In this Article I will deal with the following when you want to value a watch
What factors affect the value of a watch
How do you value a watch
Where can I get comparison Values of a watch
Does age affect the value of my watch
Where can I get my watch valued
Where can I sell my watch after valuation
Can I sell a broken watch
As the watch buyer at Watches Of Westminster Im afraid to say the valuing of watches is not a precise science most of the time !
The value of items such as watches will with most goods vary on a number of factors some of which can work in reverse for certain watches /models even down to the personal preferences of the valuer.
For example a 50 year old Rolex Submariner will have a much greater value than a 5 year old Submariner IF it is original. A 1 year old Submariner will have more value than a 5 year old Submariner for the same model BUT a 5 year old Submariner with box and papers in unworn condition will have a greater value than a 6 month old worn/scratched submariner with no box or papers.
There are generally 6 prices / values for a watch ( highest first )
The price at retail new – often know as the insurance replacement value for a equivalent model.
The price a London based West End retailer might ask for the same watch once used/sold.
The price a London Based West End retailer will accept for a watch if made an offer ( when needing to obtain their bonus for the month end )
The price a online retailer ( with lower overheads ) will ask for a watch
The price a private seller will accept for a watch ( no warranty given or implied ) and a fast sale on for example Ebay.
The price a private seller will be happy to accept for a watch without the hassle of trying to sell it privately i.e. to a trader/retailer.
There are of course a few variations on these 6 especially when considering the first rule of retailing which is supply and demand which to a certain extent do not apply to vintage watches of any note as the supply is pretty much fixed although it has to be said that Ebay has not done certain watch prices a favour as people realised a few years back when it started . People realised there was a cheap and easy way to sell their old watches and ended up flooding the market hence driving prices down.
British army watch
All starting to look a bit complicated ? Well I’ll simplify it ( and then complicate it further ).
If you know what watch you have take a look at Ebay or Chrono 24 and you will get a feel for what your watch might sell for in the market ( rarely the asking price ). You will need to make an assessment on its condition , service history and the presence of original box and papers . Deduct the cost of a full service (£200 to £600 ) , the cost of a polish and perhaps a new strap , the cost/risk of a 12 month warranty , the normal overheads for any business and of course VAT ( any reputable watch business will have long passed the turnover threshold for VAT of about 6k a month , thats turnover not profit ) which is taken off any GROSS profit and then Corporation tax which is on nett profit. The complication is that this figure will vary for every watch.
You then might not be too surprised why you are being offered about half of what you thought your watch was worth !
Now the big caveat on all of this is the watch itself. A expensive say 10k watch will not take such a large ( in proportion ) hit as a 1k watch but these same numbers make certain watches simply not worth buying which is why I have now introduced a lower buying limit. Making 100% profit on a £200 watch may sound great but in fact any decent watch firm will be making a loss !
The simplest solution is to simply let Watches Of Westminster give you a purchase value. Theres no obligation to sell and its a free service. We are open pretty much 7 days a week 12 hours a day for online contact although most if not all watches will need a full inspection to determine their true condition and originality.
If you have a watch you want valued just contact us with details of your watch
The Amazing Omega Speedmaster 321 Moon Watch (ST 105 102)
Here at Watches of Westminster, we are passionate about any Vintage Omega Speedmaster especially the 321 pre moon watch. It is often referred to as the “Speedy” and started its life way back in 1957 as part of the Omega “Professional” collection. The idea of the “Speedy” was that it was introduced as a Chronograph for racing and sports. It was an Omega watch that continued the Aura around Omega’s position as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games. This, at the time, was heralded as a huge achievement.
The story goes that in the early 1960”s, the astronaut’s kept pushing NASA to introduce a Certified and Official timepiece for all space missions.
In order for this watch to be considered for travelling to space and its more important status as the “first watch worn on the Moon”, NASA decided to short list a number of watches. The “Speedy” was on the list and they expressed an interest in testing the watch and made an enquiry to Omega with regard to the Speedmaster 105:003. Omega jumped at this opportunity.
tests, we understand, included for Noise levels, Humidity levels, Temperature levels, Oxygen levels, Shock, Decompression, Quality and obviously time keeping. There are numerous stories on this process and who was involved but the bottom line was that after countless and very methodical testing on the “Speedy” along with a Rolex, Hamilton and Longines-Wittnaur watches in 1964-1965, the “Speedy” was the chosen watch by NASA. This was a huge accolade in the 1960’s but is even greater now.
So the milestone of Vintage Omega Speedmaster happened on July 20th 1969 when the Apollo X1 crew of Neil Armstrong and Buz Aldrin landed on the moon wearing there Speedmasters and the rest is, as you say, history It is now talked of the “Moon watch”.
But for us here at Watches of Westminster, it is not just about the history. The Vintage Omega Speedmaster is a lovely 42mm size which was certainly unusual in the 1960’s along with having the most respected Calibre 321 movement which actually was introduced way back in 1942.
A collaboration between Omega and Lemania, It is regarded as one of the best Chronographs ever produced. But the ultimate accolade for this 1960’s watch is that the modern day version is very similar in style and looks to the “Moonwatch” emphasising the fact that it has lasted the test of time and is a true vintage classic and a watch on the top of most collectors list.
Here at Watches of Westminster we are keen to give you cash for your vintage Rolex Submariner or if you prefer a bank transfer , Paypal payment or even a Part Exchange and are willing to travel to you .
We are a small and friendly business that believes in personal service. Below are some of the Submariners we have bought in the past:
If you have one to sell please visit our free valuation page https://watchesofwestminster.co.uk/valuation/
If you need Cash for your vintage Rolex just give us a call on 07768316371 or send us details of your watch via our free valuation page or via Whattsapp on the same number.
and we will contact you with a valuation for your watch.
