”

The market can fluctuate. So, check and compare the prices to grab the best deal. That way, you can own a fine watch to elevate your personality in a reasonable range.

Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint

You can give preowned watches a second life after buying one.

A lot of stuff goes on behind new timepieces. Producing one involves– processing raw materials, cutting gemstones, machining, assembly, and quality control.

All these require energy and leave waste. Both the energy and carbon footprint can affect our environment.

A study highlights that–

It takes around 23MJ and 2kg CO2 to make a watch.

For one watch, the number is minimal. However, for bigger quantities, it can be concerning.

Hence, the main goal is to reduce the demand for new watches. How? Simple.

By choosing preowned models.

Luxury watches are made to last decades anyway. So, buying pre-owned supports sustainability.

You can conserve resources like raw materials, gemstones, and energy-intensive processes.

Investment Potential and Value Retention

The horological industry often sees fluctuations in prices.

Many pre-owned models can get back into the appreciation game even if they undergo a dip.

You just need to track the trends, statistics, and prices.

Several luxury watches often continue to hold value which even increases over time. This makes them a smart investment.

Models like the Rolex Daytona or Patek Philippe Nautilus are 2 prominent quintessentials.

The price of preowned ones stays mostly higher than the original ones. It also has less chance of dropping.

Although it’s a con, there’s a technique to get a valuable timepiece without breaking the bank:

Opt for popular models.
Look for them during off-peak seasons.
Follow watch forums, auctions, and resale sites to monitor market trends, compare deals, and grab the best one.
Make sure it’s authentic. Verify it by checking the original documents and serial numbers.

Now that you have it. Track watch prices on resale sites and auctions and sell at high prices accordingly.

Top Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Brands and Models for 2025

1. Rolex Submariner

A star diver

Retail Price	Our Price
$10,250	$13,300

Rolex Submariner handles water pressure like a boss. With its water resistance of up to 300m, the wristwatch hooks professional divers and underwater enthusiasts.

Although those were the initial target group, its performance has won people from diverse backgrounds.

You’ll find it durable too. The brand has used premium Oystersteel which makes it tough and rust-resistant.

Speaking of robustness, its scratch-resistant ceramic bezel protects the crystal from dust and damage. Plus, the bezel makes sure it looks new even after years of use.

The piece also has a Caliber 3135 movement that powers the watch. Besides providing performance, the mechanism guarantees time precision and reliability.

Key Features

Water-resistant up to 300 meters, perfect for diving.
Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel
Automatic movement (Rolex Caliber 3135)
Oystersteel case for durability
Timeless, simple design

2. Omega Speedmaster

The Neil Armstrong

Retail Price	Our Price
$2,500	$2,250

Saying this because it’s allegedly the watch that explored the moon at first. People love Omega Speedmaster because of its solid performance.

It gets power from Omega Caliber 1861, a manual movement. This mechanism is known for its durability which makes it suitable for extreme conditions, like you see in space!

The chronograph function works well to measure elapsed time. It’s pretty handy for tracking activities, workouts, or events precisely.

Plus, it has a tachymeter scale that allows for proper speed measurements.

You’ll love the vintage look as it stays true to the 50s era. Its sleek silver case and bracelet feel premium and durable.

Key Features

Omega Caliber 1861 ensures performance
Chronograph functionality for time accuracy
Tachymeter scale for measuring speed
Vintage design and concentric pattern
Durable construction

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Innovative design to challenge everyone

Retail Price	Our Price
$23,600	$22,906

Three features of Royal Oak set the new standard for luxury watches. Its iconic octagonal bezel, Tapisserie pattern, and exposed screws.

When it hit the market, its sporty elegance grabbed the attention of several watch collectors and high-profile individuals.

This is perhaps the first timepiece that used steel with a complex design. Because of the premium materials, the watch feels solid even if you use it frequently.

It comes with Caliber 2121 or 3126/3840 movement to power the piece. The mechanism is tough enough to handle complications like a chronograph and perpetual calendars.

Although you may mostly find the case in 42mm, the size ranges from 33mm to 48mm. However, 42mm hits the sweet spot and can look incredible on your wrist.

Key Features

The octagonal bezel, Tapisserie pattern, and Exposed screws enhance the look.
Premium steel materials ensure durability
Caliber 2121 or 3126/3840 keeps functioning in check
The case comes in various sizes ranging from 33-48mm
Complicated movements like chronographs and perpetual calendars

4. Patek Philippe Nautilus

A fine blend of simplicity and complications

Retail Price	Market Price
$42,100	$84,409

You may know Nautilus 5980 by its complex features.

Its annual calendar lets you track the dates throughout the year so you never forget someone’s birthday.

The watch has a moon phase function. You can use it to follow the phases and position of the beautiful moon.

Another star is its porthole-shaped case and horizontally embossed dial. The duo makes the entire watch look classic.

Nautilus typically uses Caliber 324 SC movement to function. It’s a dual-time zone mechanism. So, you can check both local and home time with it.

As for the materials, Patek Philippe ensures quality. This watch is made of prime stainless steel and precious metals. So, it’s going to last decades and worst abuse.

Key Features

Annual calendar for tracking date
Moon phase for tracking moon position
Porthole-shaped case and horizontally embossed dial enhance the beauty
Quality stainless steel and precious metals
Caliber 324 SC with dual-time zone

5. Cartier Santos

Born with a unique style

Retail Price	Market Price
$7,750	$6,017

While most timepieces were busy showing off their elegance through round cases, Cartier Santos went different. Its rectangular case is one of its standout features.

