Although the word ‘used’ is often used as a catch-all in Korean, The world of pre-owned watches is vast and deep. From unworn new pieces for investment or resale to watches that have been used and vary in condition, And even vintage watches produced long ago, All of these are included under the term pre-owned watches.

When translating ‘중고 시계’ into English, ‘pre-owned’ is used more frequently than ‘used’. Compared to other luxury goods such as clothing, Bags, And shoes, The value gap between new and pre-owned watches is relatively small. There are clear advantages to pre-owned watches. Anyone who enjoys watches will at some point consider trading pre-owned watches, So let us take a closer look at this topic.

Advantages of Pre-owned Watches

1. More affordable prices compared to new products

A watch begins to lose value the moment it is taken out of its box for the first time. However, When purchasing a pre-owned watch, The initial depreciation has already been absorbed by the previous owner. Therefore, There is a good chance to own a watch at a lower price than a new one. Prices may also fluctuate depending on the timing of the purchase. Since there are pre-owned watches that are more expensive than the current retail price, The term affordable here refers to unworn new pieces as a standard.

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2. A wider range of choices

The watch market is not limited to current models. You can purchase from a wider selection, Including limited editions that were previously sold and discontinued models. Sometimes, Discontinued watches are even more valuable than current models. In the case of mechanical watches, With proper maintenance at the right time, They can be used almost indefinitely.

3. The stories behind the watches

A pre-owned watch that has spent time with someone else carries its own history. For example, A watch that accompanied someone’s success, A father’s old wedding watch, Or a watch commemorating a nation’s growth. It is an opportunity to encounter new stories embedded in the watch before it came to you.

4. Environmentally friendly consumption

You may have heard the term ESG quite often recently. For those of us living in a new era, Making sustainable and eco-friendly choices is now essential. Many fashion enthusiasts are turning away from fast fashion and looking toward pre-owned goods. Purchasing a pre-owned watch helps reduce waste and prevents unnecessary consumption.

5. Pre-owned watches that can look as good as new

When thinking of pre-owned watches, You may imagine something old and worn, But watches made of metal do not easily deteriorate. From pre-owned watches that maintain their original condition to older pieces that can be restored, There is a wide range of options depending on the condition.

Challenges of Trading Pre-owned Watches

Despite the many advantages of pre-owned watches, Why do Korean consumers especially prefer watches that are close to new? The primary hurdle is the difficulty in verifying the condition of the watch, And there are too many factors to check in person-to-person transactions, Such as market price information.

The key to enabling pre-owned watch transactions is accurate pricing based on the age and condition of the watch, As well as ensuring the product is in a usable state.

This is also the area where VIVER is most confident. The transparently disclosed VIVER Index prices and the diagnostic team and engineers at VIVER Labs, Who have built their careers at brands such as Rolex, AP, And Omega, Are VIVER’s core strengths.

VIVER’s Consignment Sales Service

By using VIVER’s consignment sales service, Which solves the problems of person-to-person pre-owned transactions, You can receive not only accurate assessments of minor exterior scratches and the mechanical condition of your watch, But also repairs such as polishing or overhauls if necessary, All in one place.

In addition, Every trace remaining on the watch is carefully documented with photographs, So both buyers and sellers can feel at ease. By minimizing unnecessary emotional strain in person-to-person transactions and transparently disclosing all information necessary for trading, ‘VIVER Consignment Sales’ not only increases the likelihood of successful transactions but also achieves a high level of customer satisfaction.

For watch culture to grow, It is essential to establish a healthy pre-owned watch trading culture. Once you purchase a watch, You do not remain just a buyer, But may someday become a seller, So building a robust pre-owned watch market benefits everyone. According to last week’s article ‘Watch Returns Better Than US Stocks’, The secondary watch market is expected to grow even more than the retail sector. We hope you experience the watch trading culture that VIVER is improving.