Where to buy used watches?

I'll be the first to admit I love a nice watch, but spending over $1K on one - I just can't stomach. I have even searched some of the certified used watches in the jewelery stores near me, but nothing that I recognize for under $1K.

Does everyone here really buy an IWC/Omega for a few $K's? Some of you most have great jobs to do this!

If there aren't secrets to getting a nice new/used IWC/Omega (my favs) - what are some of the best brands under $1K?

Those with a passion for watches will spend $2, 3, 5, even 10k+ on a timepiece. However, I understand wanting one of those prestigious labels for less (contrary to WIS belief, it is OK to want a watch just for a nice label. Stainless arm candy, if you ll).

Two things I'd try: first, look at quartz watches. Watch lovers will typically only buy mechanical, but if you just want the nice looking watch, many brands such as Omega offer quartz versions of their most popular pieces. Also, look at certain vintage examples from Omega, possibly IWC online. Some of these may not be fully original (repaired with non-original parts, etc), but some good examples can be had for less than $1k. Talk to someone who knows vintage though, as it's tricky for those who don't to navigate it.

I have bought/sold a number of watches on Timezone which is more or less the Styleforum of watches catering to watch lovers. They have two boards similar to Styleforum's B&S which can be great resources:

This is the board for watches < $5,000.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...eadt&frm_id=32

Typically used watches sell on here for ~50% of retail as a rule of thumb, so you can get into some good deals.

Thanks for all the advice thus far - some of the Omega Quartz watches aren't bad at all.

I really love Panerai's the most (a few in the watch Appreciation thread - WOW), but I suspect they're even tough to obtain used and looking good for &lt;$1K

For timezone I get a Forbidden error?

You can find Pastek Philip on eBay

Originally Posted by gdl203

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You can find Pastek Philip on eBay

and Moucheron Constantine.

Originally Posted by BBdude

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Thanks for all the advice thus far - some of the Omega Quartz watches aren't bad at all.

I really love Panerai's the most (a few in the watch Appreciation thread - WOW), but I suspect they're even tough to obtain used and looking good for <$1K

For timezone I get a Forbidden error?

If memory serves me correctly, you need a certain number of days registered/posts posted in order to access the sales corner.

Especially if buying pre-owned, I don't think quartz watches hold value as well, which is good for you.

Originally Posted by gdl203

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You can find Pastek Philip on eBay

hey thats razist agaisnt ashins maufactureres...


then again the really good fake (or fake/frankenstein vintages) come out of south america sellers on ebayz....

Originally Posted by gdl203

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You can find Pastek Philip on eBay

+1 for tz salescorner. I've purchased 10 or so watches from there. Also check out the watchnet and WUS sales forums

dl

I've always found a nice item or two on the watchuseek sale forum:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

Originally Posted by Boston Tweed

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Typically used watches sell on here for ~50% of retail as a rule of thumb, so you can get into some good deals.

If only sellers had your rationale. I need a Transatlantique XXI Flyback at 50% off.

Originally Posted by BBdude

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some of the Omega Quartz watches aren't bad at all.
I'm very happy with my x-33.

Ebay vintage watches