How To Buy The Perfect Watch For Valentine’s Day

First and foremost, there’s an enormous range of styles and price points on the market today; you can find truly unique pieces that no one else has. And thanks to eBay you can frequently find great deals, too. Classic timepieces with retro details are very popular right now — watch brands are actually mining their archives and creating new versions of their historic timepieces — but often, you can find the original ones in the vintage market.
 

eBay also offers a way to find discontinued pieces you either missed at retail or that was so difficult to get at the retail level that the only way you can acquire one is at auction. Think of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona or a Patek Philippe Nautilus in stainless steel (RIP). Of course, you’ll have to pay a premium for these timepieces, but it’s a gift they’ll treasure forever.
 

Many people are concerned about authenticity when purchasing pre-owned timepieces, and rightly so. There are disreputable retailers out there, and even some that deal in stolen or fake watches. One of the benefits of eBay is their Authenticity Guarantee.
 

Essentially, watches costing over $2,000 are verified by eBay’s authenticity center. Here, trained experts meticulously examine each piece to confirm authenticity at no extra cost to the buyer. Once they pass muster, the watch is neatly packed up and sent to you. Moreover, if a watch doesn’t come with a box, eBay will even package it in a beautiful box for you. Whether it’s a new timepiece or a vintage delight, be on the lookout for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee seal before you buy and rest assured that the watch you’re buying is authentic and the real deal.
 

It can be daunting to pick something as personal — and pricey — as a watch for your significant other, but if you follow our steps, you’ll be sure to choose the right one.
 

First, think about their personal style and passions. Ask yourself: What type of clothing and accessories do they wear? Do they drive a new or a vintage car? If they wear jewelry, is it silver or gold? What are their hobbies (i.e., SCUBA diving, hiking, horseback riding)? How would you describe their personality? The answers to these questions can add up to create a picture of the kind of watch they would like.
 

While this tip might seem obvious, many people overlook it. Think long and hard about conversations you’ve had in the past year about watches. Did she love her friend’s Bulgari Serpenti watch? Did he talk for hours about how much he loves the Rolex Pepsi dial? Did they offhandedly mention they think Patek Philippe is the chicest? If so, you already have your answer and can head straight to eBay to find it.
 

If you can’t think of any hints they’ve dropped, look at the watches they currently own. Does their collection have a theme, like bracelet watches, elegant dress watches, or skeleton watches? If so, you can look for similar pieces to complement their existing style, like a gorgeous Cartier Panthère watch, a classic A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Big Date, or the stunning Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Skeleton.
 

If the collection is more eclectic, consider the gaps you could fill. For example, if they have several chronograph watches but don’t have Zenith’s iconic El Primero Chronomaster, one of the most important chronographs ever made, that would be the perfect piece to round out their collection.
 

Finally, establish your budget. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to find a meaningful gift. There are great watches to suit all budgets, including deals under $2,000. But, if you’re making a significant purchase, you can rest assured that your money is safe, thanks to eBay’s partnership with escrow.com for transactions over $10,000. The funds remain in escrow for seven days after you receive the watch so you can examine and accept the piece before presenting it to your loved one.
 

(Images from eBay.com and Watchonista)