Selling second hand watches?

[g4ry13]

Hi, I had a bit of a business idea and wondering if there's much of a market for this type of thing. I think i'll be able to source some high-quality watches (Rolex, Omega, Longines, maybe some Franck Muller etc.) second hand and very cheap. All legitimate I add. Only thing is it may just be the watch itself and not the box and certificates included.

So the question is: is there a profitable market in second hand watches (that aren't special editions or rare ones) and would people be likely to buy just the watch itself without boxes/certificates?

As something slightly unrelated I was thinking of getting a Rado for myself - just wondering if anyone has any experience of the build/quality of them. I know they're not exactly Rolex prices, but somewhat in the middle ground of the market with Omegas, Longines, Tags etc.

Thanks for any help

Edited by g4ry13 on Sunday 29th July 14:16

[anonymous-user]

I'd buy a watch without box and papers if the price reflected this and there was lots of good photos including movement and caseback numbers, depending on the watch.

[Apache]

I'd be up for an Omega Seamaster GMT with a white face....but it would have to be cheap

[filaborg]

i will take a franck muller off your hands.

[g4ry13]

filaborg said:

i will take a franck muller off your hands.

I've got to take a look into this but it will involve travelling abroad. It's all purely speculative at the moment anyway. How much would you even be willing to pay out of interest for one of those? You think £8,000 is reasonable - of course it's dependent on metals and rarity of the watch but they won't be £1,000.

Lastly, any opinions on Rado watches for quality/build?

[dawson2k5]

It is very difficult to sell second hand watches as you have some major competition.
If you can beat the prices on watches.co.uk then you are halfway there.
I source watches which is far easier.
Mainly i look at the mid to high end of the watch market(£1500+)
The people at this end are looking mainly for hassle free shopping, so they give me a model, for instance a Rolex Daytona in gold and a price (£8000-£9000) and give them 1-10 different options at different prices with 5% commision added on top.
I can not always find a model at the right price but i try my best and usally get a more than competitive price be it second hand or brand new with a service you can trust and people that have time for you.
The advantage with this is that you are not risking any money, you are getting exactly what the client wants, and you are doing something you love in the process.
Think wiseley about selling second hand watches and be sure that you can afford to take a loss on all of them or risk not selling them at all.

[dawson2k5]

Rado are great looking watches with good movements a worth while purchase as long as it is a watch you like and not an investment.