Buying your first pre-owned luxury watch: a calm guide
A first serious watch is exciting, and a little nerve-wracking. The pre-owned market is the smartest way in: no waiting list, and a far wider choice. It rewards buyers who ask the right questions. Here they are.
Six questions to ask any seller
General advice
- What is the reference number, and can I see it? Every serious watch has one. It tells you exactly which model you are looking at.
- What comes with it? Box and papers, papers only, or the watch alone. All can be fine, as long as you know before you buy.
- Who checked it, and how? A good seller can explain how the watch was verified.
- Can I see more? Extra photos, a short video, close-ups of the details. A seller with nothing to hide sends them happily.
- How do I pay, and how does it reach me? Know the payment method and whether shipping is insured before you agree.
- What happens if I have a question after? You want someone you can reach.
Red flags
General advice
- A price far below everything else you have seen for the same reference.
- A seller who will not send a video or extra photos.
- Vague answers about the reference, the serial number or what is included.
- Pressure to decide quickly.
- No clear answer on how the watch was checked.
How buying from AZR works
- Message us about a watch you see on the site, or one you would like us to find.
- See it properly. You receive extra photos or a short video, and every question answered.
- Agree the price. A trade-in can be part of it.
- Pay by wire, e-transfer, cash or crypto.
- Receive your watch, shipped insured across Canada and the US, or handed over in person by appointment in Montréal.
Every watch is verified before it reaches you (see how we verify every watch). A certificate from a third-party authenticator is available on request, for an extra cost.
Not seeing the one you want?
Tell us what you are looking for. We aim to source any watch within 72 hours.
Ab, AZR Timeless Watches