Luxury watches are inherently valuable. However, you don’t have to be a skilled watchmaker or industry professional to determine luxury watch value before you sell it or use it as collateral for a short-term loan. We’ve called on our team of experienced appraisers to share which factors they think influence value the most in the hopes of helping our customers secure the highest offers for their valuable timepieces.
Make an appointment today for a free, no-obligation luxury watch appraisal.
Brand Recognition and Heritage
Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, and Jaeger-LeCoultre are just a few of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world. Even if you aren’t a watch enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of them and would be willing to pay more for them over lesser-known brands just from brand recognition alone. They have a rich heritage, many of which date back over a century, and are known for producing the most high-quality and innovative timepieces on the market. Timepieces with this much recognition, prestige, and heritage usually hold their value well or significantly increase over time.
Condition and Authenticity
Watches are meant to be worn and can acquire scratches and dings over time. Those in closer to like-new condition will likely trade hands for more than luxury watches that are not as pristine. However, some signs of wear or aging are desirable, such as patina on the dial or lume. Additionally, many brands will replace damaged or worn-out parts during regular servicing, so watches with all-original parts, particularly vintage ones, tend to fetch more than those without. To complicate things further, period-correct replacement parts increase used watch values even more. Another factor to consider regarding the condition of a watch is the original box and papers, such as sales receipts, service records, and warranty cards. These items are easy to lose over time and can add to resell watch values online because they help authenticate the timepiece and provide an insight into its past and servicing history.
Rarity and Limited Editions
Rare or limited-edition watches aren’t as readily available and often command a premium on the secondary market. They might be a special edition with a limited production run or an older watch produced so long ago few examples exist today. The fact that there aren’t as many of these watches around can mean big bucks when it comes time to sell. For example, rare examples of the Submariner ref. 6200, especially those with a 3/6/9 dial, can resell for as much as $500,000. Even more extraordinary is the one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe “Triple Complication” ref. 5208T-010, the only model ever produced in titanium, which sold at auction in 2017 for a staggering $6.226 million. Rare materials or unique features can also drastically elevate watch value.
Market Demand and Trends
How popular a watch is can also affect its value, which, in turn, has its own outside influences. One, in particular, is celebrity endorsements. David Beckham was spotted with the new pink dial Tudor Black Bay Chronograph on his wrist, which has since become one of the most popular Chronographs on the market. Another excellent example is the Paul Newman Daytona, which didn’t become popular until it was photographed on the beloved actor’s wrist. Today, genuine Paul Newman Daytonas can command well into the millions. Market trends also influence watch valuations. Doing your research and knowing the best time to sell will guarantee the highest offer for your watch. Alternatively, if you’re in the market for the best value watches, the most advantageous time to buy is when the market is trending downward.
Provenance and Historical Significance
Provenance is the origin of something or a record of ownership. In watch-collecting, a fascinating or unique origin story can greatly affect a watch's pre-owned price. For example, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ gold Cartier Tank sold at auction for $379,500, a huge premium over similar models that aren’t connected to someone as well-known as the former First Lady.
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We are here to help you realize all your financial goals. Call or text 212- 287-5257 for a FREE, no-obligation watch appraisal today.
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