Sell a military watch: the engraving is the proof
Service watches once issued to soldiers and pilots. The value sits in the engravings on the caseback and in the story – not in how tidy the watch still looks.
- Locations
- 45
- Valuation
- Free
- Payment
- 24 hours
- Since
- 1992
Issued, not bought
A genuine military watch was not bought in a shop but issued by an armed force: ordered to a military specification and handed to whoever needed it. The best-known example is the Dirty Dozen – twelve makers who supplied wristwatches to the same British specification during the Second World War. Collectors try to gather all twelve, and that keeps demand high.
Alongside them stand the issued pilot’s watches and the service watches of other armed forces, each with markings of its own. A plain-looking watch can therefore be sought after – it is about what is written on it, not about how it looks.
No cleaning, no restoration. With military watches the engravings on the caseback are the proof of issue. Polishing grinds away exactly that proof – and a smartened-up example is worth less to a collector than an honestly worn original.
The caseback tells the story
On the caseback of an issued watch stand military markings: designations of the branch of service and issue numbers. Those engravings distinguish a genuine service watch from the same model sold to civilians – and in the trade that difference is considerable.
Our watchmaker checks whether the markings, the calibre and the parts belong together. Assembled examples do occur, and that is precisely why an untouched watch counts for so much.
- Markings on the caseback – the watch’s proof of issue
- Dial and hands – original, or replaced later
- Calibre – does the movement belong with this version
- Case – unpolished, with the engravings still crisply legible
- Provenance – documents, photographs or the story of the first wearer
The story counts too
If you know whose watch it was – a father or grandfather in service, a documented period, a photograph with the watch on the wrist – tell us alongside. With military watches provenance is no side issue: a demonstrable story makes an example more personal and more wanted to collectors.
If you are unsure what you have, simply come by. The valuation is free, and our watchmaker carries out the final assessment at the head office in Eindhoven – if you prefer, the watch travels there insured from a location near you.
Military models are often vintage; how we assess those is described under Vintage watch. If it has a stop function, also have a look at Chronograph.
Not sure about your item? Book a free valuation or read how we work.
Who values your watch at XGOUD
- Our own watchmaker values watches at the head office in Eindhoven: he opens the case, reads the calibre and numbers, and judges whether the parts belong together.
- Also without box and papers: he then checks the movement and the finishing more thoroughly.
- Since 1992 in the buying trade, with 45 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) under number 95774297, with its head office at Piuslaan 26 in Eindhoven.
- Free, no-obligation valuation: you only decide once you know our offer.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 54 reviews
How to sell your military watch
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Leave it as it is
No cleaning, no polishing, no dial restoration. With vintage, smartening up almost always costs more than it brings in.
Bring it in
At any of our 45 locations; the assessment itself happens in Eindhoven. Bring everything that belongs with it, loose parts included.
The case comes off
Our watchmaker reads the calibre and the case number and judges whether all the parts belong together and to the period.
A substantiated offer
With comparable sales alongside, and any service named separately. Payment within 24 hours.
How customers look back on their sale
„On Saturday we went to see Ken at the head office in Eindhoven. What a pleasant and honest man! 2 of our 3 kids came along, which was no problem. He explained everything well and knew what he was talking about, so the children also found it interesting to listen and didn't get bored with the 'grown-up' stuff. It was immediately clear how many grams it was and which calculation went with it. He even advised us to visit other companies as well; it was our own choice to go straight for xgoud, and we would do it again. I received the amount for the gold jewellery I handed in today.”
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„Helped very well in Eindhoven and received a really decent price! It was a good €500 more than the competitor. Friendly, honest, transparent and open. No smart suits and expensive premises, just honest and pleasant service. Thanks again!”
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„Xgoud is a no-nonsense little company that, instead of an elaborate entourage, simply offers good service and above all a good price. Think at least 10% more than the slicker buyers at the top of the search engine.”
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„Last Friday I went to XGoud in Eindhoven without an appointment. Helped by Ken. The service and advice were excellent. Ken saw straight away what carat the gold was. Another important point: you get a good price. I had also looked at other gold buyers, but they came out much worse.”
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„Very trustful, honest and open negotiation. I deep recommend and is not necessary go far away to get a fare and honest trade. I will return in case needed.”
„Great service from Ken and Esther. There were some problems with the bank regarding the transfer, but this was neatly resolved. Good daily price, and I recommend everyone to go here!”
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„Xgoud in Eindhoven is really worth recommending, with a good price. I called several shops and asked what I could get per gram for my gold at that moment; most of them couldn't tell me and said I should just make an appointment. Then I came across xgoud through their website and called them, asking whether any costs or commission would be deducted from the price on the website. The answer was no: you get the price per gram shown on the website at that moment. I made an appointment and sold my gold there the same day. A very nice man, no fuss or expensive suits and ties, who knows his stuff. He also gave me some tips, for example how to test a scale with a 10 euro cent coin, which should always weigh 4.10 g. One more tip: stay away from the gold exchange office in Weert, they quickly notice when you don't know much about it. The offer I got there was hundreds of euros lower than at xgoud.”
