Selling a watch privately

[hotlatte]

Hello,

First of all hello to everyone here. I have recently joined the forum which makes this my first Newbie post.

Could you please, advise me on selling my watch privately, what steps should I be taking in order to ensure the sale goes smoothly?

I will appreciate your help very much.

Thanks

[unclealec]

Hi Hotlatte
Welcome aboard.
1. Make sure the buyer has enough money
2. Make sure you have the watch.
3. Give the buyer the watch
4. Take the money.

Can't think of much else tbh.

[Wallasey Runner]

Hello,

First of all hello to everyone here. I have recently joined the forum which makes this my first Newbie post.

Could you please, advise me on selling my watch privately, what steps should I be taking in order to ensure the sale goes smoothly?

I will appreciate your help very much.

Thanks

Hello and welcome, it would help to know what brand of watch. If it is one of the quality Swiss brands most dealers buy good condition examples.

[seikopath]

Hi Hotlatte
Welcome aboard.
1. Make sure the buyer has enough money
2. Make sure you have the watch.
3. Give the buyer the watch
4. Take the money.

Can't think of much else tbh.

Uncle Alec - keeping it old school since 1867

[bigfish]

Oh....and avoid eBay if possible

[seikopath]

Hello,

First of all hello to everyone here. I have recently joined the forum which makes this my first Newbie post.

Could you please, advise me on selling my watch privately, what steps should I be taking in order to ensure the sale goes smoothly?

I will appreciate your help very much.

Thanks

It depends what watch it is.
Some watches sell themselves.
Unfortunately you are in a catch 22.
If you disclose details about the watch on here ( which you need to do to get good advice) you risk being criticised by some of the membership for an underhand sales post.
Good luck with your enquiry.
If you are not in hurry then just stick around here until you meet the requirements for listing on sales corner.
I wouldn't recommend selling on eBay because the vendor is at the mercy of the buyer.
I guess it depends as to the value of the watch the best course to take.
You could always consult a dealer for an appraisal.
Best wishes Dave

[hotlatte]

Thanks everyone for the advise - I dont want to break the forum rules so, just going to mention that its a Panerai watch, hope that is ok :)

You are right ebay is a no go!

Dealers didnt give me a good price for a watch in pristine condition hence, decided to take private sale route. So need to ensure transaction is held safely and I get my payment.

[chrisparker]

I'd be wanting a deposit via bank transfer, name and address, email so you can check the buyer out.

Do the final transaction in a safe place, bank or AD.

Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger such as meeting a unknown in a motorway services expecting a bundle of cash.

[magirus]

Hi Hotlatte
Welcome aboard.
1. Make sure the buyer has enough money
2. Make sure you have the watch.
3. Give the buyer the watch
4. Take the money.

Can't think of much else tbh.

1. Make sure the buyer has enough money
2. Make sure you have the watch.
3. Take the money.
4. Give the buyer the watch.
5. Exchange signed receipts.

[JasonM]

You don't work at Canary Warf do you?

[Papa Hotel]

1. Hang around here for 6 months.
2. Post stuff.
3. Learn who the blackguards are.
4. On your 251st post put it on SC.

[Wallasey Runner]

I'd be wanting a deposit via bank transfer.

Christ, don't mention deposits in these parts, I did once and have only just recovered from it...

[Der Amf]

I hope its a Croatian Panerai, they're the best

[hotlatte]

I'd be wanting a deposit via bank transfer, name and address, email so you can check the buyer out.

Do the final transaction in a safe place, bank or AD.

Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger such as meeting a unknown in a motorway services expecting a bundle of cash.

Thanks ADs would allow anyone to walk in sell a watch privately ?

[RufusRolex]

1. Hang around here for 6 months.
2. Post stuff.
3. Learn who the blackguards are.
4. On your 251st post put it on SC.

This is my plan.

[Wallasey Runner]

Thanks ADs would allow anyone to walk in sell a watch privately ?

