For centuries watchmakers have been fashioning timepieces for ladies and gentlemen to wear about their person. Antique pocket watches would once have predominantly been sported by gentlemen, whereas the concept of a wristwatch was introduced for the female to wear. Their popularity and practicality saw the growing trend for wristwatches to be worn by both sexes, and has resulted in a vast array of different styles, designs, and mechanisms. It has resulted in a strong market for examples of fine and vintage wristwatches for collectors and investors today.
In determining a watch's value there can be many factors which is where are expertise come in. Most antique and vintage watches will have mechanical movements - in themselves often a thing a beauty. Whereas the Quartz watch movement in the 1960s saw a shift towards battery-driven movements. Most second-hand watches on the market are in-expensive; however watches with the finest mechanical movements and high-end designs can command significant sums. Our comprehensive auction calendar covers all budgets when buying or selling watches at auction.
We host fortnightly Antiques & Collectors auctions featuring antique pocket watches and wrist watches, with higher value and scarcer examples offered as part of our Fine Art & Antiques auctions. All auctions can be viewed at our saleroom in Leicestershire, with easy transport links via road and rail.
If buyers are unable to attend the auction, they can bid online, via the telephone, or leave an absentee bid.
If you would like to be kept informed of watch valuations and watch auctions sign-up to our dedicated newsletter. We’ll alert you to upcoming auctions, consignment closing dates, and other watch-related news. Or if you’re looking for something specific, create an account and set up a Lot Alert - we’ll send you a notification of anything meeting your criteria coming up for auction with us.
If you have a pocket or wrist watch, regardless of age or vintage, that you would like valued for auction it couldn’t be easier. You can submit an enquiry via our Valuations Form where you can upload images and details of your items.
From these images our Specialist will be able to give an initial guide into likely auction value. You can share multiple files by emailing our Specialist directly, or alternatively book an appointment to see us in person.
As with any valuation, certain factors will be crucial in determining a more accurate and realistic auction estimate. The condition of an item is especially important to dedicated collectors in this field. Not until our Specialist has seen an item in person would the final auction advice be agreed.
Gildings can also provide professional valuations of watches, for insurance or probate purposes. As a professional valuation there would be a charge for this service. Please contact us to discuss further.
