We purchase all sorts of brand name and upscale watches, such as Rolex, Tissot, Elgin, etc. While we purchase an array of watches, there are three specific movements that we are looking for. These are manual mechanical, automatic mechanical and quartz battery operated watches.
These watches are wound by hand or by key to set the time. The watch has mechanical movements, which are caused by the springs and gears on the inside of the watch. This type of watch was seen as revolutionary at the time of its creation, but now, they are seen as cheap watches.
Automatic Mechanical watches wind as the hand moves. Just like the Manual Mechanical watch, it has a mechanical movement that is powered by springs and gears. Today, Automatic Mechanical watches are viewed as a luxury item.
The Quartz Battery Operated watches are extremely accurate. While they can be made very cheaply, they were once the height of watch technology. These types of watches can encompass all modern technology such as GPS, a radio clock and more.
One of our estate specialists, Chrissy, purchased a WWII Liftwaffe Pilot’s Flieger Chronograph wristwatch at Ketterman’s Jewelers. During the War, Hanhart supplied pilots and naval officers with their flagship flyback chronograph watch, which was made to withstand the harshest military conditions. The large case and nipple pushers with radium numbers were designed for ease of use. That way the watch could be read in the dark and operated while using gloves. This watch specifically is not branded anywhere and not recognizable to most people. The customer had inherited this watch from her grandfather and didn’t know much about it. We were able to give her some history on the piece. She was happy we were able to purchase the watch, restore the piece to working condition and then sell it to an appreciative collector. She was so enthusiastic that she came back to the event with more items. Plus, she brought photos of her grandfather wearing the watch in front of his fighter plane during his time in Germany.
If you have fine jewelry, luxury watches, coins, or collectibles you no longer use, you might be sitting on more value than you think. Right now, certain high-quality items are seeing strong demand across the United States, and selling them has never been easier.
If you have ever wondered how to tell if jewelry is real, here are some simple tips.
Estate jewelry carries stories. It could be an heirloom diamond ring, a vintage bracelet passed down through generations, or an antique brooch that has been sitting in a jewelry box for decades. When it comes time to part with these pieces, many people assume the best option is to list them online. After all, it’s quick, convenient, and seemingly exposes your items to a wide audience.
But here’s the catch: convenience doesn’t always mean value. In fact, working with estate jewelry buyers in person at a trusted buying event often leads to stronger offers, and here’s why.
At first glance, selling online feels straightforward. Take a few photos, post a description, and wait for bids or offers. The reality? It’s rarely that simple.
Market Uncertainty – Unless you’re an expert, it’s difficult to know if your asking price matches the true market value.
Risk of Scams – Online platforms carry the risk of fraudulent buyers or disputes after the sale.
Fees and Commissions – Many websites take a percentage of your final sale price, cutting into your profit. Some charge as much as 15% for the sale, plus shipping fees and insurance eats into the sale as well.
Time Commitment – Listing, responding to messages, negotiating, shipping, and insuring all fall on you. Some items may take months to sell online
What looked like a quick transaction often turns into weeks of effort, with no guarantee of getting the best price.
National Rarities hosts buying events across the U.S., partnering with local jewelers to provide a safe and professional place to sell. For those looking to sell estate jewelry, these events create a very different experience:
On-the-Spot Appraisals – Trained buyers evaluate your items right in front of you. No waiting for online bids.
Fair Market Offers – Because buyers work with current demand and know what collectors are seeking, you receive a competitive, real-time offer.
Immediate Payment – Accept the offer, and you leave with cash the same day.
No Hassle – No shipping, no photographing, no online fees. Just straightforward selling.
One of the biggest advantages of an in-person event is the expertise behind the appraisal. A vintage Art Deco ring, for example, may look like just another piece of jewelry online. To the right buyer, however, its craftsmanship, period design, and rarity give it added value.
This is where estate jewelry buyers excel: recognizing the unique qualities that online shoppers or generic resale sites might overlook. If you’re looking to sell vintage jewelry, working with professionals ensures your piece is valued for more than just its metal or gemstone weight.
Selling online might feel convenient, but when the goal is to maximize your return, in-person buying events consistently outperform. The combination of expert evaluation, immediate offers, and competitive pricing means your estate jewelry gets the respect and the cash offer it deserves.
Instead of settling for less online, consider attending a National Rarities buying event near you. You may be surprised by just how much your treasures are worth when they’re seen by the right eyes.
