What drives value
- Reference and rarity — limited production and discontinued models
- Condition — original, unpolished cases command a premium
- Completeness — box, papers and service history ("full set")
- Provenance — documented ownership and originality of parts
The major houses
Rolex
The benchmark for liquidity and value retention. Sports models like the Submariner, GMT-Master II and Daytona carry waitlists and strong resale — and the highest counterfeit volume, so authentication matters.
Patek Philippe
The connoisseur’s marque, from the Nautilus and Aquanaut to grand complications. Values are high and full sets with papers are essential to protect value.
Audemars Piguet
Defined by the Royal Oak. Demand far outstrips supply, driving both prices and the incentive to forge — verify integrated bracelets and dial finishing carefully.
Richard Mille
Extreme engineering at extreme prices. The values involved make independent authentication and escrow non-negotiable for private sales.
Authentication essentials
- Match serial and reference numbers to the papers
- Inspect movement, finishing and weight against the genuine reference
- Verify the "full set" — box, papers, service records
- Use an independent watchmaker for high-value pieces
Buying safely
However well you know the market, the payment is still the point of maximum risk in a private sale. Escrow holds your funds until the watch is delivered and authenticated, so expertise and protection work together.
