An American online marketplace for watches and jewellery, TrueFacet, has announced the launch of its ‘Brand-Certified Pre-Owned’ category.
As a result of the launch, TrueFacet claims to be the first ever brand-authorised pre-owned online retail marketplace in the watch and jewellery sector.
It certainly represents an interesting twist in the ongoing success story of the second-hand watch market, which continues to grow at a fantastic rate across the globe.
The seven early adopters in TrueFacet’s new programme are: Zenith, Raymond Weil, Fendi, Fabergé, Frederique Constant, Ernst Benz and Roberto Coin.
Their products will all be inspected and refurbished by the brands themselves and will come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which is seen as a unique selling point for TrueFacet and a blueprint for similar models arising in the future as brands look to take greater control of the lucrative second-hand market.
Only two months ago in June Richemont completed its acquisition of second-hand watch powerhouse Watchfinder.
TrueFacet’s CEO is understandably excited by the prospect of the new Brand-Certified Pre-Owned category: “Our programme continues TrueFacet’s core mission to bring transparency to a formerly opaque industry, ultimately benefiting both our partners and shoppers. Like never before, brands can regain control and maintain their exclusive brand positioning within the secondary market.”
It’s a sentiment that Zenith’s US brand director Thierry Collot shares: We at Zenith are happy to be part of the launch of TrueFacet’s Brand Certified Pre-Owned programme. The innovative business approach is a very exciting concept where watch buyers will gain access to Zenith pre-owned timepieces in a safe, informative, and respectable environment.”
TrueFacet insists that these first seven brands represent just the beginning, with new names being announced in the coming months.
