What to do with Old Watches [2023 Guide]

There are several methods to reuse your old timepieces if you have extra time on your hands and are searching for something enjoyable to do. There’s no reason to toss away an antique or classic watch that isn’t operating correctly or a damaged watch.

Many individuals have a collection of old watches lying around their homes unutilized because they’re either no longer functional, have damaged or lost watch components, or just do not match their design or preference.

Whatever the cause, you should never throw away an old watch or clock since they always have worth, irrespective of their form.

Even though they are no longer keeping time, you may use your old timepieces to create new items. Here are some useful ideas to get you started. We hope you would try out these ideas to change your old watches into something new and exciting.

Repairing it

If you want to reuse your old watch but you are not wearing your old watch due to its old fashion look and features. The solutions to these things will available at the watchmaker’s shop, as you may get some surprising innovative suggestions on how to restore your old antique wristwatch to seem lovely again.

Watchmakers blessed with a wonderfully inventive skill, and those working in the area will almost surely find a method to repurpose your old watch.

If you are prepared to invest more time and creativity, your old clock or watch may be transformed into a home interior, ornaments, or used in a variety of creative tasks.

Sometimes merely changing a few pieces, that should not be too expensive or time-consuming, may transform your ancient watch seem completely different, causing you to rediscover its beauty and persuade you to wear it again, or at the very worst sell it.

But, keep in mind that watchmakers occasionally cease manufacturing-specific watch components for their older models, making repairs difficult. As a result, in some circumstances, watch recycling may be the best option.

Recycle it

You may recycle your outdated watches in a variety of ways. Occasionally individuals feel it’s best to just pass them on, in which case donating your old watches to wristwatch brands is a terrific option.

Most wristwatch firms online work with suitable candidates to recycle watches properly, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time figuring out how this is managed.

Several watch companies are studying and working to develop more environmentally friendly ways to manufacture their timepieces.

As a result, if you can’t discover any worth in your old watch, it’s a good thing to offer it away or contribute it for recycling so that the old watch components may be recycled and used to make new watch components, which is a far more sustainable method to deal with your old watch.

Communicate Directly with The Watchmaker

Many environmentally watch companies permit their clients to exchange their timepieces once they have outlived their usefulness. Some functioning elements of the watch are reused by these producers when creating new watches. Also, if the watch has been well kept and is in good shape, they may restore it and offer it at a reduced price.

Even if the watch is fully dead, the company will destroy it by following environmentally friendly methods. So, when you toss away your watch, consult with the company to see whether they take outdated timepieces.

By Bookmarking it

This method will be very popular among book lovers. Remove the watch bands and look for any handmade yarn, silk, or nylon thread with pearls. You may construct your bookmark from any element of your old watch.

Straps may be an excellent application for it. Bookmarks may be constructed in a variety of lengths to help you keep track of where you are in your various reading materials.

Catch the sun with it

You can also use your antique watches as a valuable decoration on your walls. Color the glass panels of your antique watches and string them together to build your suncatcher.

This is an eye-catching and attractive object that may be used indoor or outdoor in your house, and it also makes an intriguing present idea.

Use it as a Clock

Create your timepiece. All you need is a plastic sheet or an original vinyl disc, as well as some craft shop clock mechanisms. For the clock numerals, use 12 antique watch faces. Separate the bands and arrange them across your sheet or disc as desired. You’re ready to go after you’ve glued them down.

If this becomes this year’s go-to Christmas present idea, you may find yourself producing many clocks. Simply arrange your old timepieces, duplicate them, and attach the cut-out photographs to the backdrop of your clock. The sizes of the watch faces may be modified till you’re happy.

It should be framed.

If you can get the hands out from behind the crystal of an old watch, you can use the front as a little picture frame. Find a photo that will fit within and trim it to size. Replace the crystal pane on your bezel. Highlight your watch’s beautiful design as a hanging wall display or as a locket or pendant around your neck.

Simply remove the bands from your ancient vintage timepieces, on the other side. Super paste them to the edges of photo frames ranging from shabby chic to vibrantly decorated varieties, and add texture with different colored and shaped beads and hooks.

Disassemble it

Somebody is interested in the internal mechanism of anything they used especially in the case of watches but they fare of damaging it. But when the watch becomes old and you want a new one then you are more curious about examining what’s inside it.

Then you’ll probably love taking apart ancient timepieces. Why not build something fresh out of your old watch parts?

Using old watch components, you may make miniature animals, bicycles, vehicles, and motorcycles, or anything else you like.

Scrapbook It

Scrapbooking is a great method to save money on your old watch. Scrapbooking can surely benefit from your old watch gears and components. When you’re making a new scrapbook page about time, Celebrations, or whatever unique you want to remember, add the watch dials and gears to alter your document and add to the recollections.

Sell it at a lower price

Everybody wishes they could wear a traditional nice watch on their wrist, but not everybody can easily buy one. So, if you are nice sufficient, you may fix your old watch that you were going to throw away and give it at a discounted rate to someone that has always needed to purchase one but has been unable to do so owing to financial constraints.

You may also sell your watch on e-commerce portals like AliExpress, Amazon, and more which allows you to give the proceeds to a charity.

Conclusion

What to do with an old watch? There are many useful and great options for your precious old watch. If you want to use it but due to its old fashion design and appearance you do not wear it. Just contact an expert watchmaker. He designs it according to your taste.

Other than it if you want to buy a new one but lack money then sell it at a lower price and then add some more amount in this money and buy a new one.

If you like to decorate it and want to make an antique collection then you can choose this option also. If you want to donate it then you can donate it to online platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Using Ancient Non-Working Timepieces?

You can do a lot with your old watch like you can recycle it, decorate, clock, bookmark, and can donate it. It can also be reused by fixing the watch.

Is it possible to sell old watches?

Yes, several charities accept used timepieces. If your watch is in functional order, you may also swap it with a watch collector. If you want to sell it you can but at a lower price by using online platforms.

Is there any value in old watches?

It all relies on the wristwatch; if it’s a vintage or antique watch in excellent condition, it’s undoubtedly worth a lot of money. Some companies also accept their watches back if they become old. So before throwing it away you should contact the watchmakers.