Under normal circumstances, you should try to gather as much documentation about your watch as possible before you sell it. To begin with, you should find the serial number and the model number of your watch. If you have other documents relating to the original sale of the watch (guarantee card, sales receipts, service/repair records, warranty forms, etc.), you should gather those and include them with your shipment as well. These provide information that helps the buyer verify the authenticity of the watch. Most places that buy Rolex watches require these items. How much is a watch worth without papers? Generally less than a one with!
It’s also helpful to include the box your watch came in. This will improve the price. It’s not as important as the original paperwork, but it’s definitely worth something.
Watch ‘papers’ refer specifically to the Guarantee Card that comes with the watch when it is bought brand-new. With newer Rolexes (made since the mid-2000s), the paper is plastic and looks like a credit card, while older Rolex watches have a literal piece of paper. The card includes important information like the name of the retailer who first sold the watch, the date of purchase, and the name of the purchaser. If the Rolex watch stops operating properly at any point during the five-year warranty period, a guarantee card allows the owner to get it repaired for free.
It’s important to understand Rolex absolutely refuses to replace a lost Guarantee Card. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. And if that’s the case, it will negatively impact the market value of the watch.
We prefer you include the Guarantee card along with the presentation box and all the accessories that were originally sold along with the watch (including extra links). It’s ideal for a pre-owned Rolex to have the complete set. If you’re missing one or more of the standard accessories, you may have trouble selling your Rolex for its full value. Many buyers of used Rolex watches tend to be suspicious of watches without the proper accessories.
Can you sell a watch without papers? At Cash for Gold USA, yes, you can.