Many time customers who we have bought watches from have made it clear that most of the other watch buying firms make the whole process long winded and tedious. You have to send in details , arrange a “interview” , leave the watch with them for 2 weeks and then and only then do you get a offer. If you are not happy with the offer you then have to travel back to collect the watch. If you are not near to the shop , that is a lot of travelling !
To receive cash for your vintage Rolex we need is a decent picture of the front and back of the watch . We can work on those pictures and give you a price which would be subject to final inspection.
Is your watch broken or damaged ??
Most damage can be repaired but the cost is very high ( if you can get the parts ) so you may be better off taking Cash for your vintage Rolex as is as because we specialise in rescuing vintage watches.
We have tailored the process to be as fast and simple as possible. We can travel to you ( for the right watch ) or meet you at any safe place ( banks etc ) at a convenient time. We work weekends as well !
If you want to sell your Rolex GMT then here at Watches Of Westminster we love to buy vintage Rolex “tool” watches such as The Rolex GMT Master.
A 1971 GMT
We make the process very quick and simple . A staff member from Watches Of Westminster will also travel to your home to collect the Rolex GMT in person.
The Rolex GMT master came about in 1953 when Pan American Airlines and a airline from Europe ( quite possibly an Italian one ) actually approached Rolex ( who had one of the best reputations for tough accurate watches ) to develop a watch that could tell the time in 2 time zones. The Rolex GMT simply gets its name from Greenwich Mean Time and has been copied many times by other manufacturers.
Aeroplanes were not very sophisticated in those days as they are now and knowing the time in the time Zone you flew from and were flying to was quite important !
The watch with the Pepsi bezel is now an iconic design loved by many including myself ! The 2 below are in my collection !
WHAT ARE THEY WORTH ?
Part of our collection
Depends very much on age , dial condition and existence of paperwork and boxes but if you send us some decent pictures of the front and back of the watch plus any boxes or paperwork we can give you a fixed price for the watch the same day
At Watches Of Westminster we BUY vintage Rolex watches.
In fact we will only buy watches we personally like ( most of the time anyhow ) . Whilst what we do does at the end of the day have to pay our wages if you can’t have fun doing it then whats the point !
Rolex watch buying has its ups and downs however and whilst Rolex watches sell well there are a lot of copy watches around which to most people look original but as with everything in life all that glistens is not Gold !
I am currently compiling list of 101 ways to spot a fake Rolex but my best advice to any non expert is to not buy a Rolex from anywhere other than a proper retailer whether that be online or on your high St.
There are plenty of fake Rolex watches being sold on a number of well known sites but a lot of the owners do not even realise it !
A real Rolex is a joy to wear and I have one on my hand now ( 1988 Thunderbird ) . It keeps fantastic time , looks great and is not so big as to keep reminding you its there !
At watches of Westminster we are keen to give you a fair price for your vintage Rolex so just fill out our simple form and we can get back to you in hours with a price. No holding e mails and no posting your watch in if you don’t want to. Cash if you need it or bank transfer . WE TRAVEL TO YOU.
We like a challenge so if your watch is damaged or not running it will still have a value and we like repairing watches so have no fear in sending us details of your watch.
We also sell watches so if you want to p[art exchange your current watch for something we have in stock all the better.
Watches Of Westminster are specialists when it comes to buying pre owned vintage Rolex watches. We have over 60 years of experience in the buying and selling of both modern and vintage luxury watches.
When you start looking to sell your watch you will see that in the UK alone there are a great number of firms who will buy your watch. However none of the watch buying firms offer a to your door service and few will offer to buy your watch even if it is not working. We have both of these options.
For the right Vintage Rolex watches we are more than happy to travel to you, and value your watch there and then, in front of you, no posting your watch off and then having the worry of are your going to get paid or your watch back! Being based in central London we have easy access to all of the main transport nodes so it doesn’t matter if you are in Liverpool, Doncaster, Edinbugh or anywhere in the UK. We have even travelled abroad to collect a pre owned vintage watch previously. o you don’t need to search for “watch buyers near me” as we will come to you, and we are also quite happy to travel on an evening or even at a weekend, whichever suits you the most. All of this is to ensure our customers have a quick and easy sale experience.
Valuing Your Rolex Watch
Once we have valued your watch, we are quite happy to explain to you in detail how we have arrived at our valuation, and then if you are happy with the valuation we can provide same day payments in cash or bank transfer. If however, you would prefer to part exchange your Rolex watch for another or a different make of luxury or vintage watch, then this can be arranged. Simply browse our watches for sale page and we can bring a selection of our sale watches for you to have a look at.
Servicing Or Repairing A Broken Rolex
In addition to the buying and selling of Rolex watches we also offer state of the art servicing and repair services, for those who are not looking to sell their Rolex but would like to keep their watch in tip top condition or get it going again if it has stopped.
Whether you are looking to have your Rolex serviced or repaired, you are looking to sell your watch for cash or you would like to buy one of our pre-owned Rolex watches simply call us on 07768 316371 then we can do the rest.
Dating most vintage Rolex watches is pretty simple IF however you can get to the serial number . Once you have the serial number you can just look it up on the chart below. If of course you have the correct paperwork for the watch then all of the information will be listed there. BUT you may just want to check the paperwork matches the watch !
For most people owning a Rolex and wanting to know where the serial number is , the process sounds simple enough in that the model number is set between one set of lugs ( the 2 prongs the strap or bracelet sits between ) at 6 o clock and the serial number is between the other seat 12. Now the trick is to get at those numbers and then to know what they mean. This is true of many Rolex watches but by no means not all.
Generaly 1940’s to 2011 models have the numbers between the lugs. after 2005 the numbers become random and are engraved into the ring under the glass at the edge of the dial.
