Category: Watch Buying Tips

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Tudor Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Tudor are one of the most exciting watch brands in the world and are consistently producing highly desirable pieces at a price point that’s more affordable than many other luxury watch brands. Considered by many to be the budget Rolex, they are very similar to Rolex models but have their own style. Therefore, they have a lower price point – even lower, when buying pre owned Tudor watches!

 

Tudor is the sister company to Rolex, launched in 1946 by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf under the companion brand Montres Tudor SA. They continue to be part of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Tudor watches.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

Tudor watches offer an extremely good opportunity to own a quality, stylish watch at a more affordable price point to alternatives from other luxury watchmakers.
If you’re buying purely for investment, modern pre-owned Tudor watches do not reap the same rewards as Rolex. However, there are still some key things to consider if you want to increase your potential of return.

 

My four top tips …

• Focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future.
• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

2. Style

When it comes to style icons, Tudor has some of the best sporting heroes championing their brand. Including – football legend David Beckham, Champion surfer Nic Von Rupp and the entire New Zealand All Blacks squad.

 

Sports, Classic, Dive and Ladies – Tudor have a huge catalogue to choose from. In 2007, Tudor launched a whole new range of watches which were designed to be like their Rolex brothers but with more “Sartorial Sense.” They’re more colourful, more daring and for a younger customer and their success over the last 15 years has been monumental.

 

The three most popular modern Tudor models are the Black Bay, Pelagos and Heritage Chronograph.

 

Black Bay – based on the classic dive watches of the 1960’s, the Heritage Black Bay is an excellent dive watch with classic Tudor styling. Available in both 39mm and 43mm cases sizes and made from stainless steel, bronze, steel and gold or silver, there are lots of options to choose from including a chronograph.

 

Pelagos – The lightweight brother to the Black Bay in the dive watch stable, the Tudor Pelagos is made from titanium and comes with either a black or blue dial and with either a standard right hand or unusual left-hand crown. They’re also available in both 39mm and 43mm case sizes.

 

Heritage Chronograph – If you prefer your sport on dry land then the Tudor Heritage Chronograph might be for you. Based on the Tudor Monte Carlo of the 1970’s, these colourful 42mm Chronographs ooze 70’s style.

 

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

 

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 42mm + proudly, then a Tudor Glamour Double Date will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a 36mm Tudor Black Bay S&G.

 

If you’re looking for something smaller, older/vintage could be better for you.

 

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. We mentioned above about the fact that vintage watches tend to be smaller, so if you prefer a slightly smaller look, then something like a Tudor 74000 might be for you.

 

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Tudor every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the 1960’s are more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

 

Bracelets have also changed over the years and newer ones are more hard wearing and comfortable so may be more suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Tudor watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre owned Tudor watch for? Assuming of course you’re not heading to the Mariana Trench. Is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to dive in?

 

If you do want a sports watch for diving, the Tudor Pelagos range is the best place to start.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Rolex Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Buying a Rolex is a one of the best decisions you could make in the watch world because most certified pre owned Rolex watches increase in value over time.

 

This means that when you buy a fully tested, warrantied Rolex certified pre owned watch from Oakleigh Watches, you will be buying an appreciating asset. All you need to do is take care of it and enjoy it for a few years and it will literally repay you.

 

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying a pre owned Rolex.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

 

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

2. Style

There are literally hundreds of Rolex watches to choose from. The most popular and the ones that appear most in our collections tend to be sports references of which there are several. However, the dressier Day Date and Datejust models are also very popular, and they regularly feature in our collection too.

 

Rolex Submariner and GMT Master

As far as the sports references are concerned, the two most popular ones are:

 

• The Rolex Submariner – This comes in Submariner and Submariner Date versions. They were both largely unchanged from 1969 until 2010/2012 when the current ceramic bezel styling was introduced. This was the first and only major change ever to affect the model. The Stainless-Steel Submariner watches have quite understated styling.

 

• The Rolex GMT Master – depending upon age, this is available in both GMT Master and GMT Master II versions. The GMT Master was the original, and when they were available simultaneously, was the cheaper of the two versions. These days prices are much more affected by condition, originality, and completeness than they are by which movement is in the watch. Again, depending on age, the steel versions are available with black, black and red (Coke), blue and red (Pepsi), blue and black (Batman), and green and black (Sprite) versions. Because of the coloured bezel, they tend to stand out more than some of the other Rolex sports watches.

