Is it worth buying a used watch?

Often yes: a good watch outlives its first owner, and used ones cost far less than new. The risks are fakes, worn movements and missing parts. For expensive watches, eBay has them checked for you.

Check before you pay

Tick them off as you go:

On eBay US, wristwatches priced $2,000 or more go through eBay's Authenticity Guarantee: independent experts check the watch before it ships to you. From $500 to $1,999.99 you can add it at checkout for an $80 fee.
The model and serial numbers on the case match the papers and the listing.
Box, papers and service records: they add trust, and value when you sell it again.
Quartz watch: ask when the battery was changed. A battery change can break the water seal: unless it was pressure-tested, do not count on water resistance.
Automatic or hand-wound watch: ask when it was last serviced and how well it keeps time.

Red flags

A famous brand at a fraction of its usual price.
Stock photos, or no photo of the case back and the clasp.
"Homage", "inspired by" or "replica" anywhere in the description.

Which ones still make sense

Popular quartz watches from established brands: cheap to buy and to keep running.
Mechanical watches from established makers: buy them with a service history.
Expensive watches: buy them through the Authenticity Guarantee.

Live listings on eBay

A few current listings, United States. Asking prices; read each listing's condition and returns.

Sources: eBay, Authenticity Guarantee for watches (pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-watches-seller), read October 14, 2026.