We've divided our Frequently Asked Questions into the following pages:

Frequently Asked Questions: Watch Buying & Selling

I have a watch (or watch collection) I want to sell. How do I go about it?: We buy and sell many watches each year, and we are always in the market for quality vintage watches to replenish our inventory. We pay a premium price for certain brands and models, for repeaters, and for watches in excellent condition. We have built a reputation of fairness and honesty in every transaction, and you can be assured that you will be treated fairly when you bring us a watch. I sincerely hope you will give us the opportunity to earn your trust and your business when you're ready to sell.; If you live in the Seattle area and have a larger collection of watches that you are interested in selling, we would be happy to arrange an appointment with you. If you just have a watch or two that you're interested in selling, you may also send us your watches for an evaluation and a purchase offer. Upon receipt of your watch, we'll do a full and careful evaluation and I will contact you immediately (and personally!) with our purchase offer for your watch. If you agree to our offer, we'll send funds immediately by the method of your choosing. If you send us your watch and don't wish to accept our offer, we will immediately return your watch in exactly the same condition it was received, and we'll even pay the return shipping!
How do you determine the value of my watch?: Like most antiques, condition and rarity are the most important factors in determining the price your watch will bring. We use our extensive knowledge of the vintage watch market, as well as current "book value" to determine the retail fair market value of your watch or collection, and then we will present you with an offer that gives you the best possible price for your watch while still allowing us a little room to resell the watch at a reasonable profit. We often hear that our offers are the best in the business. We'll do everything we can to make your transaction with us a pleasant and profitable experience for you, and we have many satisfied customers!
What kinds of watches do you purchase?: We specialize in American Railroad pocket watches and fine vintage mechanical wristwatches, but we will purchase any mechanical watch of good quality. We will pay premium price for repeaters, unusual watches, watches with unusual dials, and for watches in extra fine condition. We also purchase Hamilton "Electrics." We do not purchase modern quartz watches.; We are primarily a watch dealer, but we also purchase LeCoultre Atmos clocks, so please call if you have an Atmos to sell.
If I send a picture of my watch, can you make me an offer for it?: Unfortunately, we are not able to accurately assess the condition (and therefore the value) of your watches without a "hands-on" evaluation of the watch, so we are not able to make offers via photographs or email. If you send us a clear photograph showing both the dial side and the movement of the watch, we can at least tell you if it is a watch we would likely be interested in purchasing.
What if you don't return my watch, or don't pay me?: That might work once or twice, but it's not a very good long-term business strategy. If we did that, we wouldn't be in business for very long, and we certainly wouldn't enjoy the reputation we've earned as a fair and honest watch dealer. I wouldn't risk my business, my family's livelihood, and my professional reputation by acting dishonestly in any transaction... no watch is worth that! My kids have grown rather fond of eating dinner each night, and if I'm out of business (or in jail) I'd have a hard time feeding them!; People are often reluctant to trust a business they have never worked with before, and I fully understand that. I encourage you to research the reputation of the company or individual you're working with, and trust your instinct!; I am a professional watchmaker, dealer and collector. I have been a member in good standing of the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute for many years, and have served on the AWCI's Board of Directors and Watchmaker's Ethics committee. I am also a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and a chapter officer in the Washington Watchmakers - Clockmakers Association. I am also the moderator of Horology Matters, one of the largest online message boards for professional watchmakers and clockmakers. Call and talk to me directly and I will be happy to address any concerns you may have.; Every day we receive valuable, sometimes priceless, heirloom watches that have been sent to us for repair and/or purchase evaluation. We handle hundreds of customer watches each year, and we have hundreds of extremely satisfied customers (read some of their comments here). You can be assured that your sale will be handled securely, quickly, fairly, and with complete confidentiality.
Can I sell my watches myself and realize more profit?: Maybe... but only if you know what your watches are really worth! If you sell your watches yourself you are more likely to realize a price that is closer to full retail fair market value than if you sell to us or any other dealer. Like any dealer, we have to purchase a watch at a price that allows us to resell it at a fair and reasonable profit.; On the other hand, if you sell yourself without knowing the real value of your watch, it will be hard for you to know if you're getting a fair price for it. So working with an honest dealer you can trust is still the best way to safely and securely sell your watches. This is especially true if you are selling a larger collection, or if you are simply not sure of the value of your watches.; If you do decide to sell your watches yourself, here are a couple of pointers. Do as much research as you can to determine the true value of your watches. Don't assume that the price your neighbor told you or the insurance appraisal you got from your local jeweler is the accurate market value of your vintage watch... it probably is not! Don't confuse an appraisal with a purchase offer... they are very different things. It takes experience and familiarity with the antique watch market to determine an accurate value. There are also many variations in model or construction that can significantly change the value of a watch... are the train wheels gold or brass? Is that a diamond end-stone on the balance? Is the case solid gold or gold plate? What do those markings on the movement really mean? All of these items and many more can make a significant difference in what a watch is worth.; When you are ready to sell, we hope that you will give us a call. We'll do our best to earn your trust and your business.
Do you buy watchmaker's tools? How about watch parts?: Yes, and yes! We buy watchmaker's tools. We buy watch parts. We buy watches!; All watchmakers are tool-junkies... it comes with the profession! We are always interested in purchasing good-quality watchmakers tools, and organized collections of watch materials (parts). I'll purchase small collections or complete watchmaker's shops. We are currently buying complete watches, partial watch movements, pocketwatch movements, wristwatch movements, balance staffs, jewels, stems, mainsprings, glass crystals, watch cases, crowns, Bestfit assortments, Larose assortments, Newall assortments, Swartchild assortments, watch dials, horological books, watchmakers lathes, watchmaker's benches, and just about any other horological items. Before you sell your shop inventory please give us a call.