A fine antique watch is a mark of style, sophistication, and affluence. Many luxury watches are passed down through the generations of a family and become part of a family’s inter generational wealth. Many also have a great deal of sentimental value as they become tied to cherished memories of a loved one. Regardless of the sentimental value, there may come a time when you need to sell your antique watch. They say that time is a valuable thing, so is your timepiece. You don’t want to waste either your time or your luxury watch by selling it to the wrong antique watch buyers. In this article, we will explore five tips you should know when selling your antique watch.
The first thing that you should be aware of is that luxury watches typically come in a case or box. There may also be receipts, service records, a certificate of authenticity, a warranty, and other accessories. These may include additional bracelet links, straps, hanging tags, cleaning clothes, pusher pins, setting styluses, and more. Make every effort to locate as many accessories and as much of the paperwork as possible. The value of your watch can increase by as much as 20% if you have those things when you sell an antique watch. Some brands will offer you an “extract from the archives” or “certificate of authenticity” for a fee if you can’t find yours.
The more information you have about your luxury watch, the easier it will be to determine the value of the watch and sell it for top dollar. You start with the make and model, for example, a Rolex Submariner. Professional antique watch buyers are also well aware that a particular model of watch, such as a Rolex Submariner, has different editions that were made over a number of years. You need to know the watch’s model or reference number to know which edition or year it is. Finally, each individual watch has its own serial number. All of these numbers help determine the value.
Before you sell your luxury or antique watch, be sure to get a professional appraisal done. Reputable and professional antique watch dealers will give a knowledgeable appraisal and an independent certificate that will attest to the watch’s value. You can use that certificate when negotiating a price. At Antique Watch Buyers, we specialize in watch appraisals. Our staff of knowledgeable experts will ensure you get the best price for your luxury watch.
It seems obvious that the condition of a watch will influence how much antique watch buyers are willing to pay for it. Does it make sense to have a watch serviced when you are selling it? The answer depends on a few factors. Luxury watches can be expensive to service. It might not increase the value of the watch enough to make up for the cost of servicing it. Some luxury watch buyers actually prefer to have them serviced themselves after buying them. You really need to compare the prices of identical models of watches. See the price differences between watches in perfect condition and watches that need some servicing. That will tell you if it is worth it. At Antique Watch Buyers, we have a dedicated and skilled team of experts who can help you determine if you should service your watch and perform the repairs/servicing if warranted.
There are a few different avenues you can take to sell your luxury watch. You can sell it outright for a quick profit, though that might not get you the highest price. You can consign a watch, which requires you to consign it to a company. The company will typically get you a higher price, but they do take a commission and it does take a bit longer to sell. You can auction it off. That is a bit risky because you can’t control the final price and there is also a commission. You might also be able to trade it, in which case you will not get cash, just a credit toward a new watch. At Antique Watch Buyers, we are professional antique watch buyers in the Florida area. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you sell your antique watch at the best possible price. Contact us today about your antique watch.