What it's worth · Gold
How much is a gold watch worth?
US watch cases are often 14K and Swiss cases 18K. Many older "gold" watches are gold-filled or plated, with only a thin layer of gold. The gold case alone often holds 10 to 40 grams. A watch with a solid gold bracelet can hold 60 to 150 grams.
What a buyer takes off
- The movement, crystal and dial, which a buyer removes.
- Steel or leather bands, and steel case backs on two-tone watches.
Can it be worth more than its gold?
Very often. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and other known brands, and many working vintage watches, sell for far more than their gold. Ask a watch dealer before you sell for scrap.
Before you sell
- Look inside the case back for 14K, 18K, 585 or 750. "Gold-filled", "10K GF" or "Base metal" means it is not solid gold.
The weights above are typical, not yours: weigh your own piece in grams. A kitchen scale that reads to 0.1 g is close enough for a first estimate. Then compare two or three written offers as a percent of melt. Seewhat a fair price is.
Other items
- How much is a gold class ring worth? →Women’s class rings often weigh 5 to 10 grams and men’s 10 to 25 grams.
- How much is a gold wedding band worth? →A thin band often weighs 2 to 4 grams and a wide or heavy one 6 to 15 grams.
- How much is a gold engagement ring worth? →The gold in an engagement ring setting is usually 2 to 6 grams.
- How much is a gold chain worth? →A light 18-inch chain often weighs 3 to 10 grams. Rope and Cuban link chains often weigh 20 to 100 grams or more.