Watches & Other Timepieces
Rolex & Other Fine Watches
Current fine watches have a tremendous resale market! Given the nature of fine watches, they generally have to be inspected by a qualified horologist. Having all of the original boxes, links, and paperwork will get you a premium on your fine watch.
I have found it quite helpful through the years to search databases (such as eBay's sold listings) to get an idea of the value of your watch. Please use extreme caution if you choose to sell your watch online. Through the years it has become increasingly difficult to determine if a potential buyer is legitimate. If you decide to sell your watch privately, be sure to meet in a public place and only accept cash. It is advised to meet with a reputable fine time piece dealer before selling your watch so you know what the market truly is.
Keep in mind that condition is also very important. The dealer that you work with will likely refurbish the watch to its original condition to sell it to a new client. Brands that are hot right now are: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Chanel, Piaget, Tiffany and co. Ulysse Nardin, IWC, Jeager LeCoultre, Breguet, Panerai, Zenith, Girard Perregaux, Franck Muller, A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original, Vacheron, Cartier, Blancpain, Longines, Clerc, Ernst Benz, Graham, Ball, Oris, and other boutique brands. Vintage watches can have even better value. Some have become incredibly collectible and most good dealers will deal with them on a case by case basis.
I urge people in The Phoenix, AZ area to stop into my showroom at Nelson Estate Jewelers for a free evaluation and cash offer: If you do not live in Arizona, fill out the contact form on this site and I can likely refer you to a reputable dealer in your area.
*www.whatsjewelryworth.com is not affiliated with Rolex USA.
Gold Watches
Most good jewelers will buy any watch made of gold. Poor condition watches will at least have their gold value. Many small, vintage ladies watches will be made out of gold. Fine, reselllable gold watches will have premium value. Styles that are not popular will be melted down and made into new pieces or sold as scrap. Once again, a manufacturing jeweler will likely be able to pay more for a watch made out of gold that will be scrapped. If you think you have a watch that is made out of gold or could have some collectible value, get it checked out by a reputable jeweler. If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area visit my business' website: www.nelsonestatejewelers.com and come into our showroom for a free evaluation and cash offer. (Advice is always free) Should you live outside our area fill out the contact form on this site and I will guide you towards a reputable dealer near you!
Pocket Watches
Pocket watches are not really in style anymore, but there are many collectors out there! American made Railroad Watches (19+ jewels) by Hamilton, Elgin, Illinois, Hampden, Ball, Springfield, and others are highly collectible. Vintage complicated pocket watches have done extremely well in recent times. Many old pocket watches, even not running, can have value. Your best bet is to seek out an expert to help you value your pocket watch as they are extremely hard to research online. If you are in the Phoenix, Arizona area you can visit me at Nelson Estate Jewelers. If you live outside the area, contact us and I will line you up with a reputable dealer in your area.