If you have a leather or metal strap there is an expanding pin which goes through the strap and which then locates into a smallhole in each lug. On earlier Rolex watches these holes go all the way through the lug and you can compress the pin buy pushing a paperclip through the hole about 2/3 mm whilst apply a bit of “pull” on the strap .
You should feel the pin pop out of its hole. On later Rolex watches there is no hole and you can get at the expanding pin from the back.
This is easier said than done and does take a bit of practice. Reinserting the pin is even trickier and if your not careful can chew up / mark the back of the lug.
If you get the strap / bracelet off and there is no serial numbers then the watch is a fake but be beware I have seen a number of watches where the number has either been worn down by the strap or if worn in humid climates sweat has attacked the stainless steel and corroded it making it difficult to read the numbers.
This Rolex makes it easy and dates to 1946. The number is on the edge of the case
When you start looking at early watches to find out “how old is my Rolex ” the number may be on the inside of the case
Year Number
2016 Random
2015 Random
2014 Random
2013 Random
2012 Random
2011 Random
2010 G
2009 V
2008 M OR V
2007 M OR Z
2006 D OR Z
2005 D
2005 F
2004 F
2003 F
2002 Y
2001 K OR Y
2000 K,000,001
2000 P,000,001
1999 A,000,001
1998 U,932,144
1997 U,000,001
1996 T,000,001
1995 W,000,001
1994 S,860,880
1993 S,000,001
1992 C,000,001
1991 N,000,001
1991 X,000,001
1990 E,000,001
1989 L,980,000
1988 R,598,200
1987 R,000,001
1987 9,400,000
1986 8,900,000
1985 8,614,000
1984 8,070,022
1983 7,400,000
1982 7,100,000
1981 6,520,870
1980 6,434,000
1979 5,737,030
1978 5,000,000
1977 5,008,000
1976 4,115,299
1975 3,862,196
1974 3,567,927
1973 3,200,268
1972 2,890,459
1971 2,589,295
1970 2,241,882
1969 1,900,000
1968 1,752,000
1967 1,538,435
1966 1,200,000
1965 1,100,000
1964 1,008,889
1963 824,000
1962 744,000
1961 643,153
1960 516,000
1959 399,453
1958 328,000
1957 224,000
1956 133,061
1955 97,000
1954 23,000
1953 855,726
1952 726,639
1951 709,249
1950
1949
1948 628,840
1947 529,163
1946 367,946
1945 302,459
1944 269,561
1943 230,878
1942 143,509
1941 106,047
1940 99,775
1939 71,224
1938 43,739
1937 40,920
1936 36,856
1935 34,336
1934 30,823
1933 29,562
1932 29,132
1931
1930 23,186
1929
1928 23,969
1927 20,190
1926 00,001
These numbers are approximate and do seem to vary depending on where you look so should be treated as a guide. It is not uncommon for some earlier cases to be fitted with later parts from the factory or at dealers so as ever caution must be used.
If you need some advice just send us details of your watch via our valuations page.
Very rare to find in such incredible condition and with its original dial , this Vintage Rolex 4498 watch is a must for any serious Rolex collector. Just serviced and running perfectly. Supplied with 12 months warranty , a presentation box and a certificate of authenticity.
We would consider a part exchange against this or any other of our sales watches.
We are always keen to come and look at whatever watch you have, inspect and value similar watches so please feel free to contact us at anytime via our free valuation page
Why would anyone want to buy a Rolex? Firstly around one million, yes 1,000,000 watches come out of Rolex in Switzerland and it is without doubt the most recognized and respected watch brand and mechanism in the world. You could argue that Rolex watches are now mass produced with those sort of figures, who could argue, but with a history going back to 1905 and being the only exclusive watch brand in the Forbes “most valuable brands” list, today, they are still the number one watch brand in the world. Rolex is also an unusual brand. It rarely changes it’s watches or at least not dramatically. You would be hard pressed to notice the difference between a Submariner from 1960’s and a current one, unless you are a Rolex aficionado.
What makes a Rolex even more special is the fact that unlike many other “Luxury brands”, they generally keep their value so they are a lovely long-term investment and highly desirable. In this world nowadays, there are very few items that you can feel comfortable about purchasing and in years to come, they have turned out to be a good investment but Rolex watches are one of those.
We, here at Watches of Westminster, often find that people buying Rolex’s do so because they are collectors and that they understand the brand inside and out. They also appreciate the quality, history, long-term value and fairly simplistic style of them. Other people purchase them as they feel like they need a status symbol around their wrist, celebrate a success or are just looking for a quality watch that will be reliable, robust and last a lifetime. What we find with Rolex watches are that they are so very reliable and that they will truly last for many years with a bit of care and attention.
Why would anyone want to buy a Rolex watch? You would be mad not too!!
DONT bother , just get a valuation from Watches of Westminster if your happy with it sell us your watch.
If in 5 working days you change your mind simply let us know in writing and we will let you buy your watch back at exactly the same price ( as long as we have not sold it !).
We offer a same day collection and payment service as long as you are not too far away and or we can send you a free postal pack .
Its a free and simple service please contact us for more information.
Watches of Westminster offer a fast and personalise watch buying and selling service.
Here are some of our purchases this month
We have found that most people selling or buying a modern or vintage watch especially for the first time are a little unsure of the process and can be a bit nervous when buying or selling over the internet.
WE ARE NOT LIKE OTHER COMPANIES !
Whist you can of course send your watch in by insured and signed for post ( as most people do ) we also offer a collection service via DHL , a postal pack service ( when we send you the pre paid postal pack ) or we can come and collect or deliver your watch personally depending where you are in the country.
We can pay cash when we collect and you can pay cash when we deliver. A simple and straightforward process we have carried out hundreds of times.
