Wristwatches: how to buy a genuine new or pre-owned watch at a good price
The movement decides both price and care
A quartz watch runs on a battery, stays accurate and needs almost no servicing. A mechanical watch, hand-wound or automatic, is valued for its craft, but it needs periodic servicing by a watchmaker, and its accuracy depends on the state of the movement. Solar and smart watches have their own limits: the first need light, the second need regular charging and updates.
So decide beforehand what matters more: flawless accuracy without fuss, or a mechanical watch with character.
What to put in your request
- Brand and model — for example, Seiko 5 Sports, with the reference if you know it.
- Movement — quartz, mechanical, automatic, solar, smart.
- Condition — new or pre-owned, and what wear is acceptable.
- What is included — box, papers, warranty card.
- For whom — men's, women's, unisex, kids'.
- Case size — diameter in millimetres, for example 40 mm.
- Strap — leather, steel bracelet, rubber, NATO.
- Functions — water resistance, chronograph, GPS, NFC, heart rate.
- Budget.
Example: “I'm looking for a men's Seiko 5 Sports, automatic, 40 mm case, steel bracelet, 100 m water resistance. Preferably pre-owned in good condition with the full set. Toronto, meeting to inspect it. Budget up to $340.”
New or pre-owned: what to look at
For a new watch, ask about the warranty and whether it is an official supply. For a pre-owned one, ask for photos of the movement, the crown and the case back, and of a serial number that matches the papers. Check that the watch hasn't been over-polished: it wears down the edges of the case and lowers the value of collectable models.
A scratched crystal, moisture under the glass and a weak winding are direct grounds for a discount or for walking away. If you buy an expensive mechanical watch, agree with the seller to have it checked at a workshop before paying.
Size, strap and crystal
The case diameter should suit your wrist: 36–40 mm usually looks good on a slim wrist, while a chunky 44 mm or more suits a broad one. A steel bracelet is more durable; a leather strap is more comfortable but has to be replaced. Sapphire crystal resists scratches, while mineral crystal is cheaper and scratches more easily.
How to compare offers
- The same model, reference and case size.
- What is included: box, papers, extra straps.
- Condition and service history for pre-owned watches.
- Warranty, return terms and delivery cost.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
Create a request, and sellers send offers in the chat: price, photos, condition, what is included, delivery. They see their place among others and compete on terms. The best by content is shown first, seller reviews are next to it, and contacts stay hidden until you choose. See “How it works”.
You may also need accessories for the watch, and for a formal look, items for a wedding.