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„Great service and good advice. And 100% transparent communication!! You get the best price for your gold at XGold.”
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„Very friendly and helpful. Treated fairly and everything was clearly explained. Got a good price for my gold.”
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„Transparent, knowledgeable, professional.”
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„Good communication. Arranged quickly and professionally. Good price! I can recommend it.”
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„I'll start by sharing my experience at the Goud-Wissel office in Eindhoven, where I initially ended up on the advice of an acquaintance. I already found it strange that their website didn't tell me roughly what I would receive per gram [in my case 18-carat gold] for the jewellery I wanted to sell. When I came in, the introductory questions felt like a kind of check on whether I knew what I was talking about. Even more: it gave me the creeping feeling that this conversation would be directly linked to the amount they would offer me for my gold. As a layman, I admitted that the generally known current gold price was my only 'knowledge'. What followed was a whole story about the broad concept of this valuation and a list of elements that made it logical that the buying price came nowhere near it. I had to realise that the basic costs of the gold exchange office: rent / fittings / staff / outsourced melting etc. were taken into account [read: deducted] from what was paid out to the customer at the bottom line. After testing, I was then offered 4,000 in short order. I had seen on a website that X-Goud also has a branch in Eindhoven, and it turned out to be almost around the corner. The owner happened to be there because the premises were being fitted out, but even though I had no appointment I was still received very warmly. After a clear, expert, no-obligation explanation and testing, Ekin named a rather different buying price compared to the Goud-Wisselkantoor where I had been an hour earlier. And luckily I had left to look for a kind of second opinion. X-GOUD bought my jewellery for 7,150!!!!!!!! A GOOD 3,000 MORE! Sorry for the long-winded build-up, but this piece really should have been written entirely in capitals so that everyone clearly reads how, in my view, to put it politely, they rip you off right to your face at the Goud-Wisselkantoor. Ekin, thanks again for your friendly service... a pity you couldn't offer coffee yet haha, but the offer for my jewellery more than makes up for it.”
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„It took a while before we could make an appointment with Ken, but when he visited us at home we hit it off straight away. Ken explained very clearly how he could assess the different metals. He gave us a very good price. We also had a pleasant conversation with this likeable man.”
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„Keeps his appointments. Good and fair prices. Friendly. A good partner to do business with.”
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„It felt right from the very first contact. Because of how busy it was, it took a little while before we could actually make an appointment, but today everything was neatly settled: no hassle or strange rules, just a fair, good price. We had a nice chat too. I'm very satisfied and will certainly contact Ken again in the future.”
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„Making an appointment took a bit of juggling, because Ken is a busy man, but it was absolutely worth it. He gives a fair price based on the actual daily value and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Transparent and reliable. Definitely recommended!”
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„Meeting up was a bit of a problem at first. But that was made up for with a sincere apology and the price offered for the items I brought. Recommended. In short, fine.”
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„It was a bit difficult to make an appointment, because the owner is always busy and on the road. But in the end I was helped very well and expertly. Everything was clearly explained, and at XGoud I really got the highest price for trading in a gold piece of jewellery!! Very satisfied with how it was handled.”
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„Good price and honest advice. Ekin is likeable and reliable.”
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„Had a small problem with the communication. Afterwards they called me properly, made an appointment and everything was neatly resolved. The company takes responsibility and sorts things out in a relaxed atmosphere 👍”
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„Because of a traffic jam the first appointment didn't go ahead, but the owner kept his word and came to my home. Got a really good price. What a difference from other buyers! A very busy man, but he absolutely keeps his word. A truly reliable company. I can recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Great service and very good contact, keeps appointments well and is very friendly!”
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„XGOUD's service is unmatched! Selling my gold jewellery went quickly and efficiently, and I got a great price. The gentleman even took the time to explain everything step by step. I can't recommend XGOUD enough!”
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„To sell a number of pieces of jewellery and watches, we took them to Ken at Xgoud and to several similar companies. Our conclusion is that at Xgoud the openness, the time taken for advice and of course a high real-time price gave us a good feeling about selling our items there. It went more than fine. Thank you!”
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„Good prices, a decent gentleman who keeps his appointments. I recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Made an appointment quickly and easily and completed the transaction. Also a very enthusiastic and reliable entrepreneur you can have a nice chat with.”
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„Really good service, nice man, fair price for your gold and immediate payment. I recommend XGoud to everyone.”
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„They are transparent about their prices in advance. Sometimes a bit hard to reach, but once you have the appointment, very correct and honest. And a nice price.”
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„I was a bit sceptical at first, because it was my first time. But in the end it was a pleasant meeting with Ken, in line with what we had agreed beforehand. We quickly reached a deal. Meeting at the agreed location was great too. Very good price. Would do it again!”
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„Despite the small amount of gold, just 2 small coins, I got a good price. Paid out in cash without any problem. Thanks Ken, good deal.”
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„Did good business with Ken, received a good price and everything was handled as agreed, and I quickly received the remaining amount in my bank account.”
