THE PRIVATE
WATCH BUYER
Nottingham - East Midlands

Information Guide

A discreet, transparent process for private sellers.

This page explains how selling your watch to The Watch Buyer works, how values are determined, how inspections are carried out, when payment is made, and the terms and conditions that apply

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Table of Contents

Selling My Watch & How Is the Final Value Provided?

The Watch Buyer specialises in the purchase of pre-owned Rolex watches and genuine Rolex components from private sellers. We do not sell watches.

To begin, you submit your watch details and images through our online valuation form. Based on the information provided, we issue an initial valuation estimate, reflecting current market conditions, model desirability, condition, and completeness.

All valuations are subject to in-person inspection, a detail of the inspection is below.

The final value is confirmed only after the watch has been physically inspected at our Nottinghamshire office while you wait. Section 2 below provides full details of the inspection process.

As part of this process, we conduct a third-party check with The Watch Register, which confirms whether a watch has been reported as stolen, subject to an insurance claim, or linked to counterfeit serial numbers. We cannot purchase any watch that appears on the Watch Register as a match or any other 3rd party checker.

By agreeing to an inspection, you consent to your watch details being checked against The Watch Register or 3rd party register. Where a match is identified, your details may be passed to them directly. Further information can be found at:
www.thewatchregister.com

As buyers of Rolex watches, we do not agree to purchase all watches. We reserve the right to decline any watch that falls below our required standards, is beyond economical repair, or fails verification checks.

We do not accept watches sent by post unless the value is less than £2500:

  • You have insured the item independently; or
  • The watch value is £2,500 or below and sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery insured to that value

We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to items sent without prior written authorisation that we will agree to accept delivery of your watch or item. This is sent at your risk and must be covered by you.

We are buyers only of Pre-owned Rolex watches, or Rolex accessories.

We do not sell, broker, or consign any Rolex watches.

What Does the Inspection Involve?

All inspections are carried out privately and by appointment only at our Nottinghamshire office.

The inspection process is thorough and designed to assess the condition, originality, and performance of the watch in order to confirm a fair and transparent final value.

During inspection, we will:

  • Carry out a Watch Register check against stolen and insurance claim databases
  • Examine the case, bracelet, crystal, dial, bezel, and clasp condition
  • Confirm the number and correctness of bracelet links
  • Depending on model the weight of the bracelet and gold content will be checked
  • Test the watch on a timing machine to assess accuracy and if a service is required
  • Conduct a dry waterproof test
  • Remove the case back to inspect the movement and dial
  • Carry out a pressure test, where appropriate

These checks are required to fully understand the integrity and condition of the watch.
Where issues are identified, the final value may be adjusted accordingly.

Examples that may reduce value include (but are not limited to):

  • Missing or incorrect Rolex paperwork or card
  • Missing Rolex box, booklet, or accessories (model dependent)
  • Chipped, scratched, or damaged crystal or bezel
  • Over-polished, pitted, or heavily scored case including crown
  • Missing links or excessive bracelet stretch
  • Incorrect or damaged clasp
  • Scratched, patina, or damaged dial
  • Incorrect parts or service-required to movement components
  • Custom dials or accessories will be priced to replace with a original dial or bezel

Counterfeit parts will not be accepted, and the watch cannot be processed and the transaction will not be proceedable.

No servicing, polishing, or adjustments are carried out during inspection.
We do not guarantee water resistance following inspection if you choose not to proceed with the sale. Prior to the pressure test and removal of the case we request that you are happy to proceed with the inspection.

Selling My Watch to The Watch Buyer – FAQ

Are you affiliated with Rolex UK, Europe, International, or Rolex SA?

No. The Watch Buyer (TA) is an independent watch buying business and is not affiliated with Rolex UK, Europe or SA or any official Rolex entity

We aim to respond Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, either with a valuation or a request for further information or images. We may contact you to discuss your watch in more detail.

If your watch is exactly as described and passes inspection, we aim to honour the valuation provided. Where discrepancies arise, we will explain any adjustment or may decline to proceed with the purchase.

Appointments are by prior arrangement following valuation only.
Full address details are provided once a valuation is agreed.

Proof of identity and address is required for all transactions.

Yes, you can providing the contract has not been signed to proceed.

We are in Nottinghamshire and will provide our office address once you are happy to proceed based on the online valuation. You can what’s app or call us at any time Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

UK law requires businesses that buy high-value goods, including watches, to verify the identity of the seller. This protects both you and us.

Providing photo ID is not optional or arbitrary — it is a legal and regulatory requirement.

What Photo ID Is Required?

We typically request:

  • A valid photo ID (passport or UK driving licence)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, where required)

This information is recorded securely and retained in line with UK GDPR.