 

Rolex Day Date and Datejust
• The Rolex Day Date or ‘Rolex President’ has been a mainstay of the brand since the 1950’s and has traditionally been presented to every US President around the time of their inauguration. Incidentally, ‘President’ is also the name of the bracelet which is only ever used on this model. The Rolex Day Date is only available in precious metals; yellow gold, white gold, or platinum, and consequently has always been one of the more highly priced Rolex models. Traditionally a 36mm watch – although strangely it wears much bigger – the Rolex Day Date is now also available in 41 mm.

 

• The Rolex Datejust has been an important part of Rolex history since the 1960’s. This is the classic dress Rolex seen on so many wrists and is available in stainless steel or stainless steel and gold versions. The key differentiating feature on the different Rolex Datejust models is the bezel. Over the years they have been available in machined steel, smooth steel, and fluted white gold. It’s important to know which you are looking at because the difference affects the price quite significantly. The other main difference between the versions is the bracelet which is available in either an Oyster or Jubilee. The Oyster bringing a more purposeful look while the Jubilee is more decorative and dressier. Also, traditionally a 36mm watch the Rolex Datejust is now also available in 41 mm.

 

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

 

It all comes down to confidence and perspective.

 

Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

 

Most Rolex sports models ever made are 40 mm but recently a few have crept up to 41 mm and 42 mm versions.

 

As we mentioned before, the Rolex Day Date and Rolex Datejust are traditionally 36 mm, but the modern ones are 41 mm – if you’re looking for something smaller, older could be better for you.

 

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. We mentioned above about the fact that vintage watches tend to be smaller with the Rolex Day Date and Datejust models growing 5 mm over the years. So, if you like a slightly smaller vintage look, then something older might be for you.

 

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Rolex every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the 1960’s is more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

 

Bracelets have also changed over the years and newer ones are more hard wearing and comfortable so may be more suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear. Original bracelets for vintage Rolex can also be very valuable, often running into thousands of pounds, so that combined with their relatively fragile nature doesn’t make for a daily wearer.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Rolex watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre owned Rolex for? Assuming of course you’re not heading to the Mariana Trench, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to dive in?

 

If you do want a sports watch for diving say, the Rolex Submariner models are the best place to start.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

 

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Panerai Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Panerai watches tend to hold their value well, which means when you buy a perfect, fully tested, and warrantied pre-owned Panerai from Oakleigh Watches, you will be buying an appreciating asset. All you need to do is take care of it and enjoy it for a few years and it will literally repay you.

 

A good quality Full Set pre-owned Panerai watch can cost anything from £2,500 to tens of thousands.

 

Dating back to 1860, this luxury Italian brand has an interesting history. Between 1940 and 1985, Panerai watches often featured Rolex movements and were exclusively available under contract to the Italian Navy for use by its Submariners.

 

When that contract finished, Panerai disappeared until 1993 when they launched three watches based on the original military designs: the 44 mm Luminor and Luminor Marina watches and the 42 mm Mare Nostrum chronograph. These watches are extremely rare and highly collectible, mainly because the launch wasn’t particularly successful because of lack of funding.

 

In 1997, the Panerai company was sold to the Vendome Group (now the Richemont group) and the modern era of Panerai watches began. Mainly based around the original designs, now there are hundreds of different Panerai models available to suit differing tastes.

 

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying a pre-owned Panerai.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my three top tips …

 

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

2. Style

Panerai have two main style collections to choose from. The most popular and the ones that appear most in our collections tend to be Panerai Luminor. The second is the Radiomir.

 

The Panerai Radiomir is based around the original military design with a cushion case, wire lugs and exposed crown. With sizes ranging from 40mm to a substantial 47mm and a choice of automatic or manual wind movement. Traditionalists might prefer the larger case with a manual wind movement and only two hands. More modern styles are smaller and can have complications such as date, GMT or power reserve. Always on a leather strap, the Radiomir normally has a black dial.

 

The Panerai Luminor is also available from 40 to 47mm and with an automatic or manual movement. As with the Radiomir, the traditional models are larger and manual winding. More recently, the Luminor has been available with different style options, including bracelets, crocodile straps and coloured dials. A key feature of the Luminor is the patented crown guard design, some people consider this an essential part of Panerai design, whereas others think it’s too bulky and prefer the slimmer Radiomir.

