Pre-owned watches for Christmas

Posted by chris on January 10th, 2019

It’s already December and you’re probably thinking “when did these past few months go by?” Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. Time seems to be flying by at breakneck speed these days. And, of course, there’s the holidays. Who can honestly say they’re not excited for a bit of holiday cheer, quality time with loved ones, and a well-deserved getaway? The only thing left to do is make sure you’ve bought presents for everyone. Pre-owned luxury watches are in the spotlight as one of the most popular gifts this season. In a world wherein everything and everyone seem to be in a constant process of digitalization, owning an analogue designer wristwatch becomes more than just a fashion statement.

Analogue vs. Digital

Can you imagine gifting a smartwatch to your nephew, best-friend, or husband? A neat gadget, yes, but hardly something they can look at with admiration. They would certainly not hand it down to future generations. They’d use it and be amused for several hours, maybe even days. However, one way or another, a smartwatch would definitely end up in a box somewhere in the attic, or at the back of a drawer that’s opened biannually. Sure, humorous gifts can sometimes be a helpful stand-in, especially with children, but, if you really think about it, it’s not something they’ll likely use habitually and grow fond of. On the other hand, a Breitling, Omega, Cartier, or Rolex watch will definitely be best in show for your loved ones. Why this discrepancy?

Digital devices have a reputation for being mass-produced. The ultimate aim of every technology company is to be able to produce as many goods using as little resources as possible, without compromising too much in terms of quality and functionality. Some brands achieve respectable results, but many wristwatch owners would not be seen wearing a digital version if they could help it. Sometimes, we indulge in cutting edge technology in order to fulfil a specific need, such as tracking one’s vital signs, activity levels, or a hectic schedule on an important day. Yet, on the whole, we’d much rather opt for a designer product, particularly if we can make our choice of luxury timepiece.

The craftsmanship, tradition, achievement, and success associated with a Vacheron and Constantin or a Rolex could never be embodied by an impersonal, light, plastic device you know little-to-nothing about in terms of what it took to be made. For this reason, you won’t see Apple or Samsung trying to appeal to the same demographics in terms of watch wear.

Pre-owned vs. New

You may be thinking that it’s always better to get something new than not. Well, especially in the case of luxury, pre-owned watches, this is clearly not the case. Most luxury products that have already been worn are retailed by businesses that have made it their goal to take care of them, both mechanically and aesthetically, such as watchesofwales.co.uk. Many owners do not wear and tear such products, and a good deal of them end up being stored for most of their existence. This means that you’ll be able to gift someone you love a bespoke, pristine condition wristwatch for a fraction of the initial cost. You can be sure that they will have a visibly different reaction to seeing an analogue vs. a digital timepiece, not to mention the intangible value that it would hold for them for years to come!