How to Tell if Your Vintage Watch is Worth Selling
Many people have an old watch tucked away in a drawer. It might have been inherited from a relative or simply forgotten for decades. The big question is, "Is it worth anything?" If you've been thinking of selling your old watch but have no idea where to start, this guide is for you.
When you're looking to sell a vintage watch, you're in the right place. While we can't give you a value without seeing the item, here are a few things to look for that often indicate a watch has value.
Check the brand name
This is the most obvious first step. If you're lucky enough to want to sell a vintage Rolex watch, you already know it has significant value, even if it's in poor condition. But don't be discouraged if it's not a household name.
If you have antique watches to sell, look for names like:
- Omega
- Longines
- TAG Heuer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Seiko
- Breitling
...and many, many others. Even lesser-known or fashion brands can have value.
Look for "sweeps," not "ticks"
How does the second hand move?
A "Tick" (once per second): This usually means it has a battery-powered "Quartz" movement. While still valuable, these are typically less sought-after by collectors.
A "Sweep" (a smooth, continuous motion): This means it's a "Mechanical" watch (either automatic or manual-wind). This intricate machinery is often a sign of a higher-quality, more collectable timepiece.
H2: Check the materials
Look closely at the back of the watch case. Do you see any hallmarks? These small stamps indicate precious metal. A watch with a solid 9k, 14k, or 18k gold case will have significant value, even if the watch itself doesn't work.
Don't worry if it's not working
This is crucial. People often assume that because a watch has stopped, it's worthless. This is not true. Many people sell vintage watches that are non-functional. They may be valuable for their parts, their precious metal case, or they may simply need a service that our expert partners can provide.
The easiest way to find out
For those looking to sell vintage watches online, the only real way to know its value is to have an expert look at it. Our free, secure, and insured service is the easiest way to get that expert valuation without any cost or obligation.
Expert Insight:
Once the watch is in the hands of our specialist team, we carry out a comprehensive authenticity and condition check in order to determine whether a watch is collectable or valuable for its scrap metal only. These include:
- Authenticity verification: examining the watch’s movement, engravings, serial numbers and overall construction to ensure it is genuine.
- Functionality assessment: testing the watch to confirm it is working correctly, including timekeeping accuracy and any complications such as chronographs or date functions.
- Accessories review: checking for the presence and condition of the original box, papers, warranty cards and manuals, as these can significantly affect the final value.
- Detailed condition grading: inspecting the case, bracelet, crystal, bezel and dial for wear, damage or any signs of previous servicing.
After the physical and functional inspection is complete, we move on to the valuation process. To determine an accurate market value, we reference a variety of specialist data sources, including:
- Recent sales: reviewing successful sales of the same or comparable models on reputable platforms.
- Auction results: analysing data from reputable auction houses.
- Market trends: monitoring current retail and secondary-market pricing.
- Demand and rarity: assessing brand-specific desirability and overall rarity.
By combining this expert inspection with thorough market research, we can provide you with an informed, fair and transparent valuation of your watch.
Get Your Free Pack Today to Discover What Your Watch is Worth
Andy Hepworth bio
Andy Hepworth is a Watch and Timepiece Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. As an expert for Vintage Cash Cow, he specialises in the appraisal of both watches and clocks, ranging from everyday vintage items to high-end luxury brands.
Andy is passionate about the diversity of items he encounters, stating, “What I love about working with vintage watches is seeing all of the rare and unique pieces.” Professionally, he considers the classic, vintage Rolex to be an unbeatable standard in the field. He works as part of a wider team of specialists to ensure that every item sent in receives a fair and expert valuation.