At Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry one of our owner Sal’s favorite antiques to buy and sell is watches. Sal is an expert in appraising watch values, and if you’ve got something really rare, he has horologists, specialists in clock and watch making, he turns to for their expertise as well. He also has a network of enthusiastic watch collectors to sell to, so your old watch will be appreciated again as it was supposed to be. Your dad’s old steel Rolex, that Omega you got for a college graduation gift, the gold Patek Philippe your wife gave you for your 20th anniversary, are all valuable watches, but not if they are just sitting in a drawer in your house. Whether it’s a vintage, luxury or sport watch, our highly trained specialists will examine its value and give you a great price.
For centuries watches, like most other fine jewelry have been a popular investment for many people. You see, there was a time period when people preferred to wear their wealth as opposed to putting it into a bank or into paper investments, and some people still prefer that. Watches can be worn and enjoyed while at the same time gaining in value. One of the things that makes people apprehensive to bring antiques in to be evaluated is that they have no idea of the value of their items. Valuing watches is often more of an art than a science, but we’ve put together a peek at what factors actually influence the value of a watch so you know what it is we are looking at when appraising your watch.
Brand
Big name brands command bigger price tags, even when they are not brand new. That’s because the big names became known for their high quality construction, stylish look, and technical sophistication, and their reputation has them retain their high value. Luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Tag Heuer and Omega often have their own movements or complications, which allows them to become even become more valuable over time. According to a December 2019 article, Top 5 Watch Brands That Will Hold Their Value, these are the brands that retain their value best: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, and Tag Heuer.
Model
Not only are the brands important, but the model of watch is often the best indicator of how much you can sell it for. Styles that are considered classical or timeless retain and increase their value over time. The Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster are two great examples of timeless style.
Condition of the watch
How well your watch stood the test of time and wear is an important factor in evaluating its value. Obviously a watch in pristine condition is going to fetch a higher price than a damaged or broken watch, but don’t despair, because we are still willing to buy damaged watches and restore them. Before you bring them in to be appraised, take a close look at your watch, is the watch face scratched, is it missing any decorative elements or original parts? If it’s been repaired in the past, do you have paperwork about the service history? These things come into play during valuation.
How Rare It Is
Everything that is bought and sold is valued by how easy or hard it is to get. Hence the price of diamonds and gold. . . and also luxury watches. The more rare it is, the more valuable it is, which is why luxury watches are produced in limited editions. An older watch is not necessarily a more valuable watch, unless, of course, age has made it a scarcity to find. That scarcity or rarity affects the value of the watch. If it’s survived the years in good condition and is one of only a few of its kind, that adds to its value as there are fewer numbers of them on the market for buyers.
Original Paperwork and Packaging Completeness
A watch that has the complete set of manuals, certificate-of-origin or warranty papers, bill of sale and the original box it came in is more valuable than just a watch on its own. That’s because these items provide us with proof of authenticity which helps increase the sale value of the watch.
Watch Patina
A little known factor that true watch collectors and enthusiasts look for is the patina, or thin layer of color that appears on a watch face or dial due to age. A luxury watch’s patina creates an affect unique to that watch that demonstrates the age and classic nature of that particular timepiece.
Fame
Has the model of watch you own appeared in a movie, or been seen being worn by a celebrity? As with most things, celebrity association increases the value of your watch. In fact, Rolex was getting ready to cease production of their Submariner model, until Steve McQueen sported one in the 1971 movie Le Mans. Not only did the watches begin immediately flying off the shelves, thanks to their celebrity association, they continue to be one of the most valuable Rolex models available.
Hopefully, this article has given you a little insight into the world of watch valuation, at least enough to spark some interest in having us appraise what you’ve got. We’ll purchase your stainless-steel sport watches, your gold and diamond luxury watches, and your grandfather’s vintage watch.
With speed, convenience and unparalleled customer service, Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry offers competitive prices in the second-hand watch market. Schedule an appointment to meet with Sal, so he can privately and safely evaluate what you’ve got. Our process is fast, secure and designed to provide you with peace of mind, and hopefully some cash in your hand, should you decide to take our generous offer. Give Sal Lanzieri a call to set up your private watch appraisal appointment. 239-481-9600.
