Vintage vs. Pre-owned: what’s the difference?

A collector’s guide by Waltana – Lausanne, Switzerland

If you're exploring the world of luxury watches, you'll often see the terms "vintage" and "pre-owned" — sometimes even used interchangeably. But in the watch world, these terms mean very different things, and understanding the difference is crucial whether you're buying for passion, collection, or investment.

Let’s break it down.

What is a pre-owned watch?

A pre-owned watch is any watch that has had a previous owner — regardless of age. It could be:

• A modern Rolex Submariner from 2022

• A discontinued Audemars Piguet from the 2000s

• Or even a vintage watch that has changed hands

Key point: “Pre-owned” simply refers to ownership history, not the watch’s age or style.

Common traits of pre-owned watches:

• May still be in production or recently discontinued

• Often come with full set (box & papers)

• Generally in better condition than older vintage pieces

• May still have valid manufacturer warranty

At Waltana, we clearly state whether a watch is pre-owned and include detailed photos of its current condition and set.

What is a vintage watch?

In horology, “vintage” usually refers to watches that are at least 20 to 30 years old, often no longer in production, and representative of a specific historical era. Think:

• A Rolex Datejust from the 1970s

• An Omega Speedmaster “Pre-Moon”

• A Vacheron Constantin dress watch from the 1950s

Characteristics of vintage watches:

• Show signs of age (patina, faded lume, scratches)

• May not include box/papers

• Often use now-discontinued movements

• Collectible for design, rarity, and historical context

Pro tip: With vintage watches, originality matters — untouched dials, original hands, and period-correct parts can dramatically affect value.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	Pre-Owned	Vintage
Age	Any age	Usually 20+ years
Condition	Often near-new	May show visible signs of age
Availability	Sometimes current references	Often discontinued models
Collectibility	Based on rarity/condition	Based on era, originality, scarcity
Warranty	Sometimes still valid	Rarely covered, unless serviced
Investment potential	Stable to moderate	Higher if model is iconic or rare

Which should you buy?

• Choose pre-owned if you want a modern or lightly worn luxury watch, often at a better price than new, with potential warranty and newer technology.

• Choose vintage if you’re drawn to character, design heritage, and collectibility — or if you’re looking for potential appreciation over time.

At Waltana, we offer both. Each watch on our site is labeled accordingly and photographed individually — what you see is exactly what you get.

Trust matters

Whether you're buying vintage or pre-owned, the key is to buy from a trusted seller who provides full transparency, detailed condition reports, and expert knowledge.

Have a question about a model you’re considering? Contact us at contact@waltana.ch or explore our curated selection