Authentication & Originality Assessment
“We very much appreciate your expertise.”– Jeff R.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your vintage watch is truly original, period-correct, or has acquired less-than-ideal replacements over the course of its life, you’re not alone.
Our Authentication & Originality Assessment examines the watch from two distinct, but complementary perspectives. Together, these two viewpoints provide a fuller picture of the watch by distinguishing clearly authenticity (whether its components are genuine) from originality (whether they are the components originally fitted to that particular watch).
In the process, we seek to establish, as precisely as the evidence allows, how closely the watch corresponds to the piece that once left the factory, and what may have happened to it along the way.
For a deeper understanding of your timepiece’s authenticity, originality, and history, we invite you to contact us at mastersoftime@gmail.com.
Authentication is concerned primarily with whether the watch and its components are genuine and factory issued. As part of this process, we establish the correct reference and production period, then examine every element for evidence of authenticity, from the case and movement to the dial, hands, and clasp.
Additional characteristics including reference and serial numbers, movement caliber, construction, markings, hallmarks and engravings are compared against documented factory specifications and period examples.
The objective is to identify any incorrect or aftermarket components and establish whether the watch is genuinely what it is represented to be.
The Originality Assessment goes further, recognizing that a given timepiece can be authentic without remaining entirely original. From this perspective, each component is viewed in relation to the watch’s age, model-specific criteria, and original factory specifications. The central question is how faithfully has the watch retained its original configuration.
We identify and differentiate among components original to the watch, period-correct replacements, genuine but later service parts, refinished or restored elements, and non-original additions. Case polishing, dial condition and printing, lume, hand styles, bezel and crown variations, and bracelet and clasp details are examined for evidence of alteration, replacement, or repair.