Inherited a watch – or lost the papers?

You have inherited a watch and want to know what it is worth – or your watch has no box and papers anymore? Both are everyday situations for us. ChronoMarket values inherited luxury and gold watches free of charge and buys them, with or without papers. Simply send us photos on WhatsApp first – even if you do not know the brand. We usually reply within 30 minutes during opening hours.

ChronoMarket is a family business: the Fisenko family has been in the watch trade since 2007. We know that an inherited watch is often more than an object, and we take time for the conversation.

How to tell whether an inherited watch is valuable

• Signature on the dial: names such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, IWC or Jaeger-LeCoultre are a first indication.
• Hallmarks on the case back: stamps such as 750, 585 or “18K” indicate gold, “Stainless Steel” indicates steel. “Plaqué” or “Gold Filled” means only a thin gold layer.
• Weight: solid gold watches with a gold bracelet are noticeably heavy.
• Movement: a mechanical watch with manual or automatic winding is usually worth more than a simple quartz watch of the same era.

Not sure? Send a photo anyway. We will tell you honestly whether selling makes sense – even if the watch has more sentimental than financial value.

Selling a watch without papers

Papers document origin and purchase date, which gives buyers security – so complete sets achieve higher prices. Without papers the price is somewhat lower, but the watch remains very sellable. We check authenticity ourselves, using the reference and serial numbers, engravings, the originality of case, dial, hands and bracelet, and the movement.

• Modern sports models (Rolex Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master II, Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak): the discount is largest, because collectors look for full sets.
• Classic models and gold watches (Datejust, Day-Date, Omega Constellation, Cartier Tank): the difference is usually moderate; for gold watches the metal value also sets a floor.
• Vintage watches 30 years and older: the discount is often small – originality of dial, hands and movement matters more than documents.

What can help prove the origin

• service invoices from the manufacturer or an authorised dealer showing the serial number
• archive extracts, as issued for older watches by Patek Philippe or Omega, for example
• insurance documents, old appraisals or photos showing the watch
• for inheritances: estate documents

Beware of “replacement papers” from the internet. Manufacturers do not issue new warranty papers. Replacement certificates offered online are fakes, and a genuine watch with fake papers is harder to sell than the same watch with no papers at all.

What not to do before selling

• Do not have the watch polished – signs of wear are often less harmful than a bad polish.
• Do not open the case back yourself or change a battery yourself.
• No ultrasonic cleaning or household cleaning products.
• Do not throw away an old leather strap – sometimes an original buckle belongs to it.
• Do not have a personal engraving removed – it usually lowers the value only slightly, whereas grinding it off changes the case permanently.

Several heirs?

An estate often belongs to several people. Before a watch is sold, everyone involved should agree. We are happy to value the watch first, so the family has a basis for dividing the estate. Several family members are welcome to come to the appointment together. Pocket watches, chains and several watches in a box? We look at everything together and sort out what has significant value.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell a watch without box and papers?

Yes. We buy Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe and other brand watches without papers and check authenticity ourselves. Without papers the price is somewhat lower, but the watch remains sellable.

I don't know the brand of my inherited watch. Can you help?

Yes. Send us photos of the dial, the case back and any hallmarks on WhatsApp. We tell you what you have and give a first price range – whether you sell is up to you.

Do you issue valuations for probate or inheritance tax?

No, we do not issue written appraisals. Our free valuation tells you what we would pay for the watch, which many families use as a basis for dividing an estate.

The watch has stopped. Can I still sell it?

Yes. We assess whether it only needs cleaning and oiling or larger parts, and include the cost openly in our offer. Please do not shake it or force the crown – bring it as it is.

More from ChronoMarket in English

• ChronoMarket Berlin (English)
• Sell your luxury watch in Berlin
• Sell your Rolex in Berlin
• Sell your Patek Philippe in Berlin
• Sell your Audemars Piguet in Berlin
• Free watch valuation in Berlin
• Buy pre-owned luxury watches
• Contact & directions
• Sell your Omega in Berlin
• Sell your Cartier in Berlin