When you’re short on money and hoping to pawn something to fill the gap, at first, it seems hard to choose. However, there are certain things most pawn shops always want, including quality watches. At Cash Express, we review watches when they come in and come up with an appraisal.
The Appraising Proces
The checklist for watches being considered for pawning goes something like this:
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Reputation: Brand matters. Well-known brands with a good reputation retain their value better than other watches. Think Omega, Rolex, and Tag Heuer, for example. If the piece is in good condition, the pawn value improves.
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Quality: Speaking of condition, if your watch works well and shows little signs of wear and tear, it’s great. If you have the box and original papers to prove provenance, the price it can fetch is even higher.
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Limited editions. At Cash Express, our appraisers consider the rarity of a piece. Watches with unique features are more desirable. Many antiques have that little extra something that makes them special.
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All that glitters: If your watch has gemstones (diamonds, rubies, sapphire, etc) or it was made with metals like platinum or gold, those features improve the value. Metals, for example, can be reviewed for current market value.
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Proper service and maintenance: If you have your records of maintenance on your watch, bring them with you.
Then, of course, there’s market demand. Like fashion, one year, a specific watch will be a “hot” commodity, and another year not so much so. If you have a popular watch, it will help you at the pawn store.
What Does Your Broker Want?
It’s worth making a call to individual pawnshops to see what they’re currently buying. It will save you a lot of time. It’s also worth taking time to educate yourself about your watch so you get a feel for how it’s selling elsewhere.
As an aside, you do not have to sell your watch out-right. Rather, you can use it for collateral to help with short-term financial struggles and pay it back over the allotted time. There are no special credit checks, making things go much more quickly.
Examples of Popular Watches for Pawning
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: This watch falls into the luxury sports category. It’s become iconic.
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Breitling Navitimer: The legendary design of the Breitling has an aviation inspiration (chronographs). It’s considered a watch that lasts.
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Omega Speedmaster Professional: Omega became a star when it was the first watch worn on the moon. Its historical importance makes an impact on buyers.
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Patek Philippe Nautilus: If you’re looking for amazing craftsmanship, Patek Philippe never fails. The Nautilus is elegant and sophisticated and has a porthole shape for those who love the high seas!
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Rolex Submariner: In the world of watches, Rolex is a name everyone recognizes. It was built to last, with a timeless design.
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TAG Heuer Carrera: This is another sporty watch, with ties to motorsports. The basic design is a classic.
There is a reason that Cash Express is the number one pawnbroker in Philadelphia. One of our specialties is high-end watches. We have an online contact form you can fill out to find out if your property is something we’re looking for right now (saves you a trip). You can also email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or call our office at 215-922-1560.
We look forward to serving you.
