Where Is It Best to Sell a Watch?
It depends on the watch and how quickly you want to sell. A specialist dealer gives a firm offer after inspection and pays the same day. An auction house suits rare or important watches but takes fees and weeks, with no certainty. Online platforms reach many buyers but bring effort, fees and risk. A high street jeweller is quick but may not know the watch. This guide compares them honestly.
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Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
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- Free, no obligation
- A reply within one working day
- Paid the same day after inspection
The four routes
- Specialist dealer. Inspects in person, firm offer, paid the same day.
- Auction house. For rare or important watches; fees, a wait, no guarantee.
- Online platforms. Wide reach; listing effort, fees, shipping and fraud risk.
- High street jeweller. Quick; may lack watch knowledge.
What to prepare
Do not polish, service or open it first.
See also how we check a watch in our watch guides.
0 of 4 checked
1Photographs
Dial, case-back, sides, clasp.
2Numbers
Reference and serial.
3Papers
Box, warranty card, receipts, service records.
4History
How it came to you.
Want to know what your watch is? Send photos of the dial and case-back for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Dealer or auction?
For most watches, a firm offer and same-day payment is the simpler route. For rare or important pieces, auction can suit, and we can also sell on consignment for you. Compare our free estimate with any other offer before you decide.
- 1Dealer
- 2Auction
What is my watch worth?
Whichever route you choose, a watch is valued on its maker and model, the movement, its condition and originality, and the box and papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. Our free estimate gives you a figure to compare. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Maker and model
- Movement
- Condition
- Originality
- Box and papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the dial, the case-back, the sides and clasp, and any box or papers.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us. For important pieces, we can also sell on consignment for you.
Questions people ask
Where is the best place to sell a watch in the UK?
It depends on the watch and your timeline. A specialist dealer gives a firm offer after inspection and pays the same day. Auction can suit rare watches but takes fees and time. Online platforms take effort and carry risk. Compare a free estimate before deciding.
Is it better to sell a watch at auction?
For rare or important watches, auction can reach specialist buyers, but there are seller’s fees, a wait of weeks and no guaranteed result. For most watches a firm dealer offer is simpler. We can also sell important pieces on consignment.
Should I service my watch before selling?
No. A service can replace original parts and polish the case, both of which matter to buyers. Sell it as it is, and tell us whether it runs. Send a clear photograph and we will tell you honestly what we see.
What do I need to sell my watch?
Clear photographs of the dial, case-back, sides and clasp, the reference and serial if you can see them, and any box, papers or receipts. Papers help, but we buy without them too. We can look at yours from photographs, with no obligation at all.
How quickly can I be paid?
With us, the same day after inspection, by bank transfer or in cash, whether you visit Mayfair or our Braintree office, post the watch insured, or use our free collection. A short message with two or three photographs is all it takes to start.
What if I decline your offer?
Then you keep your watch, and if you sent it, we return it at our cost. The estimate is free, and there is no obligation at any stage. If you have one, send photographs and we will tell you more, free.
Related guides
Want a firm offer to compare?
Send a photograph of your watch for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.