DON'T Ask Your Watch Dealer These Questions ! - How To Buy A Pre Owned Watch

[@rf4790]

Thank you. It works both ways. I have put out very professional and kind questions to dealers and they don't even respond. Or they respond rude, short, with no information or indication they want my business. I cut it right there if I get that kind of response and take my business elsewhere. I have worked in sales my entire life, and I treat each and every person with care and professionalism. Seems like you do too. Thanks Federico.

[@chadwaters261]

"How many owners has this watch had?" - Why can't some entrepreneur start a Carfax type service for watches, from this point in time forward? Enter the serial number for a watch, and see who has owned it, if it was serviced, and if it was ever in a flood in Florida....

[@triples4good]

Totally agree. Don't negotiate until you are ready to buy. Funny story, my wife and I were at an AD a few months ago. She started negotiating on a pearl and diamond ring. She didn't realize that she was, I felt, obligated to buy since the salesperson came to a very decent price. ( they are also my Rolex/ Tudor AD, which I am trying to cultivate a relationship with). I walked up right at the end of the negotiations. Suffice to say we came home with the ring and NOT the watch. A purchase for another day I guess. Great video.

[@Robert.Dickson]

Don’t negotiate until you’re in a position to buy.

[@moviniron8384]

Yup, respect the salesman's time and he will respect you.

[@michaelc.kushlan7956]

Movin'Iro

[@Trex100]

Joseph C. No they aren’t.

[@gregtoth4497]

@Joseph C. Customers, like sales people, can be fired. I was in sales for 15+ years and would humor an unprofessional customer once, maybe twice if they were quirky, but don't think for a minute that you can't be fired, too. I'm not a whore, so I won't do just anything for money. Treat my time, expertise, and professionalism appropriately and you will be treated as such.

[@truxton1000]

@Joseph C. The fact is that the customers are wrong very often, probably more often than the seller....!

[@marksolomon321]

Some stated “Buy with confidence.” That sometimes is very hard to do. There are many Frankenwatches out there floating around in the vintage segment. I would say “Choose your dealer wisely.”

[@alc8479]

From what I understand Saddam took very good care of his watches, buy with confidence

[@bruceduncan9615]

Great advice, especially the one about negotiating. That’s how I got my Tudor at a discount when they weren’t going to do it in the first place; you really have to be clear and say you want to walk out in the next 10 minutes with the watch, and you’ll see that dealers are more receptive. Otherwise, just be happy to look

[@MegaAnimal81]

Very Good Pointers that end users can take note of. Your answer to the most common question " whats your best price" is certainly spot on!

[@esaleinonen6871]

I like these industry/insider perspectives videos, keep them coming Fede !

[@abdulazizahmed838]

Great video and excellent tips. I would say that the last question when buying used watches, “is the watch authentic?” actually has value and the responses I get usually tell me what I need to know to go forward with the transaction or not. If you want details, let me know.

[@mt24Carson]

Great job as usual Fed. Keep making these videos...knowledge is power, and the more knowledge customers have, the more informed decisions they can make and build a longer-lasting relationship with their dealer.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you so much David!

[@JoshuaGuada]

Having been in the service industry for many years I do NOT buy into “the customer is always right” whatsoever. They are often horribly wrong. However, the customer is always the customer. In my world (automotive repair) we like to go the “respectively educate” route when the need arises and get them on our side. Love the vids but that line just kills me when I hear it! Keep up the awesome work. I’m always looking on delray for something that catches my eye.

[@marksolomon321]

I buy a lot of vintage and used watches, and never really thought about what the dealer/seller is thinking. Thinking back, I have asked those questions that you indicated not to ask. I liked your comment about the best price, being the highest price. Makes a lot of sense if you’re the seller. This video gave me some good info and will use the knowledge in the future, thanks.

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Frederico is right about the question "what's your low dollar". It's a trap. I always just say: "I'd like to get what I priced it at, but if you're serious and want to buy it today, I'll listen to an offer" The thing is, if you ever give a buyer your "low dollar", he'll just go around to every other seller and tell them what you said until one of them agrees to beat your price by a penny etc and you've lost a chance to sell your item. Never fall into that trap. Just tell them you'd like to get what you have on it, but you would listen to an offer they are willing to pay today.

[@kenl2861]

Frederick Tough/ touchy subject, handled brilliantly, I think. Definitely left me feeling educated and enlightened. Most satisfying was the takeaway to do your research on the seller’s reputation, and how to really ask the questions behind the questions in order to get the valuable answers. Thanks for taking it on, and to heck with the naysayers.

[@noelmurphy3450]

Great informative review Federico; the questions you should ask a dealer before buying a pre-owned watch should be obvious, but they are not. Thanks so much for the advice!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

All questions are good, some are just better than others.

