How to sell your Rolex (or any luxury watch): a practical guide

Selling a fine watch is rarely something people do often, so it's worth doing properly. A little preparation makes the process smoother, protects you from time-wasters, and helps you get a fair result. Here are the six things we'd suggest before you ask anyone for a price.

1. Gather the full set

Find everything that came with the watch: the box (inner and outer), warranty card or papers, booklets, tags, spare bracelet links and the original receipt if you have it. Items that seem minor can matter to a buyer, because they help confirm the watch's identity and history. If you're missing something, don't worry; see our guide to box and papers.

2. Photograph it well

• ◆Use soft daylight from a window, with no flash.
• ◆Photograph the dial straight on, then the caseback.
• ◆Show the clasp, the bracelet or strap, and any marks honestly.
• ◆Photograph the papers too, covering any personal details.

3. Find the service history

Service receipts, or a recent service card, help a buyer understand the watch's condition and what it may need next. A watch with a documented recent service from a reputable watchmaker is easier to sell with confidence.

4. Don't polish it first

It's tempting to make a watch look its best, but polishing removes metal and can soften the original lines of the case. Many buyers, particularly of vintage watches, prefer a watch left as it is. Let the buyer decide.

5. Know your reference

The reference number tells a buyer exactly which model, metal and era they're looking at. It's usually on the papers, and on many watches it's engraved on the case between the lugs. On a modern Rolex, the reference even tells you the metal; see what Rolex reference numbers mean.

6. Choose who you deal with carefully

Ask how the sale works, who holds the watch and when you'll be paid. Be wary of anyone who pressures you, and never hand a watch over before payment has cleared. Nothing should proceed until terms are agreed in writing.

Selling outright or on consignment?

You can sell a watch outright, or have someone sell it for you on consignment: you stay the owner until it sells and pay a fee only if it does. We offer both. Our consignment fee is 15% of the final sale price, or 10% for watches selling for £50,000 or more, with no sale, no fee. Read how consignment works, or tell us about your watch.