man wearing watch with hand in pocket

How To Sell A Watch: Our Guide On Where To Sell Watches

How to sell a watch: is it better to sell privately, at an auction house, or in a pawnshop? It all comes down to personal preference. The following guide will teach you all you need to know about which specific watches you should sell and the best way to sell a watch in general.

Where To Sell Watches

wooden watch on the ground outside

When it comes to places that buy watches in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice.

Auction Houses

Find a local auction house and attend the next auction. An expert will assess your watch and come up with an accurate value which means you are more likely to get the right amount of money for your watch. This is a better option for high-end watches as they are in high demand. However, keep in mind that selling through an auction house is risky as there is no guaranteed sale. Another drawback is that you may not have an auction house near you.

Online Auction Sites

This process is similar to that of an auction house, but it is quicker and easier as it takes place online. One great thing about selling on an online auction is that it is accessible to watch aficionados everywhere so there is more chance your watch will sell. However, with that comes more competition, so there is still no guarantee that your watch will be sold.

Pawnshops

Pawnshops are easily accessible as they are found all over towns and cities. The process of selling at a pawnshop is straight-forward and tends to be less time-consuming than other methods. However, you may not get much for your timepiece as pawnshops often want to sell the watch on to another buyer.

Private Buyers

Selling to a private buyer is ideal because you can arrange the sale yourself. You are also likely to get a good price for your watch if it is in high demand. However, there is always the risk of being scammed so you have to be cautious when selling privately.

How To Sell Your Watch Online: Sell My Watch Online For Cash

lady typing wearing a smartwatch

Prepare

Before you sell your watch online, you need to do some preparation. First, assess your watch and take notes. This will involve writing down the specification, the condition of the watch, and the age of the watch. It is also important to keep the records of the watch nearby so that you can pass them onto the buyer.

Take Photos

Photograph your watch with the help of our expert guide. To summarise, get the best gear, clean your timepiece, find a suitable background, and make sure the lighting flatters the watch. Great photography vastly increases the chances that your watch will sell online.

Decide Where To Sell Watch Online

You could sell on a watch forum, a specialised watch site, or an ecommerce site like EBay. There is no best way to sell watches online as it comes down to personal preference.

Upload Information To The Website

After selecting your site, upload the photos along with accurate information about your timepiece. If you are selling to an online watch shop, it may be necessary to fill out a form to request a quote.

Advertise Your Watch

Finally, promote your watch on social media to increase engagement. One of the best places to do this is the subreddit ‘watches’ on Reddit. However, traditional platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are also excellent places to advertise your timepiece.

How To Sell Watches In A Watch Store

If you’d rather sell in person, simply search for a local store that purchases watches. Most of the time, you can book an appointment online or over the phone.

Before leaving for your appointment, make sure you bring your watch and the appropriate watch records.

Tips For Selling Your Watch

man wearing black and white watch with suit

Here are our top tips for a successful watch sale:

Don’t Make A Hasty Decision

Some people regret selling their watches as they lose a vintage watch with so much history, or perhaps a brand-new timepiece with advanced features. To avoid this, spend some time thinking about the pros and cons of selling your watch before jumping into it.

Do Your Research

Ask family and friends if they are interested in purchasing your watch, get quotes from a variety of websites, and read reviews of local pawnshops. This will ensure you have plenty of options and have the freedom to select the option that will benefit you the most.

Consider Trading Your Watch

If you are looking for a new timepiece to add to your collection, trading your watch kills two birds with one stone. It can be easy to arrange trades on watch forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

lady wearing watch with grey watch strap

1. When’s The Best Time To Sell A Timepiece?

The most successful sales tend to happen in the weeks leading up to key dates such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the summer. However, do not refrain from selling a watch at another time as you cannot rely on certain times of year to always be fruitful.

2. Is Selling Watches A Quick Process?

Depending on where you sell your watch and how desirable your watch is, the sales process will differ in length. It is wise to expect it to be time-consuming so that you aren’t disappointed if it takes some time.

3. Which Watches Sell Best?

Luxury watches always sell best, particularly vintage varieties. Sell high-end watches from Rolex and Omega, and you can expect to find many eager buyers.

4. How To Sell A Watch Without Papers

If you sell a watch without its records, it is likely to hold less value. Having said that, it can still lead to a successful sale. Make sure you find a place that accepts watches without papers and request that they value your watch.

Our Final Thoughts On How To Sell A Watch

Woodwatch outside on floor

To summarise, there are many options when it comes to selling your watch. Each option is made easier when you sell luxury watch brands as they are always in high demand.

After you’ve sold your watch, we expect that it won’t be long before you’re looking for another. When you’re ready, have a look at our prestigious collection of Swiss-made watches for men and women and select one to complement your growing collection. Browse our watches for sale today.

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