How to Sell a Rolex in Marbella: What to Bring and What to Expect

A Rolex is one of the few things most people own that keeps its value for decades. That also makes selling one feel like a big decision. Who do you trust? What is it really worth? Will you be treated fairly? We have been buying and selling watches and jewellery on the Costa del Sol since 1983, from our shops in Puerto Banús and Fuengirola. This is how it works when you bring a Rolex to us, so there are no surprises.

What decides what your Rolex is worth

No two watches are valued exactly alike. These are the things we look at, roughly in order of importance: • The model and reference number. A Submariner, a GMT-Master II and a Datejust are very different markets. The reference number, engraved on the watch, tells us precisely which one you have. • Condition. Scratches, dents, worn bracelets and polished cases all matter. A watch that has been looked after is worth more. • Box and papers. The original box, warranty card and booklets add confidence and, usually, value. Do not worry if you have lost them. We buy watches without them too, but the price will reflect it. • Originality. Aftermarket diamonds, replacement dials or non-Rolex parts lower the value. Rolex collectors want a watch exactly as it left the factory. • Service history. Receipts from a recent service show the watch has been properly maintained. • Demand. Some models are in short supply and others are easier to find. The market moves, so a valuation is a snapshot of today.

"Every watch has a story, and the details tell us most of it: the reference, the condition, the papers, the service history."

What to bring with you

The more you bring, the smoother and faster it is. Ideally: 1. The watch itself, with the original bracelet and all its links. If links were removed for sizing, bring them. 2. The box and papers, if you still have them. 3. Receipts or service records, including the original purchase invoice if you kept it. 4. Photo ID. Dealers in Spain are required to record who they buy from, so we will always ask for ID. This protects you as much as us.

One thing not to do: don't polish it

It is tempting to clean a watch before selling it. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is fine, but please do not have the case polished. Polishing removes metal and softens the sharp edges that collectors look for, which can lower the value. A watch with honest wear is better than one that has been over-polished.

How it works, step by step

1. Get in touch. Message us on WhatsApp with a few clear photos (front, back, clasp, and the reference number if you can find it) and we can give you an idea before you make a trip. You are also welcome to simply walk into either shop. 2. We check the watch. Whatever you bring, we examine it in person. We check that it is genuine, that the movement and parts are original, and we note its condition. This is the most important step, and it is why we ask you to bring the watch in. 3. We make you an offer. We explain how we reached the figure, so you can see how the model, condition and papers affected it. There is no pressure to accept. 4. You decide. Take your time. If you would like to think it over, or compare, that is completely fine. 5. Paperwork and payment. If you accept, we complete the paperwork together and explain how payment works.

"A fair price should be easy to understand. If we cannot explain how we got to a number, it is not the right number."

Should you sell, or pawn?

Sometimes you do not want to part with the watch, you just need funds for a while. That is what pawning is for. You leave the watch with us as security, receive a loan against it, and collect it again when you repay. If you are not sure which suits you, ask us. We will talk through both. You can read more on how pawning works.

Common questions

Do I need the box and papers to sell my Rolex? No, but they help. A watch with its full set is usually easier to sell and worth more than the same watch without.

Can I get a valuation without selling? Yes. Send us photos on WhatsApp or bring the watch in and we will tell you what we think. Valuations are free.

What if my Rolex needs a service or has damage? Still bring it. We can value watches in any condition, and the offer will take the condition into account.

Do you buy watches other than Rolex? We buy watches and jewellery from many leading makers, as well as diamonds. Ask us about yours.

Is it safe to sell to a shop rather than a private buyer? A private sale may sometimes get a higher figure, but it comes with risks: meeting strangers, fake payments, and time. Selling to an established shop is simpler and safer.

Ready to sell?

If you have a Rolex you would like valued, message us on WhatsApp or visit us in Puerto Banús or Fuengirola. You can also read about selling to us, or see what we currently have in the catalogue.

Looking to buy instead? Come visit us in store!