When you are looking to invest in a timepiece, it is important to know that the watch you are sourcing is authentic and high quality. In the past, it was common to visit a showroom or boutique, offering you the opportunity to examine first-hand before you buy, but as with most markets, the vintage watch market is also one that is now predominantly online. However, in an industry that comes with a premium price tag, there are unfortunately a lot of dishonest watch dealers, often selling timepieces that are either not genuine or not up to the quality that they are advertised. It is therefore crucial to purchase from a reputable watch retailer so I’ve written our guide to the best online vintage watch retailers to help.
After years of researching and shopping with a variety of vintage watch dealers, particularly online, I have found the best selection of where to buy authentic used watches. I am not one to gatekeep and have rounded up the ultimate online shopping spaces where you can grab yourself a great deal on a high-quality timepiece while enjoying exceptional customer service. If you are currently in search of reputable vintage watch dealers, look no further.
Where to Buy Vintage Watches
When it comes to buying vintage watches, there are multiple avenues that you can journey down. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons, making it important to do your own research to find the dealer that is right for you. Investing in a timepiece is a huge decision and it’s good to know the warning signs for buying vintage watches so you know you are spending your money wisely. If you are at the very beginning of building your watch collection and looking for your first, this guide will prove to be extremely beneficial.
Physical Watch Dealers
A lot of watch investors will still purchase from physical watch dealers at showrooms and boutiques. Heading into a shop is a great way to browse their current sales collection and receive expert advice from those selling them. You can see the timepieces up close and personal, try them on, and make your own assessment of whether the watch is right for you. However, the downside of purchasing from a physical watch dealer is that you are limited to a small collection that is local to you. Your options are restricted to those available for sale in the radius in which you are willing to travel, offering a lot less choice.
Auctions
Auctions are an alternative way to purchase watches and buying at auction is one of the best ways to secure an incredible deal. Auctions do however come with the negative that you are in competition with other watch collectors and there is no guarantee you are going to win. It is also likely that you would need to travel to a major city for the best selection.
Online Vintage Watch Dealers
Today, the most popular way to purchase an authentic vintage and pre-owned watch is online. Buying online not only offers you the convenience of browsing in your own space and in your own time, but you also have a huge catalog to choose from. The watch collection available online is incredibly large and allows you to purchase timepieces from not only across the country but across the world. If there is a specific watch that you are in search of, the easiest place to locate it would be online but with all aspects of the digital world, there are also some cons. There are sadly a lot of scam artists in the vintage watch industry and it can be easy to fall into a trap. It is common for these dishonest dealers to sell fake watches or timepieces where the quality is not as described. This is why it is essential to do your research before purchasing from an online retailer. To make it easier for you, the most reputable vintage watch dealers that sell online are all featured in this guide.
Where to Buy a Vintage Watch Online
If you are looking for where to buy vintage watches online, you want peace of mind that you are purchasing from reputable vintage watch dealers. The best online vintage watch dealers are those who offer due diligence so you can rest assured that your timepiece has been professionally examined with authenticity verified before your purchase. When shopping online, you are also relying exclusively on photographs and descriptions. The best dealers are extremely transparent and will be honest about the quality of the watch, highlighting any flaws. The following online retailers are ones that either I have used or trusted friends have tested and therefore trust completely to sell high-quality timepieces at great prices with expertise and outstanding service.
Watch Brothers London
Experts in haute horology, Watch Brothers London deals in the most exclusive and high-end pre-owned watches on the market. Within the company’s extremely curated collection, you can find some of the most rare timepieces hitting the market and if you join their exclusive WhatsApp group, you will hear about their new arrivals before they launch online. If you want first dibs on some of the most magnificent, luxury timepieces heading for resale, Watch Brothers London is a retailer you want to know.
A Collected Man
As the only approved pre-owned retailer for Roger W. Smith, Philip Dufour and Kari Voutilainen, A Collected Man is proud to sell some of the most rare timepieces in the world. This exclusivity makes A Collected Man a vintage watch seller that outshines all others and if you are in search of a gold dust timepiece, it is most likely that you will find it here. In addition to selling the most magnificent collection of used watches, it is also an approved retailer for three of the most influential watchmaking brands currently making waves in the industry; AKRIVIA, Petermann Bédat and Winnerl.
Kibble Watches
Offering the best of both worlds, Kibble Watches is an online watch retailer that also has a showroom. The photographs and descriptions online are extremely detailed, helping you to make an informed decision when purchasing a timepiece but if you are still unsure, you can visit them in person. Located in Clerkenwell, London, Kibble Watches is a brand that was born out of pure passion for watch collecting. Originally an eBay store specializing in reselling vintage timepieces, Kibble Watches has grown into an incredibly successful business with a deep understanding of the vintage watch market.
Shuck the Oyster
Shuck the Oyster does things differently and is one of the more unique vintage watch retailers online. Specializing exclusively in watches from the 1940s to the 1960s, if you are looking for a niche timepiece from this era, Shuck the Oyster has the expertise. Rather than purchasing directly on the website, Shuck the Oyster allows you to browse their current collection before inquiring via email to discuss the timepiece and negotiate. This offers a more personalized watch buying experience and the customer service you receive from the team is unrivaled.
Goldammer
For anyone in search of something truly unique, Goldammer needs to be your go-to destination online. This German online watch retailer specializes in timepieces with incredible qualities, including mechanical hearts, intricate designs and beautiful patina. The collection updates regularly but every browse introduces you to a truly incredible timepiece. Selling ‘vintage watches with soul’, Goldammer is the most impressive marketplace for watches with character.
1st Dibs
Limited editions and unique designs flood the pages of the 1st Dibs website. Founded 2001 in Paris, 1st Dibs deals with reputable industry professionals, going against the grain of many online vintage watch retailers that deal consumer-to-consumer. A company that also specializes in fashion and interior design, you can expect to find intricate timepieces with impressive complications and artistic designs in the 1st Dibs portfolio of authentic used watches.
DavidSW
Many watch collectors prefer a personalized service during their purchases and DavidSW offers just that through their online experience. The entire browsing and buying process can be tailored to you individually without leaving your own home. DavidSW provides an online chat service, allowing you to interact with DavidSW’s experts, plus, you can also WhatsApp DavidSW consultants. DavidSW receives rave reviews for customer service and it is really no surprise. They also have an extremely quick turnaround time so if you are in need of a timepiece at short notice for a special occasion or a gift, DavidSW is the place to go.
Experts Watches
When it comes to where to buy authentic used watches, Experts Watches is one of the leading choices for watch collectors. With over 25 years of experience selling watches and more than 10,000 happy customers, Experts Watches is a vintage watch retailer that you can rely on. A trusted dealer that you can depend on, Experts Watches has a 30-point system for inspecting and authenticating pre-owned watches. Offering a wide selection of vintage watches watches to suit every budget, Experts Watches collection of 100% authentic timepieces is one of the most diverse.
Best Online Vintage Watch Retailers FAQs
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