How to sell my watch collection

[Blueboy1]

OP. Are the watches already here in the UK or are you bringing them in from another country? Just wondering if there is a limit on the value of goods you can bring in without attracting duty.

Sent through the ether by diddling with radio waves

They're all in the UK. I wish I'd worn some of them.

[Blueboy1]

I'm going to swim against the current here, and suggest that the big ticket numbers - the Rolexes (of course), the IWC (hit me up), the Omegas, the vintage Certinas, O&W, Jennys - sell 'em on here. You'll get a good price, and what's three a week in terms of P&P and trips to the PO? (And three a week stops the boss from classifying you as a dealer!)

Thanks, I may try that. Time (in the UK) will be the main constraint. Plus I'll need to buy a decent macro lens!

[Blueboy1]

Wowzer. Just out of interest, how long did it take you to get that collection together?

Hope you manage to move them along without it feeling like too much of a chore.

It's going to more of a heartache than a chore! I had a fairly decent collection 'til '07 when it was stolen by a hatchet-faced you-know-what so this collection is since then, and the last one I bought (the DWP) was about 5 years ago so an 8 or 9 year span I guess.

[Blueboy1]

I agree, save yourself the commission. Sell here. You are clearly organised enough to do so. You may get some values slightly wrong, but not many.

Ps - i love seeing the bright Caribbeans, what colours have you got?

Yes point taken. I've posted a few pics on here over the years but none for awhile and I keep forgetting how to do it!

[Blueboy1]

That is an impressive list. I can see at least six that I’d love to buy (condition withstanding). If you get to a point where you know what you’ll do and would consider a bulk sale then drop me a PM.

Many thanks - I'll be back in a few months in the meantime my email address is gruffyds@gmail.com if you want to stay in touch...

Kind regards,

Mark

[Blueboy1]

Did you own a museum?

LOL my house was like one once - I used to collect loads of weird stuff!

[Blueboy1]

The logical thing to do, time notwithstanding, is to break the collection up into cohorts that bring the best return with the least hassle e.g. decide which watches perform best under:

Sell to a dealer
Auction house
Ebay
Sales Corner

Different watches achieve different prices under each, there's plenty of watches a dealer wouldn't want but which are marketable elsewhere.

The more effort you put in, the better the return, I'd be surprised if anyone was willing to buy the job lot at a fair price, you'd likely be giving some of them away.

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Many thanks for the advice - all taken into consideration. Although I do have some photos, when a get back in a few months the first thrust will be decent pics I think.

[Blueboy1]

Many thanks for all your kind words & advice - much to think about. I do have a better spreadsheet with condition, prices etc but just did a quickie here for the ones who were interested.

I've also got some pics but not of all and will have to take better photos when a get back in a couple of months (at which point I'll probably be asking how to take a decent macro shot...)

There's no real point in dsplaying prices now since I'm not back yet but if anyone would like to privately express an interest in anything my email address is gruffyds@gmail.com which may be a better way to go.

Cheers,

Mark

[sinner77]

Holly molly.

[RustyBin5]

Some rare watches in there, you don’t see too many Jenny Caribbean watches listed for sale. Not so sure about the Ben Sherman though. A specialist watch auction might be a plan, I’m sure they will cherry pick the better watches, but if you can haggle a good sellers fee it might be worth while.

SC and e-bay might be useful for some of the cheaper items, but as mentioned that involves packaging and numerous trips to the PO, although they do collect these days.

At three a week it would take a year

[Raffe]

Very impressive list of watches, OP, my respect. I hope you are well and healthy, what are your plans once you return to the OK? You obviously don't owe anyone an explanation, but why the turnaround from what I assume to be a life of collecting to selling them all?

A thread like this will inevitably bring out both the best and the worst of TZ-UK.

The best: true enthusiasts advising the seller about the sale of the lesser-known watches, possibly being interested themselves but not trying to take advantage. People caring about the well-being of the OP, people trying to help for no personal gain. In short, everything this forum was once about, everything that makes me proud being a member, the true spirit of the forum.

