How to Save On…

How to Save on Watches

Trade up. Provided that your old timepiece is in good condition, bring it in to Tourneau or many smaller jewelry stores and apply the value of the trade-in toward a new one. A gold or stainless-steel watch could net you up to 50 percent of its original value.

Shop independent jewelers. High-end companies, such as Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, rarely discount their own wares, but oftentimes you can find lower prices—up to 15 percent off—on these brands at independent jewelers. “Smaller retailers can’t afford to have pricey pieces in stock for a long time,” says Noel Poirier, a spokesperson for the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors. These retailers may also offer up to 20 percent off more affordable watch brands. Check out retail prices online and inquire within.

Go with a metal strap. Metal watch straps can stay in good condition for a lifetime, while leather ones can crack or wear out after a couple of years, says Mark Bernardo, managing editor of WatchTime, a consumer publication. (Grosgrain ribbon and rubber straps also have a limited life span.) Watches with metal straps may also have more resale value, so factor that in before buying.