Own or inherit a Rolex you don’t want to wear? There’s never a wrong time to sell a Rolex watch. Even with the Apple Watch beating out most luxury watch markers in revenue, Rolex watches are still desirable and hold their value much longer than a car or electronics.
The process for selling your Rolex watch is easy and quick, but so you can be prepared and know you’re getting the most for your luxury item, here’s what you can expect when you sell your Rolex to a Memphis Gold Buyer.
How to Sell Your Rolex in Memphis
Bring Your Box and Paperwork with You
When you purchase a new Rolex, it is packaged in an outer cardboard box, presentation box, and watch cushion. You’ll also receive an authentication card, owner’s manual, and additional links. To get the highest price for your Rolex, we recommend you bring the box and all relevant items, including purchase receipts, with you.
The buyer will review the documentation for authenticity. For example, do the numbers match the watch? Any extra items, including watch links, that you include with the watch will increase its value.
Check for the Model and Serial Number
After taking stock of which items you’ve kept along with your Rolex watch, the buyer will determine the authenticity by removing the watch band and checking the registered design number and serial number. If either of these numbers is missing, the Rolex is fake.
The model and serial number also help the buyer determine the year your watch was made and the market value or demand for the style. If you’d like to authenticate your watch before selling it, you can take it to a jeweler who specializes in Rolex or watch repair, and they’ll remove your watch band to check it for you.
Evaluate the Condition of Your Rolex Watch
Next, the buyer will evaluate your watch to determine the following:
- Is the watch in its original condition or does it have replacement parts?
- Is there fading or wear?
- Are there scratches, dents, or chips on the surface of the watch and band?
- Are the external features, such as the bezel and crown, functioning correctly?
- Is the watch working? Or are there issues with the internal movement?
If your watch is in poor condition, it doesn’t mean you can’t sell it. However, the buyer will deduct the cost of repair from the value of your watch. Keep in mind, repair costs range from $600 – $1500 depending on the condition of your Rolex.
Assay the Watch Material
Counterfeit Rolex watches are common and often very well done. In addition to evaluating the condition of your Rolex, the buyer will assay the watch material and look for signs of counterfeit.
For example, fake Rolex watches that are gold won’t be made of real gold, so the buyer will test the gold links with testing acids. Real gold is also very heavy so a fake watch will feel light.
Some fake watches will have glass crystal on the underside of the watch so you can see the movement, but while this looks impressive, it’s not a Rolex trait and means the watch is fake.
Here are a few more signs your Rolex watch may be fake:
- The serial and model numbers are not deep or perfectly marked.
- The famous crown logo or Rolex name is missing from the watch face.
- The watch has uneven fonts, inconsistent spaces between letters, misspellings, or smudges.
- The magnifying lens is flat and/or doesn’t work.
- There are engravings on the exterior of the caseback.
These are just a few signs your watch may be fake. To check for 100% authenticity, visit an experienced buyer or jeweler. And now that you know what to expect when selling your Rolex, you can choose to work with a buyer that’s reputable, highly reviewed, and pays the most in Memphis.