Top 15 Second-Hand Luxury Watches

Introduction

Many watch collectors and aspiring watch collectors want to invest in luxury brands, but they often lack the funds needed to secure a brand new model. Some collectors consider second-hand pieces, but worry about whether the model they want to buy is worth purchasing pre-owned.

Fortunately, there are several watch models you can buy from reputable brands that are just as good second-hand as they are new. A durable, high-quality watch is likely going to serve its owner for many years before ever running into mechanical or cosmetic issues, so buying second-hand can be a great benefit for individuals who are trying to save money.

Before buying second-hand watches, though, it’s important to be aware of which brands offer the best used watches. This way, you can be certain that you’re getting your money’s worth.

The Top 15 Second-Hand Luxury Watches

Let’s cover fifteen of the best second-hand luxury watches on the market today. Any one of these brands and models are worth purchasing from a reputable second-hand dealer, so if you’re looking for a way to save money on a high-quality watch, shop around for the following watch types.

1. Rolex Sea-dweller Deepsea D-blue 116660 (approx. $15,000)

Rolex watches are a favorite amongst collectors, whether they’re brand-new or purchased second-hand. The quality that goes into creating each piece is well-respected in the luxury watch community and being that the Sea-dweller Deepsea D-blue piece is a limited edition watch, it’s definitely worth considering if you want to purchase one of the best second-hand luxury watches available.

2. Breitling Colt (approx. $2,100)

When it comes to buying second-hand watches, it’s a good idea to trust a brand with a good reputation. Breitling is one of those brands, a favorite among people in the luxury watch community, especially those who favor chronographs.

The Colt is an attractive, high-quality diving watch that’s water-resistant up to 200 meters down. It’s simple, yet very stylish and because it’s one of Breitling’s many luxury watch models, it’s worth purchasing second-hand.

3. Hublot Classic Fusion ($5,829)

Hublot watches sell for impressive sums of money depending on the exact model being purchased. The Classic Fusion model, however, is an excellent piece to buy second-hand. It’s ideal for individuals who want the appearance of a sleek, simple timepiece, but also like the look of skeleton styles. This watch has both, as the back is skeletonized while the front is composed of a flat black dial and luminous time indicators.

4. Chopard Luc Lunar Big Date 161918-5003 (approx. $17,000)

Chopard watches are among the most highly sought-after timepieces among avid collectors. While they can be quite expensive brand-new, they’re a little more affordable to purchase pre-owned. The Chopard LUC range of models are one of a kind when it comes to style and quality, and as such, they’re one of the best second-hand luxury watches to invest in.

5. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16523 (approx. $22,000)

The Daytona model is one of Rolex’s most famous timepieces. In fact, the last Daytona release came with a waiting list a year-long. With such high demands, this model is unlikely to ever go out of style, which is part of what makes the brand-new price through the roof.

Fortunately, however, private watch dealers sell Daytona watches for a significant discount compared to the original price for a new piece. It’s one of the best second-hand luxury watches to invest in, given what a popular piece it is.

6. Tag Heuer Monaco Caw211p.fc6356 (approx. $5,000)

Tag Heuer watches are a little more affordable in terms of luxury items. Even the new models, when obtainable, are low in price compared to many other luxury models. Buying a second-hand watch from Tag Heuer, especially the Monaco line, is likely going to be quite affordable depending on where you shop. However, the price tag for these watches should not indicate that they’re any less desirable than other brands. They’re quite popular, especially for collectors who want to buy and own the same watch Steve McQueen wore.

7. Breitling Navitimer Vintage Small Counters 806 (approx. $4,900)

Most Breitling watch models are reasonably priced when purchased as a pre-owned piece. The vintage Navitimer line is among the top models in this brand and as such, they’re one of the best second-hand luxury watches to invest in. They make great collector’s items, as they’re likely going to continue to be highly sought-after if you’re thinking of re-selling your timepiece at another time.