Terms and Conditions

  1. The Watch Buyer is a trading name of LWDB Ltd. All payments are made by this company to you by faster payments.
  2. The Nottinghamshire office operates strictly by appointment and is secure, discreet, and monitored by CCTV.
  3. By submitting your details, you consent to us holding and processing your data in accordance with GDPR.
  4. All watches are checked with The Watch Register for theft, fraud, or counterfeit records.
  5. Online valuations are indicative and subject to inspection.
  6. Once payment is made, all sales are final unless a third-party claim arises.
  7. Payments are made to UK accounts only and must match seller ID.
  8. Sellers must be 18 years or older.
  9. Watches must be free of finance or third-party ownership.
  10. Misrepresentation may result in withdrawal of any offer.
  11. Online valuations are valid for 4 working days. A new valuation will be required
  12. Items must not be posted without written authorisation, you are responsible for any loss or damage. 
  13. Any items that are posted must be done once authorised and be insured to the full amount stated. 
  14. We do not buy diamond set watches unless factory set. 
  15. Overseas Rolex papers or cards will be registered prior to inspection with the watch register. 
  16. Full Terms & Conditions apply.

Privacy, Data & Legal

Your data is collected solely for valuation and transaction purposes and may be shared with law enforcement or third-party registers where required by law.

All website content, branding, imagery, and trademarks are the property of The Watch Buyer / LWDB Ltd and may not be reproduced without written consent.

These Terms are governed by English law, with jurisdiction in England and Wales.

GDPR & Data Protection – Online Watch Valuation

The Watch Buyer complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are committed to protecting your personal data and handling it lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

This section explains how your data is collected, used, stored, and protected when you request an online valuation or sell a watch to us.

1. Data We Collect During an Online Valuation

When you submit an online valuation request, we may collect the following information:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Watch details (model, serial number, reference number)
  • Images of the watch and accessories
  • Any additional information you voluntarily provide

If you proceed to an appointment and sale, we also collect:

  • Proof of identity (photo ID and address verification)
  • Bank details for payment
  • Inspection and transaction records

Your personal data is used only for the following purposes:

  • Providing an online valuation
  • Contacting you regarding your valuation or appointment
  • Verifying authenticity, ownership, and condition
  • Carrying out third-party checks (including The Watch Register)
  • Completing a purchase and arranging payment
  • Meeting legal, regulatory, and anti-fraud obligations

We do not use your data for marketing purposes unless you have explicitly opted in.

Under UK GDPR, we process your data on the following lawful bases:

  • Performance of a contract – to provide a valuation and complete a transaction
  • Legal obligation – anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and record keeping
  • Legitimate interest – fraud prevention, theft checks, and business security

Consent – where required (e.g. optional communications)

Your data may be shared only where necessary, including with:

  • The Watch Register (stolen / insurance / counterfeit checks)
  • UK banks or payment providers
  • Law enforcement or regulatory authorities where legally required

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties.

  • All personal data is stored securely
  • Access is restricted to authorised personnel only
  • Data is retained only for as long as required for legal, regulatory, or transaction purposes

Transaction records may be retained for up to 5 years in line with UK regulations

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Request deletion of your data where legally permitted
  • Object to processing in certain circumstances
  • Withdraw consent where consent was relied upon

Requests can be made by contacting us directly.

By submitting an online valuation request or proceeding with an appointment, you confirm that you have read and understood this GDPR notice and consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with this policy.

GDPR & Data Protection – Online Watch Valuation

The Watch Buyer uses WhatsApp as an optional communication method to respond to valuation enquiries and appointment-related messages.

We treat all data received via WhatsApp in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. What Data We Receive via WhatsApp

When you contact us via WhatsApp, we may receive:

  • Your mobile phone number
  • Your WhatsApp profile name
  • Messages you send to us
  • Images, videos, or documents you choose to share
  • Watch details, serial numbers, and valuation-related information

This data is provided voluntarily by you.

Data received via WhatsApp is used only for the following purposes:

  • Responding to valuation enquiries
  • Requesting or reviewing watch images and details
  • Arranging appointments
  • Communicating inspection outcomes or next steps

We do not use WhatsApp data for marketing purposes unless you have explicitly requested ongoing contact.

Under UK GDPR, we process WhatsApp communications on the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interest – responding to enquiries you initiate
  • Performance of a contract – providing a valuation or completing a transaction
  • Consent – where required

By contacting us via WhatsApp, you consent to us processing the information you share for these purposes.

WhatsApp is operated by WhatsApp LLC / Meta Platforms Inc.

  • Messages may be processed or stored on servers outside the UK or EEA
  • WhatsApp applies end-to-end encryption, meaning message content cannot be read by third parties
  • The Watch Buyer does not control WhatsApp’s infrastructure or data policies

We recommend reviewing WhatsApp’s own privacy policy for further information.

  • WhatsApp messages are retained only for as long as necessary to complete your enquiry or transaction
  • Conversations may be deleted once no longer required
  • Important transaction information may be transferred securely to internal records where legally required

You have the right to:

  • Request deletion of WhatsApp communications where legally permitted
  • Request access to personal data we hold outside of WhatsApp
  • Withdraw consent by requesting communication via an alternative method

You may choose not to use WhatsApp and contact us via email or telephone instead.

Using WhatsApp is entirely optional.

If you prefer not to share information via WhatsApp, you may contact us through our website, email, or telephone.