In recent years, the luxury watch market has experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, particularly within the pre-owned sector. Auction houses have seen record-breaking figures for pre-owned watches, confirming the end of the "hype era" and signaling the start of a market correction. The booming pre-owned industry has granted collectors access to rare, exclusive replica watches, placing emphasis on authenticity, rarity, and provenance. Ensuring the authenticity of these watches, however, is no simple task. It involves rigorous physical inspections, detailed documentation, and an in-depth understanding of watch models and serial number histories. This meticulous process has played a crucial role in driving the high values seen in the secondary market, which has, until now, mainly attracted a niche community of enthusiasts. But what if luxury watch brands could expand this experience to a broader audience of regular collectors? The solution lies in the rise of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs, which provide a reliable avenue for purchasing authenticated watches in excellent condition, complete with original documentation and the brand's guarantee. Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons: Rolex's Trusted Partner in the Middle East Rolex's CPO initiative launched globally two years ago, offering select retailers the opportunity to showcase these authenticated pre-owned watches. In the Middle East, one name stands out: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the region's premier retailer of luxury watches and jewelry, based in Dubai. The Rolex CPO program in the Middle East is hosted in a specially designed section within the Rolex boutique at Dubai's iconic Wafi Mall. This exclusive space presents a curated collection of vintage Rolex watches, some spanning decades, with a significant portion consisting of rare and elusive models. Each watch is carefully selected by members of the Seddiqi family, who draw on their deep industry expertise and understanding of the region's discerning clientele. According to Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, "Building on our seven-decade legacy, the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program is a monumental step in our commitment to watch enthusiasts. It not only broadens our offering, but also creates a new platform for collectors to explore and acquire rare, exceptional watches with complete confidence." The First Rolex CPO Boutique: A Sentimental Journey Visiting the Rolex CPO boutique at Wafi Mall felt like a walk through history. For me, it was especially poignant, as I recall my first visit to the mall in 1992 when it was only the second shopping center to open in Dubai. The Rolex boutique at Wafi Mall had been one of the earliest flagship stores in the UAE, making its re-opening as the region's first Rolex CPO boutique even more nostalgic. At the soft opening event, I was thrilled to see renowned replica watch journalist Nick Foulkes and other industry insiders. The boutique's new design was striking - while the iconic Rolex green was prominent, the space incorporated rich wooden elements throughout the CPO lounge, evoking a sense of vintage charm. This design choice created the perfect atmosphere for showcasing an exceptional collection, with dedicated bookshelves highlighting horological literature - another element that added to the experience. I was also fortunate to be guided on a private tour by Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, the group's chairman. With deep passion and emotion, he walked me through the key pieces of the collection. While the legendary sports models received much attention, it was the stunning women's collections, including vintage diamond-studded Datejusts and Pearlmasters, that captivated me. These pieces, in near-new condition, are true gems within the CPO program. A Memorable Encounter with the Pink Rolex Daytona Beach Among the standout pieces was the pink replica Rolex Daytona Beach 116519, a watch that created a significant buzz upon its release in 2000. Prior to this, the white and black steel Daytona models were considered the holy grails for collectors. The introduction of the Daytona Beach collection, which included dials in green, turquoise, pink, and yellow, marked a bold departure from tradition. Notably, these watches came with exotic lizard straps matching the vibrant colors of the dials - a design choice that was nothing short of revolutionary at the time. As a personal favorite, I couldn't help but reminisce about the Rolex Explorer II 16570 (Polar), a watch that holds sentimental value for me. In 1997, when I began my career at Dubai Television, I set out to save money for my first luxury watch. The hunt for this watch, long before the age of online browsing, was an exciting adventure. The Explorer II was a strong contender, but did I ultimately choose it? That's a story for another time. A Treasure Trove of Vintage Rolexes The Rolex CPO boutique at Wafi Mall houses around 120 vintage pieces, each in exceptional condition. These watches come complete with their original boxes, papers, swing tags, and other relevant accessories. Many watches even include the original owner's paperwork, service slips, and invoices, offering an unparalleled level of transparency and trust for collectors. The CPO program ensures that every piece sold is not just a watch, but a certified piece of history.