How to pick the perfect watch for your wedding

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WEDDINGS ARE ABOUT celebrating love, about expressing your devotion, about making a life-long commitment, and about… well, watches. Really awesome watches. (Stick with us.)

Let’s face it, your average groom is not going to be especially fussed with what favours are going on the tables. Or which flowers will be tied to the end of the church pews. But which watch he’s going to wear to complement his suit? Now we’re talking.

With most wedding dress codes, there are generally fewer opportunities for men to express their individual style – especially when the dress code is fully formal.

But you can show your personal style with your watch – an accessory to remember for all the right reasons. And that is the beauty of buying a watch for your wedding: it’s a perpetual reminder of that special day – a mechanical memento that will last as long as your wedding band.

Of course, weddings aren’t cheap, and adding a timepiece into the equation might not be the easiest of pitches to make to your better half. So you’re going to need all the ammo you can get – and we’re here to help.

eBay UK is home to one of the largest inventories of new, vintage and pre-owned fine watches in the world.

First, where to source the watch? That one is easy: eBay has to be your first port of call. eBay UK is home to one of the largest inventories of new, vintage and pre-owned fine watches in the world.

But not only that, you can be assured that a watch you buy from eBay is the genuine article. Since 2021, eBay has offered its Authenticity Guarantee programme for watches worth £1,500 or more. An independent team of authenticators examine every watch that comes into the Authentication Centre – checking everything from the bracelet to the bezel, the case to the crown – making it easier to purchase a watch with confidence.

Buying pre-loved is also better for the environment, and therefore for your conscience. And while a reduced cost is another obvious benefit to buying pre-owned, so is accessibility. eBay offers a way to circumvent the long waiting lists some retailers suffer from as well as opening up a new channel to limited editions that may have sold out on initial release.

The next question is what specific watch is right for you. Personal taste will be your leading guide, but allow us to offer up a few suggestions – all available on eBay – to help narrow down the list.

Let’s begin with Omega’s Seamaster 300. And more specifically, the James Bond ‘No Time To Die’ edition. Who doesn’t want to look like James Bond on their wedding day? And as the last watch to be worn by Daniel Craig during his tenure as 007, this has some extra kudos among collectors. Wear it with the titanium mesh bracelet for the wedding; then dress it down with the Nato option for the honeymoon.

If you’re looking for something more classic, then Cartier has your back. Some of the best watches from the storied brand are released in its Privé collection. The only issue with this is that they’re highly limited editions and sell out immediately. Case in point: the Tortue Monopoussoir launched at this year’s Watches & Wonders. It had sold out before the final guests had left the exhibition centre. However, as we go to press, there’s one available on eBay. Not only is the watch elegance incarnate, its value is highly likely to travel northwards.

Breitling has launched a swathe of SuperOcean watches this summer – bringing this historic collection back into the spotlight. However, the latest rainbow-dial edition may be a little loud for your nuptials. Instead, look to the back catalogue for more timeless, understated affairs. Our pick would be the SuperOcean Heritage from 2021 – it’s a modern classic. Just like your good self, right?

Next to Tag Heuer – and if you can’t find a watch you like from its Carrera range, you’re not looking hard enough. This versatile collection has everything from time-only movements to high complications. Given this is your big day, you may as well go large with a 44mm rose-gold skeleton-dial chronograph. Also, useful to remind your partner that it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than a Porsche Carrera.

IWC is renowned for its pilot’s watches, which, arguably, might be more suited to your honeymoon than the big day itself. But the IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph ‘Top Gun’ is more than a worthy contender for playing both roles. Made from Ceratanium, it’s the first Pilot’s Watch from IWC to feature a completely jet-black design code – ideal for pairing with darker suits. It won’t be cheap, though – don’t expect to pick one up for less than £10k. Let’s hope your ego isn’t writing cheques your body can’t cash.

Whichever watch ends up in your sights, look for listings marked with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee badge during your search; you can filter them to bring up Authenticity Guarantee results only.

Now you’ve narrowed down your search, make sure you examine the listing photos in detail and read the seller’s item description carefully. Although the Authenticators will be inspecting your item to ensure that it is authentic as described, it makes sense to do your own due diligence so you’re aware of anything that might affect the value of the watch.

If your mind’s still not quite made up, remember you can ask the seller for more images if you want a closer look. The beauty of eBay (in contrast to other resale sites) is being able to communicate with the seller.

eBay also has a ‘Best Offer’ function, which means whenever you see ‘Make Offer’ listed on an item, you have the option to contact the seller with your preferred price. Similarly, you can set up notifications that let you know when someone lists a similar item on site.

We hope this helps with your search for the right watch for your big day. And if you’re still not sure you’ll be able to convince your other half, why not suggest a matching pair to commemorate the occasion? Marriage is all about compromise, after all. 

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Watches 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 and jewellery brands.Authenticity Guarantee is independent from, and not associated with, any brands sold on eBay. It is eligible for all watch brands, and selected handbag and jewellery brands.