Pre-owned, second hand, pre-loved; call it what you like, preo-wned watches, like vintage clothes and classic cars, are fashionable. In fact, they can provide a fantastic alternative to brand new, each with unique characteristics.

You can tell a lot about a person from the watch they wear. Of course some wear it just to tell the time, but most timepieces are a statement of our individual style and taste. When it comes to their choice, preowned options pose a superb opportunity to express that personality.

Many preowned watches are discontinued or ‘retired’ pieces no longer in production. You’ll be hard-pressed to find watches like this for sale elsewhere, and that rarity can be incredibly sought-after. Limited and special edition watches can carry an even greater prestige, with preowned sometimes proving the only possible way to obtain them.

There’s something indescribably cool about a vintage watch, like poring through the vinyls of a shabby-chic record shop, or firing up the engine of a classic car. They’re a throwback to a by-gone time, with each watch offering its own rich heritage; imagine owning a watch that witnessed the moon landing in 1969, saw The Sex Pistols perform live on the River Thames in 1977, or beheld the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. For that matter, how about a watch manufactured in the same year you were born?

There’s always a bargain to be had with a preowned watch. Prices can be very competitive, with a huge range of options to suit any budget, and you might be able to pick up a fantastic deal on a nearly-new model. It’s not uncommon for a sough-after model to appreciate in value either, in fact some preowned pieces could be a great investment opportunity or a fanciful addition to a collection.

We have preowned watch collections available to view in our St Stephens, Harrogate and Beverley stores.