Antique Pocket Watch Value
I quickly appraised the pocket watch value as being around the $50-100 mark. Now, rather than say to the person "The pocket watch value is only about $50, are you sure you want it cleaned?" which would be the response most people might give, I thought I would delve a little deeper into the history of the watch. The results were interesting...
This watch had been in the same family since it was bought by the person's Grand Father, nearly 90 years ago. It had travelled (with its owner!) around the world several times and had been presented to him by his Mother just before she passed away, nearly 15 years ago. Suddenly, this watch was more than just "worth $50". This watch was priceless - not to me, but to the person who owned and loved it. It had a heart, a soul and a life all of its own! This was a reminder to me never to prejudge anyone who brought any watch to me for any reason, because I simply don't know the true value to them. The person's final remark brought the true value home: "I don't care what it costs, can you just fix it please?"
Supply & Demand
On a more practical level, pocket watch value for the collector is a product of Supply & Demand, condition, metals used in production, maker and age (low serial numbers generally fetch higher prices). One thing to bear in mind when purchasing any antique item, but especially pocket watches, is that although there were millions made and there are still millions in circulation, the Demand for these watches is increasing and the Supply is decreasing! All things being equal and barring worldwide depression, antique pocket watch value will increase as time goes by.
By now you are probably thinking: "Easy question, difficult answer," and you would be right! However, by searching out information on pocket watches you will soon become much more knowledgable and confident. This is the part that needs some effort on your part, visit your local antique dealers, check out their goods and if you like what they have on offer, don't be afraid to make an offer.
Insurance valuation is usually based on replacement value - if you had to replace the item from a retail source, what would it cost? This would be a pocket watch value plucked from a reputable pocket watch guide book, for example. Insurance values are generally higher than free market prices.
The Importance of eBay
Keep your eye on eBay auctions and keep track of prices; soon you will feel more comfortable in your decision making process and over time will learn how to make quick "guesstimate" appraisals on-the-fly. Take a look at this photo below: The person selling this item said that this watch was in "perfect working order". Can you spot how I knew that the person was being less than honest with me? (This was an eBay sale). Take a few moments to study the photo...
Can you see it? (Click pic for bigger picture)
Take a look at the hour hand. See how it bends downwards? It is in fact being pushed by the minute hand so there is no way that the watch can be said to be in "working order". This is a problem with buying sight unseen, you have to ask questions before committing. After the event it is generally too late.
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