Hardly any piece of furniture epitomizes Swiss design quite like the USM Haller system. Even after decades of use in offices, the modules rarely end up at the recycling center; instead, they often go straight into the secondhand selection. What makes USM Haller so special that demand for used pieces remains consistently high?
Why does USM Haller retain its value, even secondhand?
USM Haller was never designed for a single era of office design. The modular ball-and-tube system can be expanded, reconfigured, and adapted to new spaces without having to replace a single element. It is precisely this flexibility that makes USM a sought-after choice among secondhand buyers. A sideboard from twenty years ago can be easily combined with newly purchased modules, since the system has hardly changed over the years.
The quality of the materials also plays a role. The powder-coated steel tubes and chrome-plated ball joints are designed for durability and usually show only normal signs of wear, even after intensive office use.
How can you tell if a used USM Haller piece has been well-restored?
When buying used USM furniture, it’s worth paying attention to a few details. The ball joints should be secure and show no visible scratches or signs of corrosion. For sliding doors and flaps, we also check that the mechanisms operate smoothly, as these components are most likely to show signs of wear. Missing or damaged parts are replaced or repaired in our in-house workshop as needed before a piece goes on sale.
Customize USM Configurations
Another advantage of the system becomes apparent during assembly. Since USM Haller is produced in clearly defined module sizes and a limited range of colors, individual pieces from different secondhand lots can often be combined without any problems. In our workshop, we also regularly put together custom configurations, for example using items from our spare parts inventory or individual pieces that would be difficult to sell on their own.
This feature makes used USM Haller systems particularly appealing to small and medium-sized businesses that want to furnish or expand their office in stages. An existing system can be expanded at any time in the future without creating any visual inconsistencies.
Built to last for decades. Made for a second life. USM Haller demonstrates how timeless design and true durability go hand in hand.
Price advantage and circular economy compared to buying new
The financial aspect remains a key consideration for many companies. With used furniture, you can save up to 95 percent compared to the original price, and this difference is particularly noticeable with a premium system like USM Haller. At the same time, buyers benefit from the circular economy behind it. A newly manufactured office chair generates up to 72 kilograms of CO2, whereas with reused furniture, this figure is virtually zero. Across all secondhand categories, we accept approximately 20,000 pieces of furniture each year, 93 percent of which are reused rather than discarded.
This concept fits particularly well with a system that is already designed for longevity. USM Haller Occasion is therefore not a compromise, but a logical continuation of what the system was originally developed for.
A furniture system that lasts for decades deserves a second life. That’s exactly what makes USM Haller one of the most sought-after Swiss classics on the secondhand market.
