Selling a watch: how to get a fair number

What actually raises an offer, and what does not.

Know your comparables

Recent completed sales of the same reference in the same condition are the only relevant benchmark. Asking prices are not sales.

Assemble the set before you ask

Box, papers, spare links, service invoices. Gathering documentation before you request an offer usually improves it, because it removes the buyer’s risk discount.

Do not polish it first

A pre-sale polish almost always reduces value on a collectible reference. Clean it, do not refinish it.

Outright versus consignment

Outright is faster and certain; consignment usually realises more because the watch is priced to a collector rather than to trade. Choose based on how quickly you need the funds.

How Chrono24 Watches applies this

Every watch we list is opened and inspected before it appears on the site. We verify the calibre against the reference, examine dial printing and lume ageing under magnification, record timing across multiple positions on a calibrated timegrapher, measure bracelet stretch, and pressure-test sports references with intact cases. What we find is published on the listing, including the flaws, and photographed. You can read the full process on our authentication page.

Buying with confidence

Shipping is free, fully insured and requires a signature on delivery. You have fourteen days from delivery to return any watch for a full refund, for any reason, using a prepaid insured label, and every mechanical watch carries a twelve-month warranty on the movement. Our authenticity guarantee has no expiry date. If this is your first purchase from us, start with how to buy.

Next steps

Start with the full catalogue, read our authentication process, or email sales@chrono24watches.st with any question about a specific listing.