Which watches should you not buy in the boutique?

The current range of watches is larger than ever. This is partly due to the increase in counterfeit products and less reliable suppliers. The chance that you will run into a counterfeit bad purchase is therefore present. Especially since these counterfeit watches are getting closer to the original, both in appearance and in the materials used.

In this blog we write about the potential pitfalls of buying a watch in a boutique, what you can do to determine authenticity and mention some models that you should not buy in a boutique. 

Where do you buy authentic pre-owned premium watches? 

When you are looking for a watch from renowned brands such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, you want to be sure that you are purchasing an authentic product. Therefore, choose a recognized dealer or a reliable specialist with a proven reputation. This not only guarantees the authenticity of your watch, you also know for sure that the quality and service are of a high standard. 

On platforms such as Watchrr, Wristler , Chrono24 for example, you will find reliable pre-owned watches that have been carefully verified for authenticity and quality. These platforms often work together with recognized dealers and experts. Do you prefer to buy in a physical store? Then we recommend reading reviews, checking the reputation of the store and asking for proof of authenticity, in the form of certificates.

How do you test a watch for authenticity? 

The replicas are getting better and better, which logically makes it more difficult to judge whether a watch is authentic. We strongly advise against doing such a test yourself. Instead, it is best to hire a recognized company that specializes in this. Do not buy from a company that also sells Rolex or Patek Philippe watches, but really sees this as its specialty. 

Why You Shouldn't Buy Your Watch at the Boutique

If you can buy certain models on list, always do it! Buying watches “on list” refers to purchasing a watch directly from an official retailer or boutique at the official recommended retail price, also known as the list price. However, if these models are cheaper on the gray market, we recommend it. After all, it saves money and gives you the same guarantees as in a boutique.

Which watches should you avoid buying?

Watches that you should not buy in a boutique are watches from brands that are offered under a list price. Breitling is one of the best-known examples of this. But many models from Rolex and Cartier also sometimes fall into this category, especially when it comes to less popular models. These watches often lose their value faster and are more difficult to resell. It is therefore advisable to do some research in advance into the value retention of the model that you are considering buying.

Some of the Rolex watches you should avoid buying from a boutique: 

• All gold Daytonas
• All gold Daydates, except green Ombre – Rolex Green 228238
• All half gold Rolex Bicolor in yellow gold / rose gold 
• All white gold models from Rolex
• All precious metal Sky Dwellers, both Oysterflex and all gold
• The Full Gold Submariners 126619

Want to be sure you're making the right choice when purchasing a watch? 

At Watchrr we always provide proof of authenticity, in the form of certificates, proof of purchase and documents with the maintenance history. You can therefore be sure of one thing: you are buying a 100% authentic watch of the highest quality. We always mention the condition of the watch and mention any traces of use or repairs, so that you know exactly what you are buying and do not encounter any surprises.
Do you have specific questions about a watch or our collection? Then please reassure themOur specialists will be happy to tell you more about the technical details and unique features of the model, so that you can add a new watch to your collection with confidence.