A Complete Guide To
Selling Your Rolex Watch
As one of the most recognised luxury watch brands in the world, it’s no surprise that Rolex models are in high demand. Whilst there are a lot of enthusiasts looking for that perfect piece to add to their collection, there are also many people who have a Rolex that they want to sell. The market for Rolex watches is consistently strong, which means a lot of models appreciate in value over time. So whether you want to upgrade or change your watch, or are simply clearing out possessions you no longer need, deciding to sell your Rolex could be a good financial decision.
If you’re considering selling your Rolex watch, you’ve come to the right place. It’s important to understand what selling your watch involves, and the steps to take to ensure you sell your watch safely, securely, and for a fair price.
Why Sell My Rolex? - Reasons To Sell Your Watch
There are many reasons you might have for wanting to sell your Rolex. Some of the most common reasons include:
Upgrading to a New Model
If you have an older model, selling your current Rolex is a great way to upgrade to a newer, more sophisticated version. While older and vintage Rolex watches are no doubt beautiful, you might want to opt for a newer version to take advantage of updates made by Rolex such as better accuracy in timekeeping, increased durability, upgraded materials, or a subtle change in style.
Making Room in the Collection
Selling your Rolex can free up space in your watch collection for other pieces, particularly if you find that you are no longer wearing it. If there’s a new watch that you’re interested in adding to your collection, but don’t want to have too many watches in your rotation, it makes sense to sell a Rolex you own in order to make space.
Unlocking a Return on Investment
If you’ve held onto your Rolex for a while and the market has changed, you may be able to make a profit by selling it. A number of Rolex models are highly sought after and can appreciate significantly in value over time. Particularly if you’re the original owner, you might find that when it comes to selling your Rolex, your watch has been a great investment and returns a tidy profit.
Funding a New Watch Purchase
If you have your eyes on a new watch, selling your Rolex is a great way to fund your purchase. You can part exchange your Rolex for a different piece; this is a great way to get to experience different brands and models that you like, without having too many resources tied up in your collection. Or if your Rolex is worth more than the watch you want to buy, you have an option to come away with both a new watch and some extra cash as part of the deal.
Freeing Up Money For Other Things
Selling your Rolex can be a great way to free up some money for other things. Because a lot of Rolex models appreciate in value, owners often turn to their watch when they would like cash for something else. From funding a dream holiday to building an extension on your property, selling your Rolex can be a great way to help you with other things you’d like to do in life.
A Change of Personal Style
While most Rolex watches are pretty timeless in their design, personal tastes change which means that people often want to sell their Rolex as part of changing up their style. Perhaps the rugged look of a Submariner no longer matches your dressier style, or you think your Rolex Day Date is a bit too formal for your more casual wardrobe. However your style has changed, selling a Rolex you no longer want to wear means you can buy a new watch that better matches your individual look.
It’s No Longer Being Worn
If you are no longer wearing your Rolex, it may be a good time to part company. While some people like to hang on to their Rolex for sentimental reasons or investment purposes, if these don’t apply then it makes little sense to hold onto a piece that’s no longer getting any wrist time. Deciding to sell your Rolex is often no more complicated than letting go of something you haven't worn for a while, and don’t see yourself wearing much in future.
How Do I Sell My Rolex?
Once you’ve made the decision to sell your Rolex, you of course will want to do so safely, conveniently and for the best price. It makes sense to do a little preparation to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, and some of the main steps to take are as follows:
Sell My RolexIdentify The Reference Number
The reference number of a Rolex watch varies depending on the model and year of production. Knowing the reference number of your Rolex makes the process of identifying the approximate age and the specific model of the watch much easier. This is important to help you get an idea about how much your Rolex might be worth.
You will be able to find the reference number of your Rolex engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock position. Using this number will enable you to identify the model of the watch, as well as which variation of the model you have.
You can also find the reference number for your Rolex on documentation or paperwork that originally came with the watch, if you have it.
