Buying a new watch is always accompanied by a huge dose of excitement but sometimes there comes a day when we also need to deal with the task of having to get rid of our old watch. Whether it’s because we got ourselves a new one or the old watch is simply not working anymore, there are a number of ways to get rid of an old watch.
While some might be able to give their old watches away to friends or family, others will want to receive a fair price for the timepiece that has served them well over the years.
In this article, we will explore some of the options available to those who need to get rid of an old watch. We will focus on the best possible options taking into consideration both online and offline methods.
If you’ve been wondering how and where to sell a watch, stick with us for the next few minutes.
Where to Sell Watches Online
There are a number of ways to sell a watch online but the most popular tend to be through marketplaces, auction sites, or classified ads. These are both great options as they give the seller a wide reach and potential buyers can view the watches from the comfort of their own homes.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved in selling online.
Selling on Giant Marketplaces & Auction Sites
Big marketplaces and auction sites are a great option for those who want to sell their watches quickly and receive a fair price for them. The most popular options in this case are:
The main advantage of selling through an auction site or a marketplace is that it’s quick and easy to set up an account and list the watch. Also, the two websites mentioned above have billions (yes, billions) of visitors monthly so the reach is monumental.
On the downside, both Amazon and eBay will take a small commission on each sale (usually around 10% but it can be more or less depending on the item sold) and these sites are also known for their strict policies when it comes to returns and refunds.
Another drawback is that most auction sites charge listing fees which means that even if the watch doesn’t sell, the seller will still have to pay a fee. It’s not unusual for people to lose money by selling on these sites. When listing your watch, you need to maximize the chance of someone buying it by setting a fair, competitive price and taking great pictures.
Listing a Classified Ad
Classified ads are another popular option for selling watches online. These can be placed on websites such as Craigslist or Gumtree. The advantage of classified ads is that they’re usually free to list and there’s no commission to pay if the watch sells.
The disadvantage of classified ads is that they don’t have the same reach as auction sites and it can be more difficult to find buyers. Also, there’s no guarantee of payment and the risks of fraud are higher as buyers can simply disappear after receiving the watch.
When placing a classified ad, it’s important to be as detailed as possible and take good pictures. You should also mention that you only accept certain types of payment such as PayPal or bank transfers. Meeting in person to exchange the watch for cash is not highly recommended for obvious reasons.
The most popular options:
Selling on Watch Marketplaces (Grey Market)
If you’re an owner of luxury or even Entry-Level luxury watch, you might want to consider selling them on a specialist marketplace. These platforms are designed exclusively for watch buyers and sellers and usually have a wide selection of timepieces.
The most popular watch marketplace is Chrono24 but there are many others such as WatchShopping, WatchBox, and Bob’s Watches.
- Related: Is Watchshopping Legit?
The advantage of using a specialist marketplace is that buyers are usually more serious and willing to pay a higher price for the right watch. These platforms also have a wide reach limited to passionate watch dorks and collectors so it’s easier to find buyers.
The disadvantage of selling on a specialist marketplace is that they usually charge a commission (around 10-15%) and some of them also charge listing fees.
When selling in a marketplace, it’s important to take good-quality pictures, write a detailed description, and be honest about the watch’s condition.
It’s also worth mentioning that some of these marketplaces (Chrono24 included) have a buyer protection program which adds an extra layer of security for both buyers and sellers.
As mentioned above, the grey market of watch marketplaces mostly focuses on higher-end watches. You won’t have a problem listing the likes of a Rolex Daytona on Chrono24 or even watches from brands such as Citizen, Seiko, or Radio, but if you’re trying to sell a Casio or Armitron, you’ll be out of luck.
This is why it’s important to consider the type of watch you have before using this method as it might not be suitable for everyone.
Recommended options:
Where to Sell Watches Near Me (Offline)
If you don’t want to sell your watch online, there are still some offline options available. Many people still prefer to do it this way as they can avoid paying fees and it’s generally seen as a more secure method.
So, how and where can I sell my watch for cash?
The easiest option to find a list of buyers in your area is to type “where to sell watches near me” in Google and contact the results that come up.
The most obvious option is to visit a local jeweler or watch store and try to sell the watch there. The advantage of this method is that it’s quick and easy and you’ll usually get a fair price for your watch.
