The Ultimate Guide on How to Sell Your Patek Philippe Watch

To someone inexperienced, it can seem like a overwhelming process on how to sell your Patek Philippe watches for the best value. The pre-owned Patek Philippe market place is over run with less than scrupulous dealers. Appraisal values can vary substantially. These and other factors can make it very difficult for people to arrive at the fair value of their watch. Let alone sell it.

However, selling a Patek Philippe doesn’t need to be challenging or complicated. The correct information and some extra studying can smooth out the selling process, and help  you get the most for your timepiece.  So, to sell your Patek Philippe, follow this 10 step guide.

Step 1) Authenticate Your Patek Philippe Watch

The first thing in selling your Patek Philippe is to  authenticate it. Is it real? If you’re not sure, take your watch to an Authorized Patek Philippe dealer. You need to establish that fact that the timepiece you have is authentic so try to find the “Certificate of Origin”paper that came with your watch at time of purchase. Having the Certificate will help you immeasurably to sell your Patek Philippe. This paper lists all the important information as well as the date of purchase.

Step 2) Locate the Reference number of the Patek Philippe watch

The Certificate of Origin paper will list the Reference number. If you don’t have this paper a watch expert can us]sually identitfy the exact model by doing research using Mondani books, auction books and other watch journals.

 Step 3) Identify the case number and movement number of your Patek watch

Again the best source for these two numbers is the Certifcate of Origin. If you donot have the paper take your watch to a qualified watchmaker. There he will remove the case back and write down these two numbers. Then you can also request a “Extract from the Archives” directly from Patek Philippe in Geneva. This is the next best thing to having the original papers which was issued with the timepiece at the time of purchase.  If you don’t have the original “Certificate of Origin and don’t want to go through the process of waiting for a “Extract of the Archives” then perhaps you might have a service receipt from the Henri Stern Agency in New York. This could prove helpful and increasing the value of your timepiece.

Step 4) Determine the Condition

Next, determine the condition of your watch. Is it running? Is it keeping time? When was it last serviced?  Was the case ever polished? Good things to know when valuing your Patek Philippe watch.

Step 5) Research Additional Details

What metal is the watch made out of?  What type of movement does the watch have? What type of buckle is one the watch? All key questions that need to be answered.

Step 6) Find A Knowledgeable Patek Dealer

Selecting the right watch dealer is often the most important decision you make in the selling procedure. The extremely fine quality and lofty values of Patek watches have made them a highly sought after. Unfortunately, not all dealers are ethical, and even fewer are completely forthright and clear as business people. Pawn brokers no next to nothing about Patek Philippe watches and the same can be said about the average jeweler.

Google and Bing can do a very good job of providing results when  searching for “sell Patek Philippe” but this is often not enough. Look for a Patek watch dealer with a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau or strong community presence. A company that has been selling Patek watches for at-least 20 years.

Step 7) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Here are a few other suggestions. Before you make this important decision do some research. Ask some questions. How long has that Patek dealer been in business? A knowledgeable dealer such as Harold Freeman – Authorized watch dealer has been in business since 1947.  Are they a authorized watch dealer? If not be careful. Authorized watch dealers work directly with watch manufacturers and this offers  you an extra layer of security and safety. Authorized watch dealers operate on a higher standard than most of the ” here one day gone the next internet dealers” who have only been in business for a few months or a couple years. Harold Freeman has been representing some of the finest Swiss manufacturers for over 30 years. Watch this video.

Step 8) Find Out The Market Value of Your Patek Philippe Watch

Always get a quote first. Fill out our “Get A Free Quote” form on the left hand side of this page.

Almost immediately, you’ll be will contacted by one of our highly trained watch experts. You will receive a quote on what you can expect to receive. for your watch. Please don’t forget to include photos of the dial, front and back of your watch as well as a photo of the Certificate of Origin if you have it when you fill out the form.

Step 9) Ship Your Watch

If you like our estimate for your watch, we will send you a postage paid fully insured shipping label (UPS or Fed EX) so that you can send you watch to us.

Step 10) Expect Immediate Payment

You should always expect to be paid in a timely fashion. An authorized dealer should offer you immediate payment upon completion of the inspection of your watch. This is the standard by which all dealers should be measured.

Should you have any other questions regarding your efforts to sell your Patek Philippe watch, you can always contact Harold Freeman Jewelers at 866-264-9759 for sound advice and expert knowledge.

Visit Harold Freeman Jewelers. We are an Official Rolex Jeweler.