Lesser condition pre-owned pieces

[kimiles]

Here’s a weird question;

Is there somewhere online that one can peruse pre-owned pieces that haven’t been polished up and otherwise restored to some imaginary “acceptable” condition?

I mean somewhere one can find some honestly rough watches for a little bit less money maybe, of which prospective buyers can be the judge?

While romantically I suppose you could refer to such pieces as showing the proud scars of their story, I’m really just curious about finding a marketplace for unapologetically used watches for sale.

Odd question, I know, but I’m curious.

[geoach]

just do your home work on trusted sellers you can find them

[EEpro]

Pretty hard to find. Most people scan pictures looking for any scratches so it doesn't make sense to cater to the 0.1% of us that would rather them be left alone.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by kimiles

Here’s a weird question;

Is there somewhere online that one can peruse pre-owned pieces that haven’t been polished up and otherwise restored to some imaginary “acceptable” condition?

I mean somewhere one can find some honestly rough watches for a little bit less money maybe, of which prospective buyers can be the judge?

While romantically I suppose you could refer to such pieces as showing the proud scars of their story, I’m really just curious about finding a marketplace for unapologetically used watches for sale.

Odd question, I know, but I’m curious.

No such place.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kimiles

Here’s a weird question;

Is there somewhere online that one can peruse pre-owned pieces that haven’t been polished up and otherwise restored to some imaginary “acceptable” condition?

I mean somewhere one can find some honestly rough watches for a little bit less money maybe, of which prospective buyers can be the judge?

While romantically I suppose you could refer to such pieces as showing the proud scars of their story, I’m really just curious about finding a marketplace for unapologetically used watches for sale.

Odd question, I know, but I’m curious.

Most all used watches all brands will be polished especially those from retail stores, nothing wrong with being polished as long as it's done correctly,but today there is a anti-syndrome god's knows why.

[Notepad12]

Ebay?

At least it'll go through a watch authentication process, and you'll get private sellers who are more likely to sell a watch in a lesser condition

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[fooey]

Probably ebay is your best bet...some nice old pieces on there with life scars and story's to tell. Your right. Some of these older rougher pieces can be quite cool.

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[996marty]

EBay?

[Bxtek]

No specific place you would be able to find that at. It's a case by case situation. Kinda like a used or classic car where it could be in its original condition, shows signs of use over the years, but was taken care of all its life. Or, a car that was partially or fully restored sometime during its lifetime and could have been done well or very poorly. It's all in how the previous owner took care of it.

[thesharkfactor]

EBay!!

[Barada7]

Tropical Watch will advertise certain watches as unpolished, but I have no idea how definitive that is.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’ve never seen rough watches advertised. For this reason I’m extraordinarily fond of my 14060m. Purchased naked and used at an AD around 2016, bracelet sacked out, case showing signs of honest wear, freshly serviced and accurate to about -1 SPD. I had the bracelet tightened up and left the case as is. She’s a runner and nobody gives her a second look except me. Honest and beautiful, she’ll be the last to go.

[Tqmb79]

This thread could use some pics! I don’t have any really old watches that are beat up as I started in 2017. My oldest is my Batman and it’s not really beat up despite wearing daily for 2 years.

[thesharkfactor]

Why would you? It’s not as if a beaten up, well polished ‘like a used bar of soap’ Rolex is advertised for any less than a mint one! Folk still want top money for them. Maybe thats why you don’t see them advertised - you do, you just need to know what to look for. Which brings it back round - most folk don’t know what they are looking at so well worn watches are often sold at the same money as nice ones.

[njlam]

I have seen come pretty rough looking watches on grailzee.com

[Calatrava r]

Most of the big used watch dealers and trusted sellers do not even buy or sell watches in obviously worn condition. The market for them is very limited and too many issues with returns. If they cannot polish a watch to appear lightly worn or unworn, they will usually pass on it.

Pawn shops are usually full of heavily worn Rolex watches.

[Jackie Daytona]

Local mom and pop shops really. Probably will take quite a bit more legwork, but they can be found.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Jackie Daytona

Local mom and pop shops really. Probably will take quite a bit more legwork, but they can be found.

Yeah, I've seen some "as is" Rolexes in places like that. But often no provenance so potentially sketchy. Sometimes prices are good, other times rediculous.

[77T]

Visit Pawn Shops


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[kimiles]

Thanks for all the replies. Yeah; I have a long, successful relationship with eBay and watches, so that’s always been a go-to. But I’m gonna have to take the time and enjoy the hunt a little. I’m in Palm Springs over the Christmas break and looking forward to hitting the stores and pawn shops around here. We’ll see what turns up ;-)

Happy New year, everyone. All the best for a healthy and prosperous 2024.