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What to Look for in Pre-Owned Watches

March 15th, 2023

Close up image of a person in a tan suit adjusting their watch

Luxury timepieces are attractive, sophisticated, and useful. They are exceptional accessories, beloved for their ability to impart both fashion and functionality to everyday life. There’s a fantastic variety of watches available. From carbon fiber sport watches to rose gold dress watches, there’s no end to their diversity. Many desire these incredible accessories, but most high-end watches come at a higher price. Luckily, purchasing a pre-owned watch can make them affordable.

Close up image of a gold watch with a white dial, containing three subdials

Authenticity: Real or Not Real?

Designers instill their offerings with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Due to their value, several less-than-reputable parties sell counterfeits. Their creators create counterfeit watches using cheap materials and easy shortcuts to make their illegitimate inventory more profitable. These imperfections are often immediately apparent to experts, but they may not be to the average customer.

Here are a few ways to tell if a watch is fake. If the model uses automatic or manual movement – common in luxury designer timepieces – the hands will move gradually. This is a sure sign of authenticity, as these movements are expensive to make. Meanwhile, hands in quartz movement will jump forward in rapid succession. Another way is to check for misprints or flaws like rough edges. If you suspect anything is off with the timepiece, take it to a reputable jeweler for an appraisal.

Retailer: Reputation

It’s essential to buy from a reputable showroom like Brockhaus Jewelry. Do some research on the establishment’s reviews. See if their staff is certified by trade organizations and find out if they’re an official retailer. This ensures that they adhere to high standards and can be trusted. You can also ask around or read reviews online to gain insight into the kind of experiences past customers have had with the jeweler you’re considering.

A woman sitting on the end of a bed with wrists crossed, wearing a white and gold watch

Cost

Remember the phrase “it’s too good to be true” when purchasing pre-owned anything. This is especially true in the case of timepieces, as you can’t always immediately tell if there’s anything wrong with the watch. For example, hairline fractures are difficult to see and can compromise the piece’s longevity. Flaws in machinery can’t be seen from the surface but can dramatically alter timekeeping reliability. In addition, using materials like plated stainless steel instead of gold can be a sign a watch is fake.

Condition

It’s essential to make sure the watch is in good condition. The timepiece should be clean, polished, and undamaged. Inspect that glass for any scratches or chips. The bottom of the case is prone to scratches, so make sure there are no flaws or blemishes. If there are any complications, ensure those work as well.

Find Pre-Owned Watches at Brockhaus Jewelry

For magnificent watches in Oklahoma, head to Brockhaus Jewelry. Our Norman jewelry store hosts a varied selection of today’s finest timepieces. Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned watch or a brand-new designer watch, you’re sure to find something you love at our showroom. To see everything we have, we recommend that you reserve an appointment for a more personable showing. Call (405) 321-4228 to speak directly with a team member about our pre-owned watches and more.