What Sells: Watches

Watches from high-end designers are very popular. Collectors seek out the old and unusual, while well-heeled fashionistas snap up the latest trends.

Antique pocket watches are also popular with collectors.

Designer watches are one of the most counterfeited items in the world. Fakes used to be easy to spot; their poor craftsmanship and flimsy materials gave them away. But counterfeiters’ methods have improved, and many fakes are nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Thus, it’s essential that you provide proof of authenticity in your listing.

List any serial numbers or other identifying marks you find on the watch. (Note: Rolex and other brands often inscribe these inside the watch; to view the number, the back must be removed. Never attempt to do this yourself; it’s very easy to damage a watch. Instead, take it to a reputable jeweler or watch repair shop.)

Include photos of any paperwork that came with the watch, including owner’s manuals and sales receipts (with personal information blacked out). If the watch hasn’t been appraised, encourage the owner to get an appraisal since it can increase the sales price significantly.

The following websites contain photos and information that can help you identify, date and describe watches:

TimeZone (has articles, a glossary, discussion boards and more): http://www.timezone.com/

Windy City Watch Collector: http://www.chronometer.net/.

Elgin watches: shttp://elginwatches.org/

Hamilton watches: http://www.vintagehamilton.com

Rolex watches: http://www.tcjj.com/f-rrg-start.html

Look for these signs of wear and tear:

• Scuffs, scratches, chips or cracks in the crystal
• Scratched or scuffed metal
• Dirt, rust or discoloration on the face and hands
• Worn, frayed or broken wristband
• Bent or broken clasp
• Fast or slow movement (compare it with a clock you know is accurate)

If the watch isn’t working properly, have the owner take it to a jeweler or watch repair shop; it may need to be cleaned or adjusted. Never try to fix a watch yourself.

With a watch that is not water-resistant, clean the bracelet and casing with a toothpick and a soft, lint-free cloth. Keep watches that are not water-resistant dry to prevent rusting. For water-resistant watches, use warm water and mild soap to clean the casing. Use a soft cloth to clean leather straps; do not use water. Do not attempt to clean vintage watches; have the owner take them to a professional to be cleaned.

Quartz watches contain batteries that need to be changed about every two years. Dead batteries can leak and ruin the inner workings of the finest watch. For quartz watches, ask the owner when the battery was last replaced.

The crystal is the clear cover that protects a watch face. Some crystals are scratch-resistant but not scratchproof. Replace damaged crystals to ensure proper functioning. For vintage items, retain all original parts, including the cover in spite of its condition.

Fine watches, like jewelry, should be kept in a fabric-lined case or a box. If an ordinary box is used for storage, such as a department store gift box, wrap the watch in tissue paper. Do NOT store diamond studded watches with other jewelry. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones, precious metals and even other diamonds.

Use the original packaging whenever possible to store and ship a watch. If original packaging is not available, wrap the watch in bubble wrap and cushion with crumpled tissue paper or packing peanuts. Padded envelopes and poly mailers won’t prevent the watch from being crushed, so use a sturdy corrugated box to ship an item. Expensive items should be insured and shipped with tracking information.