The pre-owned watch market is bigger than ever and savvy watch collectors regularly scour the internet for the best hidden gems. Welcome back to the WatchGecko Nearly New Range.
A reminder - what are our Nearly New Watches?
These unique purchase watches come from three primary sources. They are mostly photographic samples which we have pulled from new deliveries to become photo-models. These watches have never been owned and once they have finished their time as in the studio we really cannot sell them as brand new, even though some still have manufacturer stickers on them. They represent an amazing opportunity to own "new" watches at bargain prices which still come with a six month WatchGecko warranty and often the balance of the manufacturers warranty.
Another source will be customer returns. When we take possession of a return we obviously cannot resell them as new so we carefully look at each watch and decide if it is suitable for Nearly New. Any selected are subjected to the same QC process as new watches and also have the same warranty benefits as the photo samples.
So, here is our choice for March 2023
Alkin Model Two Automatic Watch Black - Nearly New
To buy new - £415 Nearly New price - £299
The Alkin Model Two is a modern take on the traditional dual-crown diver. The Model Two employs screw-down crowns and a water resistance of 300 metres.
The dial is well balanced and distilled down for maximum legibility and functionality while retaining a clean, modern look. The sandwich construction gives the dial a sense of depth, with the stepped bi-directional bezel floating 1.4mm above the lower dial with raised hour indices. The dial is also protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and features Super-LumiNova® BGW9 on the hands and bezel markers.
The 41mm brushed stainless-steel case gives this diver a presence on the wrist without feeling too bulky thanks to the short lugs. To reflect Alkin’s modern take on tradition, the dual crowns have been laser etched with a ‘hatching’ motif, instead of machined.
The Alkin Model Two is powered by a Miyota 9039 automatic movement, visible through the open sapphire caseback. The Model Two also comes on a brushed stainless-steel bracelet with fully articulating solid links, solid end links and a milled clasp with micro-adjustment for the perfect fit.
NTH Azores Automatic Tropic Divers Watch - Blue Curaçao - No Date - Nearly New
To buy new - £600 Nearly New price - £400
The NTH Tropic collection is inspired by the unique super compressor dive watches of the late 1950s to 1970s. These types of divers were typified by having two crowns and an internal rotating bezel - features that NTH have replicated for the Tropics. The top crown operates the bezel, and the bottom the handset, and both are screw-down to improve water-resistance.
This NTH Azores Blue Curaçao features a stunning sunburst blue dial that's delightful to look at. The faux patina hour markers, with their relief numerals, add the perfect retro touch, whilst the bold use of colour keeps the watch looking contemporary overall.
Protecting the gorgeous dial is a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and each watch has been individually tested to make sure it has 200m water-resistance. What's more, the hands, markers, and rotating bezel are all applied with BGW9 Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility in the dark. So make no mistake. Despite its playful appearance, the NTH Azores is a serious dive watch.
The NTH Azores uses an automatic Miyota 9015 (with date) or 90S5 (no date) movement. This 24 jewel movement beats at 28,800 bph and has a 42-hour power reserve. The movements in NTH Subs are regulated to within -5/+15 seconds per day.
Laco Seven Seas 1000M Automatic Dive Watch - NEARLY NEW
To buy new - £1740 Nearly New price - £1199
The Seven Seas has been created in close collaboration with the German Army and is a part of the brands Squad Watches range. As the name suggests, this watch is a tough diving watch with reliability, durability and dependability at its core. This watch is the more serious looking brother to the Laco Ocean.
This diving watch from Laco has an incredibly impressive water resistance rating of 1,000m (100 atm) and overall dimensions to match. If you like your watches to have a large presence designed to withstand anything, this is the watch for you.
Powering the watch is the Laco 24 which uses the ETA 2824-2 Elaboré as its base movement. This is an immensely popular movement and one which can be found in watches over double the retail price of the Seven Seas.
Geckota Sea Hunter Automatic Diver's Watch - Blue Bezel - NEARLY NEW
To buy new - £499 Nearly New price - £349
Vintage style that harks back to the era of the great underwater explorers. Subtle design touches and advanced movement technology mean this watch will appeal to anyone with an appreciation for the robust yet refined style of classic dive watches.
Choose from 5 different colour options, all complemented by a superior quality stainless steel strap. Each colour of the watch is made in small numbers and has a unique batch number. This watch is made even more desirable by the affordable price point.
The unique uni-directional 120 click bezel is constructed by the ring being filled with protective transparent epoxy resin, which encases the applied lume pip at 12 o'clock and printed markers set on a sunburst metal ring. The watch is available with the tried and tested PT5000 which is one of several clones of the original and now unavailable ETA 2824 design. We have used these movements for several years now and have very positive feedback in relation to their performance.
Check out the entire WatchGecko Nearly New collection here.
