Watch Valuation – Watches from the 16th century to present day

In the last decade, there has been a monumental change in the way in which watches are purchased and valued, and as such the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe (amongst many others) have had a huge increase in market values. Doerr Dallas specialists can provide a watch valuation of these collectable timepieces.

Since the Egyptians invented the sundial around 5,000 years ago, our need to know the time has evolved in many ways. That circular design is thought to have influenced the design of watches.

The history of watches began in 16th-century Europe, where watches evolved from portable spring-driven clocks, which first appeared in the 15th century.

The watch that was developed from the 16th century to the mid-20th century was a mechanical device, powered by winding a mainspring which turned gears and then moved the hands. It kept time with a rotating balance wheel. In the 1960s the invention of the quartz watch which ran and kept time with a vibrating quartz crystal, proved a radical departure for the watchmaking industry. During the 1980s quartz watches dominated the watch market.

However, the top level of horology still used the best available mechanical movements, creating not only timepieces, but works of art. This has seen the mechanical watch becoming one of the most important areas of valuation in the jewellery sector of recent years and the ever-increasing variety of models and the desirability of certain incarnations of these means that details and proper valuations have never been more important. From a diamond-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, to a classic Deco Cartier tank model, we have seen and valued some of the world’s great watches, and our specialists are regularly called on to advise clients around the globe regarding their collections.

Our team of industry-recognised specialists at Doerr Dallas works together to offer you an independent service to provide valuations of fine art, antiques, jewellery, watches and classic cars, we also offer a full range of other art-related advisory services.

We offer our clients a personal, professional, friendly, discreet and completely confidential service.

Working closely with leading firms of insurance brokers, insurers, solicitors, wealth managers, private banks and professional advisers to provide an efficient and timely service.

The Desktop Watch Valuation

The watch market can be volatile depending on your watch.  So, if you own a Patek Phillip, Audemars Piguet, a Rolex, Laurent Ferrier, Piaget or a Cartier? If your current watch valuation is old or out of date, you could be out of pocket should you suffer a loss of your watch.

The watch market has seen some very big changes in recent years. For example A Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner bought in 2000 would have cost you around £3,000 for a brand new model, bought from a boutique. The equivalent model bought today would cost you £6,450+  If you want to buy a brand new Rolex Submariner right now, you will pay anything up to £13,500+, the secondary market is thriving and these watches do sell at this kind of figure.

So, we are offering our clients a remote desktop Watch Valuation service.

What you need to do:

1. Send us 3-4 good quality photographs of your watches both front and back, including a close up of the dial and back of the dial
2. We require the following:
   1. Copies of any receipts or certificates / warranty card
   2. Model & Serial numbers
   3. Date of purchase
3. Dial measurements
4. Photo of the original packaging if available
5. Your full name; address; contact number and email address

You will receive a Valuation document from Doerr Dallas Valuations in pdf form within 5 working days from the receipt of information. Our report will provide you with an up- to-date TRUE replacement value for the purpose of Insurance Replacement.

Our special offer fee is £50 per Watch plus VAT @ 20%.

For a large Collection of Watches (more than 12) and or Jewellery we would be pleased to offer you a home visit at a special rate to appraise in person and, also provide you with clasp and settings checks.