[@mikerodriguez4608]

I always ask an online merchant to confirm in writing (via email) that the watch is 100% authentic, as well as all other representations they are making about the watch and about the sale. It is much more about producing a paper trail in case there is any issue than it is about not trusting the dealer.

[@TW-um5hs]

Very informative! Love the better alternative questions. Thank you

[@szakacselod8452]

I watched a few of your videos, this one made me subscribe. Very good video, nice job. Very helpful for me. I am trying to decide wether to buy a vintage Doxa Anti-magnetic for around $90, and you just helped me to prepare to approach the dealer. I was actually about to ask some no-no questions :)

[@pedrosaenz2800]

Asking questions is an art!! Selling skills require good questioning.

[@goldcds]

Another great video Fed. Love your videos.

[@Molloy1951]

It’s very important to know if the watch has been polished or not.

[@bmanstyle661]

The statement about buying the seller is so true and wise.

[@19motya69]

Very informative and much needed, at least for a first time buyer like myself, video. Thank you so much, Federico!

[@wherecar54]

Actually, this is a very good Vid. Alle the points you touched upon are important. I don’t understand why others would think otherwise. Keep the good work I enjoy most of your Vids Sir.

[@Michael-4]

This is a very good video. I like the way you see where punters are coming from and give them better questions.

[@arus3765]

What's your opinion on Jomashop or Amazon?

[@austrian515]

Great video! I'm going to be in the market for a pre owned watch in the future, and this sort of video is great. Would love to see another video about the best questions to ask when considering buying a timepiece.

[@Stallionfragrancereviews]

Why don’t a lot of dealers list how big the band is , I always find that annoying I would like to know if it’s going to fit since I have larger wrists

[@TheComaProject]

Great video Fred. As a Brit I always find negotiating a deal to be difficult and out of my comfort zone, so really nice to have some advice to help make it go smoothly!

[@nephroghost1912]

Very helpful and good insight into the process. I have not bought pre owned yet so this information is nice to know.

[@bentonwaldron1190]

Grateful for the information Fred

[@dovyhk]

Very reasonable advice. Hope more people are aware of what you said.

[@StefaanVdV1961]

Informative video Frederico, thanks for sharing 👍

[@danielguadian2716]

Please Federico....please keep on making videos, I'm recently retired & I want to reward myself by buying a quality watch, eg., Omega Moon Watch... I've really enjoyed becoming educated about watches, & I enjoy you videos very much...

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you so much Daniel. That is quite the compliment.

[@gears35w]

Great vid as always and you should continue making content as frequently as possible lol. Any different types (Vlogs, stories, etc.) would definitely be welcome as well.

[@jraw7540]

I feel good now. Two of my top questions is has is been serviced? & are all parts on original.? Especially inner workings.

[@kkolsen2001]

Very helpful video - thanks Federico!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Cheers Kurt.

[@MM-bg7in]

Yes, pls continue making videos about the industry and other viewpoints.

[@SnappyDragon2]

liking these vids Federico :) I'm based in Sydney and looking to buy my first high end watch but these vids are really helping educate me before I part with my $5k AUD

[@eckergus]

Thank you for sharing this information, Fed. I personally have the utmost respect and admiration for you for the way you conduct yourself and your business, and certainly value your opinion very much.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Very kind! Thank you!

[@clevelog]

Thank you. Very worthwhile advice.

[@SuperBullyone]

I think I asked you all those questions. I asked the one about, what is the best price you can do on that watch. I asked another watch dealer and he said 20% off, so I bought a Capeland. I am still interested in the men's Pasha you have for sale, if it is still there when I get more money. But you are right, the answer is I should just make a reasonable offer.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Hahaha really? It's all good, thats why I made this video, to try and help everyone out.

[@kevinjk27]

Great video. Thanks for the info. Very helpful!

[@robertparker6349]

Good show. I would ask how the dealer checks to ensure a watch is authentic.

[@lukeharris8806]

Excellent and informative video Fed - more like this please 👍

[@ssvs0485]

I am a buy new only guy but I liked the common sense video.

[@ag121171]

well said - and right to the point! Interesting points from both sides regardless: quite informative

[@Ckjohn77kg]

1. How many previous owners? Instead: How is it serviced? 2. Ever polished? Instead: Over polished? 3. Negotiation unless you are going to buy 4. Is it authentic? Instead: Is it original?

[@tyllerdurdent]

What about when is preown and old, but u see some serious deterioration on the strap? How do u think it will affect the value for instance for a Patek phillipe? More in the case of vintage watches were sometimes get the original new is hard?

[@kennethsham9967]

I agree with the points made in the video for the most part...except regarding polishing. I will always want to know to what amount of polishing was done, as I prefer no polishing at all. Just the fact that even a tiny bit of metal is potentially removed is a turn off for me, so if I know a watch has been polished, I will likely not buy it. Assuming all else is in good working order, I would much prefer one that has many surface scratches (not dents or gouges) over a piece that looks mint because it has been polished.

