Inherited pocket watch: how to identify it and what to do
Most inherited pocket watches have not run for decades and nobody remembers where they came from. Send photographs of the dial, the case and the marks inside, and we will tell you what it is.
- Free insured FedEx collection
- Insured to £10,000
- Paid the same day after inspection
- 5/5 on Google
What decides the value
- The caseOpen face, hunter or half hunter, and whether it is gold, silver or plated.
- The marks insideHallmarks inside the case back give the metal, the assay office and the year.
- The movementThe maker's name and any serial number are on the movement.
- The chainAn Albert chain, fob or key found with the watch is valued too.
Opening it safely
Most case backs open with a thumbnail at the small lip on the edge. Do not force it and do not use a knife. If it will not open, photograph it closed and we will advise.
What to leave alone
Do not wind a watch that has been still for years, and do not clean the case or the dial. A watchmaker should look at it first.
What we buy
- Gold and silver pocket watches
- Hunters, half hunters and open-face watches
- Watches that do not run
- Albert chains, fobs and keys
- Watches with a broken glass or missing hands
Photographs that help
- The dial and the outside of the case
- Inside the case back, showing the marks
- The movement, and any chain
Related
- 4,000+customers
- 5/5on Google reviews
- £10,000insured per parcel
- Same daypayment after inspection
- 10+ yearsin business
Three steps, all from home
Get your offer
An instant offer for gold and silver, or a free valuation from photos within one working day.
Send it free and insured
A FedEx courier collects from your door, or post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery. Insured to £10,000.
Paid the same day
We inspect it on arrival, confirm your offer and pay by bank transfer the same day. Change your mind and it comes back free.
What our sellers say
“Excellent service. Contacted Mozeris and corresponded with Faustas. Responded immediately to my email to sell a 20g gold bar and a half sovereign coin. Received an offer and after a few further email exchanges to finalise, I posted with special delivery and was paid out shortly after they received the items.”
“I was apprehensive about selling my mother's omega watch but the whole process was straightforward and reassuring. Faustas was extremely helpful and understanding and the communication was very quick. The money agreed was in my account within hours of accepting an offer.”
“Fantastic guys, pay on spot and very very professional.”
Questions about selling an inherited pocket watch
How do I know if a pocket watch is gold?
Look inside the case back for hallmarks: 9, 15 or 18 with a crown on British gold, or 375, 625 or 750. Words such as rolled gold or a guarantee of years mean it is plated.
Is an inherited pocket watch worth selling if it does not work?
Yes. Many are bought not running. The case metal, the maker and the quality of the movement all count.
How do I send it to you?
Book a free insured FedEx collection from your door, or post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery and we refund the postage. Both are tracked and insured to £10,000. You can also see us by appointment in Mayfair or Braintree.
When am I paid?
By bank transfer the same day we inspect your items and you accept our offer. If you decide not to sell, everything comes back insured, at our cost.
Not sure what you have? Ask us.
Tell us about it or attach a few photos. They go straight to a specialist, who starts on your valuation and replies within one working day.
Ready when you are
Get an instant offer for gold and silver, or send photos of anything else for a free valuation.