All items can be sent fully insured and well wrapped. If you are buying from abroad we also offer a “fly to buy” service. The cost of many air fares from Europe to London airports can often be the same as the cost of bank charges ( for money transfer ) , shipping and insurance. This means you can actually see the watch before you pay.
We will meet you at a London airport with the watch.
IF YOU SELL US YOUR WATCH AND THEN DECIDE YOU YOU WANT TO BUY IT BACK WITHIN 1 WEEK WE WILL LET YOU BUY IT BACK FOR THE PRICE WE PAID FOR IT PLUS ANY COLLECTION SERVICE AND REPAIR COSTS.
There is something about a watch with some history that to my mind really ads to its wearabilty.
The Explorer is quite often seen as less important that its bigger brothers ie the Daytona , Submariner and GMTs ( more of mine in another blog ) . True these watches are the money grabbers at auction or in the Burlington Arcade but in actual fact the Explorer is probably the more historically significant of these watches . If however as I am starting to learn , quite often with watches less is more and if you like wearing a timepiece that has some pedigree and history rather than one that shouts look at me I have money then you will really want to look further into this watch which is the master of understatement. Sure we all like wearing a “significant watch but this one is more of a watch collectors watch.There was one instance where a unique example with a white dial sold for $182,000 !! Unfortunately collectors are pushing the prices of these watches up almost every day so I would start looking now .
I have been buying watches for about a year now and this vintage Rolex Explorer was one of my most interesting finds.
Rolex Explorer
I was contacted via the web site by a youngish guy who had “inherited” it from his uncle. This is often a sign of a dodgy watch . He had however done some research on it and knew its model year and that it had a Jubilee bracelet ( I never fancied the Jubilee bracelet but yet again was proved wrong ! ).
We agreed a price via email and when I got to his house all seemed ok . I checked the reference numbers and all seemed correct. I now carry my timegrapher machine with me plus a battery pack and the line was good. Until however the back is off your never in the clear !
On the way back that evening I stopped off at my watchmakers ( Kosta ) and he could not get the back of with the tools he had ( even the Rolex hand held one ). Oddly enough this is a good sign. If you can get the back off with a rubber ball , it has even been off recently ( possible failed sale for some reason ) or its a fake. I then ordered the special tool from Cousins and a couple of days later the back was off and all was good !
The watch was serviced and cleaned and has come out really well running perfectly for a 1968 watch
I have put the watch up for sale but have a hankering to buy it myself so don’t be surprised if I remove it soon !
For some strange reason the watch is just a pleasure to wear , the Jubilee bracelet just works and is so comfortable , every time the pips come on the radio I love checking the watch even though / because it will be spot on.
Watches Of Westminster offer a fast vintage watch purchasing service in London so sell your vintage watch rather than service it.
Most people have some appreciation of how a mechanical ie non Quartz ( more on them later ) watch works but many people are caught out by the costs of a proper service on a vintage watch.
How much is a proper service ?
Typically a full service on a vintage watch can be up to £600 assuming the watch does not need new parts ( if they are available ). If your vintage watch needs a lot of work then the price can be much higher,
How does a mechanical watch work ?
A spring turns a load of gears which makes the hands go round . Simple enough but then doesn’t your car have gears and don’t you have to have that serviced every year ( or more if your doing big mileages ) and if your car runs out of oil and you ignore the big red light on the dashboard ( a modern cars electronics will actually shut its engine down down ) the engine will effectively destroy itself.
Now there is no big red light on your watch and most people don,t seem to know that their watch needs servicing. The fact is all watches need servicing. If you have just bought a £12,000 Cartier you might well be the kind of person who will bear this in mind.
The fact is most watches don’t get serviced.
When new and put together a watch will be very clean inside and properly oiled. Ie the gears and pivot points will have just the right amount of the right oil ( there are different kinds/thicknesses for different parts of the watch depending on the speed they are turning and the load they are carrying ). The main spring will also be lubricated ( not automatics ) . Slowly but surely this oil gradually dries out / moves away from where it is needed / become contaminated ( most watches actually breath air in and out of the case ( unless it is hermetically sealed like a divers watch ) as it heats up / cools down and the air pressure changes.
How do you know if your watch needs a service ?
Most of the watches I have bought as non or bad runners have just needed a service. If your watch is running badly ( normally slowly ) or erratically it will probably just need a service.
If it has stopped and wont run it may just need a service – don’t forget during the service the watchmaker will be looking for any other potential faults.
POCKET WTCH REPAIR
If you have been using the watch for 4 to 5 years then it will need a service.
Remember you should not be servicing a watch to mend it you should be servicing it to keep it running properly and for a long time into the future. A well maintained good quality watch will outlast you !
You therefore need to get the watch serviced . The basic service would involve taking the whole watch apart , putting the parts in a watch cleaning machine ( basically a pot with a paddle to stir the cleaning solution around ) . All the parts are dried various other bits are cleaned and inspected. If you doing the full monte you will replace the mainspring. The watch is then put back together with the correct oil and any new seals needed.
Now the watch is all fresh and clean it will need to be regulated ie set to run at the right speed. Some people complain that their expensive watch was not running as well after a service than before ( they are complaining about a few seconds a day ! ) but a complex and fine watch movement does ned to settle down and bed in.
So what if you don’t get your nicely running watch serviced.
The watch will slowly lose its lubrication which means the delicate parts inside will begin to grind against each other and the watch will wear out , run badly and eventually not work. Servicing will not always get it back into top condition. If the watch is left unwound in a drawer then not so bad , the oil will dry out and the watch will not run so well but a good clean / service will get it back to new.
Did you know
The original watch oil was a whale product , after this became a unavailable source animals hoofs were used ( probably calves ) and later the swiss came up with a range of synthetic oils which were expensive and tended to dry up too quickly maning reduced servicing limits ie 2 years.
