Comic Valuations

Comics – No Laughing Matter!

Superman, Ironman, Spider-Man, and Batman…..a multi billion dollar film industry that has stood the test of time and still attracts new fans on a weekly basis. With four Avengers films alone taking up spaces in the top ten highest-grossing films of all time, and Black Panther just outside at number eleven it’s an ever growing franchise with spin off series, merchandise and products every year.

Most fans are aware that originally these characters were invented for comic books published by either DC Comics, or Marvel Comics, with Superman arriving back in 1939 and Batman a year later. However, more recently we are seeing clients looking at Comic Books as an interesting and inventive form of investment with prices of rare and mint comics making well into the millions.
The collecting of comic books is not a new thing, generations of fans have been scouring auctions and trading for years, but in the last 20 years, with the advent of the internet , the comic book has become a fantastically transportable asset with a great worldwide audience – much like the films.

There are three factors to consider when looking at a comic book;
Least importantly is provenance – whilst there are great collections throughout the world, it only attracts a small premium.

Superman #1 (DC 1939) 5.0 graded Valued for insurance £750,000

Secondly is rarity – these were books meant for reading and as such so few survived probably more than a month before the next issue was out with the next instalment depicting the journey of our favourite superhero.

The last and possibly most important is condition – collectors want the best and will pay for that privilege. In most arenas condition is subjective, however in comics it is not – there are rules and standards that dictate what grade it should be given. In the higher echelons of comic books the difference between a 9.4 and a 9.5 can be as much as £50,000 so accuracy is vital.

Avengers #1 (Marvel 1963) 9.6 graded Valued for insurance £420,000

Fashion and the huge film industry plays a huge part in the value fluctuation of certain books, and we have personally seen comics increase in value by as much as 60% overnight when one of the film studios announce their next project with a plethora of new Hollywood superstars. What this does mean is that regular valuation is vital in order to protect these assets, and we would always recommend a 12 monthly appraisal with the higher value comics.

The Importance of Having your Watches Valued

You can buy a perfectly reliable and accurate watch for £100 or you can buy one for £1million plus.   Of the top 10 brands, most have about 10 ranges each with about 10 models – plus the myriad of other lesser brands, so getting watch valuation prices accurate is very important.

It’s in the makers’ interest to ring the changes and bring out new models on a regular basis – no self-respecting Manchester United footballer’s wife could be seen today wearing a 2010 model Cartier watch and it’s not often a new model will sell for less than its predecessor, so a watch can quickly become underinsured.

With very, very few exceptions the second-hand value of a watch can be as little as a half or quarter of its new retail price of the current comparable model.  So from both the insured’s and the insurers’ points of view (and the watch valuer’s too!) it is very important to establish if the policy offers ‘new for old’ or ‘like for like’ cover.

There are only two UK based watch manufacturers so 99% of watches sold here are imported so are subject to currency fluctuation. Precious metal and gem stone prices are also prone to price changes – and as most of the top brand models are hand made the cost of skilled watch makers is an important factor in a watch’s retail price.

Condition can be an important factor and should be checked and commented on in a watch valuation.  Particularly in a precious metal watch with a bracelet rather than a leather strap where clasps, buckles and links can wear over time, there’s a risk of the watch falling off with consequent damage or loss.  Also, gem set watches should be checked for claw and setting wear – to source a suitable replacement stone and get it mounted by a skilled setter can be a very expensive exercise.

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Watch fakes (or replicas!)

I must mention fakes – or replicas as the makers prefer to call them! 30 years ago the first Rolex fakes came on the scene and even to the untrained eye they were unconvincing, they weighed half what an original did, they often had quartz movements rather than automatic and  some even had spelling mistakes on the dial.  The 18 carat gold parts of the original watches were made of thin gold plate which could wear through in a couple of months. The new ones are very much better and can be embarrassingly convincing, however most of the better watch brands will have a numbering system, stamping an individual serial number on a watch and in some cases the model range number, so with a bit of research we can be pretty sure. Just a quick ‘trick of the trade’ note on fakes – since about 1980 all Cartier watches with roman numerals will have a secret ‘signature’ on the dial. You may need a quizzing glass or similar but look carefully at all the straight lines of the roman numerals and one of them will not be a line but is the name Cartier spelt out in tiny letters – it’s a detail very hard and expensive to replicate. Cartier change where this ‘signature’ is each year, so you can get an approximate date for the watch, also.
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If the insured is in the position of having to buy a replacement for a lost or stolen watch we do recommend that for the major brands they go to an official agent.  There are many ‘on line’ sites offering very tempting discounts, but problems can occur with warranty and repair claims. Also, in the event of wishing to sell the watch, having original receipts, paperwork and boxes will add value.

We normally recommend an annual review and a revaluation every 3 years and a condition inspection every three.

Our watch valuation document will give full details of the watch, noting individual serial numbers and model references where possible, and a close-up photograph, so in the event of a claim or a ‘post loss’ identification situation.

Call us today to enquire about an appointment on 01883 722736 or email [email protected] or visit our website www.doerrvaluations.co.uk