Get a Watch Appraisal By Worthy's Experts
A Worthy Watch Authentication
A watch authentication is very different from a jewelry or diamond appraisal in terms of process and the factors considered. that being said, a watch authentication requires a completely different kind of expertise. It is important to work with a company or individual who offers as many years of experience and as little bias as possible.
It is also the case that many jewelers are qualified to inspect and evaluate watches.
What is a Watch Appraisal?
A watch appraisal is a process that takes physical appearance, functionality, rarity, and general condition into account in order to provide an estimate of monetary value, often for insurance or tax purposes. Watch appraisals provide a dollar value that can be used to determine the cost of a replacement if an insurance claim is ever needed, as well as to provide the taxable value of an item.
In all, there are 27 different types of appraisals. All should culminate in a definitive statement of value with a seal or an authorized appraiser’s signature. The certificate should include a statement of the appraisal purpose.
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What is a Watch Evaluation and Authentication?
While a watch appraisal is a process that assigns a specific monetary value to the timepiece in question, a watch evaluation and authentication is different. Instead of assessing the watch to determine value, this in-depth process is used to analyze every attribute to ensure authenticity and provide potential buyers with a thorough report that details the watch’s features and condition.
The first thing our experts look at is any paperwork that may have come with the watch. This is very helpful in completing the evaluation as it confirms the authenticity at the outset. From there, the serial number is located. In different brands, the serial number is placed in varied locations. In the steps that follow, other aspects are examined to see whether the watch is broken, scratched, refurbished, or recently repaired. Once the authentication is complete, our experts professionally photograph your watch and compose a sales description to accompany it to auction.
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Why Worthy Doesn’t Provide Watch Appraisals
Appraisals typically include a quoted monetary value for the timepiece in question. Sometimes the quote is lower than the watch’s market value and sometimes, it’s higher. This can lead to confusion.
Here at Worthy, we do things a bit differently. When your watch goes up for auction, hundreds of watch experts and professional buyers view the images and description of your watch. Then the bidding begins. With the final highest bid, the true market value of your watch is revealed. We believe that this is the fairest and most relevant method of assigning value to your watch. It is also our method for ensuring that you receive the highest market value possible.
Factors that Affect the Value of Your Watch
Brand Authenticity - Both the brand name itself and accompanying paperwork are considered in a watch appraisal. These apply in our evaluation and authentication processes as well. Brands that are particularly valuable fall into the same category as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Hublot, Breitling, and more. It is also the case that the watch’s value will increase if it is still with the original box. These help to determine that the watch is real and made with the high-level craftsmanship associated with that brand.
Quality- A watch’s quality is all about the craftsmanship. For generations, the Swiss have been the most prominent in the watch industry in regards to quality. From the mechanics down to the exterior details, Swiss craftsmanship is unparalleled. Most of the prominent high-end luxury brands incorporate Swiss elements into their watches.
Condition- The condition of your watch affects the outcome of a watch appraisal or evaluation. Many high-quality durable watches can still be scratched, break, or simply stop moving after time. Non-working watches can still be valuable and accepted for resale but the overall value will be impacted. If a watch is scratched or broken, it will typically fetch lower offers than an identical watch in excellent condition.
Recently Auctioned Watches:
Materials- This refers to watch the watch is made of. If a watch is made of gold casing versus gold plated casing, it is much more valuable to buyers. The face of the watch can be comprised of rare materials such as mother of pearl, onyx, or even opal. The hands of the watch can also be very valuable, made with white gold, platinum, pearl, steel, etc.
Unique features- Purely mechanical winds, perpetual calendars, and transmitters, are among unique features that some of the most coveted brands include in their watches. These elements set brands apart from others and can help them fetch very high resale prices.
Market Demand- Many watch owners are disappointed when they realize that a watch that was purchased for $15,000 is worth only a fraction of the price. Even if the watch is in good condition and made with high-quality materials, market demand for that particular watch can fluctuate, affecting the resale price. Worthy gives you the right to decline the highest bid if it isn’t to your satisfaction.
Selling Your Watch
If you are looking to sell your watch, we are here to help you get the highest market value. Because each of the luxury watches we sell on behalf of our clients is unique, we match it with an expert who is well-versed in evaluating similar watches, and who has the expertise required to provide a completely objective authentication which will ultimately increase buyer satisfaction and help you receive the best possible value. Your watch will be thoroughly cleaned as part of this process, and after the evaluation has been completed, it will be professionally photographed using the best digital imaging equipment available. One of our experts will then write an appealing selling description as a final step in preparing your watch for auction. We take on the work of assessing and selling your watch without any obligation or commitment from you. All of these services are a part of the process with Worthy and come at no extra charge.
My experience on Worthy selling a Breitling watch was an absolute pleasure.
Bryan Olson · Mentor, Ohio