An alternative is a dealer selling the watch on your behalf. They either take a percentage of a fee and when the watch sells - you get your money. You may have to wait, but ultimately could end up with a better deal because they are not committing capital to your watch.

www.watches.co.uk do this and they are highly recommended on this forum. It would do no harm to give them a ring.

[hotlatte]

An alternative is a dealer selling the watch on your behalf. They either take a percentage of a fee and when the watch sells - you get your money. You may have to wait, but ultimately could end up with a better deal because they are not committing capital to your watch.

www.watches.co.uk do this and they are highly recommended on this forum. It would do no harm to give them a ring.

thank very much

[Onelasttime]

This is my plan.

Good luck with that

[DB9yeti]

Thanks ADs would allow anyone to walk in sell a watch privately ?

Why on earth would they?? They sell new watches.

[Speedie]

Agreed, stay clear of EBAY. Welcome to the forum

[trident-7]

Christ, don't mention deposits in these parts, I did once and have only just recovered from it...

Yes, always make sure it's a monetary deposit, not any other kind

[Peck]

I hope its a Croatian Panerai, they're the best

Did that ever get resolved?

[Wharry]

Subtle way of avoiding the Sales Corner rules or genuinely inquisitive seller? I can't decide. Time will tell. Welcome to the forum regardless.

[RAJEN]

Yes, always make sure it's a monetary deposit, not any other kind

For the other kind of deposits, Soundood's letterbox is always available:-)

[vortgern]

Do the final transaction in a safe place, bank or AD.

Where on Earth does this advice come from? Has any private individual in the UK actually sold a personal watch in an AD or bank premises? I'd be kicked straight out the door if I tried to sell a watch in my local AD.

[Der Amf]

Did that ever get resolved?

Yes it did, and (iirc) the handing over of money happened....

Where on Earth does this advice come from? Has any private individual in the UK actually sold a personal watch in an AD or bank premises? I'd be kicked straight out the door if I tried to sell a watch in my local AD.

....in a bank

[magirus]

1. Hang around here for 6 months.
2. Post stuff.
3. Learn who the blackguards are.
4. On your 251st post put it on SC.

This is my plan.

I'd also like to wish you the very best of British luck with that.

[ataripower]

Why does eBay get so much hate? I've sold many high value items on there including many watches, never had any major problems. Use common sense, take a 5 or 10% deposit by paypal, with balance by bank transfer or cash on collection.

Meet face to face if possible, if not use a decent fully insured courier, it's not that difficult!

[Alansmithee]

Where on Earth does this advice come from? Has any private individual in the UK actually sold a personal watch in an AD or bank premises? I'd be kicked straight out the door if I tried to sell a watch in my local AD.

To be fair - Ernest Jones were ok until I asked for a couple of chairs and a cup of coffee while we haggled over price.

[reggie747]

To be fair - Ernest Jones were ok until I asked for a couple of chairs and a cup of coffee while we haggled over price.

Hahaha Good one

[number2]

So you're here to do what exactly?

[893bet]

Why on earth would they?? They sell new watches.

Mine does. I have arranged for my local AD to look at a watch I am hopefully buying second hand this weekend to make sure its kosher. If they give me the thumbs up I pay the seller who will be present. I leave the watch and they resize the bracelet and we walk to coffee shot next door and find a quite corner so seller can count his ££ and ensure he is happy.

I might buy a pandora charm if in the AD or something for the Sales chaps trouble. I have never bought a new watch off the AD. Bought a coupe of straps, jewellery for the wife, serviced an omega there. I wouldnt call myself a big customer of theirs.


Also. Smooth OP. Real smooth.

[hotlatte]

Thanks all for the help. I think from reading the posts above it could be tricky selling at AD as in someone else's premises but not impossible as i read as some of you have done it :)

Ebay seems like an option but final value fee and paypal charges will hurt

[watchcollector1]

Ebay seems like an option but final value fee and paypal charges will hurt

To reduce the risk of paypal chargeback fraud when selling on ebay, always post using a service with proof of delivery (and proof of signature if it's a more expensive item) and keep your proof of postage receipts indefinitely (even if the buyer leaves positive feedback). Also never accept paypal on collection as you wont be able to prove the buyer received the watch. It's a good idea to check the T&Cs of ebay / paypal.

