time zone
FIVE TIPS FOR COLLECTING PRE-OWNED WATCHES
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b y
C A R O L
B E S L E R
s watch collecting an investment? Sure, it can be, but watch
3. SIZE MATTERS. Large watches are a fad. Some really look good,
collecting, at any level, is also a passion. Wearing a pre-owned
but consider your wrist size, because an oversized watch on a small
timepiece that you love, or one that exudes status or style, is one
wrist looks sloppy. If you do buy a large watch, make sure your
of life’s great pleasures. Here are five tips for first-time pre-owned
shirt cuffs will fit over it. You don’t want to have to redo your
buyers.
wardrobe to fit your watch.
1. VISIT THE PRE-OWNED WATCH DEPARTMENT OF A REPUTABLE
4. MAINTAIN, BUT WITH CAUTION: If you’re buying a vintage watch,
RETAILER. Buying from your trusted, bricks-and mortar retailer is
make sure it’s in good shape or that it can be repaired or restored.
all about knowing your seller and being able to see a watch before
And if you own a good watch, make sure it gets serviced every few
you buy. Their pre-owned watches are usually sourced from the
years, but never polish the case or engrave the back: original cases
store’s other customers, who are trading up by selling off other
fetch a premium on the secondary market.
perfectly good timepieces from their collections. 5. QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY: Buy the best quality you can afford;
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2. IN-HOUSE MOVEMENTS MATTER. An in-house movement or
otherwise it will be difficult to trade up for any real value. A
a fine base caliber generally translates into more value for your
collection of four exceptional watches is better than a collection of
watch. In-house movements are made by the brand name on the
10 mediocre ones. Be selective. Buy what you love, not what you
dial and often developed specifically for the watches in which they
think others will love. Buying strictly for investment can easily end
are cased.
in frustration and saddle you with a collection you will never enjoy.
A L B E R T ’ S
D I A M O N D
J E W E L E R S
M A G A Z I N E
