The popular retail site ShopWorn has quickly become the go-to resource for watches, jewelry and accessories from A-list brands like Breitling, Carl F. Bucherer, Hamilton, and others. Here’s a look at 10 timepieces you won’t want to miss.
Status watches stand apart among luxury brands in at least one crucial element for consumers: They’re not as seasonal as, say, jewelry or fashion accessories, with many styles extending from one calendar year to the next. And the more iconic the timepiece, the less likely you’re going to find its price connected to that dreaded d-word: discounted.
As retail platforms and philosophies continue to evolve, however, especially in a post-pandemic environment, the watch industry’s once-stalwart approach to pricing is showing signs of a new flexibility. That’s also aided by the rapid growth of luxury resale sites driven by consumers seeking to earn money from the gently used items they’re happy to part with—though “gently used” is the operative phrase, as eagle-eyed buyers are more discerning than ever about high-ticket purchases. And why not? Given the current profusion of resale sites—a trend that spawned the category nickname “recommerce”— gently used merchandise at a discounted price has become a buyer’s market.
But what if you could access never-used products at those same prices? That’s the strategy behind ShopWorn, which launched in 2015 as a resource for retailers and other authorized dealers of designer luxury brands to position the upscale merchandise they’re moving out of cases to make room for newer items. “Gently used” takes new meaning at ShopWorn, which developed its name based on the idea that everything sold has only been “shop-worn,” defined as only being shown or displayed in a retail environment. That’s also why all watches found on ShopWorn come with their original box and papers, as well as the site’s exclusive two-year warranty.
ShopWorn’s success is evident in the variety of brands regularly featured on the site, including some of the most sought-after names in luxury timepieces. With that in mind, we put together a selection of 10 timepieces currently found on ShopWorn; each easily could be a must-have piece in a man’s or woman’s watch wardrobe. By the way, ShopWorn is offering WatchTime readers 20 percent off their entire purchase using the code WATCHTIME, good sitewide for any item not included in a flash sale or other special promotion.
Breitling Chronomat Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch
Breitling has been using the Chronomat name in its collections for roughly 80 years, making this automatic timepiece a true icon of watchmaking. Housed in a 44-mm stainless-steel case with bracelet, this Chronomat is limited to just 100 pieces and is teeming with features on its deep brown dial, with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a date window between 3 and 4 o’clock. Fans of this style also point to the space-age look of the numbers on its unidirectional bezel as another detail that makes this a standout piece. The watch is also water-resistant to 300 meters and features a 70-hour power reserve.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro Small Second Date Automatic Men’s Watch
Men and women alike seeking a great choice for an everyday watch are sure to be attracted to this Hamilton, which on ShopWorn comes in well under the $1,000 threshold many consumers set when they’re looking for a quality automatic timepiece on a budget. The 40-mm case puts it squarely into unisex territory, while the black dial and stainless-steel bracelet make this a stylish, classic piece you’ll reach for as an alternative to your sportier watches. Features include a date window at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 6 o’clock, and 50 hours of power reserve.
Speake-Marin Velsheda 18K Rose Gold Automatic Men’s Watch
Among watch aficionados, Peter Speake is a rock star, crafting timepieces that beautifully balance handcraft, tradition, and innovation. The Speake-Marin Velsheda is an ideal example: Named after a British J-Class yacht built in 1933, the Velsheda’s overall timeless styling — from its 42-mm case and oversized crown in 18k rose gold to the Roman numerals on the white lacquered dial — puts one in mind of an ultra-classic design from the days when sailors were guided by little more than their watches and the stars. But the truly cool element of this watch is the blued-steel single hand that spans the full diameter of the dial: One end points to the hour, while the T-shaped opposite end guides the wearer to the chapter ring featuring 12 five-minute increments placed between each hour. A single-hand watch requires a little getting used to, but it’s integral to a thoughtfully curated watch wardrobe — and you’ll definitely be wearing one of the most eye-catching timepieces in any room.
Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Complete Calendar Automatic Men’s Watch
If you’re seeking an ideal watch as a graduation present, a classic timepiece the recipient is sure to wear forever, Montblanc’s Heritage collection is a terrific choice. This 40-mm automatic is positioned as a men’s watch, but it’s also an ideal unisex size, and is crafted of stainless steel on a black alligator leather strap. Day and month windows are placed at the 12 o’clock position, while a blued-steel hand highlights the date around the perimeter of the silvered dial. A moon-phase function is positioned at 6 o’clock, while the automatic movement also features a 42-hour power reserve.
Dior VIII Diamond Ceramic Automatic Ladies Watch
A white ceramic watch has become a staple of a stylish woman’s wardrobe, and the Dior VIII ranks high on wish lists. The use of Roman numerals for the 8-o’clock position is significant for fans of the French house, as Christian Dior considered it a lucky number. Both the white mother-of-pearl dial and the fixed bezel are embellished with diamonds on this 38mm automatic watch—ultimately, it’s a great opportunity to invest in a white ceramic timepiece from a French house at a fraction of the price.
Graham Chronofighter Black Arrow Laser Control Automatic Men’s Watch
For pure wow factor, it’s tough to beat this Graham Chronofighter, from its pixelated-camo dial to its unique special effect: Direct the included laser pointer to the triangle at the 9-o’clock position, and the watch projects a hologram of a planisphere spanning all 24 time zones. Features include a date window, subsidiary seconds at 3 o’clock and a chronograph with 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock, all in a 47-mm PVD-coated steel case on a NATO strap. It’s tough to find a sportier watch you’ll be more eager to show off to friends.
Oris Williams FW41 Chronograph Limited Edition Automatic Men’s Watch
Swiss watchmaker Oris has enjoyed a longtime partnership with the Williams Formula 1 Racing Team, and this chronograph, limited to 410 pieces, is among the results of that relationship. Housed within a 44-mm case crafted of titanium and carbon fiber, the carbon fiber-patterned dial highlights an exposed date wheel and white-ringed subdials, while blue hands and accents are a nod to the colors of Williams Racing.
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Big Date Diamond Ladies Watch
Women in the market for a Patravi Big Date—so named for its oversized date window at the 11-o’clock position—will find a variety of choices here, including this sleek watch, which features a diamond-set bezel on a 38.5-mm stainless-steel case. Small seconds are positioned at 6 o’clock, while the power reserve on the CFB Caliber A1003 movement is roughly 55 hours.
Romain Jerome Arraw Marine Ceramic Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch
Like HYT, Swiss watchmaker Romain Jerome is another brand to experience financial challenges during the pandemic, declaring bankruptcy in 2020. Watch editors have been true fans of this brand’s models, including this piece in black ceramic, with dial details in a stark white that are highly readable. The sizable 45-mm case has a fixed ceramic bezel, while the black dial features subsidiary seconds at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter and date at 6 o’clock, and a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock. The Romain Jerome Caliber RJ-2040 automatic movement also boasts at 42-hour power reserve. If your taste tends toward pieces that are respected but not seen on everyone’s wrist, this is it.
DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Skeleton Tourbillon 18K Rose Gold Manual Wind Men’s Watch
“Architecture” is a word that nicely applies to this piece from Geneva-based independent watchmaker DeWitt, from the signature column-like detailing on the side of the 43-mm case in 18k rose gold to the sheer beauty of its skeletonized styling. DeWitt’s Caliber 8028 manually wound movement was produced entirely in-house and is mesmerizing in its details, starting with the tourbillon placed at the 6 o’clock position. In addition to hour and minute functions, features include a 72-hour power reserve and a transparent caseback to enjoy the craft of this status timepiece from all angles.
