Pre-Owned Watch Buying Guide

Five checks

1. Service history — has it been serviced in the last 5 years? Receipt or stamped book?
2. Dial originality — relume jobs and refinished dials kill value. Look for crisp printing.
3. Hands match — replacement hands often have wrong lume or shape.
4. Case sharpness — over-polished cases lose their original chamfers.
5. Bracelet stretch — old bracelets sag under their own weight. Lift and check.

Where to buy

• AD pre-owned programmes (best, often warrantied).
• WatchBox, Bob's Watches, Chrono24 trusted sellers.
• Avoid: marketplace listings with stock photos.