Typically, the first two or three digits will indicate the model family. Models manufactured from the year 2000 onwards will often start with a 1.
Model
Reference Number Starts With
On Rolex dress models, the next number indicates the type of bezel that the watch has (or should have). For example, the number 3 will typically indicate a fluted bezel, as found on some Datejust and Day Date watches, while a 0 is used to indicate a polished bezel. Watches from the Rolex Professional range do not use this number, so you won’t find it if you have a Submariner, Daytona, Sea Dweller or other professional model.
The final digit in the reference number is the material code that is used to indicate the metal from which the watch is made.
Final Digit Of Reference
Watch Is Made From
Locate The Serial Number
On some Rolex models, the serial numbers can be found between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position - the opposite end of the watch to the reference number.
For watches manufactured from 2008 onwards, the serial number is engraved on the rehaut, which can be found between the dial and the crystal inside the watch (where you will find ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX.. Also engraved). This means that on newer watches, it’s not necessary to remove the bracelet to find the serial number.
The number is usually between four and eight characters long, as is unique to each watch. The serial number on a Rolex can be used to identify the year the watch was manufactured, and therefore lets us know how old the watch is. However, in 2010, Rolex began using random serial numbers on its watches, which can make it more difficult to pinpoint the exact year of production.
If you have a Rolex to sell that includes the original papers, the serial number on the watch itself should match that listed on the documentation. If the numbers do not match then you may not get the full value of having the papers included when you sell the watch.
Find out more about Rolex Serial Numbers
Confirm Your Rolex is Genuine & Authentic
When selling your Rolex, it’s vital to ensure that you are selling a genuine piece. If you have owned the watch from new, and purchased it from an authorised dealer then you of course can be sure that the watch is authentic.
If you bought the watch pre-owned and bought it from an established dealer who had verified and guaranteed the authenticity of the watch, then you can likewise be confident that the watch is authentic.
Reviewing the reference and serial numbers of your Rolex, and ensuring these match with what they should be, are good ways to check that your watch is authentic. If you’re working with a trusted dealer then they will be able to assess your watch for authenticity as part of the process.
Research The Market Value Of Your Rolex
Demand for certain models of Rolex can change over time, so it’s worth taking a look at the market when you’re thinking about selling your Rolex to estimate what kind of ballpark your watch will be in.
There are a huge number of factors that can affect the value of a Rolex, so you shouldn’t expect to be able to sell your watch for exactly the same price you’ve spotted a similar one selling for. However, doing your research will help you understand an approximate range for the market value of your watch.
Factors That Can Impact The Value Of Your Rolex
If you want to sell your Rolex then of course you will be looking to get the best price for your watch. There are a range of factors that can impact the value, so if you want to know how to get the best price when selling a Rolex, it’s important to be aware of these.
The Model
The model of Rolex you have, and the specific reference, is one of the biggest factors when it comes to how much the watch is worth. There can be a significant difference in value even within the same model range. For example, a 6263 Daytona would usually expect to sell for quite a bit more than a 116520 Daytona due to scarcity and demand.
The Age
The age of your Rolex can impact its value, and sometimes not in the way you think. For some models such as a Datejust, you might find that older watches are worth less than newer versions due to demand and the number available in the market. However for other models, like some versions of the Submariner, older watches can be worth quite a lot more than newer ones due to rarity or the significance of the reference in the evolution of the model range.
The Condition
The condition of your Rolex is another factor that will impact its value. Look at things like the accuracy of the movement and when the watch was last serviced, as this is one of the most important parts of the watch. Other aspects include the condition of the case, whether there are any scratches or cracks on the crystal, and whether the bracelet is original and whether it has started to sag. For vintage pieces, a reasonable amount of wear is acceptable and often referred over a refurbished watch. For more recent models, better condition usually equates to higher value.