If you are reading this article and have a decent mechanical watch that you were not sure about keeping or selling then you need to consider the cost of servicing the watch and if it is just going to live in a drawer then selling it as is may well be the best way forward.
And Quartz Watches ?
Quartz timed mechanical watches ( as opposed to digital ) are somewhat simpler but they do have gears and pivot points plus the hand setting stem all of which need lubrication.
Batteries can also start to leak ( even whilst able to power the watch ) so a regular service and battery change is still a good idea if you want to keep the watch ( there are some very nice expensive quartz watches around)
If you want to sell any vintage watch irrespective of condition and want to know what you can sell it for please visit our watch valuation page
This is the famous Rolex Prince watch best known for its use by doctors in the 1920/30’s simply because it was accurate , reliable , stylish and had a seconds hand which was needed for taking the pulse of patients. Its cost however would surprise most people in that it was a similar price to an average family car ( and they were not cheap in those days ! ).
Oddly enough during this period rectangular watches were very popular as they marked a change from the standard round pocket watches which were the order of the day and many manufacturers moved to this style which with great success.
This design change was a major break from tradition in watchmaking but it represented a whole new movement in society from architecture to fashion , it was the period known as “art deco” . It was a time for new ideas and a break from the Victorian past and the drudgery of the first world war.
The rectangular watch marked a move so pronounced today ie the watch being not simply a timepiece but a statement about the person wearing it.. It was slim new and chic , a challenging new design of the upmost quality. Most people think of modern Rolex models and simply don’t realise that the ethos of quality and radical design comes from the very beginning of the company .
During this period the swiss watch industry grew in leaps and bounds eclipsing the English watch industry ( most people do not realise the English were producing high quality watches long before the Swiss picked up on the idea ( but more of that later ).
Unfortunately the great depression brought all of this to a halt but Hans Wilsdorf did not recoil and spent much of this time coming up with innovative ideas and marketing plans to keep pushing the business forward including the first Rolex perpetual models which whilst not the first watches to be self winding they did popularise the system.
This beautiful watch is probably one of the hardest to get a decent picture of !
Its jet black face allows the crystal glass to reflect everything and even with a professional light box Im struggling to get a really crisp picture !
However what is the history behind this great timepiece ?
Mont Blanc is in fact a german company despite the French sounding name ! and we all know Mont Blanc as the purveyors of high quality writing instruments and they have been doing this for over 100 years
The Mont Blanc white star emblem is famous worldwide and has also been used on fine jewellery , leather goods and other luxury lifestyle goods synonymous with a quality lifestyle .The Meisterstuck fountain pen was their flagship writing instrument and it seemed natural 1997 to transfer this name to this fantastic blend of top class Horology and the art of jewellery making.
Rather than simply buying in a product from another firm they founded the Montblanc Montre S.A. in Le Locle. This is the area of the Jura mountains that is considered to be the birthplace of watchmaking outside of England. Most Montblanc watches are conceived and built at their workshop premises that were originally built in 1906 and forms a beautiful backdrop to the whole process. It is also the case that Mont Blanc as company was formed in the same year this Art Nouveau building was constructed.
In just 18 years Mont Blanc has gained an enviable reputation for its quality timepieces the same philosophy being transferred from all of its experience with quality crafted goods.
Their first collection of Horological timepieces named Meisterstuck won acclaim at their first outing at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the prestigious watch exhibition held every year in Geneva.
The watch pictured here is on sale and represents fantastic value for money. It s available for immediate dispatch and supplied with a 3 month warranty.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO AVOID BUYING A FAKE WATCH SOME ARE VERY SIMPLE AND SOME I’M AFRAID WILL SIMPLY COST YOU MONEY BUT FAR LESS MONEY THAN YOU WILL HAVE LOST BUYING A FAKE / COPY / HOOKEY WATCH.
FIRSTLY LET ME EXPLAIN I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON AVOIDING FAKES BUT WHEN YOUR BUSINESS/LIVELYHOOD DEPENDS ON IT YOU HAVE TO LEARN FAST. VERY FAST AND I AM GETTING BETTER INDEED I HAVE NOT BOUGHT A FAKE ROLEX YET !
THERE ARE ESSENTIALLY 3 TYPES OF FAKE / COPY WATCH
REALLY BAD ONES THAT MOST PEOPLE CAN SPOT IE £5 AT THE LOCAL MARKET THAT HARDLY PRETEND TO BE REAL ( I ACTUALLY BOUGHT A FAKE BREITLING BENTLEY FOR £5.00 AT A MARKET IN DONCASTER MANY MANY YEARS AGO AND IN FACT PREFERRED WEARING IT TO MY REAL ONE UNTIL THE PLASTIC “GLASS FELL OUT !)
REALLY GOOD ONES THAT EVEN SOME JEWELLERS WONT SPOT AS THEY ARE THAT GOOD.
“FRANKENSTEIN” WATCHES THAT ARE DIFFERENT BITS OF REAL WATCHES PUT TOGETHER TO LOOK LIKE A MORE DESIRABLE / RARE MODEL THAN ITS LESSER BROTHERS. I WAS RECENTLY TOLD THAT QUITE OFTEN THE REAL VALUE IN A WATCH CAN BE JUST ITS DIAL. A “PAUL NEWMAN” DIAL ROLEX CAN BE WORTH MANY TIMES MORE THAN A STANDARD ONE. IE ONE CERTAIN VARIANT OF A WATCH DIAL SEEN ON THE RIGHT HAND IN A MOVIE OR BY A RACE TRACK BACK IN THE 60’S/70’S CAN ADD TENS OF THOUSANDS TO THE VALUE OF A WATCH.
