Selling a Watch – The Right Way
Have you decided to consolidate your collection? There can be many reasons as to why you would want to sell a watch. Maybe you would like to organise your watches by a specific brand, or the dial color or maybe even the movement type. Probably, you are in the market for a new watch and have decided to upgrade one of the pieces in your existing collection. In this article, we’ll cover all major areas of consideration to help you carry out an efficient watch sale in 5 simple steps.
Step #1
Let’s start off with the title. Make sure you have the basic information of the watch such as brand, model, reference and serial number and the year of manufacture. This can make things easy to look up on google for knowledge and verification. Briefly outline the movement type and case material.
Step #2
Make sure that you know or have measured the correct dimensions of the watch including its case size, lug to lug, lug width and its thickness. Each of these measurements are explained in detail as follows.
1. Case size: the diameter of the watch. Measured diagonally in length across the dial.
2. Lug to lug: the complete length of the watch measured from the end of the lug on one side of the watch to the other.
3. Lug width: the length gap between two lugs. This helps determine the strap size the watch bears.
4. Thickness: length measured from the case back of the watch to the top of the crystal.
Step #3
Organise the details of the watch with regards to its condition and originality. Potential buyers are obliged to know what the watch may look like in person, how well the watch functions and what parts may or may not be replaced (including if any restoration has been carried out).
Clearly describe the condition of the dial. State any irregularities in detail. Next, describe the condition of the case and the crystal, and any marks, scratches or dents they may contain. Point out any irregularities. They may be unacceptable to some potential buyers, and for others the reason behind the purchase as they may consider these factors which build character. Describe the condition of the band – bracelet or strap with buckle in the same manner.
Furthermore, verify that the movement the watch holds is in fact the original movement of the watch. If not, please clearly state otherwise. Describe how it runs and if there are any faults or malfunctions, explain them thoroughly. In addition, if you are a watch veteran, you can go a step further and state the accuracy of the watch along with an average power reserve period. This helps determine the health of the watch’s calibre.
Step #4
State the history of the watch along with all available records and warranties, if any. Briefly outline the acquisition process and if any service records are present. If you may have had the watch serviced, please state the authorised dealer or watchmaker it was submitted to along with the date it was received back from service.
Furthermore, state if the watch will be sold separately, or with box and/or its original papers. This is also known as the scope of delivery.
Step #5
Finally, capture and post crystal clear, day-light photographs from all sides, front and back of the watch including all its accessories. For additional security of the buyer, add in a couple of timestamp pictures.
State the location of the watch, put a price tag on it and fill in the transaction process – whether you prefer a face to face deal, or you would be willing to ship the watch. If so, state the delivery charges and the payment method you wish to accept. Last but not least, provide an estimated delivery date for the beneficiary.