Submission guidelines · Watches

Watches: what we accept

We select authentic timepieces that serious collectors want to bid on. Only watches with an expected value of €200 or more qualify, and every submission is reviewed by an Auctium watch expert before it can go live. Follow these guidelines to maximise your chance of approval — and of a strong result.

What we accept

• Authentic, complete watches in excellent condition, pre-owned or new. Unused watches are accepted only from professional sellers.
• Watches in one of our segments: vintage (pre-1980), premium (1980s to present) and exclusive (1980s to present, top-tier maisons such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet).
• A minimum expected value of €200. As a guide: vintage pieces from €200, premium pieces €200–€1,000, exclusive pieces €1,000 and above.
• Readable serial and reference numbers — our experts cannot approve a watch whose identity cannot be verified.

Submissions are more likely to be approved when they include certification or grading from a recognised source (manufacturer archive extracts, certified pre-owned programmes, established authentication services), come with original box and papers, or sit in high-demand segments — dive watches, chronographs, limited editions and iconic references from Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Tudor and Grand Seiko.

Reserve price rules

A reserve is a confidential minimum below which you are not obliged to sell. On Auctium, watches valued below €500 are listed without a reserve price — at that level, open competition between bidders consistently achieves the best outcome. Above €500 our experts set any reserve with you, at a level the market will actually clear.

What we do not accept

• Watches in poor condition — non-working movements or damaged cases.
• Incomplete or modified watches, including aftermarket parts presented as original.
• Unused watches offered by private sellers.
• Watches with missing or illegible serial/reference numbers.
• Watches valued under €200, low-quality or unrecognised brands, and children's watches.

Required details

The submission form asks for everything our experts and bidders need. Fill in every field — complete listings are approved faster and sell better:

• Brand and model — e.g. Omega, Seamaster Diver 300M.
• Reference — the exact reference number, as engraved on the case or papers.
• Movement — automatic, manual or quartz; name the calibre where known.
• Box & papers — whether the original set is included.
• Year and condition — production year and an honest grade.
• Description — service history, originality of parts, any modifications, and every flaw.

Photos

Upload 5–8 high-quality images (the first becomes the catalogue cover). Clean the watch, use a neutral background and natural light, and never submit retouched, AI-rendered or stock images. Your set must show:

• Front, back and both sides of the watch.
• The dial and hands, zoomed in.
• The case back with serial and reference numbers readable.
• The movement, where visible through an exhibition case back.
• Bracelet or strap and the clasp.
• Any flaw — scratches, dents, wear — photographed close-up.
• Everything included: box, papers, warranty card, service records.

If you mask the serial number on public photos, upload an unmasked version as well — it is used internally for verification only and never published. Selling an unused watch as a non-dealer? Include the stamped side of the warranty card.

Proof of authenticity

For exclusive and unused watches we require additional verification before approval:

• Stamped warranty card with dealer stamp and date.
• Original invoice or service documentation.
• The full set — box, papers, manuals — where available.
• Close-up photos of serial numbers, logos, reference engravings and hallmarks.

You may mask the owner's name and serial on published images, but our experts must be able to verify everything internally.

A description that sells

Write for a collector who cannot hold the watch: exact reference, calibre, case material and size, bracelet length, service history, what is included, and every sign of wear. Detail builds trust — and trust bids.