© Chronoexpert
A new watch can be expensive. We know that’s nothing new to bring to the table but it’s true nonetheless. The cost of even an entry-level piece seems to be getting ever higher, particularly when it comes to the bigger names in the horological world. If you want a bit of wrist candy cache, you have to invest.
That said, there are other ways of getting the watch your dreams than going through brand, distributor, retailer and anyone else that wants a piece. You could always go straight to an owner. That’s the premise behind Chronoexpert.
Omega Speedmaster Professional
The site is basically an online marketplace for professional suppliers and watch collectors. Owners that have had enough of their watches can list them, along with their condition and the price they want for it. If you disagree you can also suggest a price, though good luck getting them to back down.
The best part of all is that Chronoexpert guarantees the authenticity of each and every watch, meaning you can rest assured you’re getting the real deal: just for up to 40% less money (obviously depending on the piece, as specific Rolex steel models are even over the retail price, but you will need to wait over 2 years to get one of them…). Given that watches, unlike cars, don’t depreciate, that’s a good deal – as are these three pieces.
Panerai Luminor 1950 PAM 00441, £5,800 / $7,600
There’s a steep entry ticket to becoming a Paneristi and a full-ceramic Luminor, complete with its signature crown protector, isn’t going to make it any more accessible. In fact, while this particular model is no longer around, the Radiomir equivalent at 48mm comes in at £9,600. Granted this 44mm number is smaller, but that’s still a huge difference – and we’d say the Luminor is the cooler of the two.
Omega Seamaster 300m Professional, £3,200 / $4,200
With No Time to Die almost here you can expect prices of Bond watches to skyrocket soon. The latest edition of the 300m is a handsome watch no matter which way you look at it, especially in with the slate grey, wavey dial. At this price it’s a seriously good buy and, with equipped with Omega’s Co-Axial calibre, it’ll last even longer than Daniel Craig’s run as 007. Just don’t expect it to hand around once the film itself hits cinemas… Bond fever is definitely a thing.
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, £21,030 / $27,500
There are more benefits to buying pre-owned than lower prices. After all, this little beauty is over double the price of a new Daytona Cosmograph, straight from Rolex. The difference is, this one won’t put you on a year-long waiting list. If you want the world’s most famous wristwatch and you want it now, you’re going to need to pay a premium. At least this way you don’t risk getting a fake, something you need to be incredibly aware of when buying any Rolex, let alone this particular one.
