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How to Buy Cheap Luxury Watches (Without Getting Scammed)

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What Does “Cheap Luxury” Mean?

Before you begin, ask yourself:

Do you want a big-name brand at a discount?
Or are you after a watch that looks luxurious for less?

This difference will shape your entire buying strategy. If you’re set on a Rolex, your approach will be very different than if you just want a smart, classy piece for under £1,000.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Cheap Luxury Watches

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Here’s what you can realistically expect:

Under £500 – Go for stylish microbrands or entry-level Swiss/Japanese models.
£500–£1,500 – Pre-owned Swiss watches, bargain brands and excellent microbrands.
£1,500 – £2,500 – You’re in the range for used Breitling, Tudor, Bremont and others.

Step 2: Pick Your Style

Knowing the type of watch you want will help narrow your search. Popular styles include:

Dress Watches – Slim, elegant, and perfect for formal settings.
Divers – Sporty, durable, water-resistant.
Chronographs – Feature-rich with stopwatch functions.
Field Watches – Tough, military-style pieces.
Pilot Watches – Large and legible, with a touch of aviation history.

Step 3: Shop Smart — Know Where to Look

Here are three trusted ways to find luxury watches at affordable prices:

1. Pre-Owned Marketplaces

Now obviously we’re going to promote ourselves as authenticated sellers of pre-owned luxury watches. You only have to look at our 5 star rating on Trustpilot to see how well respected we are in the pre-owned watch market. That is perhaps the most important thing that differentiates us from larger platforms such as Chrono 24 and Watchfinder.

At Oakleigh Watches we offer a personal, professional service and with expert knowledge will guide you through both the buying, selling and part exchange process.

Tip: If you do decide to shop elsewhere, always check buyer’s reviews.

2. Local Shops, Auctions & Estate Sales

From pawn shops to specialist auctions, you can sometimes score incredible deals—especially on vintage pieces. Just make sure to get an appraisal or expert opinion before purchasing.

Step 4: Watch Out for Fakes

Unfortunately, the luxury watch world is full of counterfeits. Here’s how to protect yourself:

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid marketplaces like DHGate, Wish, or shady Instagram shops.
Ask for original box, papers, and service history.
Watch out for ‘Frankenwatches’ – models cobbled together from real and fake parts or perhaps just parts that aren’t meant to go together.

For more information, read out Insight – 10 Tips on How to Spot a Fake Rolex

Step 5: Consider Affordable Alternatives

If you want the look of luxury without the price, there are amazing alternatives.

Top Picks Under £1,000:

Vintage Omega – Classy, individual and can be excellent value.
TAG Heuer – If you shop carefully you can get a good quartz TAG for under £1,000
Xeno– These military styled watches offer excellent value for money.
Christopher Ward – The styling is often derivative but they can be good for the money.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

✔ Set your budget
✔ Choose your style
✔ Pick a trusted marketplace
✔ Verify authenticity
✔ Be patient and wait for the right deal
✔ Don’t overlook high-quality alternatives

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend five figures to enjoy a beautiful, well-crafted timepiece. With research, patience, and a bit of insider knowledge, you can own a watch that feels like a million pounds, without spending anywhere near that. Perhaps we should try and rethink the term “cheap luxury watches” as the two things aren’t mutually exclusive and “cheap” feels rather derogatory. After all, we all like a bargain!

Whether you’re buying your first ‘real’ watch or expanding a collection, take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the process.

Have a specific budget or brand in mind? Explore our Collection Pages and/or get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect piece.

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