To be able to describe watches, the way people will be able to tell they conditions right away is critical. You do not want to have peoples guessing if there are scratches or dings. There is nothing worst that someone is selling a watch with a description which does not showcase the actual condition of the watch.
To be able to describe the watches, you need to combine several factors to make it more comfortable for the watch buyer to make an educative decision.
- Pictures
- Video (if can)
- Written Description
Think about it this way, what is the best way for you to learn about the condition of the watch you want to buy? Would you like to read about it or you would like to see it on the pictures as well as a video? I would rather see all three to make the right decision.
Pictures
When you are taking pictures of your watch, you should focus on the details of the watch. The better photos you choose, the fewer questions you will get from the potential buyers. If you are trying to take the right pictures, the best way is to take some watch shot during the natural light. Especially right after sunrise or right before sunset. The light exposure is the best, especially if you have a watch with large crystal such as Panerai. That will help you to get a great shot of the dial.
When you are taking pictures of the watch, make sure you will shoot these pictures to describe the watch condition.
- Strait shot on the dial
- All four sides of the case
- An angle on the crystal
- Case back
- Buckle shot
- Strap or bracelet
- How stretched the bracelet is
- Additional pictures to showcase the imperfections.
Videos
Video is a fantastic addition to pictures because when you are showcasing the quality of the watch on the video, you will be able to see several important things. Is the watch functioning correctly? Such as does the second-hand sweeps smoothly, Chrono resets to the center. Also, if you have an open case back, you will be able to see the movement working as well.
Personally, when people ask for more pictures of the watch, I send them video because that answers all their questions, and it is much harder to make it look better by using some filters.
These are the types of videos which help to showcase the actual condition of the watch
By showing all the angles as well as focusing on the imperfection of the watch, you will be able to help the buyer make an educative decision.
- Make sure you show the dial as well as angels of the crystal
- Rotate the watch slowly where you can see every angle of the watch case
- Film the case back and if you have an open case back zoom on the movement wheel
- Show the stretch as well as the condition of the bracelet or the strap
If the watch is not in the best state, the video will show the actual condition, but as I mentioned before, transparency is crucial when selling watches. Remember, to build a reputation, it takes years, but only one dishonest sale, and you can say Bye Bye to selling watches. The word travels fast in this digital age. When you are trying not to hide the condition of the watch, you will be surprised how much faster you can sell the watch because people appreciate honesty and transparency.
Written Description
By writing about the watch, you will be able to help the buyers match the written word with the pictures as well as video. They will not have to guess if there is a small nick on the crystal by 5 o’clock because you mentioned that in the written description. The written description eliminates potential guessing of the condition of the watch.
When you are writing the description, you should always mention everything you would like to know about the watch buyout would like to buy.
- Condition
- Mint, Near Mint, Good, Fair, etc
- What’s the reference number of the watch
- Case size, functions, materials, etc
- Accessories
- Box (Inner, Outer)
- Papers (Warranty card, Pictograph, etc.)
- Extra Straps
- Any aftermarket parts or accessories
- Always describe if the watch has any aftermarket parts
- If straps, bracelet, buckle are not original (OEM) mention that
- How do you want to get paid
- Accept Wire
- PayPal +3% to cover the fees
- How they can get in touch with you
- Phone number, emails, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram
Some places do not allow you to share contact information, but I prefer to deal only at the platforms I can connect with my buyers of the platform.
When you combine Pictures, Videos, and great watch description, it will be much easier for you to sell the watch, but more importantly, you will be much easier to deal with compared to some other watch sellers. There are not that many people who use all the three ways to describe the watch.
The article was written by Honza Hroch, the founder of Value Your Watch Marketplace. Honza started to learn about watches at Watch Trading Academy.
