Compared to lower-priced items, selling a timepiece requires extra steps to ensure you achieve the highest sales amount and avoid getting robbed or scammed.
The more expensive the timepiece, the more coveted the brand name and model, the more thieves will target you. There’s a good reason Rolex does not sell any of its new timepieces online and is highly secretive about its shipping processes. Always take extra safety precautions when selling a wristwatch.
1. Research Your Watch on the Market (Online)
Gather pertinent details about your watch, such as the brand, model, serial number (usually on the case back or under the lugs), condition, and service history. Compare this to similar watches you see on eBay, Chrono24, Reddit, and at watch stores online.
Determine the best price based on this market research.
2. Where to Sell Your Watch (Online or Offline)
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
eBay High payout potential |
Huge global audience. Great seller protections. Easy to use. Free authentication on non-modified watches for transactions $2,000+. Fast payment. US-based. | Excessive 12%-15% fees. |
| Chrono24/Auction Sites
High payout potential |
Watch-specific, one of the safest options for luxury buyers. Escrow to protect both parties. | Average 6%+ fees. Some have escrow, which slows down the payment. Some are based in Europe. |
| Reddit/Marketplaces
Medium to High payout potential |
Enthusiast community, no fees. | Strict posting rules. Difficult to use. Minimal security procedures. |
| Authorized Watch Dealers/Secondary Resellers
Medium to High payout potential |
Easy to sell your watch. Safe environment. Immediate sale. Ability to receive a higher value if you accept store credit. | Expect these dealers to give you wholesale value. |
| Pawn Brokers
Low payout potential |
They buy on the spot. Fast cash. | You’ll almost definitely lose value selling here, compared to all other methods. |
| Auction Houses
Low to high payout potential |
They sell for you. Good for rare pieces. | Rare pieces can command high payouts from auction houses, but expect exorbitant fees and lengthy payment processing times. |
3. Photograph Your Watch (Online)
Create sharp, clear, well-lit photos to increase trust. Make sure to show the front, back, sides, and from numerous angles. Include pictures of the accessories box, papers, and extra links in at least one image.
4. Write a Description (Online)
Think like you’re a company selling the product to a consumer (this is copywriting, not an article). Include all pertinent details (comprehensive), but don’t repeat details or use any more words than needed (succinct). Include the brand, diameter of case, case material, and condition details, special features, condition of case, crystal, and strap or bracelet. List extra items. List any missing links or accessories. Confirm if it has a box and papers. Detail if the watch has been serviced recently and by whom, with a receipt to prove it.
5. Transaction (Online or Offline)
Shipping (Online): Collect payment upfront. Use PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Bank Wire, ACH, or Currency Cloud. Consider using Escrow services for high-value watches. Pack the watch properly, including a double box/extra bubble wrap/cushioning, and try to protect both the watch and any box from moving around. Take photos of the packaging before shipping. Ship using insured and trackable shipping (FedEx is the best). Or Malca-Amit and Ferrari Group for high-dollar shipments.
In-Person (Offline): Meet at a safe location such as a bank, police station, or trusted watch retailer. Show the person the watch without handing it over. Collect payment in cash before handing over the watch for the buyer to inspect. If you fully trust the person, you can consider payment methods (other than cash), such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Bank Wire, ACH, or Currency Cloud. Be careful because PayPal, for instance, can be disputed and reversed by the sender (cash or bank wire cannot).
Final Thoughts
Selling a watch can be a tricky process. Based on experience, we can emphatically state that if you follow these procedures, your chances of successfully obtaining the maximum amount as quickly as possible will be higher.
