What we buy
- Rolex Day-Date and gold Datejust models
- Omega, Longines and Patek Philippe gold watches
- Vintage Hamilton and Bulova gold watches
- Gold pocket watches and hunter cases
- Ladies' gold cocktail watches
- Solid gold watch bracelets on their own
- Watches that no longer run
How we price gold watches
Only the gold parts of a watch carry gold value. The movement, crystal, dial and any steel parts are not gold, so we account for them when we figure weight. A solid gold case and bracelet are priced on karat, weight and the live spot price. Many watches are gold-plated or gold-filled instead of solid, and we test to find out which. Brand-name watches in working order can sometimes be worth more as watches than as gold. If you have one of those, ask us to talk it through before you decide.
Solid, Filled or Plated?
Many gold-colored watches are not solid gold. Look on the back of the case for marks like 14K, 18K, 585 or 750. Words like "gold filled," "rolled gold" or "GP" mean a thin layer of gold over another metal.
We'll test the case and bracelet in front of you so there's no guesswork. If it isn't solid gold, we'll tell you plainly, and you take it home. Gold-filled cases still hold a small amount of gold, but far less than a solid case of the same size.
Bring the Box and Papers
For a brand-name watch, the original box, warranty card, receipts and service records matter. They help show the watch is genuine and can make a real difference in its resale value. Look through drawers and file cabinets before your visit. If you can't find them, don't worry. A watch without papers is still welcome.
Extra bracelet links count too. A missing link is gold you'd be leaving behind.
Inherited Watches
A father's or grandfather's watch is one of the most common things people bring us after an estate in the Dallas area. If it's stopped running, don't pay for a repair first. A watch that doesn't run is still welcome, and the gold in the case is unchanged.
Engraving on the back doesn't lower the gold value either. Some families like to keep the movement or dial as a memento, and you're free to ask about that.
How to Book
Call to set a private appointment, Monday through Friday. Same-day times are often available, and we'll confirm the Dallas location when you book. Bring a valid government photo ID. Testing is free and there's no obligation to sell.
If you're selling a watch with a leather strap, the strap isn't gold, but the buckle might be. Bring the whole watch and we'll test each part. Many vintage gold watches have a solid gold buckle that's easy to overlook. Written offers list the case, bracelet and buckle on separate lines, so you see where the value is.
Gold Watches: Common Questions
Do you pay for the watch movement?
Our offer is based on the gold in the case and bracelet. The movement, crystal and dial aren't gold. For a brand-name watch in good working order, it's worth asking whether it might bring more as a watch, and we'll talk that through.
My gold watch doesn't run. Is it still worth selling?
Yes. A stopped watch still has a gold case and maybe a gold bracelet. There's no need to repair it before selling. We test and weigh the gold parts and write the offer on paper for you.
How can I tell if my watch is solid gold?
Check the case back and clasp for marks like 14K, 18K, 585 or 750. Words like gold filled, rolled gold or GP point to plating. The surest way is testing, which we do free and in front of you.
Should I bring the original box and papers?
Yes, if you have them. Boxes, warranty cards, receipts and service papers help confirm a watch is genuine and can matter a lot for brand-name pieces. Also bring any spare bracelet links you can find.