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The Brands We Represent

Our aim is very simple – to pay a fair price for a fair watch, operating with the same honesty and integrity we have at every level of our business. As we are authorised retailers of Rolex, Patek Philippe and TUDOR, the vast majority of the watches that we buy will be from these brands. However, we are by no means limited to these three brands, we will consider any fine luxury watch.

Our showrooms can’t promise to offer to purchase every watch, but we will gladly take the time to inspect and give advice on each watch presented to us.

What We Are Looking For

You may already be familiar with the terms “full set” or “box and papers.” To collectors, a watch is at its most valuable when it is offered with its original presentation box, warranty documentation, instruction manual and any accompanying accessories that would have originally come with the watch. This is the ideal, and, typically speaking, a watch with a “full set” can sell for as much as 15-20% higher than for a watch with no accompanying documentation.

Our team are also only looking for watches which are totally original. Unfortunately, we would not be able to make an offer on watches where they have been modified from the manufacturer’s original specifications, common examples would be an aftermarket dial or bezel.

The Selling Process

Our aim is to make our process as clear and as streamlined as possible. There are several steps throughout the process which are designed to make sure you get an accurate and final price as quickly as possible.

IWC Schaffhausen chronograph watch with brown leather strap IWC Schaffhausen chronograph watch with brown leather strap

Step 1) Initial Inspection

Whilst we are always happy to give an indication of price from photos, the most effective way is to bring your watch in to one of our showrooms. Our team will be able to inspect it and forward the relevant details on to our Pre-Owned Watch Manager, Chris Haynes. He will then be able to provide a price range, based on the information provided, pending a deeper inspection by one of our in-house watchmakers. If you are happy with the price range indicated, we can proceed to the next step.
IWC Schaffhausen chronograph watch with brown leather strap on wrist IWC Schaffhausen chronograph watch with brown leather strap on wrist

Step 2) Watchmaker Inspection

Our accredited service centre will then take a closer look at the watch. Our in-house watchmakers will then verify authenticity, run diagnostic checks to assess the current performance of the watch and identify any components that may have become damaged. Our showrooms always buy with the goal of returning a watch to the highest standard, we will do all work necessary to achieve this.
IWC Schaffhausen watch with brown leather strap watch face close up IWC Schaffhausen watch with brown leather strap watch face close up

Step 3) Final Price

The required work will be reported back to our Pre-Owned Watch Manager, who will then generate a final purchase price. If this is acceptable, we will invite you back in to store for the final step, otherwise we will return your watch to you in the same condition you left it with us in.
IWC Schaffhausen engraved watch crown dial IWC Schaffhausen engraved watch crown dial

Step 4) Contract and Payout

To complete the purchase, we require a contract to be signed. This is a declaration from the seller that they are the legal owner of the timepiece, there are no outstanding charges (e.g. finance agreements) against the watch and that they are over 18 years of age. If all of this is in order and the contract is signed, we aim to pay the agreed amount by direct bank transfer within two business days.

Buy-In Service

If you are looking to sell your wristwatch, the aim of our buy-in service is very simple – to pay a fair price for a fair watch, operating with the same honesty and integrity we have at every level of our business.

Learn More

Part-Exchange Service

If you are considering a new wristwatch you may wish to consider our part-exchange service. This process has been carefully created to ensure we can offer you a price which is both competitive and accurate alongside the service you always receive at Prestons.

Learn More

Our Showrooms

Over the years, generations of families have become customers of Prestons, and many have gone on to become friends. Today, our teams look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds.

Prestons Guildford

Surrey

Our Guildford showroom, which is now located on the opposite side of the high street, is designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it now occupies. The store features newly extended spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases, alongside a comfortable lounge to allow our clients to explore our bridal and fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Wilmslow

Cheshire

Located in the heart of Wilmslow, this showroom features a selection of spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases. Of course, the bridal collections Prestons have always been famous for remain a prominent feature of the store and surround the famous Aquarium Bar which sits at its centre. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Norwich

Norfolk

Located on the historic Norwich high street, Prestons Norwich has been expanded and redesigned to reflect the character of the building it has occupied for over 150 years. The showroom features collections by Patek Philippe, Rolex and TUDOR alongside our fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom
Guildford showroom
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