Inherited watch collections. Every piece assessed individually.

Inheriting a watch collection — whether it is a single piece from a grandparent's bedside drawer or a careful accumulation built over decades — raises the same fundamental question: what do I actually have, and what should I do with it?

Fair Vintage specialises in assessing inherited watches and collections. We identify what each piece is, tell you honestly what it is worth, and make a written purchase offer for anything we wish to buy. You choose what to sell. There is no pressure, no deadline, and no commitment until you accept an offer in writing.

What information helps us value your collection

You do not need any of this to get started — photographs are enough. But the more context you can provide, the more accurate our initial estimate. None of the following is required; all of it is useful.

• Clear photographs of the dial (front) of each watch, ideally in natural daylight
• Photographs of the caseback — many watches have model references, hallmarks, or engravings here
• Any original boxes, inner cushions, outer boxes, or pouches
• Any paperwork — guarantee cards, service receipts, certificates of authenticity, original receipts
• The approximate decade each watch was acquired, if known
• Whether each watch is currently running or not
• Any straps, bracelets, or spare parts that came with the watch
• Any known history — military service, occupation of the original owner, special occasions

How our service compares

Consideration	Fair Vintage	eBay	Auction house	High-street dealer
Specialist identification	Yes — every piece identified before offer	Your responsibility to research	Yes, if you find the right specialist	Variable — depends on dealer expertise
Written offer per piece	Yes — always in writing	You set the price; buyer makes offer	Estimate given; hammer price varies	Usually verbal only
Effort required	Photograph and post — we handle the rest	Research, list, photograph, pack, post, answer queries, handle returns	Research, transport, wait for sale date	Travel to shop, often multiple visits
Fees	None to the seller	eBay fees, PayPal fees, postage costs	15–25% seller's commission	None, but lower offers to allow retail margin
Partial sale	Yes — sell any combination of pieces	Yes, but you list each item separately	Possible, but each lot incurs fees	Usually buy all or cherry-pick
Transit insurance	Fully covered, both ways, at our cost	Your responsibility and cost	Your responsibility to deliver	You bring it in person

The process, step by step

1. Send photographs and a brief description Email support@fairvintage.co.uk with photographs of the collection. Even a quick set of mobile photographs helps us give you a useful initial response. Tell us anything you know — or simply say you have inherited a collection and do not know what you have. We respond within one working day.
2. We give you an honest initial indication Based on your photographs, we will tell you which pieces look interesting, give you an honest indication of approximate value ranges, and confirm whether the collection falls within our buying remit. This costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
3. We send specialist insured watch packaging We dispatch padded watch packaging with full insurance cover for the agreed declared value. A tracked, signed-for return label is included. All insurance is arranged and paid for by us.
4. Every piece is assessed individually on receipt Each watch is logged, identified, assessed for condition and working order, and any accompanying materials noted. We do not rush this process — accuracy matters more than speed.
5. Written offers delivered — sell any, some, or all You receive individual written offers for each piece we wish to purchase. Accept what you want to sell, decline the rest. Anything not purchased is returned fully insured at no charge to you. Payment arrives within 72 hours of acceptance.

Common questions