Rolex watches are one of the best pre-owned items to sell. While some pre-owned products diminish in value over time, Rolex timepieces are the opposite. They appreciate their value because of their exceptional quality, or they maintain it well.
If you’re planning to sell your Rolex watch, you need to be smart about it. For this reason, we aim to make this process as simple and quick as possible so you can get the most cash out of your Rolex timepiece. Let’s get started!
5 Simple Steps to Sell Your Rolex Watch
1. Check the Reference Number
Rolex reference numbers or models are listed on the certificates that Rolex issued when you purchased them. If you no longer have the original receipt of your timepiece and can’t remember its price when you bought it, don’t worry.
Simply check the model or reference number engraved on the watch itself. It usually comes in a four to six-digit number engraved between the lugs on the 12 o’clock side where the case meets the bracelet.
It’s better to have the original manual or paperwork with your Rolex. There, you’ll find the reference model as well. The reference number will help you determine the value of your watch and will help you as you do your research.
Related: Rolex 14060 Vs. 14060M
2. Pinpoint the Serial Number
The serial number of your Rolex is as significant as the reference number. It will help you know the year your timepiece was manufactured.
The serial number is on the watch’s side at 6 o’clock. This number is essential to help you know the year your Rolex was developed and will influence the watch’s value.
Knowing your watch’s year and model will help determine your beloved Rolex’s resale price and value. Newer Rolex uses letters and not just serial numbers.
3. Prove or Confirm Authenticity
Proving the authenticity of your watch will be an essential factor in determining the correct price. On the part of the potential buyer, they’ll be able to know that it’s not forged.
If you didn’t buy your luxury watch from the Rolex store or question its authenticity, simply do your research. Examine the specific parts used, engraving of the text, and inner part of the watch.
Talking with authority on Rolex timepieces or an appraiser will also be extremely helpful to determine the authenticity of the timepiece if you plan to sell it on your own. That expert may even write up a certificate that the watch is authentic.
How much is my Rolex worth?
Analyze the condition of your Rolex. It’ll be considered a New Old Stock or NOS if you’ve never worn the Rolex. This means that it is in perfect condition and will often be worth much more than pre-owned Rolex watches.
However, if you’ve taken care of your Rolex for a long time, you can get decent cash even if you haven’t worn the timepiece regularly. Vintage Rolex watches are a little challenging to appraise because their condition is not as easy to determine.
Collectors or watch buyers of vintage Rolex often check for signs of age, such as the different collaboration of the watch’s hands and dials.
Gilt dials, for instance, are used on early Rolex sports timepieces. This type of dial features the logo, minute track, markings, and text in a warm gold color against a gloss black surface. These are highly valuable and rare.
4. Find the Resale Value of Your Watch
The next step to securing the best price for your used Rolex is to determine its resale value. You can do this by getting authentication from a certified watch expert. Usually, this watch professional will remove the back of the Rolex to determine the model and age of the watch, examine the movements, and see the watch’s repair history.
The watch expert will likewise help you how much your timepiece is worth even without papers, whether you own a Rolex watch for women or a Rolex watch for men.
How do I find out how much my Rolex is worth?
Check the material your Rolex is made of, its present condition, including the watch’s exterior, the original box and papers, and the market value.
Other factors that affect the value of your Rolex are the age of the watch, rarity and model, whether you removed the links or had the bracelet shortened, the metal used, and whether it’s adorned with gems.
All these things are helpful when you want to sell your Rolex watch online and know how much it’s worth.
5. Sell On Your Own or Through a Reputable Dealer
Now that you’re ready to sell your secondhand Rolex watch, you can use online platforms or sell it through a dealer.
Use high-resolution photos when selling Rolex watches online. Take pictures of the front and back of the timepiece and the warranty card. These things will allow the buyer to ascertain the value and condition of your pre-owned Rolex.
If you don’t want to sell your Rolex online, a good option is to find a reputable dealer. This way, you enjoy hassle-free sales because the dealer will do the selling on your behalf. Each method has its pros and cons, so pick the option that you think is the best for your situation.
When is the best time to sell my Rolex?
The best time to sell Rolex watches is at the moment when they’re in high demand or when paired with a low supply of luxury timepieces. Some specialist Rolex buyers are searching for a timepiece like yours, whether you have a pre-owned Rolex watch or a new one.
Related: Is It Safe To Buy Rolex On Amazon?
Best Pre-Owned Rolex (Luxury Watches)
- Rolex Submariner – Current price (approx): $8,950 – $10,600
- Rolex Daytona – Current price (approx): $31, 500
- Rolex Datejust – Current price (approx): $7,100
- Rolex President – Current price (approx): $36,850
- Rolex Explorer – Current price (approx): $8,000 – $12,000
- Rolex Day Date – Current price (approx): $18,000
- Ladies Rolex Watch – Current price (approx): $7,250 – $25,250
- Rolex Sea Dweller – Current price (approx): $17,000
- Rolex GMT- Current price (approx): $15,000 – $39,000
Best Places To Sell Pre-Owned Rolex Watches
1. CashforGoldUSA.com
On the website, CashforGoldUSA will ask you a few basic questions about your Rolex timepieces. After 24 hours, you’ll receive an appreciation of the value of your watch or watches.
2. Worthy.com
This online platform can help you list and sell luxury jewelry, including pre-owned Rolex watches. Professional jewelry buyers will see it, and they’ll be the ones to appraise the authenticity.
3. Bob’s Watches
It is one of the leading online platforms for selling, buying, and trading used Rolex models for men and women. It carries a large selection of used Rolex for sale and other brands, like Patek Philippe, Panerai, Omega, and more.
Related: Bob’s Watches Reviews – Is The Site Safe To Buy From?
4. eBay
This guide on “how to sell Rolex watch” wouldn’t be complete without including eBay on the list where you can sell your Rolex. It’s a popular auction site. So, if your timepiece is highly collectible, you may sell it for more than the prices offered by local jewelers.
5. Local Pawn Shops
Many pawn shops worldwide offer a convenient and quick way to sell your Rolex. Yet, in exchange for the speed and ease, you may be offered a lower price than the timepiece’s actual worth.
The Bottom line
If you think it’s finally time to let go of your Rolex watch, just follow the steps above. By doing so, you’ll know your earning potential for selling your Rolex watch and get the highest return.
If you like these tips, you might want to read our other posts at EvesWatch.com.
My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
