2. Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph, Reference 8020
Thanks to the pre-owned market, you could own this true manufacture timepiece made in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. These Girard-Perregaux Ferrari watches come in several combinations (stainless-steel bracelet, leather strap, various dial colors). I’d opt for the black-dial version with a nice leather strap.
3. Cartier Santos 100 XL
4. Linde Werdelin One
I had to search a bit for this one, but I found a pre-owned Linde Werdelin timepiece under $4,000. This company, with Danish roots and a headquarters in London, makes state-of-the-art sports watches. The Linde Werdelin One was its first step into the world of horology and I consider it to be a modern interpretation of Gérald Genta’s classic watch designs. (Photo courtesy of TotallyWorthIt.)
5. Sinn 142 D1
Admittedly, this is one you’d have to search for a bit, but I consider it to be a very interesting timepiece, perhaps even a collector’s item. This small watch manufacturer from Germany still has this reference (142) in production, but only in the Mark 2 version. The previous models – original Reference 142 – have Lemania 5100 chronograph movements. Try to get one of the special editions that Sinn made to commemorate the D1 space mission or the GSG9 (German special forces) edition. (Photo courtesy of diveluvR® blog.)
What kind of watch would you seek out in the pre-owned market if you had a budget of $4,000? Or would you never buy pre-owned? Let us know your comments.
No Responses to “Fratello Classics: 5 Interesting Pre-Owned Watches Under $4,000”
I like the GP Ferrari on that list. Totally underrated auto chrono in my opinion. I would also add an IWC Portofino 3565 to that list. They can be found well under $4k and who doesn’t love the simplicity. I also think with a little searching you could find a nice Panerai for that price, maybe a PAM000 our a PAM114.
Throwing a bit of a curve, I’d pick the Seiko SBDX001 Marine Master. I’ve followed used prices climbing over the last few years. It’s a classic design; a tough tool watch that will keep it’s value.
I believe Seiko is an underrated watch brand considering their all in-house manufacture movements. The low entry price for a Sekio 5, or any of their quartz line sours the brand with many collectors. It’s like, who’d pay $100,000 for a Volkswagen?
Say what you will about a Seiko 5 but for someone who has to get his hands dirty at work occasionally its a good watch. Its been taking a lot of punishment and still looks in decent shape. Its no chronometer but for the price I like it.
Of course Seiko makes some good pieces, maybe I will own one someday. For me you can get a decent Omega speedmaster professional for under $4000. An iconic piece I picked a 1969 cal 861 one up for a bit over $3000 USD with original warranty card. Can’t go wrong with a speedmaster Id say.
What do you mean? There are no hands on 9 o’clock, it is an image of the Space Shuttle (D1) mission (1985 I believe). Do you mean the small indicator at 12 o’clock? That’s the 25 hour indicator. The lower counter, at 6 o’clock shows the chronograph hours. The chronograph second and minute hands are centralized on this watch, that makes it a typical Lemania 5100 movement lay-out dial.
Much more rare and available for a pittance: Rolex Oyster Quartz.
I like the GP Ferrari on that list. Totally underrated auto chrono in my opinion. I would also add an IWC Portofino 3565 to that list. They can be found well under $4k and who doesn’t love the simplicity. I also think with a little searching you could find a nice Panerai for that price, maybe a PAM000 our a PAM114.
i got a jlc diving with full box and papers for 2150 euros last month. So stoked, one of the most comfortable watches i’ve ever worn.
Throwing a bit of a curve, I’d pick the Seiko SBDX001 Marine Master. I’ve followed used prices climbing over the last few years. It’s a classic design; a tough tool watch that will keep it’s value.
I believe Seiko is an underrated watch brand considering their all in-house manufacture movements. The low entry price for a Sekio 5, or any of their quartz line sours the brand with many collectors. It’s like, who’d pay $100,000 for a Volkswagen?
Say what you will about a Seiko 5 but for someone who has to get his hands dirty at work occasionally its a good watch. Its been taking a lot of punishment and still looks in decent shape. Its no chronometer but for the price I like it.
Of course Seiko makes some good pieces, maybe I will own one someday. For me you can get a decent Omega speedmaster professional for under $4000. An iconic piece I picked a 1969 cal 861 one up for a bit over $3000 USD with original warranty card. Can’t go wrong with a speedmaster Id say.
If you look hard enough you can find a Rolex GMT or Sub for under $4k or (and I’m surprised you didn’t mention this) an Omega Speedmaster Moon.
Not sure if it is still possible to get a decent Sub or GMT for that money, but perhaps if you have some (a lot of) luck!
The Speedmaster Pro would have been a bit too obvious :) To make up for this, I will do a Top 5 Speedmaster models next week.
The Sinn watch , at the nine o’clock position, what are those small indicator hands for ?
Hi Peter,
What do you mean? There are no hands on 9 o’clock, it is an image of the Space Shuttle (D1) mission (1985 I believe). Do you mean the small indicator at 12 o’clock? That’s the 25 hour indicator. The lower counter, at 6 o’clock shows the chronograph hours. The chronograph second and minute hands are centralized on this watch, that makes it a typical Lemania 5100 movement lay-out dial.
I’d go for the Rolex Explorer I (114270). Wonderful clean design.
Great choice Rob!
I got my Ulysse Nardin 1846 Marine Chronometer with blue dial for $3000.00 with boxes and papers. It’s 10 years old, but a timeless design.