01/11/2025 Latest News
Antique watches have long fascinated collectors, combining craftsmanship, precision engineering, and timeless style. But how do you know whether an old watch left in your drawer or found while clearing a relative's house is a hidden treasure or simply a charming heirloom? At Auctioneum, our watch specialists regularly assess timepieces from the world’s finest makers, helping sellers and collectors understand exactly what makes an antique watch valuable – and how to buy or sell with confidence at auction.
The maker is often the single biggest influence on an antique watch’s value. Names such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Vacheron Constantin consistently command high prices at auction, while lesser-known brands can also achieve strong results when they feature exceptional craftsmanship or rarity.
Collectors value originality. Watches with their original dials, hands, and movements, as well as minimal polishing or replacement parts, tend to be more desirable. Even a beautifully restored watch can lose value if it no longer reflects its authentic period design. Signs of careful wear are expected, but damage, corrosion, or poorly matched components can significantly reduce market value.
Age alone doesn’t make a watch valuable, but scarcity does. Limited production runs, discontinued models, or watches made for a specific retailer or event (for example, early military-issued pieces) are especially sought-after. Rare complications, such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters, also add considerable interest.
A watch’s history can transform it from collectable to exceptional. Provenance might include ownership by a notable individual, records of purchase from an original jeweller, or inclusion in a manufacturer’s archive. Original boxes, papers, and service history can also enhance both authenticity and appeal to buyers.
At the heart of every fine watch lies its movement. Mechanical watches, especially those hand-finished or using in-house calibres, are prized for their complexity and durability. Watchmakers’ techniques – from Geneva stripes to hand-engraving – reflect a level of artistry that adds intrinsic value beyond the materials themselves.
Buying at auction offers collectors a chance to find rare and high-quality timepieces that rarely appear on the open market. At Auctioneum, our Antique Watch Auctions feature carefully curated selections, including pocket watches, wristwatches, and chronometers from leading makers. Every watch is thoroughly described and photographed, with condition reports and, where possible, professional authentication. Whether you are seeking an early Omega Seamaster, a 1950s Rolex Explorer, or a Victorian gold pocket watch, our team is on hand to offer expert advice before you bid.
If you are considering selling an antique or vintage watch, our specialists can help you understand its true market value. From single timepieces to full collections, we offer complimentary valuations and transparent guidance on the selling process. With an international network of buyers and collectors, Auctioneum achieves strong results for both rare and classic watches under the hammer. Recent highlights have included 19th-century gold pocket watches, early Rolex models, and fine examples by Omega and Patek Philippe.
Based in our Bristol saleroom, Auctioneum works with clients across Bath, Somerset, and the wider South West. We welcome consignments from private individuals, estates, and collectors across the UK and beyond. Valuations can be arranged in person or online, and our friendly team will guide you through every step of the selling process.
If you would like to find out more about buying or selling antique watches at auction, contact our watch specialists today. Whether you have inherited a timepiece, are looking to downsize a collection, or want to explore the fascinating world of horology, Auctioneum is here to help you uncover its true worth.