Moreover, it boasts a 7-sided crown set with a faceted synthetic spinel. Such a style adds a unique touch to its classic design.

The silvered opaline dial gives an elegant backdrop to the bold numeral markers.

Its sapphire crystal is tough and withstands the harshest situations. Not just that! The case is of stainless steel and it ensures durability as well.

One noticeable factor is its flexibility. The steel bracelet comes with a SmartLink adjustment system. So, you can fit it perfectly.

Key Features

7-sided crown with a faceted synthetic spinel
Silvered opaline dial
Durable stainless steel and sapphire crystal
Caliber 1847 MC automatic movement
SmartLink adjustable steel bracelet

Factors to Consider When Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Watches

Authenticity Verification

Anything luxurious can have a cheap copy.

As you can see in the latest research,

You may stumble over 23.3 million fake watches that are circulating the US market alone. So, assessing the piece is a must.

Counterfeits look similar to the real deal. However, some signs can help you spot the difference.

Examine the brand and logo.

Focus on precision, alignment, and clarity in the engraving.

Inspect the serial numbers.

Check the brand website, manual, and box. It should be engraved neatly and match the records.

Analyze the craftsmanship.

The watch should feel premium. The assembly should be flawless. There shouldn’t be any rough edges or imperfections.

Review the weight.

Most luxury watches are heavier as they use premium materials like steel and gold.

Check documentation.

Verify the warranty card, certificates, purchase receipt, and original packaging.

Consult experts.

Talk to someone expert like a certified horologist or watch specialist who can help you out.

Always ask the seller for the documents. Make sure to inspect thoroughly. This can help you avoid getting something fake.

Plus, the documents would work as proof of authenticity. That way, you can use it when reselling the watch.

Condition Assessment

Typically, scratches and defects are one of the reasons why some people may want to sell the watch.

That’s what you must avoid.

Opt for the sellers who give you the freedom to check the condition. This means—

Look for signs of scratches and dents on the body.
Check whether the crystal has cracks or chips.

Being an authorized dealer, we always encourage our customers to do the same before buying a watch.

After that, check the functioning, i.e. the movement.

This refers to the inner mechanism of the watch. Luxury watches always carry precise, smooth movements. Make sure the preowned ones function properly when buying one.

Next, evaluate the servicing history.

A well-maintained preowned watch should be regularly serviced. This helps make the piece last longer and function better.

Ask the seller:

Has the watch been serviced?
When was it last done?
How many times has it been serviced?

Assessing all these influences the value of your watch. The one in fine and stellar condition is always valuable.

Reputable Sellers

Avoid those who seem suspicious.

Always buy from trustworthy sources.

You can scour Google for feedback and ratings to see what consumers say about the seller.

We suggest you check both the dealer profile and 3rd party sites for the reviews.

Try to get a referral too. Talk to your acquaintances or someone you know who’s a watch enthusiast. They may suggest reliable sellers or link you to them.

Here are some of the credible dealers that you can give a shot:

Online Platforms

Great Lakes Watch
Watchfinder
Bob’s Watches
Chrono24
The 1916 Company

In Person Stores

Brand stores like Rolex Boutiques
Jared Jewelers
Touneau
Lenkersdorfer
Local shops like Bergdorf Goodman in New York
Luxury shopping malls with watch section

These sources have a reputation for selling authentic timepieces with proper documentation and certifications.

Tips to Get the Best Deals on Pre-Owned Luxury Watches

Timing Your Purchase

There are certain times when the price of preowned luxury watches drops. This will be like a jackpot.

You just need to ‘watch over’ it.

Usually, the best time is during the months after the holiday like—

February and March.

The demand decreases during that period and so is the price.

Moreover, keep an eye on new releases. This can cause older models to drop in price.

So, stay aware of market trends. You may bag the perfect deal at the right time.

Negotiating With Sellers

You can also lower the cost of preowned watches if there’s a scope to bargain.

It's better to know about the watch, its brand, and its market value. Eventually, you’ll have a better chance to ask for a discount.

If there’s a flaw, point it out. See whether the seller would like to lower the price.

We suggest you check prices from multiple sellers.

You can get a sense of the fair market value for the watches.

Common Myths About Pre-Owned Luxury Watches

"Pre-Owned Means Poor Quality"

Fact: Not always.

Many preowned watches come in excellent condition, especially if the owner has maintained and serviced them well. Some even look so new that it’s hard to tell how long they were used.

You have to check the condition for that before buying the watch.

"Pre-Owned Watches Lack Value Retention"

Fact: False in most cases.

Certain luxury watches continue to hold their value. You’ll also find secondhand timepieces that are pricier than the retail ones.

For instance, some models of—

Rolex
Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet

However, buy one that looks new and maintain it properly. This helps the watch hold its value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best pre-owned luxury watches to invest in for 2025?

Here are 3 great pre-owned luxury watches you can consider investing in—

Rolex Submariner
Omega Speedmaster
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

How can I verify the authenticity of a pre-owned luxury watch?

Asking for proper documents is a must. Also, evaluate the serial number, quality, craftsmanship, and mechanism. That’s how you can verify whether the preowned watch is authentic.

Which brands retain the most value in the pre-owned market?

Try ones from the big 3 brands. This means Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.

These brands retain the most value in the preowned market.

Where is the best place to buy pre-owned luxury watches?

Grab the best deal and your favorite preowned luxury watch from Great Lakes Watch.

Some other good places are–

Chrono24
Watchfinder
Bob’s Watch

What should I check before buying a used luxury watch?

Check these factors when getting a used luxury watch–

Certificates
Condition
Quality
Mechanism
Serial number

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