Where and how to sell luxury watches?

When it comes to selling luxury watches, there are many factors that can affect their value:

Brand

Watches from luxury brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet tend to hold a higher resale value. This is generally a result of the prestige associated with the brand, and their reputation for craftsmanship. Certain models (particularly those discontinued) and special editions can also fetch higher prices, due to their limited quantity or rarity.

Condition

Whether your watch is in good physical condition and working order can impact its resale value. This includes signs of wear and any scratches or dents. A watch with a well-documented history, such as still having its original receipt, warranty papers, and service records can also instill trust in potential buyers.

Market Demand

How popular a particular watch currently is in the resale market can influence its price. This can fluctuate for certain brands and depends on whether the model has verified authenticity and whether the original box and papers are included as part of the sale. A watch’s resale value will also depend on the materials used. For example, whether it’s made from gold, platinum, diamonds, or a mixture of precious materials.

Naturally, when considering where to sell your watch you’ll want somewhere you can trust. Luxury watches typically hold not only high financial value but often emotional value, too. It might have been a gift to yourself for a milestone achievement at work, a wedding present, or inherited from a loved one.

Some of these circumstances might mean you don’t know the value of your luxury watch, or even where to begin with selling used watches. Fortunately, there are many different places you can sell used watches, both online and offline. Here, we talk you through some of the most popular:

Authorized Dealers and Boutiques

There are various authorized dealers and specialist watch boutiques that accept used watches. These include your local high street watch store, as well as online dealers. In most cases, authorized dealers are very knowledgeable about the industry, however they don’t always offer the most competitive prices.

High-End Auction Houses

Auction houses can be an attractive option when you have used watches for sale. This is often because of their prestige and credibility. However, in return for their reach and potential to attract serious collectors, they charge significant commission fees.

Specialized Online Marketplaces

Another option is specialized online marketplaces such as Chrono24. They offer the convenience of being able to sell your watch online, however due to the potential for fraud you will need to do your due diligence on verifying the platform’s reputation yourself.

Consignment Services

A consignment service works by allowing you to list your watch and the platform (also known as the consignor) sells it on your behalf. While it can be handy to have your watch professionally photographed and listed, consignment services typically demand a high commission.

Local Jewelry Stores

Lots of local jewelers will accept and sell luxury watches, but their limited market share means their pricing may not be competitive. While this may be a quick and convenient choice, they may not have the expertise to appropriately value your watch.

Watch Forums and Communities

You might find potential buyers within watch forums and enthusiast communities such as Watchuseek and TimeZone. However, for this you need to have your own knowledge about watches and their resale value, and there is always the risk of fraud.

Private Collectors

Selling your watch to private collectors has the potential to fetch you a high price. However, the difficulty lies in finding them in the first place. Alongside needing time and connections, you will also need strong negotiation skills and be able to navigate any potential fraud risks.

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops can provide immediate cash and a convenient, straightforward transaction. However, you run the risk of potential undervaluation and selling your watch at a lower price, as they aren’t likely to have the in-house expertise for specific luxury watch brands.

A promising alternative is to sell your watches with Auctentic. Here are just a few of the reasons watch sellers consider us the best choice:

Free Professional Valuation

Auctentic provides a free, expert valuation of your luxury watch without any obligation to sell. You have the flexibility to withdraw from the process at any time if you're not completely happy.

Preparation Assistance

We help to prepare your watch for resale by offering cleaning, polishing, and professional photography services. This ensures your timepiece is presented in its best possible light to potential buyers.

Commission from Buyer

At Auctentic, we take our commission from the buyer. By aligning our interests with yours, we do everything we can to achieve the highest possible price for your luxury watch. This unique approach highlights our commitment to maximizing your return.

Get started with Auctentic and sell your watch online with confidence. Fill out a simple online form and connect with one of our experts today.