Factors that affect the value of your timepiece

Brand Authenticity:

The brand name is a great indicator of the value of your watch. Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Universal Genève, Hublot, Breitling and so on are particularly valuable because they are considered trustworthy watchmakers. Hence demand on the market is high for these brands. It is also the case that the watch’s value will increase if it is still with the original box.

Watch Quality:

With highly reknowned brands, like the ones mentioned above, comes quality. For decades, Swiss brands in particular, have built a very strong quality reputation as watchmakers. It takes years for the most valuable timepieces to get on the market and every little detail is being scrutinized and tested from the mechanics down to the exterior details. Buying a high end luxury brand is more than just customer relationship, it is a seal of trust between the owner of a watch and the watchmaker.

Watch Condition:

While high luxury timepiece are built to last, watches are going through the test of time and are never safe from being scratched or broken. While it is possible to repair most watches, the overall  value of the timepiece will be impacted. However, it is still possible to sell a scratched a broken watch, at a cost. The quote for a watch will also depend whether it is a vintage or modern watch, if it is pre-owned or brand new, in a good or perfect condition, etc.

Watch Materials:

The value of a watch depends on the materials that are being used. For example, a gold casing versus a gold plated casing is unsurprisingly more valuable. Other rare materials such as pearl, onyx, opal are taken into account into the estimate, as well as the materials used in the hands of the watch whether it is white gold, platinum, pearl, (stainless) steel, and so on.
Watch Unique features: Purely mechanical winds, perpetual calendars, 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 fetch very high resale prices.

Watch Market Demand:

While all the above statements will define the price of a watch, its rarity and its purity, the market demand factor can’t avoided. Many watch owners are disappointed when they realize their watch is worth only a fraction of the price they put in it initially. Also, prices fluctuate over time as offer can diminish for a specific watch. If prices are low for your timepiece, it may not be the right time for selling it and it sometimes is wise to wait until the market is ready to buy your property for what it is really worth.