Category: Watch Buying Tips

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.