Where and how to sell a luxury watch?

Published - by Mathieu Celi — Updated on -

You have probably already asked yourself this question: how can I proceed to sell my watch ? Often the fear of scams of all kinds, of lost packages during shipments, or of theft. In this guide, we indicate you the platforms that we have been able to experiment by detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Classified ad sites

The classified ad sites that we all know represent to this day the most popular means of simple and quick to publish ads for watches. Most of the time, the transactions are done from private person to private person, and rarely from professionals to private persons.
However, you have to be careful when you are in the seller's position, because a lot of scams go through this kind of platforms.

Sell a watch on Leboncoin

Pluses
  • Annonces gratuites, rapide, avec des frais payés pour les acheteurs

    Annonces gratuites, rapide, avec des frais payés pour les acheteurs

  • Mise en avant son annonce en payant de 2€ à 28€

    Mise en avant son annonce en payant de 2€ à 28€

  • Paiement sécurisé disponible sur la plateforme

    Paiement sécurisé disponible sur la plateforme

  • Gestion des bordereaux d'envois (Mondial Relay, Colissimo, ...)

    Gestion des bordereaux d'envois (Mondial Relay, Colissimo, ...)

  • Vous pouvez également programmer une remise en mains propres

    Vous pouvez également programmer une remise en mains propres

  • Pas de limite de prix

    Pas de limite de prix

Minuses
  • Beaucoup d'arnaques sont présentes sur la plateforme

    Beaucoup d'arnaques sont présentes sur la plateforme

  • Visibilité : uniquement francophone

    Visibilité : uniquement francophone

Sell a watch on Vinted

Vinted, a website specialized in second hand fashion which has more than 65 million members. This is perhaps THE solution to get rid of your watch easily. However, we recommend you to use this platform for amounts not exceeding 1000€. (to limit the risks, the refunds in case of losses being low).

Pluses
  • Annonces gratuites, rapide, avec des frais payés pour les acheteurs

    Annonces gratuites, rapide, avec des frais payés pour les acheteurs

  • Boost de son annonce possible à partir de 1.25€

    Boost de son annonce possible à partir de 1.25€

  • Gestion des paiements via la plateforme avec un système de portefeuille virtuel

    Gestion des paiements via la plateforme avec un système de portefeuille virtuel

  • Gestion des bordereaux d'envois (Mondial Relay, Colissimo, La Poste, ...)

    Gestion des bordereaux d'envois (Mondial Relay, Colissimo, La Poste, ...)

Minuses
  • Limite de prix à 9000€

    Limite de prix à 9000€

  • Service client inexistant

    Service client inexistant

  • Litige : acheteurs souvent gagnants (peu de vérifications de la plateforme)

    Litige : acheteurs souvent gagnants (peu de vérifications de la plateforme)

  • Perte de colis : 25€ - 500€ maximum seront dédommagés

    Perte de colis : 25€ - 500€ maximum seront dédommagés

  • Visibilité : France, Belgique, Espagne, aux Pays-bas et au Luxembourg

    Visibilité : France, Belgique, Espagne, aux Pays-bas et au Luxembourg

Auction

Auctions are a very good way to sell your watches, because they often bring together enthusiasts or at least people with a strong attraction to the sales category. They can be virtual or physical. The costs are often high, but choosing this solution allows to to be free of any organization (mailing, advertising, responses to potential buyers ...).

Selling a watch at Drouot

It can be smart to favour auction houses when you don't know what you're selling and you want to be free of all shipping constraints.

Pluses
  • La salle des ventes gère les photos de votre montre ainsi que la publicité

    La salle des ventes gère les photos de votre montre ainsi que la publicité

  • Vous pouvez suivre l'évolution de la vente en direct

    Vous pouvez suivre l'évolution de la vente en direct

  • Le commissaire priseur realise une estimation de votre montre

    Le commissaire priseur realise une estimation de votre montre

  • Vous pouvez fixer un prix de réserve sous lequel votre montre ne sera pas vendue

    Vous pouvez fixer un prix de réserve sous lequel votre montre ne sera pas vendue

Minuses
  • Calendrier de vente bien définis, il faudra donc s'armer de patience

    Calendrier de vente bien définis, il faudra donc s'armer de patience

  • Frais élevés, 16.80% sur le prix d'adjudication + 36,59€ (frais de dossier)

    Frais élevés, 16.80% sur le prix d'adjudication + 36,59€ (frais de dossier)

Marketplace

Marketplaces are generally more dedicated to professionals, but it is however possible as a private individual to take advantage of the latter which can be very interesting.

Selling a watch on Ebay

Ebay, a well known online auction site, is a good alternative to sell your watch at auction, without having to moveand while being well covered by the platform. Nevertheless, when it comes to international sales, it is important to pay attention to shipping costs, and to be well informed about guarantees in case of loss or theft of packages.

Pluses
  • Visibilité internationale (les annonces sont disponibles à travers le monde)

    Visibilité internationale (les annonces sont disponibles à travers le monde)

  • Gestion des paiements via la plateforme (via Paypal, CB, Apple Pay ...)

    Gestion des paiements via la plateforme (via Paypal, CB, Apple Pay ...)

