At Qollateral, we are passionate about luxury watches. Not only are they a pleasure to wear and enjoy, but they are also a fantastic financial investment. The majority of luxury watches retain their value well—some more than others—and can easily be converted into cash when you need it, either by selling or through a collateral loan. If you have invested or are considering investing in a luxury watch, there are a few things you can do to protect that investment and maximize its value. We’ve gathered our top tips to help you get the most value out of your luxury watch.
1️⃣ Keep Supporting Documents and Box
Your watch’s manual, warranty, certificates, and proof of purchase all play a crucial role in maintaining its value. These documents verify authenticity and can significantly increase resale value.
- Storage Tip: Place them in a plastic sleeve to keep them in pristine condition.
- Bonus Value: Keeping the original watch box can add hundreds, even thousands of dollars to your watch’s value.
2️⃣ Protect Your Watch While Wearing It
🕰️ Avoid:
- Direct sunlight and extreme heat
- Contact with cologne, perfumes, or chemicals
- Water exposure beyond indicated resistance levels
- Wearing during exercise, cleaning, or manual labor
💡 Proper care while wearing your watch prevents unnecessary damage.
3️⃣ Store Your Watch Properly When Not in Use
Proper storage prevents dust, friction, and unnecessary wear.
✔ Best Practice:
- Store in the original box or a watch storage case
- Secure around a cushion to prevent shifting
- Keep the watch away from magnets to maintain time accuracy
- For automatic watches, use a winder box to keep the mechanisms running smoothly
🚫 Avoid: Laying the watch flat while clasped, as it can create friction inside the case.
4️⃣ Service your watch regularly
Regular servicing keeps your watch in optimal condition.
🔧 Recommended Maintenance:
🗓️ Every 5 years (3 years for conservative owners)
🧼 Professional cleaning, lubrication, and repairs
⚙️ Regulation of mechanisms to maintain accuracy
This ensures your luxury watch remains functional and valuable over time.
5️⃣ Avoid Polishing Your Watch
✨ While polishing may make your watch look new, it can significantly decrease its value.
❌ Polishing can reduce resale value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
💎 Luxury watches often develop a patina, which adds character and uniqueness. Collectors prefer untouched pieces, especially for heirloom watches.
6️⃣ Monitor Your Watch’s Market Value
Even if you’re not considering selling or borrowing against it now, tracking market trends helps determine the best time to sell.
📈 When to Sell:
- If your watch’s value is rising, it may be a good time to sell.
- Waiting for peak value can be risky—market trends can be unpredictable.
🚀 Pro Tip: Regularly check watch marketplaces and appraisals to stay informed about your watch’s worth.
7️⃣ Choose the Right Buyer or Lender
Finding a trustworthy buyer or lender ensures you receive a fair and competitive offer.
🔍 Before Selling or Pawning:
- Research the current market value of your watch.
- Get multiple estimates to compare offers.
- Work with trusted experts who understand luxury watch valuation.
Why Choose Qollateral?
At Qollateral, we specialize in luxury watches and offer:
💰 Same-day cash payments for watch sales or loans
🔍 Expert appraisals from experienced watch specialists
🔒 100% confidentiality & secure transactions
🏢 Located in NYC’s International Gem Tower
Ready to get started? 📞 Call or text 212-287-5257 to book a free watch appraisal today!
