What is the Best Way to Sell a Vintage Watch?

Collecting vintage watches has become increasingly popular over the last 30 years. Whether you’re an avid watch collector or just own one or two timepieces, it’s important to know that not all vintage watches are valuable. As a result, this blog will explore everything you need to know when planning to sell your vintage watch.

Research your watch

When looking to sell a vintage watch, or any watch in fact, it’s important to understand the watch model, if it has any historical significance and if you have the original paperwork and box. This is where research comes into play. Make note of the brand, model, numbers and any other identifying features ready for you to search them online. These will help you understand more about your vintage watch and the figure it’s selling for, either through auction or resale sites.

If your watch is a family heirloom, it’s worth talking to family members to see if they have any further information on the history of the watch and if they know where the paperwork and/or box is if you cannot locate them.

When selling a vintage watch, we recommend obtaining advice from an expert to ensure you sell your watch for the right price. Our team at Panache has years of experience in buying and selling watches and are here to help you. Get in touch with us today or obtain a free, no obligation quote.

Identify where to sell vintage watches

There are a number of ways you can sell your vintage watch, including:

Selling to a dealer

Selling to a dealer is an excellent option if you do not want to go through the process of selling your watch yourself, as the dealer will handle everything.

Selling through auction

Selling via auction is another great sales option if you would prefer for others to take the reins. While the auction house will handle everything from photographing and describing the watch to the shipping and payment, selling through auction doesn’t necessarily guarantee a sale.

Sell vintage watches online

When selling through an online auction, you are allowing the site to handle your payments, however, you will need to supply the images and description of your watch.

Cleaning or servicing your watch

When selling your watch through a dealer you may not need to clean or service your watch, as they tend to service the watch post purchase.

When cleaning your vintage watch you should be careful of getting your watch wet, as while they originally may have been waterproof, they may have lost their waterproof abilities over time. It’s also recommended not to polish your watch as collectors or buyers tend to want to buy the watch in its original state and will then consider whether to polish it post purchase.

When selling your watch without the help of professionals, a service may be a good option as it can give potential buyers more confidence in whether to purchase your vintage watch or not.

Take clear photos of your watch

This is particularly important when you’re selling a watch without the help of a professional as taking clear images of your watch will help give potential buyers a good idea of its condition.

In an ideal world, it would be good to get pictures of the watch movement and the case back. However, this may require a professional to avoid damage to the watch.

Write a clear description of your watch

If you’re selling your watch without the help of a professional, you will need to write a clear, non-misleading description of your watch. Focus on the condition of your watch, whether it comes with the original box and papers and its functionality.

Have a sale price in mind

Whether you’re selling your watch on your own or through an auction house or dealer, it’s a good idea to have an ideal sale price in mind. However, you must be prepared for the price to be haggled down, especially when selling your vintage watch yourself.

Sell my vintage watch with Panache

When selling your vintage watch, it’s essential to find a watch buyer who appreciates the value of your timepiece, not just in monetary terms, but also its historical and aesthetic significance. Choosing Panache to sell your luxury watch means entrusting it to experts who understand and appreciate its worth. Obtain your free, no obligation quote today.