[P9CLY]

Apply any selling techniques you might have when you have sold anything else.

What was it new,and if still made rrp or best new price now.
Is it in good condition.As new,slightly used,or a train wreck,price accordingly.
Is it desirable......if so it should sell itself,assuming priced right (a quick search online will give general prices).
RRP on pretty much all I've ever seen has me laughing,I prefer to save huge amounts and buy used.

Now what are you looking to sell?.

A Citizen digital,or a 5513?...... One is worth more,the latter will see your inbox fill rather rapidly.

[deepreddave]

Uncle Alec - keeping it old school since 1867

Ftfy.

[DB9yeti]

Mine does. I have arranged for my local AD to look at a watch I am hopefully buying second hand this weekend to make sure its kosher. If they give me the thumbs up I pay the seller who will be present. I leave the watch and they resize the bracelet and we walk to coffee shot next door and find a quite corner so seller can count his ££ and ensure he is happy.

I might buy a pandora charm if in the AD or something for the Sales chaps trouble. I have never bought a new watch off the AD. Bought a coupe of straps, jewellery for the wife, serviced an omega there. I wouldnt call myself a big customer of theirs.

What brand are they certifying to be kosher out of interest? Are they popping the back off for you?

'Big customer'; perhaps not but you re known to them and have done business with the chance of doing more. OP doesn't seem to have that.

Oh and I bought a Reverso off Kirk in Barclays somewhere in North London so that does happen!

[toptime]

I've been trying to buy a vintage rolex from a private buyer (edit seller!!) in the uk and have found it very difficult to find a decent website or forum (other than here of course!!).

[stooo]

I've been trying to buy a vintage rolex from a private buyer in the uk and have found it very difficult

I think I might be able to identify the problem for you.

[toptime]

I'm all ears stooo

[CVByrne]

You'd need a seller, not a buyer to buy it off.

[toptime]

Lol sorry guys

[Mark lowman]

Have you thought of selling it by auction? My experience of Fellows has been favourable.
If they can give you a reasonable reserve you could get it disposed off reasonably quickly

[hotlatte]

Have you thought of selling it by auction? My experience of Fellows has been favourable.
If they can give you a reasonable reserve you could get it disposed off reasonably quickly

I havent yet - you have any auctioneers to recommend based on experience :)

[wotsthecrack]

It's in the response, Fellows Birmingham

[893bet]

What brand are they certifying to be kosher out of interest? Are they popping the back off for you?

'Big customer'; perhaps not but you re known to them and have done business with the chance of doing more. OP doesn't seem to have that.

Oh and I bought a Reverso off Kirk in Barclays somewhere in North London so that does happen!

A Rolex.

Sadly they only have one certified watch maker for Rolex and he is off on Saturday. So they can just look at the outside really. What they can do though is check the serial number. The watch was bought in one of their stores in a different county so they can check the serial on the watch against the paperwork and correlate that against the sale in the shop on that day. Would be happy enough with that.

I would have a fair idea anyway. Fakes are rarely any good in my experience. Even the "good" ones are fairly obvious.

[toptime]

Where on Earth does this advice come from? Has any private individual in the UK actually sold a personal watch in an AD or bank premises? I'd be kicked straight out the door if I tried to sell a watch in my local AD.

I bought my speedy pro in an AD - the seller had the original sales receipt which the AD scanned and confirmed. I felt happy passing over the cash after that.

[stefaulkner]

I have sold a couple of watches to watchfinder before now. If the watch is minty, as you state, you should have no cause for concern when it comes to them paying up. As for Ebay, it opens up your sale to the masses. List it, state face to face deals only, conclude the deal outside of ebay, no charges incurred.