Selling a Rolex

[CHJason]

I see people talking all the time about how they sold their Rolex to generate funds for another purchase or because they didn’t wear it. But how does one sell it safely? Jewelry stores near me don’t take trades and online stores offering to purchase seem sus. I have a watch I would like to sell but no idea how to do so without getting ripped off.

[Giovannibravo]

Not sure how most do it. I would say look for the big grey-dealers. DavidSW, Watchfinder, Watchbox. Even if they low ball you I would rather be safe than sorry.

[GADNYC]

I have not done this myself, but I get weekly emails from tourneau/bucherer time machine in midtown asking if I want to sell and "see how much your watch is worth". I would assume it's not retail pricing, but would probably be smooth given you are in NJ.

[ArtNouveau]

You could become a Pledge Member here and try selling it yourself but you will not get the amount wellknown reputable sellers here get. If you want a quick easy sale inquire with the Trusted Sellers in the Boutiques section of the Classifieds here. Expect a wholesale value but you will be paid quickly and securely.
If you have thick skin you could try the dealers on 47th St but only if you like haggling.

[koufax80]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

Not sure how most do it. I would say look for the big grey-dealers. DavidSW, Watchfinder, Watchbox. Even if they low ball you I would rather be safe than sorry.

This. 100%.

[Atmwireless]

I have a local watch shop that I deal with.

I’ve also sold to friends.

Also YouTubers will sell your watch on consignment. Timepiece gentleman or crm. They charge 5-10% I think

[jimcarver]

When it comes to sell its all about risk - reward.

If you sell it privately on Chrono 24 or Facebook etc you will get a better price (on the other hand you could get nothing if you get scammed).

Sell to a big dealer and you are likely to get lowballed.

The middle ground is finding a small time dealer with a good reputation.

I sold a black GMT Master 2 to a Facebook dealer for 85% of what I could have sold it for privately. That was a great deal with no hassle but most others were offering me 65-75%.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’ve never sold a Rolex but I’ve traded a few back in to the AD where I purchased them for leverage against new Rolexes. I’ve been happy and so has the AD since their selling prices for pre-owned watches are not capped like they are for new. Win/win.

[Podmornica]

Hardly any grey dealer is paying in cash/check these days, unless it's a brutally low ball offer. They will only take your watch for a consignment and let many people try it on and likely return it to you with a couple of scratches if they don't sell it.

If you are selling face to face you may easily get robbed and injured or scammed.

Selling on chrono24 or paypal may leave you both without money and the watch as there are dishonest buyers out there who may claim you shipped them a fake watch and both your money and the watch will be gone.

Probably the safest bet would be to just sell to your local dealer and accept the low ball offer.

[rolexgs]

sell to AD who run the cpo program, their offers will be better than those grey dealers.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Podmornica

Hardly any grey dealer is paying in cash/check these days, unless it's a brutally low ball offer. They will only take your watch for a consignment and let many people try it on and likely return it to you with a couple of scratches if they don't sell it.

If you are selling face to face you may easily get robbed and injured or scammed.

Selling on chrono24 or paypal may leave you both without money and the watch as there are dishonest buyers out there who may claim you shipped them a fake watch and both your money and the watch will be gone.

Probably the safest bet would be to just sell to your local dealer and accept the low ball offer.

This

[CHJason]

Thank you for all the advice. The problem with local is that my local AD runs a Rolex boutique and does not sell or buy used pieces.

[1William]

Look at our Trusted Sellers here on TRF. The big ones run their own brick and mortar stores and have a large online presence. I hate to say that "the price is the price" but it is. Look at the retail prices on line and see what your watch is going for. Then take 15-30% off that and you have your offer on the typical watch. Don't get your feelings hurt, many think the watch they own is worth more than it actually is. That's ok. Call around and get your best price and much like a purchase they will pay you the day after the watch arrives and you can move on. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Littletommy]

Sold a perfect condition DateJust recently to DavidSW. Sent him some pics and got the offer within a few minutes. I shipped the watch to him and I received a wire the next day. Flawless.

[brandrea]

As others have said, you can sell to trusted sellers here. You’ll get a discounted price, but it’s safe and secure.

Personally, I have sold a few watches to TRF members here, privately.

Transactions were in person at my bank and went very smoothly. As a bonus I got to put some faces to names and all of them were really great to meet

[rmagoo57]

Was curious what my AD would offer for trading-in my minty Exp II - $7k. Said no thanks. Went the consignment route and pocketed $10k after fees and shipping. Took a few weeks but very pleased with this process. Have done 3 of these deals recently and will probably do a few more as I tweak my collection. Proceeds are wired after the watch is sold/delivered.

[77T]

I have done different methods depending upon the situation.

1-Traded-in to a seller for a watch he was selling.
2-Sold directly to members here as well as on eBay.
3-Sold to trusted sellers here.
4-Sold to local dealers.

#1 has the feeling you get fleeced - you end up discounting your watch(es) and pay a premium for the one you buy.

#2 is just like the real #2 if you aren’t skilled yet in selling.

The safest by far is #3 but the ROA is lower.

If you like haggling, #4 has that element and you’ll get a better deal.

Now that you’ve posted this, could you please count up the number of queries/offers you’ve received and reply?

They’d likely suggest either selling the Bluesy to them, or one of the Longines you purchased years back.

Not accusing - just curious how many opportunists were attracted.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

…

Now that you’ve posted this, could you please count up the number of queries/offers you’ve received and reply? …

My mind didn’t even go there

[77T]

Originally Posted by brandrea

My mind didn’t even go there

Well…I’ve got and “inquiring mind”!


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[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by Atmwireless

I have a local watch shop that I deal with.

I’ve also sold to friends.

Also YouTubers will sell your watch on consignment. Timepiece gentleman or crm. They charge 5-10% I think

LOL I would not go within 10 miles of TPG.
Have you followed all the drama with his personal problems and the Italian Daytona???

[MJZRolex]

I haven't sold any watches (yet), but I really hate the fact that the avenues for safely selling a Rolex are so limited. I wouldn't begrudge a trusted seller a reasonable profit when they resell, but offering a seller 30% less than market? It is what it is or you can take a chance by selling yourself through eBay, Chrono24 or another channel - Risk/Reward. There is something to be said for safe, secure and receiving the funds quickly. Only a seller can put a value on that. It seems like once you have a good reputation as a trusted seller, there is very good money to be made.

[ExplorerI]

Could try moda and use their escrow service

[CHJason]

Originally Posted by 77T

Well…I’ve got and “inquiring mind”!


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I haven't received any inquiries, nor did I expect any. I'm inclined to go the trusted seller route, even with the discount, because of the safety factor with respect to funds. But we will see.

[77T]

Originally Posted by CHJason

I haven't received any inquiries, nor did I expect any. I'm inclined to go the trusted seller route, even with the discount, because of the safety factor with respect to funds. But we will see.

As you may know we have some hijackers who sometimes approach members who are looking to sell a watch. Those unsolicited offers usually come in as a PM.

I agree with your inclination - maybe start off with the boutique sellers. Because they have the higher volume, you may get a quicker deal done at fairway price.


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[aayates]

I reiterate that the "trusted sellers" on this site are they way to go (for me). I did a flawless deal with Davidsw a couple of weeks ago on a 18238. Friendly negotiation, watch sent, funds electronically received. Sure, a little lower than a private sale, but worth it to know you won't get scammed.