We determine the value of watches for our customers using many different criteria and starting points. We often talk about the buying-in price of a watch when purchasing it for our collection. This is the value of the watch in its current condition before maintenance and other finishing work.
Collectors can ask us to estimate the insurable value of their entire collection, or to determine the current value of an individual piece. Heirs often want us to determine the value of the entire estate’s watches and clocks, and insurance companies ask for value estimates for damaged timepieces as well as for their replacement values. All of these values can be different from each other, and we can help you with all of them.
WATCH VALUE
The value of a watch is based on the following factors:
- the market’s interest towards the model in question
- the originality of the watch (dial/hands, case, movement, documents)
- the condition of the watch (dial/hands, case, movement)
- watch material.
We provide a free valuation for wristwatches if you offer the watch to us for purchase. The assessment is given verbally and is based on more than 20 years of experience and on up-to-date information of the market value of the watch.
Estimates given in writing and verbal estimates of watch collections are paid services. A written estimate of a single watch costs 68 + VAT (84.32 incl. VAT). The cost of valuing a collection is always agreed on a case-by-case basis.
We are always interested in buying only high-quality and rare watches.
INSURANCE ESTIMATES
We do insurance estimates for watches with over 20 years of experience. We always draw up the estimate in writing and base it on facts regarding the condition of the watch, the repairs it may need and its market value. In insurance estimates, it is particularly important that the estimate is objective. We never side with the owner of the watch or the insurance company when doing insurance estimates. An insurance estimate is always a paid service, and the insurance company often pays for it. A written valuation of a single watch costs 68 + VAT (84.32 incl. VAT).
ESTIMATES FOR HEIRS
Heirs may sometimes have a large number of timepieces that they want to valuate. In these cases, we will draw up a written valuation of the entire collection. The itemization is not as detailed as in an insurance estimate, but the value of each piece is specified separately. We always have a thorough discussion with the estate of the deceased about which items are particularly valuable and which ones should be recorded in more detail. We can also help the estate in the distribution process to ensure that all timepieces are distributed fairly among the heirs. We always agree on the cost of valuing a collection on a case-by-case basis.
COMMISSION SALE
We can also put your watch up for commission sale. This requires that the watch is either in good condition or that we can agree on its complete service before the sale. We will first examine the watch to determine its condition and value. We take care of all the necessary preparatory measures, e.g. case restoration (if needed) and taking photographs, before putting it up for sale. The sales commission depends on the value of the watch. This sales method is well-suited for more valuable items, i.e. ones worth 5000 or more. The minimum sales period is 3 months. This period can be extended according to agreement.
We can also arrange the sale of a collection of precious watches to international auction houses. We take care of everything for you to make the process as easy as possible.
MORE INFORMATION ON WATCH VALUATION
People bring us watches for valuation every day. In most cases, we can valuate the watch immediately while you wait. Many watches are not particularly valuable, and there is not much that you can do with them. In many cases, however, the customer wants to refurbish the watch because of its history. The sentimental value of a watch is often much higher than its monetary value.
Sometimes a watch may prove to be rarer than usual. Also in these cases, we can often valuate the watch immediately while you wait. We will explain why the watch is valuable, which of its components are original, what condition the watch is in and whether it needs to be serviced. We will discuss the service and related costs with you. If you so wish, we can also make you an offer for the watch immediately. In some cases, we may buy the watch from you, but more often than not we will agree to service the watch to top condition for you. Learning more about the watch and its history may often be reason enough to renovate it and continue its history in the family.
There are also more complex cases where the next steps are not that obvious even with our extensive experience. In these cases, we will take the watch under closer examination. We will look into the watchs year of manufacture, ref. number, bezel, dial, hands, case, crown, case back and movement. All of these components must go together in order for the watch to be an original. With precious watches, originality is everything. For the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, made in the 1950s and 1960s, for example, it is extremely important that all of the watch’s components are originals. It is very common for a watch to have some of its components replaced when servicing it throughout the years, especially parts of the case/dial. For example, merely replacing the original tachymeter bezel with a new, genuine spare part from the factory reduces the value of the watch by several thousands of euros. This has always been done to all watches, perhaps most frequently to Rolex and Omega models.
The original documents of the watch also affect its value. As late as in the 1990s, it was normal for a buyer of a new watch to only ask for the warranty papers and the watch. The box, manual and other documents were not considered important. The situation has gradually changed, and people now understand the value of documentation. Documents play a very important role in collectors watches and especially in newer valuable watches. Collectors watches rarely have their documents intact, which is why watches with documents are always more valuable. It is not about authenticity, as this can be proven by examining other parts of the watch, but rather about the fact that collectors always want a full set.
Documents are even more important in the case of newer valuable watches. The market is becoming saturated with convincing counterfeits that are nearly impossible to identify without taking the watch apart. Original, genuine documentation provides security. The problem is that documents can also be forged, especially with Rolex but also with other luxuxy brands.
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