No hurry, no obligation
Sell an inherited watch
An inherited watch sells the same two ways as any other: a branded watch by quote from the trade, verified by an independent specialist before payment (about about one working day once it reaches us), a gold or silver watch on the metal in its case at the published rate. Probate paperwork stands in for a receipt, engraving is not a problem, and nothing obliges you to sell.
First, find out what it is
Most inherited watches in Ireland fall into one of three piles: a branded watch with trade value (Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Tag Heuer and similar), a gold or silver cased watch whose value is mostly its metal, or a plated dress watch with sentimental value only. You cannot always tell by looking, and families often guess wrong in both directions. Photos of the dial and the case back settle it in one message, and we tell you which pile yours is in before any talk of figures.
Paperwork, when there is no receipt
Proof of where a branded watch came from is required, but for an inherited watch that was never going to be a till receipt. The grant of probate, a solicitor’s letter, the will, a household insurance schedule listing the watch, or a service invoice in the family name all do the job. Paperwork found later still counts: if the box and papers turn up in a drawer after you have asked for a quote, send them on and the bid is revisited.
Selling fairly when there are several of you
Where a watch is being sold to divide its value between family, get the figure in writing before anything is handed over. Our quote is itemised and emailed, so every beneficiary can read the same number, and a written probate valuation is available when the executor needs one for Revenue. The watch is returned, not sold, if the family changes its mind at any point before payment.
No hurry is the honest advice
Grief and paperwork do not mix well with selling decisions. The trade in good watches is not going anywhere, gold is priced fresh every day, and a quote from us costs nothing and expires without consequence. Take the time you need; the inherited jewellery guide covers the same ground for rings and chains found in the same drawer.
Questions people ask
I have no receipt for my father's watch. Can I still sell it?
Yes. For an inherited watch the grant of probate, a letter from the solicitor handling the estate, or a will naming you covers proof of ownership. If the estate was small and informal, tell us the story plainly and bring what you have: a service invoice in the family name, an insurance schedule or old photographs of it being worn all help. We would rather ask questions than turn away an honest seller.
How do I find out if the watch is valuable before I decide anything?
Send photos of the dial, the case back and any engraving through the form or on WhatsApp, with the brand and anything written on the dial. We tell you which route it is, a quote from the trade or a price on the metal, and what the next step would be. That costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Should the watch be valued for probate before it is sold?
If the estate is still being administered, often yes: the executor may need a date-of-death value for the Revenue forms. We provide written valuations for probate as a separate service from buying, and a valuation from us does not oblige you to sell to us. Once the estate is settled, the watch is yours to sell like any other.
The watch is engraved. Does that ruin the value?
No. On a branded watch a presentation engraving trims the trade bid somewhat; on a gold watch priced by weight it changes nothing at all. An engraving can even help with proof of ownership when it carries the family name.
It has not run in years. Is it still worth something?
Usually, yes. A branded watch that needs a service is still bought by quote with the service allowed for in the bid. A gold or silver cased watch is paid on its metal whether or not it ticks. Do not pay for a service before selling: the trade prefers to do its own, and you rarely get the cost back.
What happens when I send the details?
We come back with a quote or a per-gram figure, usually within two working days. For a branded watch the quote is provisional: The watch comes to us before it is paid for: we have it verified by an independent watch specialist, which takes about one working day, and the quote is confirmed once it passes. For a gold watch, the price is confirmed when it is weighed and tested, on camera. Either way everything is returned free if you decide not to sell, and taking a month to think costs nothing.
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.