Sell pocket watches
Sell a pocket watch: the gold value as floor, the movement as premium
A gold or silver pocket watch always has a floor: the metal of the case. On top of that comes what the marque, the calibre and the completeness are worth – we work out both.
- Locations
- 45
- Valuation
- Free
- Payment
- 24 hours
- Since
- 1992
Two calculations, and you receive the higher one
With a pocket watch we first work out the material value: the weight of the gold or silver case against the rate of that moment. That amount is the floor – it does not drop, whatever the watch market does.
After that our watchmaker looks at what comes on top: the marque, the quality of the calibre, complications such as a chronograph or a repeater, and the state of the enamel dial. With a pocket watch by a great name the trade value sits well above the metal; with a nameless example the case is usually the amount. You see both calculations and receive the higher one.
Look on the inside of the case lid. That is where the fineness mark sits – and where it also says whether the case is rolled gold: a thin layer of gold over base metal, which sadly has hardly any value. If in doubt we measure it free of charge.
Key or crown, cylinder or lever
A pocket watch gives away its age and its quality through a few features. Key winding – winding with a loose key on a square arbor – was the norm until the second half of the nineteenth century; after that crown winding took over, where the winding runs through the crown at the top of the case. A key-wound watch is therefore almost always the older type.
Inside, the escapement counts, the regulating organ that gives the movement its beat: the simple cylinder escapement sat in the cheaper watches and wears faster, the lever escapement marks the better calibres and runs more accurately. And the shape of the case says something about the weight of gold: a savonnette with a sprung lid over the glass holds more metal than an open lépine. Our watchmaker names all these points at the valuation.
Complete with its chain fetches more
A pocket watch with a matching chain is worth more than the parts on their own. If the chain is gold or silver, it simply weighs into the material value as well – and a long watch chain often weighs more than the case itself.
The key of a key-wound watch, the original box and any papers belong with the set too. Bring everything that goes with it, even if it was lying loose in a drawer.
What our watchmaker looks at
- Fineness mark – on the inside of the case lid: gold, silver or rolled gold
- Calibre – the quality and finishing of the movement, and whether it is still complete
- Escapement – lever escapement or the simpler cylinder one; that shows in the premium
- Dial – enamel with hairline cracks or still sound; that makes a noticeable difference
- Complications – a chronograph, repeater or calendar raises the premium
- Completeness – chain, key, box and papers
Family pieces from an estate
Pocket watches often surface while an estate is being cleared – a grandfather’s watch, with an engraving or a monogram. A personal engraving pushes the trade value down a little, but it takes nothing away from the material value of the case.
Not sure whether you want to sell? The valuation is free and without obligation. Afterwards you know what the piece is worth and you decide for yourself – including if that means the watch simply stays in the family.
With a pocket watch the case often counts for more than the movement: a gold case falls under Gold pocket watch, a silver one under Silver pocket watch.
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
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What would you like to know more about?
In four steps
How to sell your pocket watch
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Find your marque or type
Below there is a page for every marque and every type. If you are not sure, we establish it at the table.
Make an appointment
We assess watches in Eindhoven, where our watchmaker works. You can hand yours in at any of our 45 locations.
The case comes off
Calibre, reference number and condition, plus the authenticity check. You watch and we explain every step.
A substantiated offer
With the current trading figures for your reference alongside. Without obligation, and paid within 24 hours once you agree.
Reviews
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 on this topic
More about pocket watch
Good to know
Questions about selling pocket watch
What is my pocket watch worth?
At the very least the material value of the case: weight times fineness times the daily rate of gold or silver. On top of that comes what the marque, the calibre and the completeness are worth as a watch – we work out both amounts and you receive the higher one.
How old is my pocket watch?
Key winding points to the nineteenth century, crown winding to later; the hallmarks in the lids and the calibre help with the dating as well. Our watchmaker establishes the period at the valuation – you need work nothing out for yourself.
My pocket watch is broken. Is it still worth anything?
With a gold or silver case almost always, because the material value stands whatever is the matter with the movement. That forms the floor under the offer. If a high-grade calibre is inside, we count a service in and the offer sits above that floor. Repairing before selling seldom pays.
How can I see whether the case is really gold?
From the stamp on the inside of the case lid. Markings such as doublé or plaqué point to a thin layer of gold with no value worth mentioning. We always check the fineness afterwards, free of charge and in your presence, so that there is no doubt about what you are selling.
Does the chain count towards the price?
Yes. A gold or silver watch chain simply weighs into the material value, and a complete set with a matching chain generally fetches more than the parts on their own. If a locket, key or coin hangs from it, bring that too: we assess those separately and sometimes they yield more than the metal alone.
We are in two minds about selling the family piece.
Then simply have it valued first. That is free and entirely without obligation, and afterwards you know what it is worth before you decide anything. Many people come by in order to know and then keep the piece; for us that is a perfectly good outcome. You are tied to nothing and nobody presses you.
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Your question
A question about 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.
What others asked
- 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 pocket watch would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.