Where to sell pocket watches

Determining value of pocket watches is easy as long as you know what “signs of value” to look for. Non-working pocket watch will sell at scrap value. A watch encased in gold will be more expensive than those with silver or stainless steel cases. So where can you sell your pocket watch?

There are three major trading places for pocket watches: Auction Houses, Dealers, and the Internet.

Auction Houses for pocket watches

Auction houses acts as intermediary between the owner of the pocket watch and the potential buyers. Houses that specialize in pocket watches are knowledgeable of market trends, have contacts to collectors and, most of all, they have extensive information about pocket watches.

Start by looking for auction houses that handle pocket watches. Be sure to check the auction houses’ consignment policy as some do not take consignments under a certain value.

Bring the pocket watch, or at least a high quality photo of it, with you when visiting an auction house. In-house watch experts can take a look at the timepiece and suggest an estimate of its value. Make sure to ask for a verbal or written opinion of the pocket watch’s price.

Don’t be surprised if the offer is lower than what you might have in mind. This is a way to encourage buyers during the auction. If you’re in possession of an ultra-rare pocket watch, you may agree on a minimum selling price of the watch, referred to as reserve. The auction house will not sell the item below this price.

Some auction houses have specialist sales for pocket watches. It may be more appropriate to wait for these than rushing into a general sale.

If you want to go continue with the sale via auction, read and understand the auction house’s terms and conditions. It is important to note that all auction houses charge a percentage on the price the object for, called “hammer price.”

Other costs you have to consider are VAT on the commission and the insurance. And above all, some houses charge a fee even if your pocket watch does not sell.

Pocket watch dealers

If you’d rather have the money and not wait for a sale, or risk not selling, it would be beneficial to consider a pocket watch dealer.

Dealers are always looking for new items to put on sale so they are most likely to offer a decent price for your pocket watch. A watch that hasn’t been to any auction or deal but is a valuable heirloom in your family is very attractive to dealers.

Respectable dealers will be a registered member of national trade associations, many of which are members of CINOA (Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art or International Confederation of Art & Antique Dealers Association). Membership to such organization is usually printed on the dealer’s business card or on their letterhead.

The best recommendation often comes from a friends or families who have experienced transactions with a dealer. You can meet watch dealers in antique fairs. You can also bring the pocket watch, or a photo of it, with you to the show.

Many antiques or watch dealers, nowadays, have websites to post their latest offerings. You can post or email photographs to these dealers to present your item.

Sell pocket watch in the Internet

The Internet significantly broadens the potential market of your pocket watch by making it available worldwide.

Trading on the internet has its risk. There’s always the fear of scams and getting ripped off. You can lessen the risk by placing your item on legitimate websites.

You must also be prepared to ship the item to the buyer. This requires researching on shipping cost and customs fees if the watch will be shipped outside your country of residence.

We can point-out three different platforms where you can sell your pocket watch.

1.    Online Auction

eBay is the best example of an online auction website. You can post images of your pocket watch and set the days you want to put it to auction. This allows people to bid for the item.

A good image of the watch is necessary in online auction sites. You need to have a good digital camera to get high quality photos of your pocket watch. Be sure to take a snap at different parts and angles of the watch, specifically the case, the hallmarks, and the watch’s dial.

Be honest in describing the watch or your “Seller Rating” will suffer. A good description will include any markings or engravings, the watch’s condition, special markings or engravings and, if you know, the item’s history.

2.    Online Antique Store
    
Online antique store are auction websites that specialize on antiques. This is, by far, the best place to sell your pocket watch online as the visitors are often interested in antiques and other collectibles.

Much like in online auction sites, you need to put an honest description and clear images of the item. Online antique store are managed by experts which may be able to provide a valuation of your pocket watch making high quality photos all the more necessary.

3.    Classified Ads

Classified ad websites are places where you can post your item (still with a good description and good photos) and wait for a buyer. But instead of waiting for a bidder, you set your selling price. Set the price on the high side as haggling is likely to happen before you both you and the buyer agree on the price.

There are general and specialized pocket watch classified ads. If posting on general advertising sites, make sure to place the item in the correct category (e.g. Antiques & Collectibles > Watches > Pocket Watches).