How much is my watch worth?

Watches have the potential to be great assets and are often considered wise investment pieces. You might be in possession of a watch and are left wondering what it’s worth. This guide will take you through some of the contributing factors to consider when assessing a watch’s value.

Brand

Having a watch from a prestigious watch brand will generate greater value. For example, brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Patek Phillipe and Jager-LeCoultre are luxury brands that utilise strong levels of craftsmanship and high-quality materials for their timepieces. They range from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds here in the UK. The reputation and historical significance of these prestigious watch brands has led them to generate greater values over other lower-level brands. For example, in 1945 Rolex developed the original Datejust, the first self-winding, water resistant watch displaying the date, gaining notability for Rolex for its initiative designs and durable watches.

Model

The specific model of the watch will also play a significant role in determining its value as some models are rarer and more desirable than others. Each model will have a different name or a model number. Where the model number is located on the watch will depend on the brand; Tag Heuer’s have the model number on the caseback, whereas, a Rolex model number is engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock. If your watch, such as a Rolex, requires the removal of parts to identify the model, it is always best to consult a jeweller or watch professional as you may damage the watch during this process.

In addition, watches can be fitted with quartz or automatic movements. Generally speaking, a quartz battery operated watch will be worth less than an automatic watch due to the more complex and expensive movements. You can identify whether your watch is quartz or automatic by looking for a battery or assessing the seconds hand. In a quartz watch the hands will move in a jolty ‘ticking’ fashion, however, an automatic watch’s hand moves in a smooth sweeping motion across the dial.

Age

Just like the model, the age of the watch also contributes to how much it is worth. Some watches can have a Vintage or Antique value as they may be models that are no longer
in production, attracting collectors and enthusiasts. Vintage and Antique watches are those usually over 30 years old.

This being said, the older the watch does not always mean the more valuable it is. Luxury watch brands often have huge waiting lists for recent models, fuelling a demand for modern watches on the secondary market. If you are unsure of the watch’s age you can usually find this on any paperwork associated with the watch or the serial number can be used to identify what era the watch is from. A watch’s serial number is unique to each watch and is often also used to identify counterfeit or stolen models.

Condition

The condition of your watch will also heavily contribute to what price it can achieve. Repairs and replacement parts for high-end watches can be very costly. Therefore, a watch that has been well looked after and regularly serviced will attract a higher value than one that needs works and repairs carried out. Having a watch altered or adjusted can also affect the value and is always something to bear in mind when making changes to your watch.

Accessories

When determining a watch’s value, an appraiser will also consider what accessories the watch comes with. This usually refers to the original box and associated paperwork for the watch (the trade refers to this as a ‘full set’). A watch having a full set will be more appealing to prospective buyers and collectors, therefore, increasing its value.

After considering these factors and doing some research on your watch you may have a better idea of its worth and want to explore avenues to sell your watch.

How do I get the best price for my watch?

If you feel confident about the worth of your watch you may opt to list your watch online using a watch selling platform. However, this can be a lengthy process and could leave you undervaluing your watch. An appraisal service such as ours will offer an up front, no obligation and commission-free offer for your watch, ensuring a fast, hassle-free sale. Find out more about our appraisal service.

 

Written by Krista Palmer-Preece of PM Antiques & Collectables