Normally, I would buy a watch base on the watch itself, eg the condition and the overall appearance of a particular piece. Look out for excessive buffing and handiwork.
Light polishing for used watches is normal to bring out the life and shine but heavy buffing is a no-no.
If the watch is in a very pristine condition but without papers…why not?.
For those who are paranoid, the shop’s paper (sales receipt) is good enough to clear you from any uncertainties….
Unless, of course, if you are buying from an individual – without papers or whatsoever, then it a bit tricky.
When buying pre-loved, a complete set (from shops) is quite rare. If it comes with papers, then it’s a bonus, with boxes…better still…..
It’s a open secret that the papers alone will set you back from rm300-1000k, depending on the make and model.. Eg, a normal Rolex box will takes you back by rm300.(one MWF member found out the hard way).
Of course, a pre-owned watch with complete sets demands a higher / better value (price), which is also value for the money you pay…
As the saying goes, buy the seller…why?.
Unscrupulous seller may and might perform the following;
a) Interchanging internal parts.
b) Cannibalize parts from genuine to aftermarket
c) Wrong parts, eg bracelet from the wrong year (serial no.) model to be fitted another year model. Some says, as long as its 20mm lug…..can fit..lah (purist will never accept this)
d) Mismatched and out-of aligned cases still calling the shot
e) Worst of all….selling stolen merchandise…………and etc…
My 2 cts worth…
dc.