The worst: those that have blood in their eyes after seeing the words "Rolex" and "discounted" in one single thread. People who will try to take advantage of the seller, who want to buy a cheap watch to own or to sell for profit. Or those who want to put the OP in touch with an official or underhand dealer for a kickback or commission. I am sure the OP's PM and email inboxes are already full with messages, many from members that we never see posting any content on the forum. Dealing in watches has become a huge market with everything that comes with it and unfortunately the forum has become flooded with profiteers and shady underhand dealers. Recently, Eddie blocked an automated bot that was scraping data from Sales Corner - don't ever underestimate the length which people are willing to go to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, they are amongst us.

Reading up on the OP's posting history, he seems an avid collector and regular watcher of watch auctions. I assume he knows the value of his watches and I can only hope he won't be taken for a ride by TZ's worst. If this eventually leads to some true enthusiasts being able to buy some long admired watches for decent prices, it would be a great outcome.

[JasonM]

Well said Raffe.
J

[kevkojak]

I had a thought last night that rather tickled me, with that sort of volume an auctioneer might give you your own sale... the prestigious "blueboy" collection. It would forever have watch aficionados wondering which wealthy oligarch or celebrity was liquidating.


Joking aside, fellows would probably be my first stop. The commission is a kick in the teeth but they still seem to achieve good prices. Far above what I'd have considered to be a "retail" number usually. I'm not sure what watchfinder are up to these days, used to be exceptional prices but I've heard complaints of lowballing in recent times .

[magpie215]

Well said Raffe.
J

Seconded

[verv]

Where are you when youre not in the UK? Is your normal location lively with watch enthusiasts and can you sell some within the EU / US / HK / wherever you are?

I echo the advice of SC for the heavier hitters, or responding to emails to buy originating from TZ, but perhaps note the watch and the purchasers name in a thread somewhere to discourage buying to immediately profit elsewhere.

[blackal]

Include a post where you say: Thanks to.....

***
***
*****
*****
**
********

For their PMs. (no details)

[prexelor]

Wow what a collection. Had to scroll quite a few times to get through the list.

However you proceed, good luck with the sale of your collection.

[Gavbaz]

Some very nice watches there. Whatever you do, avoid selling them on here.

[LuvWatch]

I’ve often wondered how I would do this too if the circumstances made it necessary, I had thought about setting up a website to showcase the watches, for a one off sale, would that make you a dealer and subject to distance selling rules and suchlike? Would it make any difference if you made it clear it is a ‘private sale’ with no warranty etc?

Talk to me first

[Raffe]

Where are you when youre not in the UK? Is your normal location lively with watch enthusiasts and can you sell some within the EU / US / HK / wherever you are?

I echo the advice of SC for the heavier hitters, or responding to emails to buy originating from TZ, but perhaps note the watch and the purchasers name in a thread somewhere to discourage buying to immediately profit elsewhere.

He is in Cambodia from one of his earlier posts.

[verv]

He is in Cambodia from one of his earlier posts.

Ah, bit of a kibosh there then.

[rushroon]

Superb wide range of watches - nice to see a true collector.

[Topcat30093]

WOW!
That is certainly an impressive collection.
I was expecting to see maybe a dozen pieces.
But the list just kept going!
Good luck with sorting out what to keep and sell.

[Onelasttime]

If it makes it easier, I can keep them at my house in the UK

[JasonM]

Talk to me first

If I have a fatal accident, you are in the notes on the spreadsheet to get in touch with as the lucky chap who would have to deal with disposal 😁

[xxnick1975]

Wow some collection there!

Apologies if this is teaching grandmother to suck eggs OP, but please keep in mind security.

This is a public forum after all.

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[Saint-Just]

If I have a fatal accident, you are in the notes on the spreadsheet to get in touch with as the lucky chap who would have to deal with disposal 

Are you sure that post is not the equivalent of signing your own death warrant Jason?

