Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter Selling Pre-Owned Watches for the First Time

New York—In case you needed more proof that the pre-owned watch market is red hot, Net-a-Porter and sister site Mr Porter have now entered the category. 

The e-tailers have partnered up with Watchfinder & Co. to offer a selection of timepieces to the American market, comprising 15 brands and 108 models. 

It’s a move that’s in line with Net-a-Porter’s increased focus on sustainability across all product categories. 

Alison Loehnis, president, luxury and fashion, of Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter and discount site The Outnet, said: “Having developed our curated fine watch offering over the past few years, this collaboration represents an important next step in offering our customers a wide selection of quality timepieces from the growing pre-owned watch market, while advancing our commitment to circularity and sustainability.”

This week, women’s site Net-a-Porter debuted 26 timepieces from brands Bulgari, Christian Dior, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Omega and Rolex. 

Among the assortment are a Christian Dior La D De Dior, a Rolex Lady-Datejust, and Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

Men’s e-commerce site Mr Porter has 82 timepieces for sale via the Watchfinder partnership from Blancpain, Breguet, Franck Muller, Grand Seiko, Hublot, Omega, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Tudor.

Among the pre-owned array is an Omega Speedmaster, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Rolex Daytona.

Several of the watches offered are limited edition, rare, or discontinued.

Timepieces are offered in a special “Pre-Owned Watches” section on both sites and offer in-house watch specialist services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The e-commerce sites’ personal shopping services will facilitate virtual one-on-one appointments, as well as in-person previews.

As with any Watchfinder purchase, the company inspected and authenticated each timepiece prior to its online listing at its independent service center, which it says is the largest in Europe and is accredited by 19 watch manufacturers.

Each watch comes with the standard two-year Watchfinder warranty.

Mr Porter is offering the added benefit of allowing customers to trade in their timepieces for store credit valid across its entire site. This new trade-in service is being offered in the U.S. and U.K. markets. 

Watchfinder CEO Arjen van de Vall said, “The U.S. is a hugely important market for us and this new partnership is a significant evolution for both our business and the Watchfinder brand, something that will further establish us as the premier resource for pre-owned timepieces. 

“In addition to the curated collection of pre-owned watches available to buy on both sites, the addition of our new part exchange service via Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter’s personal shoppers will also allow their clients to more easily refresh their watch collections or spend that newly acquired credit in other Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter departments.”