[@TonyCava]

"Saddam Hussein"? That is SO 2000-late! Thanks for the vid and great info Fed. It's important that both sides of a deal feel respected and fairly treated. Knowing what to ask and how to ask it goes a long way in life.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

And it gets you more useful information

[@mcmartini]

This was very helpful video. Thank you very much Federico. Love your every video. Take care :)

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

:) Very kind. Thank you.

[@MidEnginedFan]

Very helpful, thanks! It's good to know what an AD experiences and what they would like to have in terms of a good customer.

[@eugenerivera4327]

Thanks for the information if I think about it and what you are saying it all makes sense to me it only makes common sense what you are telling me or any body else for that matter great job on the subject friend.

[@Tarkan314156295]

Continue with your good work. We like it :)

[@danagreen2329]

I really appreciate your point of you. Thanks for the content

[@tyngiammaycheng]

Yes, I enjoy watching your videos very much. 👍

[@tyngiammaycheng]

Thank you.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you sir!

[@vorteco7692]

Nice video! I enjoyed it. Thanks for the pointers! The point you made about the watch being polished vs overpolised is a good point. I just bought a Seamaster year 1990. It has been polished and serviced and pressure tested. I'm very comfortable with it's mechanical systems. The edges are still sharp and crisp. The watch is very attractive. They polished it on the conservative side. They left a few small dings vs over polishing the watch. Which to me, is excellent! Thanks for your videos! I like them all. At what year are watches considered to be "Vintage"?

[@jimgd4]

Thanks for sharing your trials & tribs, Fed. Keep up the good work. Do some specialty vids on bigger, tasteful watches for bigger guys. Nobody else is doing that. You did it once before with another guy, but he brought on a bunch of really over the top meh. YOU can do it right. You could even turn it into a series.

[@mauriebarnes8272]

Great insights and content as usual.

[@Trex100]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@rosslee8485]

A quick question about Vacheron Constantin. Why some Vacheron Constantin have "Genève" with an accent and some don't? I looked into many different ones, and it appeared to me that there is a slight difference in the font as well. I asked some people, and no one can give me an exact answer. The one on their official web has that little sexy french accent grave. If anyone knows why, please tell me. Thanks ahead @Federico

[@bulanglangbangus]

@federicotalkswatches This vid is very helpful! Very informative. Got my BB ETA from DWS and it all went smoothly. Fed and John actually call you when we want to ask question. Fantastic job guys! Let me know if you get a Zenith EP 38 tri color on bracelet in stock. 👌

[@scotttremain4937]

Hi Fed. Thanks for the imformative video. Can I ask would asking a dealer to open the case of a vintage watch that I were interested in buying to check the movement be seen as rude or non etiquette? I am interested in an Omega Seamaster 166.010. Thanks Scott

[@bp2967]

Hi Federico, what do you think of Alpina watches?

[@USA2ndAmendment]

Federico, I really enjoy your videos...honest question...just based on brand (quality, service, etc), which would you recommend? Hamilton vs Longines vs Steinhart Basically I am looking for an entry level luxury watch...diver style, under 1k. Thanks for your videos!

[@polarroller4848]

excellent points Fed.

[@trdaniel37]

Good video Federico. Good content.

[@vetman548]

Thanks for the video I found it very informative. I do have one question though maybe someone here could help me. If two online watch dealers have the watch I want at the same price (and I am serious about buying the watch they have advertised) how am I sure I am getting the best deal. From what you said I cant think on the one dealers price and contact the other dealer to see if he can beat it even though I said I'm serious about buying the watch. Can someone give me an idea on how to get the best price lets say if you have two dealers where the watch is basically around the same price and you are looking to get the best deal.

[@nearlyretired7005]

This advice applies to almost anything you buy that is mechanical. Price, service record, condition and,authenticity!

[@bindmedia2852]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@johncole2002]

Love this video!

[@lawrencelogan1565]

Buying a watch is like buying a car. The store needs the sale more than you need the watch; they have sale goals and bills to pay. Always have the salesperson make the first offer. Then ask if they can go lower. Continue until you get a reasonable price. Refrain from making an offer because once your offer is made, it will only go up. I do agree about not negotiating unless you are ready to buy.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Wow I negotiate the opposite of that. I don't need to sell the watch today I get multiple interested parties. I will never drop the price for no reason or make the first offer EVER...

[@mikemantho9426]

Great stuff, definitely helpful

[@callsigncamp]

proTip: turn off your phone notifications! Cheers!

[@mdh.3421]

Do sales people in jewelry stores make good money? Is tipping taboo?

[@JuniorExecutive1987]

Great advice, thanks for the insight.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Glad you found it useful.

[@rickvarsava2529]

Great advice!