[jukeboxs]

Your post solved your problem - there's no shortage of people on here looking for bargains and discounts. Best of luck dealing with your new-found popularity!

[JasonM]

Are you sure that post is not the equivalent of signing your own death warrant Jason?

Hmmmm, you could be right, Ill take my own coffee next time Im there.

[GOAT]

I think if this lot were mine, I’d go for a reputable auction house with an agreed, discounted fee basis.
Personally don’t think SC is the place.

[wigdog]

I'm coming out in a cold sweat preparing to post my first watch on SC. This post gives me palpitations....
Lovely, wide-ranging collection as others have said. I have no idea how I would set about selling all of those but good luck.

[Blueboy1]

Very impressive list of watches, OP, my respect. I hope you are well and healthy, what are your plans once you return to the OK? You obviously don't owe anyone an explanation, but why the turnaround from what I assume to be a life of collecting to selling them all?

A thread like this will inevitably bring out both the best and the worst of TZ-UK.

The best: true enthusiasts advising the seller about the sale of the lesser-known watches, possibly being interested themselves but not trying to take advantage. People caring about the well-being of the OP, people trying to help for no personal gain. In short, everything this forum was once about, everything that makes me proud being a member, the true spirit of the forum.

The worst: those that have blood in their eyes after seeing the words "Rolex" and "discounted" in one single thread. People who will try to take advantage of the seller, who want to buy a cheap watch to own or to sell for profit. Or those who want to put the OP in touch with an official or underhand dealer for a kickback or commission. I am sure the OP's PM and email inboxes are already full with messages, many from members that we never see posting any content on the forum. Dealing in watches has become a huge market with everything that comes with it and unfortunately the forum has become flooded with profiteers and shady underhand dealers. Recently, Eddie blocked an automated bot that was scraping data from Sales Corner - don't ever underestimate the length which people are willing to go to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, they are amongst us.

Reading up on the OP's posting history, he seems an avid collector and regular watcher of watch auctions. I assume he knows the value of his watches and I can only hope he won't be taken for a ride by TZ's worst. If this eventually leads to some true enthusiasts being able to buy some long admired watches for decent prices, it would be a great outcome.

Thanks for the advice Raffe, tbh the only response I've had so far has been v. positive but then on the other hand I've not actually tried to sell anything yet...

As for the reason for sale, the watches have been in a lock-up for years, I've only worn a handful of them, and since losing my job when covid hit I don't have the moullah (or energy) to collect any more - and really need to sell as many as possible to pay the bills.

[Blueboy1]

Where are you when youre not in the UK? Is your normal location lively with watch enthusiasts and can you sell some within the EU / US / HK / wherever you are?

I echo the advice of SC for the heavier hitters, or responding to emails to buy originating from TZ, but perhaps note the watch and the purchasers name in a thread somewhere to discourage buying to immediately profit elsewhere.

Thanks - SC definately seems a good option to start. Just fyi I'm in Kampot, Cambodia. Nice enough place but no-one wears a watch here (or can afford to buy one)...

[Blueboy1]

Hi just to let anyone know who is interested that some of my watches will be coming up in Fellows Luxury Watch Sale on the 8th August. The others will be in the 30th August sale. Here's the link -

https://www.fellows.co.uk/The-Luxury...le/2022-08-08?

Cheers & thanks,

Mark

[mjoranga]

All the best, OP. I hope everything works nice and smooth. I nearly fell from my chair when I saw your collection list.

[NigeG]

Good luck with the sale OP.

I hope you’ve done a deal on their fees.

There’s a really lovely watch in the auction, I don’t actually think it is one of yours tbf but let’s say it made £7500 hammer price. I pay £9750 with Buyers Premium. The Seller receives £6003.

Auction house pockets a cool £3747 on this one sale. Although they’ve got their marketing cost, insurance and vat to come out of that leaving a poultry £3375 commission.

Only one winner there.


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[sprite1275]

Good luck with the sale OP.

