Buying, Selling & Valuation
Buying and selling watches comes with a language of its own. Condition, provenance, originality, rarity, market value and the presence of boxes and papers can all influence how a watch is described, assessed and ultimately valued.
This section explains the terminology you are likely to encounter when buying, selling or valuing watches. It covers dealer and auction terminology, pricing and condition descriptions, authenticity, provenance, documentation and the factors collectors use when assessing a watch and its place in the market.
Glossary terms
AppreciationA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Appreciation.
Asking PriceA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Asking Price.
Auction HouseA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Auction House.
Authenticity GuaranteeA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Authenticity Guarantee.
Authorised Dealer (AD)A retailer officially approved by a watch brand to sell its new watches and provide associated brand-backed services.
Available NowA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Available Now.
ConditionA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Condition.
ConsignmentA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Consignment.
Current ProductionA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Current Production.
Customs DutyA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Customs Duty.
Dealer WarrantyA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Dealer Warranty.
DepreciationA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Depreciation.
DiscontinuedA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Discontinued.
Discount to RetailA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Discount to Retail.
Excellent ConditionA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Excellent Condition.
Full SetCollector shorthand for a watch sold with its expected original accessories, typically including box and papers, though contents vary by brand and era.
Good ConditionA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Good Condition.
Grey DealerA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Grey Dealer.
Grey MarketThe legitimate sale of genuine watches through channels that are not authorised by the manufacturer.
Retail PriceThe official or stated selling price of a watch when offered new through the brand or authorised retail channel.
Warranty CardA buying, selling or valuation term used in the watch market: Warranty Card.