Watch enthusiasts have a few habits that confused me when I first dipped my toes in the hobby including liking Panerai, wearing dive watches on dry land, and constantly selling their watches. While I’m still working on solving the Panerai mystery, I’ve come to embrace the latter two, especially the art of selling watches. I say art, because deciding when to sell a watch is more of a subjective practice than an exact science.
Sinn 556 on Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
I eventually discovered that watch enthusiasts sell watches because we are a curious bunch. New watches are released daily. While it's great to have platforms such as WatchGecko to see photos and learn about the specs, nothing can replace the experience of ownership. But money and watch box slots are finite, and if you're looking to experience a wide range of watches, it simply isn't practical to keep them all.
Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax Petrol - Credit WatchGecko
Watch collecting is a choose your own adventure endeavor. For some that means keeping a tight three watch collection- making it necessary to carefully curate what comes in and what goes out. For others with less constraints, that could mean filling multiple watch boxes, allowing for more redundancy in a collection and an entirely different collector’s philosophy.
What type of collector you are will determine when you might sell a watch. However, there are some common reasons to sell a watch that might apply to us all:
- You don't wear it anymore and don’t see yourself wearing it again. This is an obvious one, but one even the most seasoned collector needs to be reminded to embrace. I’m a proponent of guilt free flipping- even if that means taking a financial loss. Did you pick up a 47mm Panerai on a whim but find it too obtrusive to enjoy wearing? Let it go and replace it with something you will actually wear.
- It's become redundant. I keep a small rotation. I don't need two chronographs or two GMTs. I’ve learned to embrace the joy of experiencing different genres of watches, even if the ownership is short lived.
- There is an opportunity. Selling watches online is a pain. I don't know anyone that enjoys the process of taking photos, dealing with lowball offers and waiting in line at the post office. But sometimes opportunities present themselves that remove these hassles. “Let me know if you ever want to sell that” is my favorite phrase to hear at a local meetup because it presents an effort-free opportunity to free up some cash.
- When you need the money- Watch enthusiasts often have a mental “watch bank” with a predetermined amount of dollars in it. It's our way of collecting in a financially responsible way. If acquiring a new timepiece will drain your watch bank, selling an existing watch might be the only way to restore balance.
- When it's time to upgrade- This is a big one for me at the moment. After years of embracing budget friendly microbrands, my tastes are (unfortunately) evolving. I’m not eyeing Rolex (yet) but have been lusting hard over the Formex Essence. When the time is right and I hit the buy button, any other dress watch in my collection will quickly find itself on r/Watchexchange.
Circula AquaSport II on WatchGecko Vintage Tropical Style FKM Rubber Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
Now that we we’ve covered some top indicators that it might be time to sell your watch, what are some reasons to KEEP a watch:
- It holds sentimental value. This might be grandpa’s inherited watch, the timepiece you were wearing at your wedding or your first “real” watch. If your watch is more about the story than the actual watch, keep it.
- The deal can’t be found again. If you're one of the lucky folks that picked up a Rolex before we all collectively decided steel sports watches are worth more than their already high retail prices, think twice before selling. Us enthusiasts (myself included) have an odd habit of selling and then re-buying after the seller’s remorse sets in. I don't remember much from economics class, but I’m fairly certain “sell high, buy high” was not one of the lessons.
- The math just isn't there. As a lover of microbrands, I’ve owned my fair share of affordable NH35 powered watches. These are a great way to experience the hobby on a budget. The problem is- selling a watch that retails for only $300 new often isn't worth the hassle. After fees and shipping costs, a once $300 watch might put less than $100 back in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm - Credit WatchGecko
Selling watches is an integral part of watch collecting, but the decision of when to sell a watch can be very personal. I hope my insight from years of trial and error will help you avoid some selling mistakes, and perhaps encourage you to part with some of those neglected timepieces that are collecting dust. How do you determine when to sell (or keep) a watch? Drop a comment below and share your tips and experiences!
