Sell silver pocket watches: the movement makes the difference
The silver value of the case is the floor, but that floor is modest. With silver pocket watches the maker and the calibre set the greater part of the price.
- Zilver 999
- €1.38/g
- Zilver 925
- €0.94/g
- Zilver 900
- €0.92/g
A modest floor, so we look further
With a silver pocket watch too the rule holds: weight times fineness times the daily rate is the lower limit. But silver trades per gram at a fraction of gold, so that floor is modest – a case of eighty grams comes out at an amount in the tens of euros.
That is exactly why the rest weighs more heavily. With silver pocket watches the maker, the calibre, the complications and the condition set the greater part of the offer. A good movement in a silver case can fetch a multiple of the material value; a nameless watch with a worn movement stays close to the silver price.
Never sell a silver pocket watch unseen as old silver. With silver the gap between material value and watch value is at its widest – and only a watchmaker can tell from the calibre which of the two you have.
The stamps: 800, 835 and 925
Silver cases carry their fineness in thousandths: 800 and 835 are usual on German and Swiss watches, 925 (sterling) chiefly on English ones. The stamp sits on the inside of the lids, often beside hallmarks that give away the country and sometimes the year.
Do note: alpaca, nickel or a case without any stamp at all is usually not silver. If in doubt we measure the fineness with X-ray analysis, free of charge and in your presence.
Makers we see often
- Swiss houses – Longines, Omega, Zenith and Tissot made silver pocket watches in large numbers with sturdy calibres
- German makers – watches from Glashütte have a collectors’ market of their own, in silver as well
- IWC and Patek Philippe – rarer, and then the movement is almost always worth more than the case
- Nameless cases with good movements – that happens too: the maker of the calibre counts, not the name on the dial
What the condition does
Dents in the case and a repaired hinge push the trade value down, but not the silver value. An original, unpolished dial with hairline cracks is more attractive to a collector than a later relacquered dial that looks pristine – with pocket watches that is no different from wristwatches.
The valuation takes place at the head office in Eindhoven, where our watchmaker opens the case and assesses the calibre. Valuing is free, and you decide for yourself afterwards.
A gold case weighs more heavily in the offer; see Gold pocket watch. For the chain on its own: Pocket watch with chain.
Not sure about your item? Book a free valuation or view all silver prices for today.
How much of the market price you receive
For silver it is 98% for silver bars, 98% for fine silver and 72% for sterling silver.
| What you sell | You receive | For a larger lot |
|---|---|---|
| Silver bars | 98% | – |
| Silver bullion coins | 98% | – |
| Fine silver (999) | 98% | – |
| Sterling silver (925) | 72% | – |
The percentage applies to the fine metal it contains: 18-carat jewellery is 75% gold. The difference from 100% is our margin. It is shown openly here for each type, and comes from the same setting used to calculate every price on this site.
Why XGOUD is a reliable buyer of gold and silver
- Open margins: the table above shows, for each type, how much of the market price you receive, so every price on the site can be checked.
- Market price from Swissquote, refreshed every minute. Every price shows the time of the last update.
- 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 silver pocket watch
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Bring everything with you
The watch, the chain and whatever hangs from it. Keys, lockets and loose lids count too.
The case on the scales
We weigh only the precious metal, without movement and glass, and read the fineness mark in the lid.
The movement judged separately
Our watchmaker looks at the maker, the calibre and the condition. With a good movement the offer sits above the material value.
Paid out straight away
You receive the higher of the two outcomes. In cash or by bank transfer, larger amounts within 24 hours.
Silver price per alloy, today
Silver knows no carat but alloys. The stamp in your item indicates how many thousandths of pure silver it contains.
| Alloy | Hallmark | Purity | Per gram | Per 10 grams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zilver 999 | 999 | 99.9% | €1.38 | €13.84 |
| Zilver 925 | 925 | 92.5% | €0.94 | €9.42 |
| Zilver 900 | 900 | 90% | €0.92 | €9.16 |
| Zilver 835 | 835 | 83.5% | €0.85 | €8.50 |
| Zilver 833 | 833 | 83.3% | €0.85 | €8.48 |
| Zilver 800 | 800 | 80% | €0.81 | €8.15 |
Purchase prices based on the current silver rate of €1.41 per gram, updated every minute. Prices are indicative; we establish the definitive purity at the counter.
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.”
Translated from Dutch
„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.”
Translated from Dutch
„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.”
Translated from Dutch
„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”
Translated from Dutch
„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 silver pocket watch
A message as soon as silver reaches your price
Currently €1.41 per gram. Tell us at which price we may send you a message – we check every minute.
Questions about selling silver pocket watch
Roughly what is a silver pocket watch worth?
The silver value of the case is the floor: weight times fineness times the daily rate. Above that the maker, the calibre and the condition set the offer – and that difference can be large. Which is why a watchmaker always looks first.
The lid says 800. What does that mean?
That the case consists of 800 thousandths pure silver, that is to say 80 per cent. It is the usual fineness on German and many Swiss pocket watches from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Alongside it you will meet 835 and 925. We always settle on the actual fine weight, so the fineness directly decides what the case brings in.
My pocket watch has no maker’s name on the dial.
In itself that says little about the quality. In those days many good watches were sold under the name of the jeweller who supplied them, or with no name at all. The actual maker is engraved on the movement itself. Our watchmaker opens the case and looks there, while you watch.
Is it worth having the watch repaired first?
Usually not. The cost of the repair seldom comes back in full in the offer, and with old pocket watches a repair without the right parts can even do damage. We already count a service visibly and separately into the offer, so that you see what it makes in difference. So simply bring the watch as it is.
Do you also buy several pocket watches at once?
Yes. With a collection or an estate we go through the watches with you one by one and name an amount for each example. That way you see what every piece contributes instead of one figure for the whole box. Announce a larger lot in advance and we will set time aside for it.
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 silver pocket 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 silver pocket watch would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.