Most people fail to understand and determine the value of watches. There are inadequate authentic sources that provide reliable information about watches. You can use some features to determine the value of your timepiece. The following article will enlighten you on assessing the value of watches.
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- Brand
The brand is undoubtedly one of the factors you can always use to determine the value of your watch. Some manufacturers are well-known for producing expensive and durable watches that rarely depreciate.
For example, Rolex is famous for its quality and durability, yet they are valuable. There are a hundred quality brands that you can be sure to get the best and most valuable watches.
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- Style
The contemporary style, determined mainly by current fashion, fads, and public popularity, plays a vital role in determining the value of a watch. The most sorted style may cost more.
For example, more oversized style watches are popular among women and men in modern-day, such as the Rolex Daytona, Cartier Tank Americaine, and Cartier Ballon Bleu. In addition, diamond-styled timepieces are popular and most preferred hence increasing their values. Both men and women may have varying preferences when it comes to style.
The best online watch appraisal provides specialized services on watch valuation. You can always opt for such services for correct valuation. In some cases, some rare styles, especially those in the old-time era, tend to value more and are in high demand.
If you have an old watch with a unique and rare style, you can be sure that it will be worth more than most modern styles.
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- Utility
Apart from being a time masterpiece, watches are essential for beauty, giving them a higher advantage over most other collectibles. In addition, watches are one of the long-term investments you can make. An original and expensive timepiece will always have a higher value.
- Case
The case is another factor that determines the value of a watch. Considering the watch case, the following are essential factors you should consider.
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- Case metal- some vintage watches only have an intrinsic value of the case metal. Over decades, the most common materials and metals used in making cases include gold, nickel, platinum, gold-filled, silver, gold plated, and ceramic. Metal such as gold and platinum can have high value, increasing the watch’s overall value.
- Case markings- most watch manufacturers and jewelers, tend to case, box, and time their watches at the factory. Timepieces in their original marked cases value more than the unmarked cases. In some scenarios, the watch manufacturers and jewelers have sold items with special issues depending on the buyer’s specification, which can be custom-made. The customized patients tend to be of high value.
- Case style- the style of the case, both modern and vintage, plays a vital role in determining the watch’s value. For example, case styles such as curved, hinged, and enamel are the most popular style cases that make the watches unique and more valuable than others. The case style and shape in modern watches determine the watch’s value.
5. Condition
The condition of the watch will determine its value. The following are the most critical factors that will determine the value of the watch and its condition;
- Dial- when looking at the dial, you need to know if it is original. For example, most watches are made of metal dials. You have to determine whether the metal is refinished. In addition, you ought to know if the dial is bent or scratched. Most people also forget to check if there are any damages or missing markers on the watch. For example, you should check if the hands are damaged or if the wristwatch is discolored. If the dial is okay, then the watch is likely to be valuable.
- Case- As discussed earlier, the case is essential in determining a watch’s value. You have to understand the amount of wear. For example, gold cases will make your watch valuable. However, you must check if the case is bent or dented or if the gold is worn out. Better and worthwhile cases make the timepiece valuable.
- Bracelet- when buying a watch with a permanently attached bracelet, you must ensure that the bracelet is of the correct length. Some watch bracelets, such as mesh, will cost you more to shorten or lengthen. Leather straps usually wear and tear, but you can comfortably replace them. In addition, when looking at the waistband, you have to remember that factory-made straps are more expensive than generic straps.
- Crown and movement- You have to consider these two when determining your watch’s condition. The original crown is vital, especially when marked. Further, movement is another crucial factor that determines the price of your watch. The watch’s finish should be good without rust or scratches.
Final Thought
The above-discussed factors are essential and fundamental in determining the watch’s vintage and current value. However, there are other general factors that you can use to determine the value of your watch.
The manufacturer and jewelers tend to dictate the prices of timepieces. Some high-quality watches tend to maintain their value over the years without depreciation.
When buying a watch, you should remember it’s one of the investments, and hence you should first seek adequate information about it. The quality and value of the watch should be paramount.