 

Panerai are statement watches, to be worn proudly and boldly.

 

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

 

It all comes down to confidence and perspective.

 

As we’ve already mentioned, Panerai are not low key, however just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big then Panerai is the brand for you as they have some of the biggest cases in the luxury watch market. If you’re feeling bold – you might try your luck with a 47mm Panerai Submersible. The smallest range they have is their Luminor Due measuring 36mm. However, the Luminor’s iconic crown protector tends to make this model a statement time piece and not for the self-conscious.

 

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste, partly one of robustness and when it comes to Panerai – one of budget!

 

Of the three periods of Panerai production, pre-Vendome era (1993-1997) cost around 3x the price of a similar modern model. Genuine vintage military Panerai’s run into tens of thousands of pounds and therefore are collection pieces rather than a daily wearer.

 

Pre- Vendome are still considered vintage and are more wearable. They represent good value for money and are guaranteed investment pieces for the future.

 

If you want to wear your Panerai every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from vintage models are more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre-owned Panerai watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre-owned Panerai for?

 

Assuming of course you’re not heading to the Mariana Trench, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to dive in?

 

All Panerai’s have a sub maritime heritage and modern ones make great dive watches. Vintage watches however should stay on dry land.

 

If you’re not diving, the Panerai brand is a fashion statement and has quite a ‘manly’ celebrity following. Including Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone. That’s not to say, it’s an exclusive all male club – Heidi Klum and Salma Hayek have been spotted sporting these larger time pieces. A great example of how to go large confidently.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Omega Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Pre owned Omega Watches tend to hold or indeed increase in value, as opposed to new, which tend to depreciate as soon as you leave the store. So, buying pre owned is a shrewd financial decision, plus you will probably get what you want much sooner.

 

When you buy a perfect, fully tested and warrantied pre-owned Omega watch from Oakleigh Watches, you will normally be saving a considerable amount and still getting a watch that you can rely on 100%.

 

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Omega watches.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

 

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.

 

• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.

 

• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.

 

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

2. Style

If you are wanting to wear your Omega watch, pick something that has style longevity, suits your style and your wrist.

 

There are literally hundreds of watches to choose from, varying in size, colour, purpose and so on.

 

The most popular pre owned Omega watches tend to be sports watches and are split into two main groups – the Omega Speedmaster and the Omega Seamaster.

 

There are several models of Speedmaster, but the two key ones are:

• The Moonwatch is the classic manual winding chronograph with a steel caseback and a Hesalite plexiglass. One of the most iconic watches ever made, it’s a beautifully designed statement for your wrist.

 

• The Speedmaster Sapphire is a more modern automatic watch. The display back gives it a special unique edge and the Sapphire Crystal makes it more robust.

 

You will find many variations on the classic Omega Speedmaster theme including limited editions, different case sizing and added complications.

 

Speedmasters tend to have a case size that is between 42-43mm plus the chronograph pushers. While they’re relatively slim, they are quite wide on the wrist.

 

There are 4 models of Seamaster:

• The Omega Seamaster 300 is a classic 1960’s style Diver. Ideal for those looking for something with a vintage feel – a slightly smaller watch.

• The Omega Seamaster Diver is a modern take on the dive watch, worn for years by Bond, James Bond. The case is bigger (up to 42mm) but not bulky, so ideal sports watch for a daily wearer.

• The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a bigger dive watch than the others with a helium release valve and deeper depth rating. Perfect for ‘actual’ divers or for those that like something substantial on their wrist.

• The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a slighter dressier take on the Seamaster and while still sporty, is more suited to a three piece suit than a wetsuit.

 

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches. However, it is all down to confidence and perspective.

 

Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Seamaster 300 or the Aqua Terra.

 

Most modern watches tend to have larger cases, simply because as a nation we are bigger. If you want something small, you might want to look at vintage models (pre 1980).

 

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness.

 

We mentioned above about the fact that vintage tend to be smaller in fact, the Omega Speedmaster was 4mm smaller in the 1960’s than it is now. So, if you like a slightly smaller vintage look, then this might be for you.

 

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Speedmaster every day, then you should go for a newer one as the 321 movement from the 1960’s can be fragile and expensive to repair.

 

Modern watches are more robust due to developments in technology and therefore are more hard wearing and suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Omega watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function 

What do you want your Omega for?

