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Where to sell vintage watch in the UK?

Subspecies
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I have nowhere near enough posts to list it on here so unfortunately that's out. The watch is 10k+ so I'm not at all comfortable with ebay. Auction houses are a possibility but fees on both sides are huge. Consignment with a dealer worries me as they have the watch and I have no money. Selling direct to a dealer is possible. It seems that selling is not an easy thing to do if you're not established in the watch world. I'm not looking to publish here what watch it is, as not wanting to appear to be making a stealth post. Any advice welcome, thanks.
 
Davidt
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I’d generally advocate for eBay. I’ve sold watches around that value and never had a problem, even more so that now they go to the authenticator before the buyer so scams for item not as described or returning another watch to you are impossible.

Otherwise you’re selling to a dealer for the highest level of certainty but you will likely get a fraction of your asking unless it’s a desirable model.
 
Pokernico
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Davidt Davidt
I’d generally advocate for eBay. I’ve sold watches around that value and never had a problem, even more so that now they go to the authenticator before the buyer so scams for item not as described or returning another watch to you are impossible.

Otherwise you’re selling to a dealer for the highest level of certainty but you will likely get a fraction of your asking unless it’s a desirable model.
I suggest you to become a Chrono24 private seller.
 
Davidt
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Pokernico Pokernico
I suggest you to become a Chrono24 private seller.
I’ve never bought or sold a thing on c24 and i have no desire to.
 
Pokernico
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Davidt Davidt
I’ve never bought or sold a thing on c24 and i have no desire to.
I apologize, I thought I was replying to the person who created the thread. Anyway, why don’t you like C24? In my opinion it’s an excellent showcase, zero cost and a 6.5% commission on sales.
 
WatchClarity
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I've successfully sold on r/WatchExchange on Reddit. I've generally found the best way to get the most value from a watch is by part-exchanging it for something else
 
Davidt
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Pokernico Pokernico
I apologize, I thought I was replying to the person who created the thread. Anyway, why don’t you like C24? In my opinion it’s an excellent showcase, zero cost and a 6.5% commission on sales.

I’ve searched c24 many times but never managed to actually buy anything so eventually stopped bothering.
 
Dan S
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Interesting what a wide range of opinions you are receiving. I have no experience with C24, because like @Davidt, I have never successfully bought anything there. But I know there are a few people on the forum who like to sell there, and the platform does have a secure way to process payments, which could make buyers more trusting.

I agree that without significant history as a seller, it can be challenging to sell a five-figure watch for top dollar in a private sale. Even shipping it with insurance can be difficult. If it's a desirable model, I would recommend consigning with an auction house or with a dealer. You say fees are "huge," but that's relative, and you still might do as well as if you sold the watch privately, with less effort and hassle on your part.
 
Subspecies
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Thanks for the replies. My first thought was consignment with a dealer, but I then heard of a guy who took a load of watches on consignment and then scarpered. I only heard this 3rd hand so have no details but it did put me off. I had already contacted one dealer about consignment but he would only message or email so I discounted him. I recently contacted a dealer from the UK who participates on this forum, but as yet, he has not responded. Chrono24 is a possible option and I will have a look. Ebay is definitely out for me , read too many nightmare stories about how they side with the buyer, no matter what basically. I'm coming to the conclusion that it's going to be more difficult to move on than I thought when i bought the watch.
 
Evitzee
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If it's a desirable watch then the auction route should be considered. As a seller you can usually get a 5% rate, they make money on the buyer's account. Giving a seller 5% is peanuts for display, cataloguing, advertising, and insurance while it's in their hands.

Selling to a dealer is quick, but you obviously don't get the full amount, but worth finding out what they would offer. Again, it depends on the watch.

I've bought a few times on C24 with no issues, never sold on there but will probably do so in 2026.

The fact of life is it is always easier to buy things than to sell them. Selling takes time, effort and being realistic as to the value of the goods.
 
Dan S
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In good condition, a holy grail would be a good candidate for a well advertised auction or dealer, IMO. You want to get plenty of eyes on it. It's a valuable watch, but to a relatively small community of collectors.
 
DON
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There are some antique watch shops and shows.

Burlington Arcade

Covent Garden

Hatton Garden

London Watch Fair

Also some boot sales shows
 
watchlovr
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There is nothing, apart from what you already list.
Pick one.
 
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