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„A very pleasant experience with Ken, a good, fair price-quality ratio, so there will definitely be a next time. Theo Schuiling, Rotterdam.”
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„Good and honest advice / price.”
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„Pleasant contact, appointment at the office or simply at home. Everything was handled quickly and professionally, as agreed.”
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„Was able to do business in a very pleasant way. Good price for my gold. Very reliable, comes to your home, very friendly. Cash on the nail. Definitely recommended.”
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„Ken from XGOUD is honest and gives the best price for your scrap gold. Definitely recommended. Regards, Shahab”
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„Good communication & correct handling.”
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„Very friendly, they come to your home, no pushiness, just honest and reliable.”
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„Good communication, smooth handling, in short a pleasant experience.”
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„Fast and clear contact, absolutely good service👌 Recommended”
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„No idea how it is with gold, but with diamonds you shouldn't come here! They have a calculator on their website that is supposed to give a good idea, but they offered 4x (!) less... not to mention how long it took before I got an offer! Next time I'll just go to Belgium again.”
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„Made an appointment via the website. I was called to agree on a place and time. On arrival we got a clear explanation, and Ken from XGoud took his time to value all the pieces. The price he offered, without obligation, was the price as stated on their website. The payment went smoothly too. A very good experience.”
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„Very fast & friendly service. You also get a fair price for your gold and leave with a good feeling!”
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„Good service, and honest”
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„Very pleasant and fast service. Good, clear explanation, truly recommended. I'll be coming back here more often!”
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„A really great company with a good approach, and immediate cash for my gold jewellery 👍🏻”
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„Good, fast service. Old gold jewellery I never used anyway, exchanged at the current high gold price, because I also needed money and this was a quick way to go, with no regrets.”
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„Reliable / honest shop. The buyer is service-minded and leaves room for negotiation towards a win-win for both parties. Recommended!”
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„After visiting 2 jewellers and searching the internet for gold buyers, I chose XGoud. The description of XGoud on the website was very clear. The various buying prices for gold and gold coins were listed at the buying prices current at that moment. A very transparent business. I made an appointment. Indeed not a modern shop, but a friendly and very skilled buyer. He calmly and clearly explained how the carat was determined and how the weighing took place. Then I was asked whether I agreed with the valuation and the amount. After that, everything was put in writing. The financial settlement went fine. (At 2 jewellers I had had a gold 10-guilder coin valued. Their price was a good €50 lower. I would get a bit more for it if I bought other jewellery for that amount.) XGoud is truly recommended. Next time I would definitely choose them again. 30/07/20 Arnold, Sliedrecht”
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„Xgoud is the right place for all your gold, jewellery and coins. It is very transparent, and he gives the maximum amount for the gold you offer. The difference between the valuation and reality (without stones, movements etc.) was minimal, and the difference could be discussed. So recommended without reservation. Top.”
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„Good service and honesty. Recommended! I'll keep coming back here!”
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„A fine, reliable company. Gives a fair price for your gold and jewellery.”
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„Pleasant and friendly service. Got a fine price.”
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„I sold my necklace. He came to his shop especially for me when it was closed. I'm very satisfied with him and with the price I got.”
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More about military watch
Questions about selling military watch
My watch looks worn out. Is that a problem?
With military watches that is no objection, rather the opposite. Honest wear belongs to the story of a watch that saw service. Collectors would rather pay for a worn original with matching parts than for a buffed-up example whose provenance has been worked away. So leave the marks where they are.
Should I have it cleaned or restored before selling?
No, quite the opposite, and with military watches that matters doubly. Polishing grinds away the engravings on the caseback, and it is exactly those engravings that form the proof of military issue. Without that proof an ordinary old watch is all that remains. So bring the piece exactly as it is, even if it is dirty.
How do I know whether my watch was really issued?
That follows from the markings on the caseback, in combination with the right dial, hands and the matching calibre. Loose parts are quite often put together into a watch that looks genuine. Our watchmaker in Eindhoven therefore checks whether everything belongs together and comes from the same period.
What exactly is the Dirty Dozen?
That is the collective name for the watches which twelve makers supplied to the same British military specification during the Second World War. Collectors try to complete all twelve, and that hunt keeps demand for each individual marque high. Some of the twelve were made in far smaller numbers than others, and that makes a considerable difference.
The watch belonged to my grandfather. Does that count?
Yes, and more than people think. A demonstrable provenance makes a military watch distinctly more wanted to collectors, because it completes the story. Documents, photographs, a service booklet or the account of the service all help. Bring what you have and tell us alongside it; we weigh it into the offer.
What identification do I need in order to sell?
You need valid photo identification: a passport, identity card or driving licence. We are legally required to record your details when buying precious metal, jewellery and watches. Without valid identification we are therefore not allowed to buy anything.
When do I receive my money after the sale?
You receive your money as soon as you have agreed to the valuation. Smaller amounts we pay in cash; larger amounts reach your account by bank transfer within 24 hours. You sign the purchase receipt first, and payment follows after that.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about military watch?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Fondation de la Haute HorlogerieReference on movements, houses and complications
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Curious what your military watch would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.