WATCH BUYING 101
Buying your first watch can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there to choose. Who should you buy from? What should you buy? What should you look for? Too often, these questions go unanswered, leading to rushed or uninformed purchases.
Buying a watch should be simple and enjoyable. This article is designed to help you ask the right questions and prepare properly before purchasing the first important watch in your collection.
The first. and probably most important factor to consider when buying a watch is whether you actually like it. It’s easy to fall into a decision just because “everyone else has one” or because you’re buying it as an “investment.” Quite frankly, that’s all nonsense. While everyone wants to be smart with their money when buying something expensive, focusing on a watch that “holds its value” often leads to purchasing something you don’t truly enjoy - something you won’t wear and may even dislike. So if I had to give just one piece of advice when buying a watch, it would be this: buy a watch you genuinely love.
My next tip when buying a watch is this: “buy the trader, not the watch”. You’re probably wondering what that means. Simply put, you should prioritise buying from someone with a strong reputation in the watch industry - someone who has helped many others make purchases just like yours. Before sending any form of payment, always do your background checks first. I see people getting ripped off every single week, and in some cases even scammed out of thousands of pounds. As a general rule, if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Do your due diligence and buy from a reputable, well-known trader who puts your wants and needs first. At SKN Watches, we take this responsibility seriously. Every watch we buy and sell undergoes thorough due diligence, including a full Watch Register check, to ensure it has no hidden history or questionable origin. Don’t rush into buying a watch you spotted on Facebook just because it’s cheaper than everyone else’s. Peace of mind is worth much more than a bargain!
A further key tip to keep in mind when watch shopping is condition. This is less critical with modern pieces, but in the vintage market, condition is everything. Look for a watch that has been well cared for, avoid stretched bracelets and importantly, watches that have been over-polished. Some warning signs to watch out for include very faint or shallow Rolex crowns on the clasp, rounded edges where too much metal has been removed, and uneven or misshapen lugs. These are all indicators of excessive polishing. Unfortunately, once metal has been removed, it can’t be put back. For that reason alone, it’s worth staying well clear of watches showing any of these signs.
Another question I get asked often, is about box and papers. By this, I mean the original box, packaging, and paperwork that came with the watch when it was first sold. There’s a common misconception that a watch must come with these items or it’s fake - this simply isn’t true. The main difference box and papers make is the price. A watch with its original box and documentation will usually carry a slightly higher market value than its “naked” alternative (a watch sold on its own). That said, we generally recommend buying a watch with its original box and papers where possible. It makes the watch easier to sell in the future if you ever decide to move it on, and it tends to appeal more to the wider market. At SKN Watches, the majority of our stock comes with the original box and, in many cases, the original paperwork as well. We believe this helps the watch feel more complete and enhances the overall buying experience.
One final piece of advice I always give when buying a watch is to do your own research. There are plenty of websites, platforms, and tools available that make it easy to understand market values and current pricing. One example is Chrono24, a platform we sometimes use to sell our stock on. Simply typing a watch’s reference number into Google will usually bring up multiple examples for sale across the UK, giving you a solid idea of what that model is really worth. Doing your own research is a great way to navigate the market with confidence and avoid overpaying. And if you’re ever unsure about what to buy or what you should be paying, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help (whether you’re local to Kent or further afield) and guide you through the process.
If you follow the tips we’ve outlined today, you’ll be well on your way to picking up a fantastic timepiece, and most importantly, enjoying your new watch for years to come.