Condition
What does “Pre-Owned” mean?
Previously sold and worn. "Pre-owned OK" means worn watches are fine for the client (unworn ones match too).
Also written as: Preowned
Pre-Owned, explained
Pre-owned means a watch has been sold before and worn. It is the general term for second-hand watches and covers a wide range of condition, from nearly new to heavily used. Most listings use a more specific grade alongside it, such as excellent, very good or honest.
When a buyer or client says “pre-owned OK”, they mean they are happy to consider worn watches, not only unworn ones. That widens the choice and often lowers the price, since a pre-owned watch usually costs less than an unworn example of the same reference. An unworn watch still satisfies a pre-owned OK request, as it is at least as good. For a pre-owned purchase, buyers focus on originality, service history, polishing, the condition of the bracelet and clasp, and whether the box and papers are present.
A dealer request might read: “Client looking for a Rolex Explorer II 226570, white dial, pre-owned OK, must have papers.” Sellers can then offer both worn and unworn examples.
Related terms
Unworn
Never worn. Often still has factory stickers and protective film.
Fresh
Unworn and only days out of the boutique or first sale.
NOS
An older or discontinued watch that was never sold or worn.
Like New
Pre-owned with barely any visible signs of wear.
Slider
Pre-owned but indistinguishable from new; often only the card date gives it away.
Excellent
Light wear from careful use. No deep scratches or dings.
Very Good
Normal light wear visible on close inspection.
Honest
Clearly worn, not abused. Wear is consistent with its age.
Soda glossary