[dropcap size=small]E[/dropcap]ven a watch you thought you’d never let go of when you first bought it might start losing its lustre after some time. But before you put it on the market, make sure you’ve covered all your bases and done all your homework. Ascertaining the prevailing market value of each watch is as easy as hitting a few keys on your computer – do not omit this step, as hard-nosed buyers can smell an amateur seller from a mile away. Sharpen your negotiation skills as well, and school yourself on what buyers tend to look out for: rarity, brand equity, special features, unique complications, condition of the watch, etc.
For those who would rather leave it to the experts, auction houses are the most reputable and reliable avenues through which to sell your watches. Not only that, you might benefit from nuggets of insider knowledge while transacting with the watch specialists. Also, there’s a high chance that your watch will go to an appreciative collector. Valuation is often complimentary and once the deal is set, your watch will be consigned to the auctioneer, appear at the next available auction, smash its estimate to smithereens, and add a few more zeroes to your bank account – or at least, that’s the plan.
Celine Yap has a decade of experience in luxury watch journalism, and has served in senior positions at specialist horology magazines such as World of Watches and Revolution.
