|
Lesson 2
-- Value 12 Nov 2006
|
| |
| 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.
|
Top
|
|
