Should You Buy New or Pre-Owned Watches in 2025?

November 11, 2025 Blog, Pre-owned luxury watch, Secondhand Luxury Watch

To own a luxury watch is not only to know the time. It is a matter of fashion, love, and a decision that sounds right for you. Many people in 2025 are asking the same question: is it better to buy a new luxury watch or to choose a pre-owned watches?

Buy a New Luxury Watch

What could be more exhilarating than walking into a shop and acquiring a brand-new watch? It is like you have it all: the freshness, the personal touch, and the ownership.

Why people love buying new:

You will wear the latest styles and have the latest features released by your favorite brands. It’s like being the first to live through a new story on your wrist.
A new watch is always accompanied by a complete warranty from the manufacturer. That means peace of mind and service whenever you need it.
The buying experience is special. The leather strap’s scent, the packaging, and the first time you wear it are all memorable.

Things to think about before buying new:

Some models take years to get. Watches like the Rolex Daytona or Patek Philippe Nautilus have long waiting lists that test your patience.
Authorized dealers often give priority to regular customers. So if you’re a first-time buyer, it might be harder to get the most popular pieces.
New watches cost more because of taxes and retail margins. You pay for that “new from the boutique” feeling.
If you want something brand new and are ready to wait or pay a little extra, then buying new is a wonderful choice.

Buying a Pre-Owned Watch

The pre-owned watch market has become the favorite choice for many collectors. It’s open, quick, and full of rare watches you can buy right away.

Why pre-owned watches are a smart choice:

You don’t need to wait years to get your dream model. It’s already available and ready for you to wear today.
Many pre-owned watches maintain impeccable condition. They look new, work beautifully, and cost much less than buying directly from the brand.
You get access to rare or discontinued watches that are no longer made. It’s like finding hidden treasures that tell their story.
Buying pre-owned gives you more value for money. You can often get higher-end models for the same price as an entry-level new one.
If you love collecting stories, history, and style, pre-owned watches give you more choices and freedom.

Value and Investment

Luxury watches are not just accessories. They’re pieces of art that often hold their value for many years.

Why value matters:

A brand-new watch may lose some value as soon as you walk out of the boutique. That’s normal for new items.
A pre-owned watch has already settled into its market value. That means it’s more stable, and occasionally, the price even increases.
Collectors usually acquire second-hand timepieces because they not only can make use of them but also keep them as an investment that gets appreciation over time.
If, in the future, you decide to part with it, a pristine secondhand watch will be a big contributor to getting back the cost of your investment.

There is no one correct answer; both new and second-hand watches possess their own attractiveness. It is all a matter of what type of customer you are.

Purchase new if:

You’re a fan of being the first to own a timepiece and savor every bit of the new experience.
You require a full warranty from the brand and are willing to wait a bit longer.

Purchase pre-owned if:

You are in need of a watch instantly, so no waiting for years.
You are okay with receiving less value, and you prefer to search for unique or discontinued production pieces.

Each pre-owned luxury watch at Haute Horologe in Dubai undergoes a thorough examination to ensure authenticity and quality. You will come across watches from Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe; all of them are ready to wear and own.

Is it really worth it to wait for several years to get your dream watch that you can actually wear today? Visit to Haute Horologe or take a look at our online collection; your next masterpiece might just be there waiting for you.

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