 

Omega watches are among the most precise in the world and they’ve set more precision records than anyone else. Because of this they have long been associated with timing at major sporting events including both Summer and Winter Olympics.

 

If you do want a sports watch for actual sport, the Omega Seamaster models are the best place to start.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned IWC Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

IWC is a highly respected watchmaking brand and is known for being one of the more exclusive watch companies or even the “International Watch Company.’ An IWC really is a watch lover’s watch – their watches appeal to owners who appreciate craftmanship and individual design. Pre owned IWC watches are steeped in history and often have a story to tell.

It is also one of the most innovative luxury watchmakers today, known for pushing the boundaries, and constantly evolving with its watchmaking techniques, its designs, and its calibres.
Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned IWC watches.

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

2. Style

American President of IWC, Edouard D’Arbaumont said in a 2016 interview that “We don’t think anybody is buying our watches to tell time. It’s all about the DNA, the history of our product, and what is behind our watches. We must tell stories, like in the film industry.”

As such, IWCs watches are more about the exclusivity and sense of occasion they bring to the wearer, and while watches do tell the time, this makes perfect sense for all luxury watches, which many times are worn as a piece of jewellery, craftsmanship, and history.

IWC have several flagship collections including the Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur, Da Vinci and Portofino. However, they have been forever associated with military, particularly Pilot, style watches since their ‘Special Pilot’s Watch’ was launched in 1936.

The three main types of IWC watch are.

1) The Mark Series – these are very plain and straight forward military style watches. A historically accurate representation of the famous IWC military watches of the mid 20th Century. Case sizes tend to be relatively small and dials simple and easy to read. Usually found on leather straps, very occasionally available on a bracelet.

2) The Pilot Series – this is IWC’s modern take on the classic Pilot’s watch, made with a larger case than the Mark Series. These often have added chronograph and date functions. Again, usually found on leather straps.

3) The Dress Watches – the IWC Portugeiser and Portofino watches are some of the finest dress watches available today. Case sizes tend to be on the large side, especially with the Portugeiser. They are characterised by their beautiful clear dials often coloured matched with high quality leather straps.
Their first luxury sports watch – the Ingenieur was designed in 1976 by Gerald Genta, designer of several iconic watches, such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet.
The Ingenieur is a relatively rare sighting compared to the other models. It offers excellent value for money compared to other Gerald Genta designs, if you can find one!

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 46mm proudly, then a Portugeiser Chronograph will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Mark XVI.

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. Vintage models tend to be smaller, so if you prefer this look, then something like a 1970’s Tuning Fork would be a lovely choice (see above, it’s not literal).

On the other hand, if you want to wear your IWC every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the older models are more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions. More modern IWC’s tend to have bracelet options if that is your preference.

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned IWC watches.

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre-owned IWC watch for? Assuming of course you’re not circumnavigating the world, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to fly?

If you do want a pilot’s watch because you are a pilot, the 3706 models are the best place to start.

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Bremont Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Pre-owned Bremont watches tend to hold their value well and some of the limited edition Bremonts have increased in value quite dramatically over the years. This is particularly the case with their Military issue watches that are made in relatively small numbers and therefore can be collectible.

New Bremont watches tend to depreciate quite quickly but their values then hold steady, so if bought pre-owned, they can be a sound financial decision.

Prices of pre-owned Bremont watches can start at between £1,500 and £2,000. Collectible editions can run into tens of thousands of pounds. As always condition, originality and completeness make all the difference to value.

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Bremont watches.

 

      1. Investment, Pleasure or Both? 

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

  • Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply. Within the Bremont range, you’ll be looking at the limited-edition military watches such as an MBI.
  • If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
  • Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.

If you’re particularly focused on buying a UK watch, Bremont watches are made at ‘The Wing’, a state of the art manufacturing and technology centre in Henley-on-Thames, UK. Bremont have used a variety of Swiss made movements that they customise themselves. More recently they have developed their own in-house movement – the ENG-300.

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

      2. Style

One of Bremont’s proudest claims is that they are “Tested Beyond Endurance”.  They are extremely hard wearing and robust, while still being incredibly stylish and certainly a luxury brand.

Bremont have a wide range of collections to choose from but when it comes to pre-owned the main collections are – the standard pilot’s range, the standard diver’s range, the limited-edition range, and the military issue range.

