Knowing how a luxury watch is valued is essential when buying or selling a luxury watch. Obviously, luxury watches have features that only a specialist can assess, but knowing the basics will help us identify valuable watches and estimate their approximate price.

This week we review how a luxury watch is valued, so you can evaluate your purchases before making them, or estimate the value of a piece before selling it.

What is the use of appraising a custom watch?

The main objective of an appraisal is to establish a certain value, based on the general condition of the piece. In the case of watches, appraisal prices are more or less stable, at Watches5 Custom Watch Manufacturer they always offer you the best prices, so you can find the perfect watch for you, at the best price.

The appraisal is based on an exhaustive analysis work, which, as we will see below, takes into account both external aspects and internal characteristics that affect the mechanism. Once the analysis is finished, the expert estimates a value that will be the subsequent sale price.

Next, we are going to review the criteria that we take into account based on three types of characteristics: external condition (including materials), internal condition and characteristics of the model.

When we talk about selling luxury watches, the external appearance is very important. Usually only works with watches that are in perfect condition on the outside, this does not mean that a watch that has a small imperfection cannot be sold, however, its value will decrease.

In the analysis of the external part, we also include the materials that the piece incorporates. Two watches of the same model may have the same design, even the same mechanism, but one piece may incorporate diamonds on the bezel, while another piece is made entirely of steel, causing the price of both watches to vary.

Usually watch certificates include the materials that have been used for their manufacture, but it is essential to check their authenticity and condition.

Assess the inside of a watch, the mechanism

In this case, we refer to a much more complex part to analyze. The mechanism is the heart of a watch, and therefore it must be in perfect condition. In this case we do not admit, at least in Watches5, pieces with damaged mechanisms, or with some kind of imperfection, the movement of a watch must be in perfect condition and also be guaranteed by the Watches Manufacturers.

At Watches5 we have a team of watchmaking specialists capable of analyzing the movement of any type of watch, our specialists fully evaluate the mechanism of all our pieces, to ensure their current condition.

In addition to its status, it is also important to know the characteristics of the movement. Swiss watchmaking houses develop different movements, which they apply to various models, obviously the most complex movements with which they make a watch more expensive. In this sense, complications also influence the appraisal of a watch, a piece with complications will increase its price.

General features of the watch

A third analysis refers to the general characteristics of the watch, beyond its condition.

The make and model are crucial in determining the price. As you know, there are watchmaking houses whose pieces are highly valued, and it is only because they bear the seal of Audemars Piguet, Rolex or Hublot, we can consider that it is a valuable piece.

The date of manufacture and the number of pieces are two other pieces of information that we must know. In an extreme case, a watch from the early 20th century, of which only a dozen pieces remain, is going to be much more valuable than a mass-produced contemporary watch.

The sale price is also one of the bases we use when appraising a watch. The price established by the watchmaker serves as a reference to value a piece. For the most luxurious watches, auction prices are also taken into account.

At Watches5 we contrast the analysis of our specialists with the information offered by the watchmaker. In this sense, the reference number is very important, all luxury watches have a number that identifies the piece, a kind of license plate, with which we check both the authenticity of the watch and its characteristics. This number can be located on the dial, on paper, on the outside of the lid or on the lugs. Once the analysis is complete, we check the reference number and its technical characteristics.

How is a luxury watch priced?

A luxury watch has several official certificates, all of them sealed by the watchmaker itself, which guarantee the authenticity of the piece.

One of the most important documents is the warranty. It is possible that the guarantee has expired, however, this document certifies that the watch has left the official factory. Documents that refer to the operation of the watch are also essential, accompanied, if possible, by the original box.

Some brands include movement certificates, there are some that include, for example, a tourbillon certificate to guarantee that this part of the mechanism is exceptional.

In jeweled watches, it is also common to add a gemological certificate, which ensures that the precious stones used are authentic.

Finally, if the watch has been repaired by the watchmaker. a certificate is also usually issued, setting out the conditions of the arrangement.

Watch appraisal and appraisal at Watches5

At Watches5 Luxury Watches Manufacturer they have a watch valuation and appraisal service for luxury pieces. If you want to own a high value watch, contact them, they put at your disposal a team of expert watchmakers, with years of experience in watch appraisal work.