UNSURPRISINGLY THERE IS A GOOD MARKET IN THE SALE OF RARE REPRODUCED DIALS FOR CERTAIN MODELS OF WATCHES. UNLESS YOU ARE A REAL EXPERT WITH A TRAINED EYE WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE STEER CLEAR OF “OFF MARKET DEALS” FOR THESE EXPENSIVE WATCHES.
SO ITEM 1 IS PRETTY EASY TO DEAL WITH , ITS THE OLD RULE ,IF IT LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE ETC ETC. A MODERN REAL ROLEX ( SAY A SUBMARINER ) IS TRULY A QUALITY PIECE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP .
IF YOUR NOT USED TO HANDLING QUALITY WATCHES DONT TRY BUYING ONE CHEAP. BY ALL MEANS BUY A CHEAP FAKE BUT THERE IS A MORAL ISSUE HERE AND IN FACT A LEGAL ONE !
ITEM 2 IS THE REAL PROBLEM . THE EASY WAY TO SOLVE THIS IS TO BUY FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER WHO HAS THE CORECT DOCUMENTATION ( THIS WILL NORMALLY BE A INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY CERTIFICATE , A USERS MANUAL AND THAT EVER USELESS BOOK OF AUTHORISED DEALERS ) THERE SHOULD ALSO BE BOX ( INNER AND OUTER ) .EVEN IF THERE IS NO BOX OR PAPERS ( YOU CAN BUY FAKE ONES OF THESE AS WEL ) THE RETAILER WILL/SHOULD ISSUE YOU WITH FULL AND PROPER RECEIPT STATING THE MAKE , MODEL NUMBER , MOVEMENT NUMBER AND ACTUAL WATCH NUMBER. IF ANYTHING TURNS OUT TO BE WRONG YOU HAVE FULL RECOURSE TO THEM ( UNLESS THEY GO BUST ! ) AND NOT JUST WITHIN THE 12 MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD .
SOME YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY E TYPE UP THE M1 ( I WAS VERY TRUSTING IN THOSE DAYS ( EVEN OF CARS )) AND WHEN I PULLED INTO THE SERVICES AND WAS WALKING BACK TO MY CAR A GUY CAME UP AND GAVE THE CHAT ABOUT JUST HAVING BEEN TO A SALES SHOW AND HAD A COUPLE OF SUPER EXPENSIVE WATCHES AND I COULD HAVE ONE CHEAP. A CHEAP FAKE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THEN OR EVEN JUST A EXPENSIVE LOOKING CHEAP WATCH.
BEWARE STRANGERS BEARING GIFTS ESPECIALLY IN BANKOCK ! OR WATFORD GAP FOR THAT MATTER. VIRTUALLY NOBODY BUT NOBODY WILL SELL YOU A £5,000 WATCH FOR £300. YOU HAVE AS MUCH CHANCE OF WINNING THE LOTTERY.
SO ANYHOW YOUR SITTING IN THE PUB AND THE MATE OF A MATE YOU DONT REALLY KNOW COMES UP TO YOU AND OFFERS YOU HIS WATCH AS HE A BIT BROKE AND WANTS TO BUY EVERYBODY A DRINK AS HES GOING INTO PRISON THE NEXT DAY AFTER HE HAS BOUGHT SOME FLOWERS FOR HIS DOGS FUNERAL.
WELL IF HE ONLY WANTS 20 QUID AND YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF THE WATCH BUY IT. IF HE WANTS 500 HOWEVER AND YOU LIKE THE WATCH BUT NOT SURE IF ITS A FAKE WHAT DO YOU DO ? LETS SAY ITS A 2010 ROLEX SUBMARINER( ROLEX IS THE MOST FAKED WATCH IN THE WORLD IE IF YOU PUT ALL OF THE FAKES OF OTHER BRANDS IN THE WORLD IN A PILE NEXT TO THE PILE OF FAKE ROLEX WATCHES GUESS WHICH WOULD BE BIGGER ).
HERES WHAT TO CONSIDER.
IT IS ALMOST CERTAINLY IS A FAKE OR PERHAPS STOLEN.
DOES HE LOOK LIKE HE CAN AFFORD A £7K ( 4 K USED ) WATCH ?
IS IT WORKING ? ( YEH MATE ITS WORKING IT JUST NEEDS A NEW BATTERY ). THESE WATCHES DONT TAKE BATTERIES AND THEY VERY RARELY STOP WORKING ( THEY ARE THAT WELL MADE ). THEY ARE AUTOMATIC SO NO WINDING NEEDED.
A CHEAP FAKE SUB WILL HAVE A CHEAP BRACELET IE MAY FEEL LIGHT AND FLIMSY , THE LINKS WILL HAVE A LOT OF PLAY IN THEM SIDE TO SIDE , THE CLASP ACTION WILL FEEL LIKE A FORD FIESTA DOOR RATHER THAN A BMW DOOR CLOSING. THE STAMPINGS WILL BE WOOLY AND NOT CRISP THE BUCKLE HAS A STAMPED ROLEX NAME AND LOGO BUT COPIES HAVE THEM ETCHED BUT THEN AGAIN SOME ROLEX MODELS HAVE IT ETCHED AS WELL !. IN SHORT IT WILL JUST LOOK CHEAP.
TRY THE WINDER , DOES IT FEEL SMOOTH AND CRISP , CAN YOU ADJUST THE HANDS PROPERLY , CAN YOU ADJUST THE DATE ?
A LOT OF CHEAP FAKES HAVE A QUARTZ MOVEMENT IN THEM WHICH WONT “WIND” THERE WILL ALSO BE NO AUTOMATIC WINDING COUNTERWEIGHT SO IF YOU SPIN THE WATCH AND YOU MIGHT FEEL THE WINDER ( ECCENTRIC WIGHT ) INSIDE SPINNING.
