There aren’t many worlds with more entry requirements than that of luxury watches. Firstly you need to be ready to fork out some serious cash. Once you’re sorted on that side you need to get through the not-so-simple decision of which timepiece you actually want. That means getting up to speed on the jargon to work out what you’re actually buying, and boy is there a lot of it.
From quartz movements to complications, mechanisms, retrograde second dials, and more, it can feel as though the world of luxury watches is working against you. Luckily, though, with the rise of resale comes the opportunity to simplify your search massively. Shopping for second-hand luxury watches removes a chunk of investment from the equation. Of course, it is still an investment, but instead of dropping $6000, you can look around the $3000 mark and still secure yourself a lifelong companion.
To further ease the burden of finding the perfect second-hand luxury watch, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best that we found at eBay. With watches now included in eBay's Authenticity Guarantee, you can rest assured that you're in safe hands.
Shop 10 of our top second-hand luxury watches found at resale below.
Authenticity Guarantee
These second-hand luxury watches are covered under eBay's Authenticity Guarantee program.
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Calendar Rétrograde
As the name suggests, this Maurice Lacroix chronograph is a masterpiece. Undoubtedly one of the most valuable watches in this roundup, finding a second-hand Maurice Lacroix of this quality is no easy feat — they're usually locked away as family heirlooms. Everything about this timepiece is classy, from the Art Deco face to the alligator strap. At 46mm, though, this is not for small wrists.
Breitling Colt
Breitling is another name in horology that carries serious weight. Founded in 1884, the Swiss company has been creating chronographs for use in science, sports, and industry for long enough to be considered an expert. The Colt family keeps things classic with a diving style. We particularly love the satin-brushed steel bezel of this chronometer which is water-resistant to 200m and features a self-winding caliber. Rider tabs at each quarter-hour punctuate the unidirectional bezel without overcomplicating the clean overall finish.
IWC Schaffhausen Porsche Compass
IWC Schaffhausen's Porsche Compass is a nice detour from the world of diving watches with its leather strap and uncomplicated face. Wondering why this piece is called the Compass? Well, simply flip up the dial which is attached to a hinge to reveal the compass underneath. Pilot's watches always hold a surprise or two...
Omega Speedmaster
Omega has a lot to be proud of, and a great part of the brand’s success has come at the hands of the Omega Speedmaster. Officially the first watch on the moon, the family has proven itself in some of the world's (and beyond) most extreme conditions. Visually, this watch is classic to its core, but what we love about this example is that its case measures just 39mm, making it one of the smallest in today’s roundup. Talk about best things, small packages.
NOMOS Glashütte Metro
There's a tendency in the luxury watch scene to conflate complexity with value. NOMOS Glashütte's highly minimal watches are the antidote to this. An immaculate dial, complete with tiny dot markings and a subdial defines the German company's approach to design: less is more.
Seiko Prospex Diver
Seiko's Prospex Diver is a watch that has proven itself time and time again in the luxury sphere. While Seiko is best known for providing high-quality, affordable timepieces, the Japanese company also offers high-end designs like this one. Standing in contrast to its better-known, budget partners, the Prospex Diver has had a lot of work to do. But, earning the title as one of the most reliable and popular divers on the market, it's doing its job very well.
Non-Authenticity Guarantee
These watches have been checked by their sellers but are not included in eBay's Authenticity Guarantee program.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is another stalwart in quality timepieces, making it a great option for those looking to cop a second-hand luxury watch. This example is a fairly new release, so you can rest assured that you have years before any repairs or replacements are on the menu. The sleek titanium case big attraction to this automatic watch, giving the piece a distinctively modern feel which many watch addicts crave.
Tudor Glamour Day-Date
One of the most loved watches of all time is undoubtedly the Rolex Day-Date with its unmistakable day register at the top of the dial. In similar style, but available for a fraction of the price, is the Tudor Glamour Day-Date. While steel luxury watches often pair silver cases with black dials, the Tudor Glamour Day-Date looks to a tonal silver dial which works to lighten the visuals. With a 39mm case, this is an elegant addition to the wrist.
Bell & Ross BR S
Designed in Paris but built in Switzerland, Bell & Ross is a relative newcomer to the world of watches. Founded in 1993, the imprint has had time to grow but is by no means a heritage brand like most of its counterparts in today's roundup. But what it lacks in heritage, it makes up for in refreshing design. The BR S features the signature square case with rivets in each corner. Under the hood you've got a quartz movement that matches the precision exhibited in the construction.
Omega Seamaster
Diving watches are a timeless choice if you’re looking to enter the luxury watches game. The style is virtually trend-proof and leads the way for the biggest watch brands like Rolex, Omega, Tudor, and the like. The Omega Seamaster is an icon in that sphere, launching in 1948, it was the first family of watches that Omega ever released. To this day it’s one of the most popular men’s luxury watches and for good reason. Reliable, stylish, and crafted to perfection.
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