Watch Valuations & Auctions Overview
In an era when perfect time is available via the microchip, luxury wristwatches by well-known brands offer something distinct - style, engineering and status, whilst pocket watches offer collectors a purist view of exceptional craftsmanship in watchmaking.
Watch Valuations
Our specialist team can assist in auction, insurance and probate valuations of your watch collection. With years of industry experience and expertise in valuing luxury timepieces, our watch specialist is able to assist clients with a range of requirements. From that unworn wristwatch lurking away in a drawer, inherited pieces, gifts, spur of the moment purchases, or entire collections, we can help with an up-to-date valuation and further recommendations on how to proceed according to each situation.
Are watches a good investment?
With demand fuelled by buyers from the international community and a wealth of information now available via the internet, prices have accelerated in recent years. In particular, the market is strong for military issue watches from the Second World War era and the later ‘tool’ watches created for submariners, airmen and sportsmen.
Which watches are the most valuable?
Watch value has as much to do with quality of craftmanship as well as how attractive it looks and the materials it is made from. A gold Rolex is always going to be an item of significant value with rare items, complications and limited-run movements selling for substantial sums. Beyond Rolex there are also many prestigious watch brands that hold significant value with rare sought-after examples continuing to rise in price.
Vintage Rolex Explorers, Daytonas and Submariners and Omega Seamsters and Speedmasters have all proved to be a spectacular investment and owners should seek advice regarding current insurance and resale values. Priced sensibly, there is also solid demand for good quality pre-owned watches that can typically be bought at auction for a fraction of their retail cost.
A national leader in auctions and valuations since 1955, we now hold four dedicated Fine Jewellery & Watch auctions each year, featuring wristwatches from sought-after names such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, and countless other reputed watchmakers, as well as a fantastic array of pocket watches dating from the 17th century onwards. We help our clients achieve the best prices for their items by combining our expert market knowledge and experience with a specialist online auction programme and international marketing.
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Meet the Watch Valuation Specialist
Liz Bailey, MA, FGA, DGA
Watches Directory
Browse our A-Z of sought-after watchmakers and brands that go under the hammer in our quarterly fine watches sales, together with achieved prices, a history of the brand, and important value factors.