IF YOU HAVE A SMART PHONE TRY PULLING UP SOME IMAGES OF REAL ONES TO CHECK AGAINST.
IF IT IS A REALLY CHEAP FAKE IT MIGHT NOT EVEN HAVE THE NAME ON THE FACE AND MAY EVEN HAVE THE “CYCLOPS” IE MAGNIFYING WINDOW OVER THE DATE MISSING.
THE CASE BACKS ON A ROLEX ARE SOLID METAL. SOME FAKERS ADD A GLASS / CRYSTAL BACK TO ADD TO THE BLING AS WITH MANY OTHER EXPENSIVE BRANDS.
VIRTUALLY ALL MODELS OF ROLEX DO NOT HAVE ENGRAVINGS OF LOGOS ETC ON THE CASE BACK ( APART FROM THE SEA DWELLER ) ENGRAVINGS SUCH AS “ON YOUR BIRTHDAY” MIGHT EVEN BE A SIGN OF A GENUINE WATCH OR A VERY VERY CLEVER FAKER !
IN AN EFFORT TO COUNTER THE FAKERS , IN 2002 ROLEX STARTED PUTTING A TINY ROLEX CROWN ETCHING ON THE INSIDE OF THE GLASS JUST AT THE 6 O CLOCK POSITION . ITS SO SMALL YOU PROBABLY WONT SEE IT IN THE PUB BUT YOU COULD TRY TAKING A PICTURE WITH YOUR SMART PHONE AND EXPANDING THE PICTURE ( THE LIGHT WOULD NEED TO BE RIGHT ) . MOST FAKERS WOULD’NT INCORPORATE THIS MARK SO ITS A GOOD SIGN IF ITS THERE . IF THIS ETCHING IS NOT THERE DONT ACCEPT THE EXCUSE THAT IT HAS HAD A NEW GLASS ( YOU WOULD CERTAINLY ONLY GET A ROLEX DEALER TO REPLACE THE GLASS AND THEY WOULD ONLY USE GENUINE ) THESE DAYS ANYHOW. GOOD FAKES NOW HAVE THIS ETCHING ( SEE LATER NOTES )
THE LATER ROLEX WATCHES ( FROM 2010 ) HAVE THEIR SERIAL NUMBERS ON THE INSIDE OF THE BEZEL IE JUST AROUND THE DIAL AT THE EDGE UNDER THE GLASS ( RATHER THAN BETWEEN THE LUGS ), THESE NUMBERS ARE RANDOM ( TO HINDER THE FAKERS ) SO IF YOUR WATCH HAS NUMBERS BETWEEN THE LUGS HOLDING THE BRACELET ITS A FAKE AND IF IT DOESNT HAVE THEM ROUND THE BEZEL ITS A FAKE.
THE FACT IS A DECENT ROLEX FAKE WILL PASS THE HANDLING TEST IN A DARK PUB AND THEY HAVE GOT THEM SO GOOD NOW’ MOST JEWELLERS WONT SPOT THEM. A GOOD WATCH DEALER SHOULD BUT IF HE IS OUT FOR LUNCH AND THE TRAINEE IS AT THE COUNTER THEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM ( UNLESS YOUR PAYING THEM FOR A VALUATION AND THEY ARE ISSUING A CERTIFICATE ( WHICH THEY DONT TEND TO DO IN THE PUB ! )).
ASK THE GUY SELLING YOU THE WATCH TO LET YOU TAKE A PHOTO OF HIS ID AND GIVE YOU A WRITTEN RECEIPT ( I DO THIS AND IT DOES PUT PEOPLE OFF IF THEY THINK THEY HAVE A FAKE ).
MANY PEOPLE ARE WALKING AROUND WITH DODGY WATCHES NON THE WISER SO DONT ASSUME THEY KNOW THEY ARE SELLING YOU A FAKE. IE THEY CAN BE TOTALY GENUINE BUT NOT THE WATCH.
SO LETS ASSUME YOUVE BOUGHT THE WATCH FOR £200.00 AND YOU WANT TO CHECK IF ITS A FAKE.
WHAT CHECKS CAN YOU DO IN THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY.
COMPARE IT TO A REAL ONE – NOT SO EASY BUT IF YOUR IN THE WATCH SHOP JUST ASK THE GUY BEHIND THE LOCAL WATCH SHOP COUNTER WHAT HE THINKS.
THE MAIN WEAKNESS OF A FAKE WATCH IS THAT IT ONLY HAS TO LOOK GOOD. TAKE THE BACK OFF AND ITS CHEAPNESS IN MANUFACTURE WILL START TO SHOW. YOU CAN FIND LOTS OF GOOD QUALITY PICS ON THE INTERNET. I WAS RECENTLY OFFERED A NICE SUB AS ITS HAPPENS , ONLY £2500 CIRCA 2011. THE BRACELET LOOKED GOOD BUT I ASKED HIM TO BRING IT WITH THE BACK LOOSE WHICH HE AGREED ( A GOOD SIGN ) ON INITIAL INSPECTION IT LOOKED OK SO OUT CAME MY MAGNIFYING GLASS ( LOUPE ) AND I FOCUSSED IN ON A VERY SMALL PART I REMEMBER STUDYING ON THE INTERNET THE PREVIOUS DAY IN READINESS FOR THE MEETING. THE PIECE WAS ABOUT 4MM BY 2.5 AND WAS A FLAT PLATE , POLISHED TO PERFECTION ( IT ACTUALLY LOOKED SO PERFECT I THOUGHT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CGI ! AND IN THE MIDDLE WAS A TINY TINY STEP NO MORE THAN 0.1MM- NOT NEEDED TO SAVE WEIGHT OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT BUT I RECKON JUST TO PUT OFF THE FAKERS ! . THE WATCH I WAS LOOKING AT HAD A BRUSHED FINISH ON THAT PART AND NO STEP. AN ACCEPTABLE FINISH AND USED IN MANY ROLEX WATCHES BUT IT DID NOT MATCH UP WITH THE REAL THING. THE ANTI SHOCK BEARING ON THE BALANCE WAS ALSO DIFFERENT. YOU SIMPLY CANT MAKE A ROLEX WATCH MOVEMENT CHEAPLY.
