The collectors blog

Watch guides and articles

Practical reading on buying, selling and caring for your watch, from Watch Collector in Melbourne.

Latest articles

Generated illustration of someone using a phone to photograph a watch on a plain desk.

Selling a watch on Chrono24 from Australia: fees, shipping and what you keep

Compare Chrono24 fees, shipping and payout with a dealer sale or consignment. Work out what you could keep before choosing how to sell your watch.

Read article

Concept illustration of a watch with Japanese yen, a Tokyo map and a calculator.

Is buying a used luxury watch in Japan cheaper? An Australian buyer’s cost guide

Compare a used watch in Japan with an Australian alternative. Check tax, payment costs, condition and aftercare before deciding which offers better value.

Read article

A watchmaker working at a bench in the Watch Collector workshop.

When does a Swiss watch need a service?

Signs a Swiss watch may need a service, what a service involves at our Melbourne workshop, and why the watch is assessed and quoted before service work starts.

Read article

Close view of the movement inside an open Rolex watch.

How to tell if a Rolex is real: what photos, serial numbers and papers cannot prove

Learn what Rolex photos, serial numbers and papers can tell you, what they leave unanswered, and what to ask before a physical authentication.

Read article

Disassembled wristwatch components arranged for service.

Rolex service costs in Australia: what your quote includes and what to approve

Understand Rolex service quotes in Australia, including parts, polishing and approval. Compare the cost before deciding whether to service or sell.

Read article

Generated illustration of a closed brown watch case protected inside a cardboard carton on a plain packing bench.

Selling a luxury watch interstate in Australia: what to confirm before sending it

Selling a watch interstate? Confirm assessment terms, transit cover, packing, payment and return arrangements before sending a luxury watch in Australia.

Read article

Two archive photographs of the same GMT-Master case before and after restoration.

Polished vs unpolished Rolex: what to check before buying

Buying a pre-owned Rolex? Learn what polishing and restoration can change, see real workshop photographs and know what to ask before choosing your watch.

Read article

A Rolex watch with its box and accompanying paperwork.

Can you sell a Rolex without box and papers? A seller’s checklist

Missing your Rolex box or papers? Learn which records to gather, what a service card means and how to prepare for a selling assessment.

Read article

A Rolex watch photographed beside Australian banknotes.

How much is my watch worth? Asking prices, insurance valuations and dealer offers

Understand the difference between watch asking prices, insurance valuations and dealer offers, then prepare for an assessment of your own watch.

Read article

Archive

Earlier articles and past watch listings.

Browse the archive 89 posts

11 September 2016 IWC Spitfire Chrono Pilot Ref: 3717-02 Lovely condition, comes with full box & papers. Complete with everything. SOLD 6 September 2016 IWC Flieger Chronograph Ref:3706-007 Comes with original papers. Has some stunning patina on the hands and dial. One of the most coveted and comfortable bracelets in the industry.… 5 September 2016 Rolex Seadweller 16600 Z Series 2007 Super clean pre ceramic Rolex Sea Dweller. Comes with original papers and swing tags. Never polished ! super clean. SOLD. 5 September 2016 Panerai Pam 213 Rattrapante Lovely condition Panerai 213 Chrono. Very well priced at SOLD 5 September 2016 Tag Heuer Carrera 43mm Ref: CV2A12 Very rare variant of the bulletproff 43mm carrera calbire 16. Comes with full box & papers. Mint condition. $3,495.AUD. 5 September 2016 Rolex Date Just 36mm Ref: 16234 D Series 2005 Stunning condition, never polished, still has factory sticker on case back. Super clean. SOLD 5 September 2016 Tudor Submariner Ref: 79090 B Series – Full Set! Unheard of. Comes wtih full box & papes. 1992 B series, even comes with original anchor. Running beautifully from recent service. SOLD. 5 September 2016 Rolex Submariner 18k Gold|Steel Ref: 16613 Bought July 2005. This peice is in Mint conditoin. Comes with original paperwork. SOLD 5 September 2016 Longines Hydroconquest Ref: L3.642.4 Full box & papers. Lovely everyday watch for a great price. SOLD 5 September 2016 Tag Heuer Carrera 41mm 18k Gold | Steel Ref: CV2050 Rarely seen 18k Gold/Steel variant of the ever classic carrera. Very well priced at SOLD 5 September 2016 IWC Flieghur Chronograph Reference 3717-01 2012 with original papers. Mint condition SOLD 2 September 2016 Rolex Submariner Non Date Ref: 14060M A Series Rolex Submariner Non Date Ref: 14060 A Series The best condition non date sub (pre ceramic) that you will find on the Australian pre…