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Ah, Christmas. A time for sharing; for showing the ones you love how much you care; and for showering presents on friends and family (and yourself, if you’re feeling generous).
This is not your average Christmas gift guide. We asked our editors to put forward the pre-loved watches they thought would be perfect for all your festive needs – whether that’s a gift to impress the man who has everything or a timepiece that’s sure to turn heads at the office party.
When it comes to tracking down these watches, purchasing pre-owned examples on eBay is a smart way to find better deals while also supporting a more sustainable, eco-friendly choice. As for the selection? It’s unparalleled. eBay provides access to exclusive models that could be impossible to find through primary retailers – and often you’ll find them available at a fraction of the original retail price.
Thanks to eBay’s UK Authenticity Guarantee programme you’re sure to be giving (or receiving) the genuine article. When a buyer purchases an eligible item, it is first sent to an independent, third-party authenticator, where experts check its authenticity before shipping it to the buyer. The item arrives accompanied by an Authenticity Guarantee card to confirm verification. This service enhances buyer confidence and reduces the risk of counterfeit purchases. It’s all part of eBay’s commitment to creating a trusted marketplace, and making it a go-to for your Christmas shopping. Speaking of which, it’s time to get working on that Santa list…
GIFTS FOR THEM
For the glamorous ones
When your loved one opens the wrapping paper to see that familiar red Cartier box, you know you’re going to get a big smile in return. No Cartier timepiece is more iconic than the Tank – loved by everyone from Andy Warhol to Princess Diana. The classic stainless steel and white face quartz combo is a solid option at a sensible price – you’ll find them regularly cropping up on eBay well under the RRP. But if you’re pushing the boat out this year, how about the automatic rose gold version with the grey guilloche dial currently listed on the site?
A truly timeless way to keep the time.
For the young ones
Tag Heuer provides plenty of access points for people who might be in line for their first ‘proper’ watch. From Carrera to Aquaracer, there’s so much to choose from on eBay, so let us help you narrow it down. We love the Autavia Chrono; go for a steel strap and light dial. Brand new, these would knock you back more than £6,000, but on eBay you can pick up a pristine two-year-old example for two thirds of the price.
For the ones who have everything
For that person who’s impossible to shop for, you’ll need to go big. This calls for one of the holy trinity of watchmakers, Vacheron Constantin – and its most iconic model to date, the Overseas. As it’s nearly impossible to buy new owing to the tight allocations, eBay offers an excellent way to skip the queue. We’re big fans of the Chronograph – a gift anyone would count their lucky stars to receive.
For those who like even smaller boxes
Looking to add some extra sparkle? eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee programme extends to jewellery, verified by the experts at GIA (Gemological Institute of America). From rings to bracelets, necklaces to earrings, you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
GIFTS FOR YOU
FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
What watch says, “I’m happy to be here, but I’m also important enough to need two time zones on my watch”? You guessed it – the Rolex GMT-Master. Affectionately called the Pepsi for its red and blue rotating bezel, it’s the kind of watch you’ll spot across a crowded room. Plus, it offers the perfect excuse to leave early – just blame the jet lag.
For the big day
If you’re going to leave yourself a present under the tree, you may as well make it a good one. And they don’t come much better than an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The renowned Gérald Genta-designed model celebrated its 50th anniversary a couple of years ago, and the suitably festive green-dialled Selfwinding Chronograph was one of the highlights of the novelties that year – and is available on eBay as we go to press. The waiting list for these iconic models is well documented. Of course, that’s not an issue when you’re buying through eBay.
For New Year, new you
Make 2025 a year of adventure – of exploration and wanderlust. You’ll need the right watch to join you for the ride. May we present our final model: the Panerai Luminor. This has been battle-hardened by the Italian Navy, so you know it’s up to the challenge. While entry-level models retail for £4,900, you’ll find spotless examples on eBay closer to the £3,000 mark.
Happy hunting – and happy holidays!
To receive your item in time for Christmas, we recommend contacting the seller to confirm delivery timelines, and ordering by 10 December. All watches featured available on eBay at time of writing. Authenticity Guarantee is independent from, and not associated with, any brands sold on eBay. It is eligible for all watch brands, and selected handbag, jewellery and sneaker brands.
