The value of a watch...

Again, from www.horologyzone.com

There are different categories of value of a watch:

Historical

Every watch has its history. Some watches represent the technology of a period of time; some watches recorded an historical event (e.g. Omega moonwatch); some watches remind you the past (e.g. your birthday gift). Of course, if more people know its history, more effects of the technology, more the value !

Materials

It is obvious that a watch which is made of gold, platinum and other expensive materials will cost you more.

Completeness

Besides of the watch, the box, the invoice, the tags (e.g. Rolex) and other stuffs came with the watch affect the total value.

Rarity

Rarer = $

Quality

Number of jewels used: Jewels can reduce the friction between the movement parts; therefore, more jewels are used, the watch can run smoother and longer. Image: Seiko 7S26A - 21 Jewels - pink C.O.S.C. certificed: If a watch is C.O.S.C. certified, it has higher accuracy because of using better parts. Material of case: Besides of the value of gold or platinum itself, these two material can last for decades without damage by the nature; therefore, most valuable old watches used gold or platinum as material of the case and some parts of the movement.

Functions

More functions = more value ! Repeater, Chronography, Split second,Tourbillion, Perpetual calendar, Moon phase, Scuba diving, G.M.T., Power reserve indicator, Fly back, Retrograde, Multi-days, etc

Conditions

Dial: Cracks, chips, and discolouration or fading of the dial reduce the value; however, "re-write" or repair the dial also reduce the historical value. Case: The covers should be screwed on properly to a tight fit, the crystal should be clear. Be careful of the gold or silver plating, there should not have cracks or chips. Movement: Make sure all functions work properly ! Moreover, the movement should be all original pieces without modifications by others. Any modifications from the original should be documented. It should have no serious wear on the parts.

Brand name

Brands with high auction price: Patek Philippe Vachron Constantin Audemars Piguet Breguet I.W.C. Piaget Cartier Jaeger Lecoultre Rolex Reference: Patek Philippe Tachometer Scale Ref. 2499 Auction Price: US$ 880,000 (Sep 05) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.16520 Auction Price: US$ 13,000 (April 04)

Replica

There are many replicas or fakes in the market, especailly in the Internet. Therefore, do not buy a watch from a stranger without examination. Be careful of some old watches with very good conditions.