Sell

Sell your watch at the right price

Six steps, four channels and, in France, two tax regimes. Everything starts with the value: it tells you what your watch is worth and what each buyer is prepared to pay.

Value my watch

The steps of a sale

01
Value it
Start from the value of your exact reference, with its year, condition, box and papers. It sets the range to aim for depending on the channel, and the price below which you should not go.
02
Gather the documents
Warranty card, purchase invoice, box, booklets, extra links, service invoices. The purchase invoice also matters for tax: in France, without it the capital-gains regime is not available.
03
Prepare the watch
Careful cleaning, yes; polishing, no: it erases the original edges and can cost more than it brings. A recent service adds value, provided you have the invoice.
04
Choose the channel
Immediate trade-in, consignment, private sale or auction: each route strikes a different balance between price, time and security. The table below compares them.
05
Secure the transaction
Hand-over in person in a safe place, payment by bank transfer received and checked before hand-over, or escrow. Never a banker's draft that has not been verified with the issuing bank.
06
Declare the sale
In France, above €5,000, the sale of a watch by a private individual is taxable. A professional or auction house involved normally files the declaration; between private individuals, it is up to you. Elsewhere, check the rules of your country.

Where to sell: the channels compared

Price gaps are relative to your watch's market value. They are orders of magnitude: the brand, the reference and current demand shift them.

Dealer trade-in: Price obtainedThe lowest: around 80% of the valueTimeImmediateSecurityHighFor whomSelling quickly, without hassle
Consignment with a dealer: Price obtainedClose to the value, less commissionTimeSeveral weeksSecurityHighFor whomOptimising the price without handling buyers
Private sale: Price obtainedThe highest, around the valueTimeVariableSecurityTo organise yourselfFor whomCommon pieces, available sellers
Auction house: Price obtainedUnpredictable, seller's fees to deductTimeSale calendarSecurityHighFor whomRare, vintage or sought-after pieces

Channel	Price obtained	Time	Security	For whom
Dealer trade-in	The lowest: around 80% of the value	Immediate	High	Selling quickly, without hassle
Consignment with a dealer	Close to the value, less commission	Several weeks	High	Optimising the price without handling buyers
Private sale	The highest, around the value	Variable	To organise yourself	Common pieces, available sellers
Auction house	Unpredictable, seller's fees to deduct	Sale calendar	High	Rare, vintage or sought-after pieces

Tax on a private sale in France

In France, below €5,000 of sale price, the sale of a watch by a private individual is not taxed. Above it, the flat-rate tax applies by default, unless you opt for the capital-gains regime. Rules differ from country to country: check those that apply where you live.

Flat-rate tax on precious objects: Rate6% + 0.5% CRDS, i.e. 6.5%BasisSale priceConditionDefault regime, sale price above €5,000
Option for the capital-gains regime: Rate19% + 17.2% social chargesBasisCapital gain, after a 5% allowance per year of ownership beyond the 2nd; exempt after 22 yearsConditionProof of acquisition (purchase date and price)
Precious metals: Rate11% + 0.5%BasisSale priceConditionGold, silver, platinum sold as metal

Regime	Rate	Basis	Condition
Flat-rate tax on precious objects	6% + 0.5% CRDS, i.e. 6.5%	Sale price	Default regime, sale price above €5,000
Option for the capital-gains regime	19% + 17.2% social charges	Capital gain, after a 5% allowance per year of ownership beyond the 2nd; exempt after 22 years	Proof of acquisition (purchase date and price)
Precious metals	11% + 0.5%	Sale price	Gold, silver, platinum sold as metal

General information on French rules, which does not replace tax advice. See also the definitions of the flat-rate tax and of the capital gain on movable property.

Our selling guides

All guides

Selling an inherited watch: estate, valuation, tax, what should you do?

Watch-selling scams between private individuals: the scenarios and how to protect yourself

Box and papers, full set: the real impact on a pre-owned watch's price

Frequently asked questions

Before you sell

Do I pay tax if I sell my watch for less than €5,000?

In France, no. The flat-rate tax on precious objects only applies above €5,000 of sale price. Below that, the sale of a watch by a private individual is not taxed. In another country, check the local rules.

Which tax regime should I choose above €5,000?

In France, the 6.5% flat-rate tax applies to the sale price by default. If you can prove the purchase date and price, you can opt for the capital-gains regime (19% + 17.2%), with a 5% allowance per year of ownership beyond the second and full exemption after 22 years. A watch held for a long time or resold without a gain often benefits. Elsewhere, check the rules of your country.

Why is the trade-in lower than the value?

The professional who buys ties up cash, checks and sometimes services the watch, guarantees it, then resells it. Their margin covers these costs: it is the price of immediacy and of no risk for you.

Should I have my watch serviced before selling it?

Not systematically. A recent service, invoiced by the brand or a recognised watchmaker, reassures the buyer and adds value. But its cost is not always recovered on resale: have the watch valued before committing to the expense.

First step

Know the value of your watch

Start the valuation