Appraisal & Evaluation
“Known for [an] encyclopedic knowledge…”– the Robb Report
The reliability and accuracy of a watch appraisal depend on the expertise, experience, and thoroughness of the specialist conducting it.
Whether you need a verbal Fair Market Valuation or a written Insurance Replacement Appraisal, we provide professional valuations for individual watches, collections, and estates. Our process involves a detailed examination of the watch, a review of supporting documentation when available, and research into current market conditions and past and present sales of the same or comparable models.
Original purchase receipts, dealer asking prices, auction estimates, and online listings are useful reference points, but none alone establishes an accurate, unbiased current value. A proper appraisal goes beyond identifying a watch model and comparing online prices. It requires a thorough, independent assessment of the watch and relevant market evidence to establish a well-supported valuation. Without one, you may have little certainty that your watch is properly valued or adequately insured.
The importance of an accurate valuation does not end when the appraisal is completed. As volatility in the luxury watch market continues to intensify, the relevance of an appraisal can change rapidly, with valuations becoming outdated in a comparatively short period. We therefore recommend reviewing your appraisal periodically and updating it as needed to ensure your insurance coverage reflects your watch’s current market value.
Getting Started
If you are considering an appraisal, simply email us at mastersoftime@gmail.com a few photographs of the watch along with any information or documentation you may have available, such as the reference number, papers, box, original receipts or service records, or a previous appraisal.
Once we receive the information, we will advise you on the appropriate type of appraisal or valuation for your goal and outline the next steps.
Fair Market Valuation
A Fair Market Valuation reflects the price a watch could reasonably be expected to command in its current condition, between willing parties, under appropriate market conditions. This is useful when considering a sale, purchase, estate settlement, or division of assets.
Insurance Replacement Appraisal
An Insurance Replacement Appraisal establishes an appropriate replacement value for insurance purposes. It is intended to reflect the realistic cost of replacing the watch with the same or a comparable example through an appropriate market, rather than its expected resale price. The purpose of this appraisal is to provide a documented value should the watch be lost, stolen, or damaged and require replacement.
Please contact us at: mastersoftime@gmail.com with any questions, to explore the valuation service best suited to your needs, and to learn how current market conditions may have affected the value of your timepiece.
Our Appraisal Process:
- close examination of the watch components, including case, dial, hands, crown, movement, bracelet, clasp
- assessment of the reference number, materials, age, authenticity, condition, originality, markings, hallmarks, craftmanship, movement specifications
- make note of any distinctive or noteworthy features
- where relevant, we consider the watch’s production history, design characteristics, historical context, rarity, provenance, and completeness of its original accessories and documentation
- research relevant past and current sales of the same or closely comparable watches, considering differences in condition, configuration, originality, provenance, and market circumstances