The disadvantage is that most stores only buy well-known brands such as Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, etc. and they’ll usually only offer a fraction of the watch’s retail price.
Another obvious choice is to take it to a pawn shop but you might be able to get a better price by selling it to a jeweler or a specialty watch store.
Yet another possibility is to hold a garage sale or take part in a local flea market. This is a good option if you have other things to sell as well but it’s not the most effective way to sell a watch.
The advantage of this method is that it’s free to list and there’s no commission to pay if the watch sells. The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to find buyers interested in the particular watches you own and you might have to lower your asking price significantly.
In today’s fast-paced world, probably the biggest disadvantage of selling offline is that it takes time to meet up with the buyer and exchange the watch for cash. This might not be a big deal if you live in a large city but it can be quite inconvenient if you live in a rural area.
Where Can You Sell Watches: FAQ
The subject of selling-pre owned watches is fairly straightforward but there are still some common questions that come up. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about selling watches.
Is it safe to sell watches online?
This is a valid concern as you’ll be dealing with strangers and sending expensive watches through the mail.
The good news is that most reputable online marketplaces have a buyer protection program that covers you in case the buyer doesn’t receive the watch or if it’s not as described.
This means that you’ll usually get your money back (minus the fees) if there’s a problem with the transaction.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take some basic precautions such as meeting in a public place, using a tracked shipping method, and not sending the watch until you’ve received the payment.
Is it safe to sell watches offline?
This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the particular situation.
If you’re selling to a reputable store, then it’s probably safe but there’s always the possibility that you could be scammed.
The best way to protect yourself is to do your research and only deal with people who have a good reputation.
Of course, you should also take some basic precautions such as meeting in a public place and not handing over the watch until you’ve received the payment.
What is the best way to sell a watch?
If you need to sell the watch quickly, then selling it offline might be the best option. However, if you’re not in a hurry, then selling it online will probably get you a better price.
It really depends on your needs and preferences.
What is the best place to sell a watch?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are many different places to sell watches and it really depends on your needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest option, then selling it to a local jeweler or watch store might be the best choice.
If you’re looking for the best price, then selling it online is probably your best bet.
Of course, you can also try selling it to a pawn shop, at a garage sale, or at a flea market but you might have more luck with one of the other options.
Can I sell my watch if it’s not working?
This depends on the marketplace you’re using as well as the condition of the watch.
Some marketplaces (such as eBay) only allow the sale of working watches while others (such as Chrono24) allow the sale of non-working watches as long as they’re described accurately.
You’ll usually get a lower price for a non-working watch but it’s still possible to sell it if it’s in good condition.
Where to sell old watches?
There are many different places to sell old watches but it really depends on your needs and preferences.
Most of the time, pawn shops, jewelers, and watch stores will only be interested in watches that are in good condition and working order.
If your watch is not working or it’s in poor condition, then selling it online might be a better option.
Of course, you can also try selling it to a private collector but you might have more luck with one of the other options.
Where to sell high-end watches?
When it comes to online options, your best bets are grey market dealers. Give a go to one of the companies listed in the article (eg. Chrono24 or Watchshopping).
If you’re looking to sell offline, then your best bet is probably a luxury watch store.
Where to sell pocket watches?
As far as we know, grey market watch marketplaces deal exclusively with wristwatches. You will likely find more luck with auction sites and marketplaces.
Your best bet for selling a pocket watch offline would be an antique store, pawn shop, or jeweler. You might also have luck with a private collector but it really depends on the watch.
Do I need to have the watch serviced before selling it?
This depends on the marketplace you’re using as well as the condition of the watch.
Some marketplaces only allow the sale of watches that have been serviced by a certified watchmaker within the last year.
Others don’t have this requirement but it’s still a good idea to have the watch serviced before selling it as it will help to ensure that the buyer receives a quality product.
Where Can I Sell My Watch: Final Word
As you can see, there are many different ways to sell your watch depending on your needs and preferences.
The most important thing is to take your time, do your research, and choose the method that’s best for you. There’s no right or wrong answer and what works for one person might not work for another.
If you’re looking for convenience and a quick sale, selling online is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to get the best possible price for your watch, selling offline might be a better option.
Whatever you decide to do, we hope this guide has helped you figure out where to sell watches so you can get started right away. Good luck!
