Frequently Asked Questions: Watch Value, Buying and Selling
This is definitely the most common question we are asked and it's one of the hardest to answer. When asked this question I often reply "Would you like to sell it?" When the person says "NO! This watch belonged to my grandfather and it's the only thing I have to remember him by," they have answered their own question. The simple answer is that your watch is worth whatever it is worth to you... and if there's no amount of money you would sell it for, then it must be priceless!
The bottom line is that what a disinterested watch collector or antique dealer might pay for your watch has absolutely no bearing on the special personal value of a well-worn watch that your great-grandfather carried in his pocket every day while working for the railroad,. We just don't know how to assign a monetary value to that.
That said, the definitive guide to collector's value of watches is "The Complete Price Guide to Watches" by Shugart, Engle, and Gilbert. That book has a wealth of information for those interested in learning more about collectible watches and their "book" fair-market values.
How old is my watch?
For some of the major brands for which serial number records are available, dating a watch is as simple as looking up the serial number (the serial number from the movement of the watch, not the serial number from the case). We've listed serial number tables in the Company Histories section of our web site whenever possible. For other watches, an approximate date can only be established by evaluating the style and manufacturing details of the watch.
Is my watch worth repairing?
That's another question that only you can answer. We always advise our customers honestly if it's going to cost $300 to fix a $50 watch... sometimes a repair just doesn't make sense. But if your watch is a family heirloom that has come down to you through several generations, then it obviously has high sentimental value to you that might make it worth repairing at almost any price. We'd be happy to offer our honest advice and opinion during the course of our repair estimate, but whether you proceed with a repair is a decision that only you can make.
If I send you a picture of my watch, can you tell me when it was made and what it's worth?
Sorry, but no we can't. In fact, in order to protect our computers from unwanted viruses, we don't even open email attachments that are from unknown senders. We spend our time fixing watches for our customers, not researching the values and/or histories of watches for people who send us pictures through email. We are not 'Antiques Roadshow,' and you really can't imagine how many times we get asked that particular question!
What I'll do is refer you right back here to the Frequently Asked Questions or to the Watch Company Histories pages of our web site where we've done our best to provide you with some useful resources that will help you to establish the age and history of your watch, and some pointers on further researching its value.
I have a watch (or watch collection) I want to sell. How do I go about it?
 We buy and sell many watches each year, and we are always in the market for quality vintage watches to replenish our inventory. We pay a premium price for certain brands and models, for repeaters, and for watches in excellent condition. We have built a reputation of fairness and honesty in every transaction, and you can be assured that you will be treated fairly when you bring us a watch. I sincerely hope you will give us the opportunity to earn your trust and your business when you're ready to sell.
There are several ways you can sell your watches to us. If you live in the Seattle area you can call us to arrange an appointment. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss a possible sale at a time that is most convenient for you.
If a trip to Seattle isn't in your plans, you may also send us your watches for an evaluation and a purchase offer. Upon receipt of your watch, we'll do a full and careful evaluation and I will contact you immediately (and personally!) with our purchase offer for your watch. If you agree to our offer, we'll send funds immediately by the method of your choosing. If you send us your watch and don't wish to accept our offer, we will immediately return your watch in exactly the same condition it was received, and we'll even pay the return shipping!
How do you determine the value of my watch?
Like most antiques, condition and rarity are the most important factors in determining the price your watch will bring. We use our extensive knowledge of the vintage watch market, as well as current "book value" to determine the retail fair market value of your watch or collection, and then we will present you with an offer that gives you the best possible price for your watch while still allowing us a little room to resell the watch at a reasonable profit. We often hear that our offers are the best in the business. We'll do everything we can to make your transaction with us a pleasant and profitable experience for you, and we have many satisfied customers!
What kinds of watches do you purchase?
We specialize in American Railroad pocket watches and fine vintage mechanical wristwatches, but we will purchase any mechanical watch of good quality. We will pay premium price for repeaters, unusual watches, watches with unusual dials, and for watches in extra fine condition. We also purchase Hamilton "Electrics." We do not purchase modern quartz watches.
If I send a picture of my watch, can you make me an offer for it?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accurately assess the condition (and therefore the value) of your watches without a "hands-on" evaluation of the watch, so we are not able to make offers via photographs or email. If you send us a clear photograph showing both the dial side and the movement of the watch, we can at least tell you if it is a watch we would likely be interested in purchasing.
What if you don't return my watch, or don't pay me?
 That might work once or twice, but it's not a very good long-term business strategy. If we did that, we wouldn't be in business for very long, and we certainly wouldn't enjoy the reputation we've earned as a fair and honest watch dealer. I wouldn't risk my business, my family's livelihood, and my professional reputation by acting dishonestly in any transaction... no watch is worth that! My kids have grown rather fond of eating dinner each night, and if I'm out of business (or in jail) I'd have a hard time feeding them!
People are often reluctant to trust a business they have never worked with before, and I fully understand that. I encourage you to research the reputation of the company or individual you're working with, and trust your instinct!
I am a professional watchmaker, dealer and collector. I am a member in good standing of the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute where I serve on the National Watchmaker's Ethics committee. I am also a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and a chapter officer in the Washington Watchmakers - Clockmakers Association. Call and talk to me directly and I will be happy to address any concerns you may have.
Every day we receive valuable, sometimes priceless, heirloom watches that have been sent to us for repair and/or purchase evaluation. We handle hundreds of customer watches each year, and we have hundreds of extremely satisfied customers (read some of their comments here). You can be assured that your sale will be handled securely, quickly, fairly, and with complete confidentiality.
Can I sell my watches myself and realize more profit?
Maybe... but only if you know what your watches are really worth! If you sell your watches yourself you are more likely to realize a price that is closer to full retail fair market value than if you sell to us or any other dealer. Like any dealer, we have to purchase a watch at a price that allows us to resell it at a fair and reasonable profit.
On the other hand, if you sell yourself without knowing the real value of your watch, it will be hard for you to know if you're getting a fair price for it. So working with an honest dealer you can trust is still the best way to safely and securely sell your watches. This is especially true if you are selling a larger collection, or if you are simply not sure of the value of your watches.
If you do decide to sell your watches yourself, here are a couple of pointers. Do as much research as you can to determine the true value of your watches. Don't assume that the price your neighbor told you or the insurance appraisal you got from your local jeweler is the accurate market value of your vintage watch... it probably is not! It takes experience and familiarity with the antique watch market to determine an accurate value. There are also many variations in model or construction that can significantly change the value of a watch... are the train wheels gold or brass? Is that a diamond end-stone on the balance? Is the case solid gold or gold plate? What do those markings on the movement really mean? All of these items and many more can make a significant difference in what a watch is worth.
When you are ready to sell, we hope that you will give us a call. We'll do our best to earn your trust and your business.
Do you buy watchmaker's tools? How about watch parts?
Yes, and yes! We buy watchmaker's tools. We buy watch parts. We buy watches!
All watchmakers are tool-junkies... it comes with the profession! We are always interested in purchasing good-quality watchmakers tools, and organized collections of watch materials (parts). I'll purchase small collections or complete watchmaker's shops. We are currently buying complete watches, partial watch movements, pocketwatch movements, wristwatch movements, balance staffs, jewels, stems, mainsprings, glass crystals, watch cases, crowns, Bestfit assortments, Larose assortments, Newall assortments, Swartchild assortments, watch dials, horological books, watchmakers lathes, watchmaker's benches, and just about any other horological items. Before you sell your shop inventory please give us a call.
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