Paid on the metal, at today's rate
Sell a gold watch in Ireland
A gold or silver watch without a brand premium is paid on the weight of its case and bracelet at the published per-gram rate, the same as any other jewellery: 34.21 euro per gram for 9ct and 73.62 euro for 18ct, live as of 12 Nov, 04:27 Dublin time. It travels free in the insured postal pack, whatever the value. Branded watches go by quote instead, through the watch guide.
Which watches are metal-route watches
Most gold watches in Irish drawers: presentation watches from employers, wedding and retirement gifts, mid-century dress watches from makers whose names no longer carry a premium, gold-cased pocket watches, and ladies’ cocktail watches on gold bracelets. Gold and silver watches without a brand premium are priced on the weight of the case and bracelet at the published rate. The movement and glass are not priced. The judgement call is only ever on the border cases, a gold Omega, Longines or Cartier, where we price both routes and you take the higher.
Today’s rates for the usual grades
| Grade | Hallmark | We pay per gram |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct gold | 375 | €34.21$38.07£28.61 |
| 18ct gold | 750 | €73.62$81.92£61.56 |
| Sterling silver (925) | 925 | €0.89$0.99£0.74 |
Shown in USD for reference at €1 = $1.1127 (ECB reference rate, 11 Nov 2026, 15:00). We pay in euro by bank transfer.
Shown in GBP for reference at €1 = £0.8362 (ECB reference rate, 11 Nov 2026, 15:00). We pay in euro by bank transfer.
The price per gram shown is our published price for that grade, guaranteed. The grade, and so the final price, is confirmed after XRF testing.
For a figure before you post, weigh the watch (kitchen scales do), knock a third off the gross weight for the movement and glass as a rough allowance, and put the rest through the calculator at its carat. The exact weight is established on camera when the case is opened and the movement comes out.
How to send one
Through the free insured Bosca Óir pack from any county, or in person in Dublin by appointment. In the pack, wrap the watch so the glass is protected and leave the movement in; removing it yourself risks damage and saves nothing. Everything is opened, weighed and XRF tested on camera, the offer is itemised, and anything you decline comes back free by insured post.
Questions people ask
How much gold is in a gold watch?
A 9ct gents' case from the 1950s or 60s typically weighs 10 to 20 grams without the movement; an 18ct case more. A ladies' watch on a gold bracelet is often heavier than the watch itself: bracelets of 20 to 40 grams are common. Silver pocket watch cases run from 40 to 80 grams. The movement and glass are not gold and are not priced.
Is my watch gold or gold plated?
Look for hallmarks inside the case back: 375 means 9ct, 750 means 18ct, and Irish, UK or Swiss marks all count. 'Rolled gold', 'gold filled', '20 microns' or 'plaqué' mean a coating on base metal, which carries no metal value. If you cannot find a mark, send a photo of the case back and we will tell you what testing would settle; XRF reads the metal in seconds either way.
Can a gold watch go in the free postal pack?
Yes. Gold and silver watches without a brand premium are ordinary jewellery for the pack: they travel at our risk with the prepaid label, are weighed and XRF tested on camera, and the offer is itemised by piece. Only branded watches (Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Tag Heuer and similar) are excluded from the pack, because they go the quote route instead.
What if my gold watch is also a good brand?
Then both figures are checked and you get the higher. A gold Omega or Cartier usually carries trade value above its metal and goes by quote; a worn one may not. Send photos and we tell you which route pays more before anything travels.
Does it matter that the watch does not work?
Not for the metal route. The case and bracelet are worth their weight whether or not the movement ticks, and a broken movement costs nothing off the price because it was never being priced. Do not pay for a repair before selling.
What about the movement itself?
Most mid-century movements have little value, but a few are sought by repairers. Where a movement is worth keeping out of the melt we say so and the offer reflects it. Nothing is melted while any part of the watch is worth more intact.
Ready when you are
Send the brand, model, reference number, whether you have the box and papers, and three photos: the dial, the case back and the clasp or the papers. We come back with a quote, usually within two working days, and every branded watch is verified by an independent specialist before it is paid for.