Certifying vintage watches
par Julie de los Rios
Rolex
One of the pioneers in the field, Richard Mille, started its second-hand watch programme in 2015, strengthening its network of official retailers to give collectors more peace of mind. Enthusiasts can now take the plunge and confidently acquire a pre-owned Rolex watch through the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme. How does it work? The authenticity of the timepieces on resale from an official retailer is certified by the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned plaque. Similarly, the second-hand watch specialist Watchfinder & Co, a platform founded in 2002 in the United Kingdom with showrooms all over the world, makes it a point of honour to offer authenticated watches, which are carefully examined by experts in the official service centre approved by more than 19 watchmaking houses. Acquired by the Richemont group, the company is now accredited by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, IWC, Vacheron Constantin and more recently, Cartier! This partnership will make it possible to sell “certified pre-owned” timepieces and provide a two-year guarantee and an official certificate from the brand.
The rigorous inspection, authentication and preparation process carried out by Watchfinder & Co prevented the resale of more than 200 stolen watches in 2022. But what are the most sought-after watches? According to Collector Square, the European leader in the second-hand luxury market, Rolex’s Submariner (date 1961), Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Cartier’s Santos and Baignoire, and Chanel’s Première are all highly coveted.
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