PRE-OWNED WATCHES - THE FACTS

It is no secret that your first foray into the luxury watch market can occasionally be a long and, sometimes, stressful journey. With so many brands, styles, functions and movements to choose from it is easy to get lost in the decision making process. But fear not, Laings of Glasgow's watch experts are here to make your options clear and lay out some guidelines for what you should be looking for when buying a luxury watch. Today we will look at the benefits of buying second hand, or pre-owned watches.

What is a pre owned watch?

It may sound like a basic question, but many people are unsure as to what exactly they are getting when they buy pre-owned watches. Well, it really is as simple as it sounds - a pre owned or second hand watch is one that has been purchased or worn previously by someone else. Depending on the model you are interested in the age of the watch could range from a few months to a few decades old. Lots of people change their watches every few years so it is always worth keeping an eye on your local stores for a rare or limited edition model you have been searching for.

Why buy a pre owned watch?

It is a question we often encounter here at Laings; "Why would I buy a pre owned watch when I could just buy a new one?". While each person will have their own reasons for buying pre owned we've put together some of the main benefits of choosing a model from our fantastic and ever-changing pre owned selection.

- Luxury at an affordable price

Luxury watches can range from a few hundred pounds to tens and even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Not everyone who dreams of a high-end luxury watch can afford the high-end price tag. Pre-owned watches contribute towards narrowing the gap between ownership dreams and reality. According to our watch experts, depending on the age and condition of the piece you can save around 20-30% or even higher on the cost of the same or updated model new. For example, this pre owned midsize Rolex DateJust with Ivory pyramid dial retails new for approximately £7'250 - the pre owned price is £4'500. That is a massive saving of around 35%! This particular model was originally purchased in October 2006 but has been serviced by Rolex this year so you can be sure it is in excellent condition. It also comes with the original box and paperwork so in essence it is not so different from a brand new model. The Panerai 441 Luminor GMT watch also offers a great discount off the new model RRP.

Pre Owned Mens Panerai 441 Luminor GMT Watch

- What condition should you expect?

It is important to remember that not all pre-owned models will be in immaculate or "as new" condition, such is the very nature of the pre-owned market. Here at Laings we do our very best to ensure that any marks or other condition issues are detailed where possible online, or explained at the time of purchase. While the majority of our pre-owned models are either serviced or polished, on occasion there will be normal wear and tear marks that cannot be removed. As a buyer this means that often where you may compromise on "immaculate" condition, you can save even further on price - and if that means finding the perfect rare or discontinued model at a great price it is often more than worth the sacrifice.

- Up to 3 years interest free credit

Our fantastic selection of pre-owned watch includes brands such as Rolex, Cartier, IWC, Panerai, Breitling and TAG Heuer. We have a stunning range of watches with varying prices. On most models we are able to offer up to 3 years interest free credit with as low as 10% deposit. If you've found the watch of your dreams, but can't quite afford to pay the whole balance up-front, our interest free credit options are the perfect solution. If you are looking to purchase a pre-owned model as a special gift, or just a special treat for yourself you can spread the cost and have the watch you've always wanted with affordable monthly payments. This Omega Seamaster diver chronograph watch is £2'800. With the minimum of £280 deposit up front and finance taken over 12 months this watch could be yours with monthly payments of only £210.

- Choice of rare & discontinued models

Laings of Glasgow's selection of pre-owned watches includes many high-end brands which often release limited edition or special edition models. While these can be very difficult to find at the time of release - in a few years' time they often pop up in pre-owned selections. Take for example the Rolex GMT Master II with "Coca Cola" red and black bezel, this is an older model - from approximately 1998 - but is still in great condition with the original box and paperwork. Priced at £4'650 this pre-owned watch is perfect for anyone who has been searching for the Coca Cola bezel style for a while.

Pre Owned Rolex GMT Master II Black Dial Black and Red Bezel Watch

Similarly, the Breitling Shadow Flyback is from 2003 and has just been serviced by Breitling in 2015. If you are searching for a specific special or limited edition model it is worth checking local stores' pre-owned selections as you never know when that elusive watch will appear!

Pre Owned Breitling Shadow Flyback Chronograph Watch

- Guaranteed Authenticity

One of the most common factors that puts people off from buying pre-owned watches is the fear of unknowingly purchasing a counterfeit product. You can put your mind at ease by buying your watch from Laings of Glasgow. All of our pre owned watches are carefully examined and tested by our in-house watchmaker who is certified by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, TAG Heuer and many more to carry out examinations, diagnostics, servicing and repairs on the majority of models. Many of our pre-owned watches are traded-in to us by customers who bought them from us in the first place and this can be seen on many models that come with the original box and paperwork or guarantee cards. For example the ladies Omega Seamaster was serviced by Omega in April 2015 and comes with the corresponding guarantee card. We strive to ensure that where possible our pre-owned watches come with some form of original documentation, or where possible a certified and branded service guarantee.

Pre Owned Ladies Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Automatic Watch

- Fully reconditioned & serviced models

As mentioned above, we strive where possible to service and examine the majority of our pre-owned models. This means you can be sure of a high quality luxury watch in great internal and external condition. Many of the models in our collection have undergone a full service by either the brand's UK service centre or our in-house, certified watch technician. This ladies TAG Heuer Carrera was fully serviced in 2015 These services are carried out under exacting conditions and to a very high standard. These services often include aesthetic work such as polishing the bracelet of the watch, and where possible, the case. This process usually eliminates the majority of the daily wear and tear the watch may have experienced and brings it up to a great external and internal condition. Watch services completed by brands such as Rolex, Cartier and Omega to name a few come with service guarantees for up to 2 years so you have peace of mind that you are not only making a safe and secure purchase, but also an investment.

Now that you know you are making a secure and worthwhile investment you can shop our selection of pre owned watches in store and online. If you have any questions about pre-owned watches or need information about trading in a watch you already own, you can contact us for more information.

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