Buying used high value watches

[bertie]

So I love browsing and am so tempted by some of the used watches out there.

But I always have a nagging fear of being caught out by something being non genuine so end up looking at new and then often not buying because of the cost.

There are some great deals from abroad but you cant view them, and even if you could I'm not sure I know enough detail to spoke a genuine from a very good replica.

I've heard tales of even official Rolex dealers being caught out so given the number of very good "replicas" out there how do you ensure that what your buying is genuine?

[Progressive]

"Buy the seller".

Plenty of very reputable pre-owned watch sellers out there. I have bought pre-owned before from reputable sellers and never had an issue.

If you don't have the technical knowledge to validate whether a watch is a knock off, use a reputable seller. Sure, you'lol pay more, but generally it is worth it for the peace of mind.

[Wills2]

I would buy from a reputable source, plenty out there who know what is fake and what is real.

Watchfinder/Blowers/Hackett Watches/Iconic watches etc....

That will cost more than that bargain you spot from the private seller, but at the level of watch you're looking at from your other thread you shouldn't mind paying for surety.

[hosedoctor]

What sort of money are you talking about spending??

[bertie]

hosedoctor said:

What sort of money are you talking about spending??

I'm after a white face AP Royal Oak, either a 15400 or a Offshore Diver 15710

[PJ S]

15400 is silver but looks white in many photos, 15300 is white.

[bertie]

PJ S said:

15400 is silver but looks white in many photos, 15300 is white.

Good point, thanks, in which case I mean 15300

[audidoody]

Pay the extra for box and papers

[bertie]

audidoody said:

Pay the extra for box and papers

Indeed.

Blowers have one in but no box and papers which is a shame

[drainbrain]

bertie said:

Indeed.

Blowers have one in but no box and papers which is a shame

Wouldn't let that put you off. The 'box n' papers' thing is a fairly recent phenomenon, and of relatively little importance to many.

Obviously if the watch is a keeper and not for flipping b n' p is a complete irrelevance.

https://keepthetime.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-watch-...

Edited by drainbrain on Wednesday 21st December 13:34

[hosedoctor]

I can get you a brand new15710 for £12,000?

[drainbrain]

hosedoctor said:

I can get you a brand new15710 for £12,000?

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/audemarspiguet/nov-special-royal-oak-offshore-diver-15710st-white-dial--id3809199.htm

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/audemarspiguet/audemars-...

Wouldn't take it over a 15300 tho'

Edited by drainbrain on Wednesday 21st December 16:33

[bertie]

drainbrain said:

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/audemarspiguet/nov-speci...

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/audemarspiguet/audemars-...

Wouldn't take it over a 15300 tho'

Edited by drainbrain on Wednesday 21st December 16:33

Who a "guardian of Time?" or am I being too paranoid?

Also, what's the difference between 15300 and 15400?

Edited by bertie on Wednesday 21st December 17:16

[drainbrain]

bertie said:

Who a "guardian of Time?" or am I being too paranoid?

Also, what's the difference between 15300 and 15400?

Edited by bertie on Wednesday 21st December 17:16

At a guess I'd say he's a grey market dealer who sources watches for enquirers.

And, http://www.tourbullion.com/2013/03/comparative-rev...

[PJ S]

bertie said:

Also, what's the difference between 15300 and 15400?

2mm smaller and logo position – and different colour blue dial, as well as the aforementioned white one.

[anonymous-user]

bertie said:

hosedoctor said:

What sort of money are you talking about spending??

I'm after a white face AP Royal Oak, either a 15400 or a Offshore Diver 15710

The Offshore Diver 15710 with black face looks bloody lovely!

[traffman]

Get friendly with some dealers , Oakleigh ,Hackett , watchclub , blowers and watchfinder....theres many more . They will help you out , and give you confidence.
Seeing as it's your first high end purchase i would stay away from Ebay until you know how and what to spot on a fake.

[Captain Cadillac]

before you buy a used AP, be very wary of how old it is and if any warranty is remaining.

A service is usually upwards of $2,000 on one of these things.

[z4RRSchris]

a service is £750 from AP. comes with a two year warranty. mine has broken twice so far.....

ere is mine

[bertie]

z4RRSchris said:

a service is £750 from AP. comes with a two year warranty. mine has broken twice so far.....

ere is mine

That's lovely!!