Selling4 min read
How to sell a luxury watch in Dubai
Selling a watch is quick when you know what a dealer looks at. This guide covers what to gather, how the price is worked out and what happens on the day, whether you are selling a Rolex, a Patek Philippe, an Audemars Piguet or any other house we trade.
It describes how we do it at Montreal Watches, so you know what to expect from us.
By the Montreal Watches teamUpdated 18 October 2026
Find the reference and the year
A valuation starts with the exact reference, because two watches that look alike can be worth different amounts: a Rolex Submariner 124060 (no date) is not a Submariner Date 126610LN. The reference is printed on the papers and engraved on the watch, and the papers should also show when the watch was first sold.
If you cannot find it, do not worry. Send a clear photo of the dial and the case back and we will take it from there.
Gather everything that came with it
Look for the box, the papers (the warranty card or certificate), any extra bracelet links or straps, the receipt and any service records. A complete set brings the strongest offer; a watch on its own still sells, just at a lower price.
If some of it is missing, tell us exactly what you have and what you do not. It is the quickest way to a number you can rely on.
Leave the watch as it is
Do not polish the case and do not replace parts to make the watch look newer. Polishing takes metal off the case that cannot be put back and softens the lines the maker gave it, and a dealer values the watch as it is now.
Honest wear is priced in. What matters is that we know about it, so tell us about any replaced parts, any damage and when the watch was last serviced.
Send clear photos
Photos let us quote you the same day. Take them in daylight, without filters, and send:
- the dial, straight on
- the case back
- the clasp, closed and open
- both sides of the case, where wear shows first
- the bracelet from the side, to show any stretch
- the box and the papers
Send them on WhatsApp, with the reference if you know it.
How the price is set
Four things move the price most: the exact reference and how much demand there is for it in Dubai today, the condition of the case, dial and bracelet, whether the box and papers come with the watch, and its year.
The number we send from photos follows current Dubai demand for your reference. We confirm the final figure in person after an inspection of about 15 minutes.
Market prices move, so a valuation is a snapshot. If you are not ready to sell this week, ask again when you are.
Selling outright or trading in
If you sell outright, you are paid on handover, usually within 24 hours of your first message.
If you are buying another watch, you can trade yours in: its value is deducted from the price of the one you are buying and the deal is settled the same day. Trade-ins are common, and often the simplest way to move from one watch to the next.
On the day
Bring the watch and everything that came with it to our shop in the Gold Souk, Al Daghaya, in Deira. We look at the watch with you, confirm the number and complete the sale in person.
Mistakes to avoid
- Polishing the case, or fitting non-original parts, before you sell.
- Sending the watch before a price is agreed. Photos are enough for a valuation; the watch changes hands in person.
- Agreeing to a payment you cannot confirm on the spot, such as a promise to pay later or a transfer that has not cleared.
- Leaving out what you know. A replaced part or an old repair rarely stops a sale; finding it out later can.
Questions we are asked
Do I need the box and papers to sell my watch?
No, but they help. A complete set with the original box and papers gets the strongest offer; a watch on its own still sells, just at a lower price.
How long does a watch valuation take?
We reply the same day once you send clear photos on WhatsApp, with the reference if you know it. The in-person check that confirms the final number takes about 15 minutes.
Which watches do you buy?
Every house we trade: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, F.P. Journe, Hublot, Cartier, Omega, Tudor, Breitling and IWC.
Can I trade my watch in for another instead of selling it?
Yes, trade-ins are common. The value of your watch is deducted from the one you are buying, and the deal is settled the same day.
Is it safe to send photos before I come in?
Yes. A photo is all we need for a valuation, and the watch stays with you until you bring it in and agree the number.
What to do next
Send a photo and the reference and we will come back with a valuation the same day.
Get your valuation on WhatsAppMore guides
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