WIND THE WATCH UP AND SEE HOW GOOD IT IS . A GOOD ROLEX SHOULD RUN FOR CIRCA 40 HOURS AND RUN TO WITHIN -4 TO +6 SECONDS WITHIN 24 HOURS . NO COPY WILL DO THAT UNLESS IT GETS LUCKY. SURE THE WATCH MAY HAVE HAD A HARD LIFE AND NEED SERVICING BUT IF ITS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD IT SHOULD STILL BE PRETTY CLOSE TO THOSE FIGURES.
I WOULD SIMPLY PUT THE WATCH ON MY TIMEGRAPH MACHINE ( ELECTRONICALLY TESTS THE TIMING AND BEAT OF THE WATCH ) BUT MOST PEOPLE WONT HAVE ACCESS TO THIS. A GUY BOUGHT A VERY GOOD COPY ROYAL OAK TO MY WATCHMAKERS COURSE THE OTHER EVENING. WE PUT IT ON THE ELECTONIC TIMING MACHINE AND THE GRAPH AND NUMBER WERE JUST PERFECT. THFACT IS THAT MODERN MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES MEAN SUPERB MOVEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST OF SAY 10 YEARS AGO.
SO IF YOU BOUGHT A ROLEX SUB IN THE PUB I WOULD SAY YOU HAVE A 97% CHANCE OF OWNING A CHEAP FAKE AND AS LONG AS YOU DIDNT PAY MORE THAN £50.00 FOR IT AND ITS RUNNING YOU DID OK. ANYMORE AND YOUR GOING TO GET TOUR LEG PULLED EVERY TIME YOU GO BACK IN THERE !
THATS ENOUGH OF THE THEORY
IM NOW GOING ADD ( AS THEY COME ALONG ) PICTURES OF FAKE WATCHES I HAVE BEEN OFFERED.
I HAD A YOUNG GUY (17 ) OFFER ME THIS SUBMARINER.
WHY DID I KNOW IT WAS A FAKE BEFORE I EVEN WENT TO SEE IT ?
HE WAS 17
HIS UNCLE GAVE IT TO HIM
HE HAD BOXES AND PAPERS BUT COULDNT BRING THEM
HE ACCEPTED THE 2K BUDGET PRICE I GAVE HIM OVER WHATS APP
WHILST I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A FAKE I WENT ALONG TO GET SOME EXPERIENCE ( IM STILL LEARNING AND YOU NEVER STOP )
THE INITIAL FEEL OF THE WATCH WAS GOOD . THE BUCKLE HOWEVER WAS ACID ETCHED. WHEN I TOOK THE BRACELET OFF I COULD SEE THE “GOLD” HAD MERGED INTO THE STEEL AT THE END OF THE BRACELET WHICH NO MANUFACTURER WOULD DO. I COULD SEE SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO GET THE BACK OFF AND DAMAGED IT ( ANOTHER SIGN OF A FAKE ).
THE CLASP MECHANISM JUST WASNT THAT WELL MADE.
IT HAD THE ROLEX LOGO IN THE GLASS !
I MANAGED TO GET THE BACK OFF AND AT ONCE COULD SEE THE MOVEMENT WAS A CHEAP ONE. THE CASE BACK ALSO CAME OFF TOO EASILY AND WAS NOT WELL MADE. IF ITS GENUINE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE BACK OFF WITH A STICKY BALL.
IT DID HAVE THE SEAL ON THE CROWN SCREW DOWN THREAD .
ALL IN ALL NOT A BAD FAKE BUT A LITTLE BIT OF CLOSE SCRUTINY AND IT WAS CLEAR EVEN WITHOUT TAKING THE BACK OFF IT WAS A FAKE.
HAVE YOU EVER GOOGLED “BUY MY WATCH LONDON ” ? DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR WATCH TODAY ? WATCHES OF WESTMINSTER SPECIALISE IN MAKING THE PROCESS OF SELLING YOUR VINTAGE WATCH FAST AND SIMPLE.
BRITISH ARMY WATCH
UNLIKE OTHER WATCH BUYING COMPANIES WE COME TO YOU AND SPECIALISE IN A FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE
SIMPLY FILL OUT OUR VALUATION FORM OR SEND IN A CALLBACK REQUEST.
IN FACT ANY HIGH END WATCH ! AND WE LOVE VINTAGE WATCHES IN ANY CONDITION
IS YOUR WATCH BROKEN OR NOT RUNNING ? WE WILL “BUY MY WATCH LONDON”
WE HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN GIVING YOU A PRICE FOR A NON RUNNING WATCH BUT WILL NEED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WATCH BEFORE WE CAN CONFIRM THE PRICE . ALTHOUGH ( UNLIKE OTHER COMPANIES ) WE RARELY CHANGE THE OFFER PRICE AS LONG AS YOU HAVE PROPERLY DESCRIBED THE WATCH.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
tests, we understand, included for Noise levels, Humidity levels, Temperature levels, Oxygen levels, Shock, Decompression, Quality and obviously time keeping. There are numerous stories on this process and who was involved but the bottom line was that after countless and very methodical testing on the “Speedy” along with a Rolex, Hamilton and Longines-Wittnaur watches in 1964-1965, the “Speedy” was the chosen watch by NASA. This was a huge accolade in the 1960’s but is even greater now.