I hope you’ve done a deal on their fees.

There’s a really lovely watch in the auction, I don’t actually think it is one of yours tbf but let’s say it made £7500 hammer price. I pay £9750 with Buyers Premium. The Seller receives £6003.

Auction house pockets a cool £3747 on this one sale. Although they’ve got their marketing cost, insurance and vat to come out of that leaving a poultry £3375 commission.

Only one winner there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Really!? Thats nuts.

[M1011]

Good luck with the sale OP.

I hope you’ve done a deal on their fees.

There’s a really lovely watch in the auction, I don’t actually think it is one of yours tbf but let’s say it made £7500 hammer price. I pay £9750 with Buyers Premium. The Seller receives £6003.

Auction house pockets a cool £3747 on this one sale. Although they’ve got their marketing cost, insurance and vat to come out of that leaving a poultry £3375 commission.

Only one winner there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's a huge margin. Hope the OP has some sort of arrangement, otherwise may be better piecing the collection out via TZUK/eBay etc. The eBay authentication programme certainly helps nowadays.

[Kingstepper]

Good luck with the sale OP.

I hope you’ve done a deal on their fees.

There’s a really lovely watch in the auction, I don’t actually think it is one of yours tbf but let’s say it made £7500 hammer price. I pay £9750 with Buyers Premium. The Seller receives £6003.

Auction house pockets a cool £3747 on this one sale. Although they’ve got their marketing cost, insurance and vat to come out of that leaving a poultry £3375 commission.

Only one winner there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Chicken feed.

[FazerBoy]

Chicken feed.

I’m calling fowl on that…

[Raffe]

Everyone is a comedihen.

[magirus]

I’m calling fowl on that…

Everyone is a comedihen.

You'll end up in front of The Beak making puns like that.

[noTAGlove]

Hi just to let anyone know who is interested that some of my watches will be coming up in Fellows Luxury Watch Sale on the 8th August. The others will be in the 30th August sale. Here's the link -

https://www.fellows.co.uk/The-Luxury...le/2022-08-08?

Cheers & thanks,

Mark

I don’t know what the commission is like, but was it not worth a stab with a few watches on SC?

[Samlack99]

O & W Caribbean 1000 1970? - Drool!

It'd be great to see this on SC =)

[EBB21]

What are the benefits of an auction house? You pay more commission (I noticed 34% online), you can't return if not working, you'll pay more for postage etc. Like most, I slag off Ebay sometimes, but seems reasonable compared with auction houses, particularly as a buyer. SC would also seem wiser.

[Kitsan]

What are the benefits of an auction house? You pay more commission (I noticed 34% online), you can't return if not working, you'll pay more for postage etc. Like most, I slag off Ebay sometimes, but seems reasonable compared with auction houses, particularly as a buyer. SC would also seem wiser.

Probably the finality of it, buyers have a lot of power on eBay and PayPal, which some people abuse.

The benefit to the buyer is lower prices it seems.

[Blueboy1]

Probably the finality of it, buyers have a lot of power on eBay and PayPal, which some people abuse.

The benefit to the buyer is lower prices it seems.

Thanks fo all the feedback. Although the buyer's premium is high, it just seemed an appropriate course of action given that I don't have a fixed abode, there was limited time & there was a high volume of items.

[Browners]

How do I go about finding out the hammer price on lots ?
I registered for ‘live bidding’ but the link just kept dipping in & out and it looks like I’ve now missed out on the couple I was after !!

[Scepticalist]

Honestly, if you've done the valuations, the hard work is done. A simple image and description on SC would probably shift well over 60% of what you have in that list and as mentioned, you'll net well above anything from auction or commission sales.

But blimey, I decided I had too many at 10....

[NigeG]

How do I go about finding out the hammer price on lots ?
I registered for ‘live bidding’ but the link just kept dipping in & out and it looks like I’ve now missed out on the couple I was after !!

I think you have to pay a fee these days at Fellows.


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