Where and how to sell your watch

Without previous experience, selling a watch can seem intimidating at first. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you are an experienced collector, a novice dealer, the owner of a high-value vintage watch or someone who simply wishes to sell an inherited watch, it is possible to make a successful transaction easily and efficiently.

A common problem for sellers is the uncertainty of whether they are getting a good price for their watch and whether the sale will go through effectively. To familiarise themselves with the world of watchmaking and to feel more confident when selling a watch, it is recommended that all sellers follow these steps:

The first and most important step is to investigate the watch you wish to sell. This involves assessing its condition, checking its function and examining it carefully for any dings or scratches.

To get an idea of the watch’s current value, look for a similar or identical model online.

It is important to note that any imperfection in the watch, no matter how small, can significantly affect its value, even if it is the same model with the exact same reference.

At the same time, it should be noted that the prices listed on watch marketplaces or watch forums do not always represent the real values of watches on the international market. For this reason, it is best to consult an expert’s opinion who will value each piece according to its state of preservation and the state of the market at the time. This is particularly important if you own a rare or exceptional piece of fine watchmaking.

At Ancienne Vintage Gallery we can help you with the appraisal of vintage and high-end watches that fall within our speciality. We work with rare and unusual pieces dating from the 1940s to the late 1980s. In addition, we work with modern high-end watches from leading Swiss watchmakers such as: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Omega, etc.

You can browse the brands and models we are interested here.

If you would like to receive our expert opinion on your vintage watch, please fill in the form.

Once you have an idea of the value of your watch, it’s time to find a way to sell it. You can do this on your own or with the help of an expert.

Selling a watch on your own is now easier than ever thanks to the Internet and the many resources available. In the past, the options for selling a watch were limited to selling it to a friend, to a collector who advertised in newspapers, or to auctioning it off. Today, thanks to websites such as Craigslist (in the US), Ebay or Etsy, anyone can open an online shop and access thousands or even millions of potential customers.

However, many choose not to go down this route because of the increased risk of fraudulent transactions and scams. Consulting watch forums, and even selling through them, can be an effective option for some sellers.

For those sellers who are not interested in investing the time in researching information, and who wish to make a quick and 100% secure sale, it is best to put yourself in the hands of professionals.

Companies specialized in buying and selling watches know the watch market, so they know the value of watches at all times and are probably the best placed to provide you with a real and up-to-date valuation. In addition, by choosing this option, you expand your potential market and can reach large collectors and dealers.

Regardless of where you want to sell your watch, it is important to keep a few things in mind for your sale:

• You need to take good photographs of your watch in which it is possible to see the front and back of the watch. The photos should be as clear as possible, in good lighting, or even in natural light. Please note that many dials are difficult to photograph, especially in black and blue colours.
• You should write as accurate a description of your watch as possible. Ideally, this should contain: specific characteristics (material, brand, model etc.), the age of the piece, its state of preservation and specify whether you have kept the box and the original documentation of the watch.
• It is advisable to keep the watch in the most original condition possible, just as it left the factory. It is therefore not recommended to change any parts or polish watches before selling them.

Once you have taken into account the advice and considerations described in this article, we invite you to offer your watch for sale. To do so, you can contact us via whatsapp at +34696766666 or web form by sending a few pictures of your watch or by phone at +34 934676369 or +34 696766666.