Published 2 June 2026
Solid vs gold-plated: the most important question
Most watches that look gold are not solid gold. Common labels you will see on case-backs: "gold-plated", "gold-filled", "GP", "RGP" (rolled gold plate), "Plaqué Or", "20 microns", "10 microns". Each of these means a thin gold layer over a base-metal core. The gold content is too thin to pay as scrap once refining costs are deducted.
Solid gold cases are hallmarked: 375, 750, 916 or older British marks (the assay-office leopard for London, the anchor for Birmingham, the rose for Sheffield, the castle for Edinburgh) with a date letter. If the case-back has a four-digit number stamped (375, 585, 750, 916), the chances of solid gold are high. XRF confirms after posting.
The movement is not gold
Even on a solid-gold cased watch, the movement (the mechanism inside) is brass, steel and jewels. The movement does not pay as gold. We remove and return the movement to you unless the watch is being valued intact for resale.
A 9ct dress watch case might weigh 20g empty. With the movement, dial and crystal, the same watch might weigh 35g on a kitchen scale. The 15g difference is not gold and not paid.
Collectable solid-gold watches
Solid-gold Rolex Day-Dates, Omega Constellations in gold, Cartier Tank and Santos pieces, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, IWC Da Vinci and similar pay vastly more intact to a watch dealer than as melted gold. We will not melt these without your written permission and we strongly recommend the intact-resale route.
If your watch is one of these, photograph the case-back, the dial, the movement and the bracelet or strap. Tell us if you have box, papers and service history. We will route you intact rather than scrap.
Older British solid-gold watches
British 9ct pocket watches from the early twentieth century (Waltham, Elgin in 9ct cases, J.W. Benson, Rotherham) are common in estate parcels. The case is solid gold and pays as such. The movement is a separate sale (some restoration buyers value working movements). A complete intact watch with working movement and original dial often pays more than the case alone.
We tell you both numbers on the written offer.
How to post a watch safely
- Photograph the dial, the case-back, the side (showing the crown) and any movement view if visible.
- WhatsApp 07763 741067 with the photos and any maker name or hallmark you can see.
- We confirm whether to post, and which route (scrap vs intact resale) applies.
- For posting, wrap the watch in tissue and a small bubble pouch.
- We email the prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Drop at the Post Office counter and wait for our text on arrival.
The postal-gold service handles both intact resale and case-only scrap.
Why we ask about the watch first
Plated watches account for a high percentage of "gold watch" enquiries. Telling you up front that a Rotary, a 1970s Seiko or a Continental "gold" wristwatch is plated saves the cost and risk of posting. We are not paid for testing and we will not test a watch that has no metal value. Honest "do not bother sending" is part of the service.
Common questions
How do I tell solid gold from gold-plated?
Look at the case-back. Solid gold has a hallmark (375, 585, 750, 916, or older British marks). Plated cases say "gold-plated", "GP", "RGP", "Plaqué", or a micron number. Send a photo if unsure.
Is my late father's pocket watch worth selling?
Possibly intact, possibly as case scrap. Send photos and we will tell you which route pays more.
Will you destroy a working watch?
Only with your written permission. We always quote intact first if the watch has resale value.
Are gold-tone modern watches worth anything?
Almost never. Modern "gold-tone" cases are PVD-coated steel and have no gold content.
What about the strap?
If the strap is solid gold (mesh, integrated bracelet, Milanese), it is weighed separately and paid as gold. Leather and plated steel straps are not paid.
How is the parcel insured?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. For higher-value collectable watches, message first so cover can be split or upgraded.
When am I paid?
Same UK working day you accept the written offer, by bank transfer.
Do you handle Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe?
Yes, on an intact-resale basis rather than scrap. Send case-back, dial, movement and serial number photos first.