  • Protection des vendeurs : service client disponible en cas de pépins

    Protection des vendeurs : service client disponible en cas de pépins

Minuses
  • Frais de vente de 10 % si inférieur ou égal à 2000€, et de 2 % si supérieur

    Frais de vente de 10 % si inférieur ou égal à 2000€, et de 2 % si supérieur

Sell a watch on Chrono24

Marketplaces are ideal when you want to offer your watch to International. With the guarantees they offer, the distance selling is done with more serenity. Chrono24, world's number one player buying and selling of second hand watches online offers interesting services to sell quickly and at the best price.

Pluses
  • Plateforme spécialisée dans la vente de montres de luxe, montres haut de gamme

    Plateforme spécialisée dans la vente de montres de luxe, montres haut de gamme

  • Service client efficace (bien que Chrono24 soit une marketplace)

    Service client efficace (bien que Chrono24 soit une marketplace)

Minuses
  • Frais de commission de vente raisonnables (6.5%), mais néanmoins présents

    Frais de commission de vente raisonnables (6.5%), mais néanmoins présents

Sites / Enthusiasts groups

Another solution to sell his watch, the groups of enthusiasts, collectors. They are often communities requiring membership, or sorted by the administrators of the latter, the trust capital is therefore very often greater.

Sell a watch via Facebook Groups

Social networks can often be very useful when it comes to specific topics. We often find there communities of enthusiasts. We are a group of people who seek to share knowledge on many topics, including watchmaking. This is no exception to the rule, buying and selling is also part of the passion.

Here are some interesting facebook groups if you want to part with your watch:

Pluses
  • Annonce gratuite, rapide à poster, en suivant les conditions du groupe

    Annonce gratuite, rapide à poster, en suivant les conditions du groupe

  • Communautés souvent à l'écoute et de bon conseils

    Communautés souvent à l'écoute et de bon conseils

Minuses
  • Pas de garantie ou protection vendeur

    Pas de garantie ou protection vendeur

  • Paiement par virement bancaire ou espèces

    Paiement par virement bancaire ou espèces

Sell a watch on the CDA (business corner)

When you want to sell niche watches, collectors' models or special references, nothing beats groups of enthusiasts. The confiance is often increased and it is the opportunity to share with other people bitten by the watchmaking bug.

Pluses
  • LE site d'annonces de montres avec une communauté francophone de passionnés

    LE site d'annonces de montres avec une communauté francophone de passionnés

  • Moins d'arnaques car souvent méconnu, mais ne jamais dire jamais

    Moins d'arnaques car souvent méconnu, mais ne jamais dire jamais

  • Annonce gratuite

    Annonce gratuite

Minuses
  • Pas de garantie ni de protection vendeur

    Pas de garantie ni de protection vendeur

  • Paiement par virement bancaire ou espèces

    Paiement par virement bancaire ou espèces

How to write a watch ad to sell quickly?

It is all very well to know how to sell your watch, but it is also important to take care of your ad. In order to have the best chance of attracting a potential buyer, make sure to make quality photos of your watch, from several angles. Do not hesitate to show the defects It's better for the buyer to have every detail of what they are buying, rather than surprises once they have the watch in hand. Finally, ask about the market rates. We have also created a new website, in order to offer a price in line with what is available on the web, selling at the right price means selling faster.

Q&A
Question

What are the most beautiful watchmaking houses?

Answer

There are many watchmaking houses known for their exceptional craftsmanship, quality and design. Here are some of the finest watchmakers: Patek Philippe, this Swiss watchmaker is known for its high quality watches and expertise in watch complications. Rolex, known for its precise, reliable and durable watches, as well as its classic and elegant design. Audemars Piguet, for its high-quality luxury watches and innovative, cutting-edge design. Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, one of the world's oldest houses, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and elegant design. These houses are all examples of Swiss watchmaking excellence and are considered the finest in the world for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship and design.


Question

How to set a watch?

Answer

The setting of a watch may vary depending on its type and movement. Generally, the crown on the right side of the watch is pulled out to set the time and date. Some watches may have other complications, such as a chronograph function or a time zone complication. It is important to note that some watches may require more complex adjustments, such as synchronization with a time signal or movement adjustment. If you're not sure how to set your watch, it's a good idea to consult its user manual or seek the help of a watch professional.


Question

How to buy a watch?

Answer

Research brands, styles and prices, choose a model within your budget and taste. Choose a trusted retailer, either online or in-store. Verify the authenticity and quality of the watch, by examining certificates and calling in a watch expert (never rely on photos). Take the time to consider all aspects of the watch, such as size, material, movement and complications. It is important to note that purchasing a luxury watch can be a significant investment, so it is essential to do thorough research to make an informed decision.


Question

Who is Watch Interest?

Answer

Watch Interest is a watch media founded in 2021 with a focus on quality in the service of watch passion. Our promise is to provide engaging and informative content that serves the needs of both the discerning watch enthusiast and the seasoned collector: a one-stop destination for information on watches, houses and market news.

About the author

Mathieu Celi

Passionate about timepieces, and everything that revolves around them for many years, my ambition is to share my watchmaking adventure, and help you to enlighten yourself on this world that seems so inaccessible, and yet, is not. Every watchmaking story is initiated by encounters, and continues with an endless curiosity, a real addiction to the very embodiment of time.

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