[@backtheblue7716]

Regarding the authenticity question. I understand your stance of buying the seller, but even if I had know the seller for 30 years and bought several timepieces from them, I believe it is still a concern on the pre-owned market. The question that I have asked several times is "What steps have you taken to ensure this watch's authenticity?" I find it is directs the question at their practice and not their integrity as a seller. I have gotten varying responses. What is your take on this?

[@erich_w]

Hey Fed, when purchasing new at an AD, is there any advantage in offering cash as opposed to credit/debit in an attempt to negotiate a better price? Thanks

[@aj5150x]

Hi thanks for the insight. Can you reccomend a good dealer/store in NJ?

[@carlosfallas4699]

Great video!

[@markbrophy1276]

Hi. No your recommendation I just went to Delray Watches. You have some amazing pieces for sale. The one that blows my mind is the the one below. I'm in South Africa so the R14 to the Dollar puts is so far out of my reach I can just dream. I can however dream. . Moser Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Rose Gold *UNWORN* H Moser

[@TheGlobetrottingSwede]

When it comes to original parts, is that something I should expect to have inside a 20-30 year old watch that I buy pre-owned?

[@texpatriot8462]

Many dealers promise “certified authentic” watches. In your opinion, what does (should) that mean? If the watch turns out to be a fake, what remedy should a buyer realistically expect to achieve?

[@paredair]

Excellent advice

[@danielkatz7516]

Off topic Fed, but what say you about the boutique brand Ophion , particularly, the Ophion OPH786, with guilloche dial(excuse misspelling)and Technotime brought back to life by a buy out???

[@saldeburrra]

Hello Federico, nice video by the way, Have you ever considered starting a watch manufacture or watch brand?

[@gabemoza9569]

Tell some cool dealer watch stories, or funny or nasty!!

[@waktosha7378]

Hey Fed, I ask a seller you know what watches can you work a great deal on. He usually comes back with something I like and buy it. I'll give you s hint of whom it is without saying. You have been in a video with him and TGV.

[@Jimfrenchde]

Great video.

[@christofferpedersen3939]

you are right .... If I, as a buyer, come up with a price .... and the price is accepted - then I would feel an obligation to buy!!!!! but I think if its a negotiation , and we land on a price im not really agreeing on, then I think, its fair to say, let me think about that ... and then respectfully ask, can I have a few days to consider - what do you think. ? as a salesman you say your perfect price is the highest - here I have to disagree, you should think long term, lets say, the buyer doesn't feel he the best price - next time he will go somewhere else ... and you can be sure he will talk about it to everyone he knows - and in these internet times everyone he doesn't know too . so your best price is the price you both can live with ... and then the customer will be your biggest advertising stand.... and he will return again and again..... well its just my opinion ...

[@Goaltimer]

The sellers best price is the highest. That’s clear but the sales process is customer oriented which means the best price is the lowest possible. There is no obligation to buy after a price negotiation. I personally want to know the dealers “best” price especially if I am comparing two similar models from different dealers before I decide.

[@alexp3752]

Just my take. With a grail watch, all significant polishing should only be performed by the factory. They have all the necessary tooling, supplies, and most importantly the expert knowledge and expertise to obtain a genuine factory finish. In terms of dealer cost and sales price. I'm not an expert in pre-owned watches, but I've been an enthusiast for about half a century. If a watch is worth about $10K used, I would think that the dealer should not pay any more than $6K, preferably $5K, for the piece. The dealer must be compensated for his efforts, overhead, and profit.

[@cesarlopes9052]

From my experience dealers want a quick transaction. People with a lot of money to spend don't care to ask as many questions. For me I would ask how many owners the watch has had. It's not like you would be able to tell me how many times the watch has been served unless your shop has done it. As far as people asking about it being in a smoky environment you kick them out. Dealers need to realize that sometimes it's a first time buyer and they are very nervous.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Cesar. I totally understand. Which is why I answer all questions with respect and I never kick anyone out. But I made this video so maybe the people who watch it can know how to get more important information on a watch they may want to buy.

[@cesarlopes9052]

I get the same response from car dealers and watch dealers. First they size you up from the minute you walk in. It's like I should be wearing a three piece suit when buying a watch. Do you think these rules should apply to purchasing a vehicle? Do you not ask how many owners it's had? Or as long as it's been maintaineds it's good. I usually go with the dealer that answers ALL my questions, whether they're dumb questions or not. I have walked out of a dealers with cash in my pocket just because of poor service. I am not applying that you do this. But as a customer I think this is bad advice.

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

I know you know the people at WatchBox: Is WatchBox a good place to buy pre-owned watches? I am nervous about buying a watch which someone else owned previously.

[@mikethebike67]

Great video Fed!

[@timetraveler1681]

Great advice

[@alc8479]

Hey is that real bunker dust in this Saddam watch?