The standard ranges are those that are available in normal production like the MBIII for pilots and the Supermarine for divers.

The limited-edition range tends to be made in very small numbers and often feature components from aeroplanes or ships. For example, the Bremont Victory contained a small piece of wood from the hull of Nelson’s famous warship HMS Victory.

The military issue range is only available to various divisions of the Armed Forces. However, they do appear on the pre-owned market on a surprisingly regular basis and make a different and attractive collectible watch. Over the years we’ve been privileged to find new homes for four MBI’s alongside watches made for the Royal Navy, Royal Marine Commandos, and various fighter squadrons.

To help you choose a pre-owned Bremont with staying power that is a solid financial choice, we stick to a mix of traditional designs with the occasional Military model.

 

     3.Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

It all comes down to confidence and perspective.

Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. Something like a Supermarine S2000. However, if you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Solo.

 

    4. Vintage or Modern

While Bremont have only been around for a little over 20 years, some of their very early watches can be considered vintage, such as the BC-S2. They have a classic styling that sets them apart from the current range and so they have a unique appeal.

These older models were made in relatively small production numbers, watches like the BC-S2 are rare. However, except for limited editions and military pieces, regular ‘vintage’ Bremonts are not guaranteed investment watches.

 

    5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre-owned Bremont for?

Perhaps you want something with military links or an actual quality watch to dive in or maybe something with familial sentiment. The answer is completely unique to you.

If you’re looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of engineering standards, then you can have some fun choosing with Bremont.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Breitling Watches

Posted on by Card Holder Name

Breitling has been producing seriously made, aesthetically pleasing watches since 1884. The “Made by Breitling” label implies uncompromising testing, the finest materials and strict quality control. It stands for more than a century of expertise and timeless designs. So, when you buy a Breitling watch you are safe in the knowledge that you are getting a timepiece of exceptional quality.  However, pre owned Breitling watches cost considerably less than other luxury brands for the same quality. Plus, if cared for correctly, it will retain its value too.

 

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying a pre-owned Breitling.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both? 

 

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

 

  • Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
  • If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
  • Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.

 

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

 

2. Style

 

Breitling know how to market to both the style-conscious and sporty audiences but not at the cost of substance. Their impressive history of partnerships makes them one of the most ‘stylish’ lifestyle watch brands in the world. The list of Breitling celebrity ambassadors includes the likes of Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Adam Driver and footballer Eerling Haaland.

 

In 2017, Breitling reorganised their products into three focused main categories – air, land, and sea – designed to extend Breitling’s reach beyond the aviation crowd. Using those categories as a guide, seven distinct collections were born: Aviator 8, Navitimer and Avenger for ‘air’, Superocean Heritage and Superocean for ‘sea’, and Premier and Chronomat for ‘land’.

 

Air

 

The most classic of all aeronautical inspired Breitling’s is the Navitimer. The dial is complicated, the watch is extremely capable and contains multiple functions that most people will never use. It’s classic Breitling styling as it’s best.

 

Land

 

The Breitling Chronomat is more traditional looking daily watch, that would look as good with a dinner jacket as with jeans and jumper. With multiple dial colour options, it’s a versatile choice. Plus, you have the choice of either Chronograph or Standard options.

Sea

 

This is perhaps the area where Breitling have truly surpassed themselves lately. The Supercocean range comes in a variety of case sizes, from 36mm to 46mm and some of the designs have become instant classics. For example, for a smart purposeful tool watch, the military inspired Superocean Automatic is outstanding.

 

3. Size

 

 

Does it matter when it comes to watches?

 

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 46mm + proudly, then a Super Avenger might suit you. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Superocean.

 

4. Vintage or Modern

 

 

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. We mentioned above about the fact that vintage watches tend to be smaller, so if you like a slightly smaller look, then something older might be for you. Such as classic Navitimer or a Top Time Chronograph.

 

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Breitling every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the 1960’s and 1970’s can be more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

 

Bracelets have also changed over the years and newer ones are more hard wearing and comfortable so may be more suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Breitling watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function

 

 

What do you want your pre-owned Breitling for? Assuming of course you’re not circumnavigating the world, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to fly?

 

If you want a pilot’s watch because you are a pilot, Navitimers are the best place to start.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

 

Ps. the above watch was our first ever Oakleigh sale and where it all began! If you want to find out more about our history visit our About Us page.