The Materials
Rolex uses high quality materials in its watches, and the type of metal that your watch is made from can impact the value. There are some cases where this is not necessarily true, such as when it comes to highly sought after stainless steel models. However, in a lot of cases a gold or platinum Rolex will be worth more than a steel equivalent due to the higher value of the previous metals.
Original Box & Papers
Having the original box and papers that came with the watch is desirable, and can often lead to you being able to sell your Rolex for a higher price. While it’s not unusual for these items to have been lost over the years for vintage pieces, if you do have them then it’s something that can add value to the watch. The original box and papers helps to prove the authenticity of the watch, and is in demand for many people who want to buy their Rolex as a full set.
When You’re Ready To Sell Your Rolex
After you’ve done a bit of research, are sure your Rolex is genuine, and have a rough idea about how much you think the watch is worth, it’s time to begin the process of selling your watch.
The Best Way To Sell Your Rolex
There are a few ways you can sell a Rolex. Selling via a pawnbroker is one option, however this will typically mean that you won’t get a very good price for the watch.
Selling online via marketplaces or private listings on watch forums are another option. However, these can often mean that it takes a long time to sell the watch, and that it’s necessary to answer lots of questions from potential buyers which can take up valuable time. It’s also important to be aware that there are a lot of scams and false buyers present online, so it’s often not the safest way to sell your watch.
Another option is to consult a trusted professional to start the process of selling the watch. This enables you to sell your Rolex quickly and conveniently, while also staying safe and protected and ensuring you get a good price for the watch.
Working with a dealer is usually very straightforward. The process is as follows:
1. Find A Trusted Dealer
As Rolex watches are in such high demand, and can be worth significant amounts of money, there are unfortunately a lot of non-genuine dealers and individuals who may make selling your Rolex difficult, expensive or who will simply be out to rip you off.
From offering you a surprisingly high price then low-balling you at the last minute, to simply taking your watch and never contacting you again, it’s vital that you choose who you sell your Rolex to carefully.
It is therefore essential to find a professional dealer you can trust when you are looking to sell your Rolex. This will ensure that you can sell your Rolex safely, securely and for the best genuine price.
Some things to look out for include:
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How long the dealer has been in business
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Whether the dealer has a real, physical showroom
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The amount of stock that the dealer has for sale
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Reviews from other customers
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If the dealer backs up their watches with a warranty
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Whether the dealer offers any kind of guarantee of authenticity
For example, at The Swiss Watch Company we’ve been dealing in luxury watches since 1996. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are experts in the field. You can visit our showroom in Chiswick, London by appointment, or contact us to discuss selling your watch by telephone or email.
We’re privileged to have a significant amount of repeat customers which is testament to the quality of our service and the watches we supply, and you can learn about their experience by reading our reviews.
All our watches are supplied with a 12 month warranty, unless the watch has a longer remaining warranty from the manufacturer, and we offer a 14-day money back guarantee on all watches we sell. In addition, we validate the authenticity of all our stock and provide an Authenticity Card which guarantees the watch is authentic if it does not come with the original papers.
2. Obtain A Genuine Quote
Providing information about your watch to a dealer will allow them to supply you with a quote for buying your watch. At The Swiss Watch Company, we make this easy and convenient. Simply head to our Sell Your Rolex page, select your model, and complete the form to send us the details we need to value your watch.
Providing photographs of the watch is highly recommended at this stage; these enable a more accurate assessment of the condition of your watch, which in turn means you will be supplied with a more accurate quote.
3. Send & Sell Your Rolex
Once you’ve received an estimate for your Rolex that you are happy with, which will usually be by the next working day, it’s time to send your watch for sale.
Securely package your watch and send it to the dealer you are working with. Here at The Swiss Watch Company, we’ll carry out a full assessment of your Rolex in our workshop as soon as we receive it, and provide you with an accurate figure for how much we will pay you for the watch within one working day.
If you’re happy with the final price, all you need to do is confirm and the money will be transferred to you. You should usually expect to see the funds in your account by the following day.