Watches
Sell Pocket Watches in Metro Detroit — Paid Today at Westland Exchange
American railroad-grade pocket watches — Hamilton, Elgin, Waltham, Illinois, Ball — are a genuine collector market, and Michigan has a deep supply of them from the railroad and auto era. We identify the movement grade and jewel count before we ever weigh the case, because the movement is frequently the valuable part.
What decides what we pay for pocket watches
- 1Movement maker, grade and jewel count (17, 21, 23 jewels and up)
- 2Railroad approval and adjusted-to-positions markings
- 3Case material — solid 14K/18K versus gold-filled versus coin silver
- 4Running condition, dial originality and hairline cracks
When you bring pocket watches to our counter at 27842 W. Warren Ave in Westland, the first thing we do is establish exactly what it is. Nothing is quoted from across the room and nothing is quoted from a photograph. We work at the counter with you standing there, and we explain each step as we go — what we are testing, what the test told us, and what it means for the number we are about to write down.
The single biggest factor on pocket watches is movement maker, grade and jewel count (17, 21, 23 jewels and up). After that comes railroad approval and adjusted-to-positions markings, and at the far end of the list sits running condition, dial originality and hairline cracks — the part most sellers never hear about anywhere else, because most buyers would rather pay a flat rate and move you along. We would rather show our work, because customers who understand the offer come back, and this shop has run on repeat customers since 1987.
What pocket watches typically weighs
Typical weights and sizes
A 21-jewel Hamilton 992B in a gold-filled case is a collector piece well above metal value. A solid 14K hunter case alone can hold 25–50 grams of gold.
A 21-jewel Hamilton 992B in a gold-filled case is a collector piece well above metal value. A solid 14K hunter case alone can hold 25–50 grams of gold. That range is why we ask you to bring everything rather than picking out the pieces you assume are best. The item that looks least impressive in the drawer is frequently the one carrying the most value, and sorting it out costs you nothing.
How to spot it
Where to look for the marks
Open the back: the movement is engraved with the maker, grade and jewel count. The case interior is stamped 14K, 18K, or a gold-filled guarantee such as '20 Year'.
What to bring
- Valid state ID
- The watch, plus box, papers, links and receipts if you have them
- Any service records
There is never any obligation. We will test pocket watches, tell you the number, and hand it straight back if you would rather think about it, shop the offer around, or keep it. Plenty of people do exactly that and come back a week later — that is completely fine, and you will get the same welcome the second time.
Sell it outright
Luxury watches are among the most-pawned items we see — you keep ownership, we hold it in the vault, and you get it back when you repay.
We are open monday – friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with free parking right at the door and no appointment needed. If you would like a sense of the number before you drive over, call (734) 425-0450 and describe what you have, or send photos through the quote form and we will come back to you the same day.
Or pawn it and keep it
If you would rather not part with it permanently, a pawn loan on pocket watches gives you cash today while the item stays tagged and insured in our vault. No credit check, nothing reported to any bureau, and the item comes back the moment the loan is repaid. We will lay out both numbers — the outright offer and the loan amount — and let you choose.
Pawn pocket watches instead4.8★ from 332 Google reviews
Neighbors have been saying it since 1987.
“My fiancé and I have been coming here since 2018. They are so kind, and very trustworthy! I will forever recommend C&L to all of my family and friends! Love the way they do business!”
“I was in here with my husband about a week ago, and let me tell you they have the best selection of jewelry that I have seen in a long time. Also the customer service was amazing Sandra was so awesome and really had us laughing. Bought my husband a gold bracelet for a great price. I highly recommend this place.”
“My family and I have been coming here for many years. We have always gotten the best deals for buying jewelry and have gotten jewelry fixed through them. The staff is kind, the service is always good, they are knowledgeable and honest.”
FAQ
Pocket Watches questions, answered.
Are old pocket watches worth anything?+
Many are — especially railroad-grade American movements. Bring it in before assuming it's scrap; we identify the movement first.
My pocket watch case is gold-filled, not solid. Is it worthless?+
No. Gold-filled cases have little melt value, but the watch as a whole can still be a strong collector item depending on the movement.
Do you buy pocket watch chains and fobs?+
Yes — solid gold Albert chains are heavy and valuable, and we buy fobs, keys and cases too.
Related items people sell with this
Vintage Watches
Watches
See what we pay →Gold Watches
Watches
See what we pay →Rare Coins
Coins & Collectibles
See what we pay →Estate Jewelry
Jewelry & Diamonds
See what we pay →Also serving nearby — sell pocket watches close to home
Find out what your pocket watches is worth today.
We beat any gold price in Metro Detroit. Instant cash. No credit check.
27842 W. Warren Ave, Westland, MI 48185 · Walk-ins welcome