Lohri offers an extensive and very lovingly curated collection of sophisticated vintage and pre-owned timepieces for all lovers of exquisite watches. Several of the models have written chapters in the history of time, others are coveted rarities that make collectors’ hearts beat faster. We met the team responsible for the Certified-Pre-Owned (CPO) watch world at Lohri for an interview and began the search for you.
Mr. Kupper, why is «old» more popular than «new»?
Colin Kupper: The increasing demand for second-hand watches is based on different factors. We feel on the one hand that the topic of sustainability has also assumed a central role in the watch industry. There is a trend towards long-lasting watches and the timepieces are still cutting-edge and in demand after years. This is also the reason why limited edition watches in particular can often only be purchased on the CPO market. In addition, a number of luxury watch manufacturers are making the latest editions of iconic pieces from the 60s and 70s again. However, a reproduction can never replace an original from this time, as they have their very own charm. Something else that definitely played a role in the past few years is that people had more time due to the pandemic to research watches and now they are interested in the new offer of certified pre-owned timepieces. They have gained increased appreciation. Knowledge about sustainability often encourages the customer to prioritize a watch from the secondary market over a new watch.
Will this boom continue over the next few years?
Colin Kupper: We are convinced that the CPO market will continue to grow. Watch dealers in particular, who are the official agents for known luxury watch brands, sense the great potential for the certified second-hand watch market. The customers have recognized that this form of watch purchase provides them with completely new possibilities and is extremely attractive. Wearing a pre-owned watch has become completely fashionable.
Which brands do you trade and sell in the CPO sector?
Colin Kupper: We stock a wide range of vintage and new watches. We also offer exquisite collector’s pieces, so every watch enthusiast can find exactly the right time-piece. Basically almost every watch finds a new home, regardless of the brand. We also trade, of course, in luxury brands and not with fashion watches and there has to be a basic level of quality and intrinsic value.
As an expert in second-hand, vintage and collector pieces you also offer the possibility to exchange watches? How does that work exactly and where can the customer get an evaluation beforehand?
Colin Kupper: It is very simple to get an evaluation at our store and we offer three options: The customer can spontaneously bring their second-hand watch to one of our stores, send photos of the watch using an online form or send us the photos via WhatsApp. At the same time they can tell us which watch they are interested in acquiring. We can ascertain the trade-in value for the watch within a few days. This offer is free-of-charge for our customers. Incidentally we offer the best price in Switzerland for second-hand watches! If you want a change or would like to have something new, call by and trade in your second-hand watch and leave the store with a pre-owned or vintage piece.
Which service can the customer expect from you in contrast to the anonymous online market, what makes Lohri stand out?
Colin Kupper: Our know-how and our experience! Since the 80s our family has been extremely passionate about vintage watch trading on a worldwide scale and as an official agent for premium and luxury watches we have years of experience with high-quality prestige models – with current models as well as rare time-pieces. Another valuable asset is that all watches are checked by our special-ized watchmakers on site in Zug and tested and certified for their authenticity and integrity. This gives our CPO customers the security and guarantee that they are not purchasing stolen or counterfeit products. Thanks to our know-how in the luxury watch sector we can inform all our customers precisely on the value of the watch in question and issue a comprehensive watch description. This clear overview of the condition of the watch helps the customer to decide whether to sell or not. We offer this service in all of our Lohri boutiques as well as online. But of course, speaking personally with a watch connoisseur or watch-maker and looking at the timepiece together is a service that is very much appreciated and often given preference by our customers. The sale and acquisition of a second-hand or vintage watch in our renowned boutique is a unique experience, because watches are our passion.