8. TAG Heuer Aquaracer (approx. $1,500)

The Aquaracer model by Tag Heuer is a popular watch model among collectors. It’s one of the best second-hand luxury watches to choose if you’re looking for a piece that’s going to be more affordable than a brand-new watch. This model is relatively new in terms of luxury watch releases, so buying it second-hand will likely provide you with several years of perfect working order before needing any sort of repair.

9. Omega Speedmaster (approx. $4,800)

Omega-brand watches have a long history behind them and because of this, they’re a popular choice for watch enthusiasts. They perform well in harsh conditions, including the Speedmaster’s trip to the moon (this model was worn for the moon-landing). They’re visually appealing and built small enough to where they’re easy to wear no matter what the wearer is doing.

Being that the Speedmaster is such a high-quality, convenient watch to wear, they’re likely to continue being desirable among collectors. They’re just as great to buy second-hand as they are brand-new.

10. Tudor Heritage Black Bay (approx. $3,100)

Being that Tudor is the brother brand of Rolex, many collectors who seek out Rolex styles but lack the funds for a brand-new Rolex watch opt to buy Tudor timepieces. The Heritage Black Bay model is among the more popular models by this brand, partly due to its impressive quality and partly due to how similar in appearance they are to Rolex models. Tudor timepieces are one of the best second-hand luxury watches on the market.

11. Omega Seamaster (approx. $5,500)

Omega Seamasters are a great choice if you’re interested in expanding your collection with diving watches. They’re stylish, durable, and their craftsmanship aligns them with other popular brands like Tudor and Rolex. This diving watch has not waned in desirability since its first release in 1948, so if you’re looking to buy a second-hand watch that will be easy to resell later, the Omega Seamaster is worth considering.

Omega Seamasters are a great choice if you’re interested in expanding your collection with diving watches. They’re stylish, durable, and their craftsmanship aligns them with other popular brands like Tudor and Rolex. This diving watch has not waned in desirability since its first release in 1948, so if you’re looking to buy a second-hand watch that will be easy to resell later, the Omega Seamaster is worth considering.

12. Tudor Black Bay Ceramic (approx. $5,000)

Similar to the Tudor Heritage Black Bay series, the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic is a popular watch model when it comes to cheap second-hand watches. They’re just as popular as Tudor’s more well-known models and they’re affordable to buy as a pre-owned piece.

13. IWC Schaffhausen Flieger (approx. $4,200)

Plenty of watch collectors look for pilot watches from pre-owned watch dealers being that they’re often made with quality and endurance in mind. The IWC Schaffhausen watch is a smart choice for collectors who are hoping to obtain a watch that’s built to last without having to spend such a considerable sum for a brand-new piece.

14. Breitling HeadWind (approx. $3,000)

Breitling makes some of the best second-hand luxury watches being that they’re well-built and designed to be stylish well beyond the features that are currently trending. The HeadWind is a timeless model and they can be obtained for an affordable price when they’re purchased second-hand.

15. TAG Heuer Link Professional Chronograph ($2,150)

Chronograph watches usually do not go out of style, and because Tag Heuer is already a highly reputable brand, their chronograph pieces are no less desirable than they were during their first releases. Collectors can pick up a second-hand chronograph watch for an affordable price, and they can expect to gain a durable piece that can easily be resold in the future.

Conclusion

It’s understandable that avid watch collectors often want to buy their watches brand-new, but it’s not always necessary. Though a brand-new watch guarantees perfect working order and a single owner, the price tag can be a dealbreaker for plenty of watch enthusiasts.

Buying a high-quality watch model from a reputable dealer will not only guarantee like-new condition but will do so for a significantly lower price.

For collectors who want to save money on stylish, high-quality watches from popular brands, buying second-hand is always worth considering so long as you’re aware of what to look for and what type of dealer to work with. Professional second-hand dealers take their work very seriously and do everything they can to ensure the pieces that they sell reflect the reputation they’ve built for themselves.

While it’s important to research deals before agreeing to purchase a second-hand piece, many of these offerings are worth looking into. A smart collector can easily find himself or herself privy to excellent prices for pieces that other collectors are paying top dollar for.