Independent guide, not affiliated with any pawn shop.How we check

Pawn a watch

Luxury watches from well-known brands hold their resale value and get serious offers. Fashion and quartz watches from department stores rarely do.

By Agustín Mendez · Updated November 5, 2026

Estimate a loan on a watch

$

We do not guess resale prices. Check recent sold listings for the same model and condition, then type the figure.

If the shop lendsTexas
Share of valueLoanMax 1st-month charge
30%——
50%——
70%——

Scenarios, not offers. Each shop sets its own percentage; the charge column is the maximum your state allows.

How pawn shops value a watch

  • The shop checks brand, model reference and serial number.
  • It verifies authenticity: movement, case, bracelet and markings.
  • Box and papers (warranty card) add a lot to resale value.
  • Service history, scratches and missing links change the offer.

What to bring

  • A government-issued photo ID.
  • Box, papers, warranty card and extra links.
  • Service receipts if you have them.

Gold watches without a strong brand are often valued for their gold. Check the metal value in the gold calculator.

How much of the value will they lend?

There is no standard percentage. FirstCash, which runs Cash America, First Cash and other pawn chains, says in its annual report that the loan "typically is based on a percentage of the estimated sale value of the collateral", that it does not use a standard or mandated percentage, and that store employees set it item by item (FirstCash 2012 Form 10-K). That is why offers for the same item vary from shop to shop. The calculator above shows scenarios so you can compare offers you get.

What the loan costs

The charge is set by state law, whatever you pawn. Check the maximum for your state and amount:

Pawn loan cost by state

$
EstimateTexas

$40

maximum charge for the first month

Total charges
$40
To get your item back
$240
Monthly rate
20.0%

Maximum allowed by state law. A pawn shop can charge less; your pawn ticket shows the real amount.

Pawn shops near you

Results

Enter a ZIP code or use your location to see the nearest pawn shops, with open-now status. Or browse a city: Las Vegas, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Tampa, Lincoln, Lubbock, Sioux Falls, Houston, Dallas, Columbus.

Questions

Do pawn shops take smartwatches?

Some do, if they are recent, unlocked from your account and come with the charger.

Do I need the papers?

Not always, but papers make authentication easier and usually raise the offer.

Other things you can pawn

Also read how much a pawn shop will give you, how to get the best price and pawn or sell.