You want to know how to value a used watch, perhaps for resale, purchase or insurance. Although it is possible to find the approximate value of most luxury timepieces on the internet, this does not always help. Indeed, the price of a second hand watch varies according to several parameters such as its rarity, its brand, its condition... Also, it is important to know that only a competent professional in luxury watchmaking can make a reliable estimate of a second hand watch.
How to know the price of a second hand watch ?
Any watch that is sold outside the official circuit, no matter if it is new or old, already worn or not, is considered as a second hand watch. It can be sold at a price higher than the list price or it can lose part of its value. When in the resale segment, prices tend to vary due to several factors.
To determine the price of your second hand watch, you must first determine its value, i.e. its indicative value on the market. To do this, you need to identify its brand, its reference number and its serial number and do some research on the internet.
Estimate a second hand watch thanks to its brand and its reference
Some watchmaking companies have more cachet, more notoriety and are more coveted than others. This is the case for Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, A. Lange & Sohne... Watches belonging to these brands tend to keep their value or to appreciate over time. This is an important factor to take into consideration when estimating the value of a second hand watch.
The fact that a second hand watch belongs to a popular watch manufacturer is not everything. Within a brand, some collections are more valuable than others. For example, at Rolex, the Daytona or Submariner range is among the most prized. Similarly, some models are more sought after than others within the same collection. ARolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 might be more valuable than a new Reference 126710.
In order to properly value a pre-owned watch, you need to consider its rarity. The most valuable watches are rare models that have been discontinued, limited editions made in very small quantities, models that incorporate unusual features (complication, unique color or pattern; high quality materials, precious stones...). If you are lucky enough to own a watch that belonged to a celebrity, this can also increase its value, provided that it can be proven.
The general condition, a decisive factor in the estimation of a second hand watch
You can't value your pre-owned watch without considering its overall condition. Wear and tear, damage, scratches, polishing, and part changes can drive the price of a used watch down. If the watch needs to be overhauled or repaired, this will also affect its value. Ideally, the timepiece should be in good condition and working properly. It is also important to make sure that the watch is genuine and that all its components are genuine, especially the internal mechanism. It is best to have a used watch with its original box and papers.
Why have your watch appraised?
Appraisal is crucial to buying or selling a pre-owned watch at the right price. Knowing the price range in which the timepiece can be sold will make you more likely to offer or buy it at the right price. This allows you to sell or buy with peace of mind without fear of offering or paying too little or too much.
Appraising a used watch is also the best time to authenticate it if it has not been done before. In any case, it is important to make sure that the watch is authentic and that it is an original piece before determining its value.
You may also want to know the price of a used watch if you want to protect it with specific insurance against theft or damage. One of the reasons you might want to appraise a used watch is if you want to give it as a gift or have received it as an heirloom.
Estimate your second hand watch with Watch Certificate
Watch Certificate ™ can appraise the value of a pre-owned watch, whatever the model and brand Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tissot... We have included the appraisal in the double-check appraisal procedure, which enables the authenticity of a watch to be verified and validated with complete objectivity.
First of all, a professional and experienced watchmaker performs a meticulous examination of the watch: dial, case, bracelet, internal mechanism on the basis of + 53 control points. He makes sure that all parts are original or not and notes the general condition of the watch. To estimate the second hand watch, he will take into account the conclusion of his inspection: condition, history...
All data is recorded on the Watch Certificate™ and sent to an expert for validation for the second authentication step. After checking, supplementing, correcting and approving by the expert, the Watch Certificate™ is updated and certified. Materialised in the form of a steel card, it is given to the owner and will act as a certificate of authenticity and a statement of value.
Note that all watch data will be stored in the Ethereum Blockchain to ensure traceability and availability at all times. Whatever the situation, you have a digital duplicate of your watch at your fingertips.
Order a Watch Certificate™now and get your used watch appraised with peace of mind.
