Sixty seconds with Joseph Mckenzie, founder and CEO of Xupes

What is Xupes?

My father and I founded Xupes (pronounced ‘zoops’) in 2009. As well as watches, we also sell luxury handbags and jewellery.

Where can we buy your watches?

Through our website and we have a boutique in The Royal Exchange, London EC3. We also sell through international platforms such as Chrono24.

What’s in your collection?

We’ve got a broad collection, with prices starting from about £1,000. We specialise in a core of 10 brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Panerai.

Do you offer trade-in?

Yes and you can trade a handbag or piece of jewellery for a watch—or the other way around. We also offer finance through Klarna and Splitit.

What about certifications and warranties?

We’re accredited by seven brands, including Omega, Cartier and IWC. Every watch is serviced in our service centre and presented as new with a 24month warranty.

What’s the most expensive watch you’ve ever sold?

We sold a lemon-dialled Paul Newman Daytona in yellow gold, which had been in a safe for 18 years in the Netherlands, for just under €1 million (£855,000). It was a real barn find.

Have you sold any watches that once belonged to a celebrity?

Yes, but we keep this private.

Confidentiality is very important to us.

Why buy a pre-owned watch?

Three things: choice, value for money and romance. There’s so much variety in pre-owned because you’re choosing from 60-plus years of watches. Most of our watches sell for significantly less than new, but in new condition and still with a warranty, box and papers. Every watch tells a story that our customers continue.