WORLDWIDE Chapter 149 Message Board

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Hey Guys -

Here's one that I need help with.

I have a friend who is a jewelry appraiser. When she gets stuck trying to value a pocket watch she sends me the pics.

Here's a watch She says belonged to the owner's grandfather, but states the watch is 40mm. I said 40mm makes it a lady's watch, maybe the grandmother, in the meantime I have never seen that movement for a lady's watch - only gents. Now she is unsure of her measurements!

She needs a retail replacement value for it for insurance purposes.

This looks like one of those original Tiffany manufacture movements, the watch is all original and the glass for the cuvette is broken.

I need value and age. I am thinking 1885. All opinions welcome!

KennyHabeeb · Chapter Member

I have a size 10 or 12 size and silver-cased Tiffany pocket made later than your friends, that has initials and Jr. on the case. Used by a young man? Breguet hands as well.

I read somewhere that at some point in the first quarter of the 1900s at least, it was acceptable, even fashionable for men to carry a smaller watch. Don't know if true.

Jon · Chapter President

Ask Geno

geno · Chapter Member

Ebay price, gold value plus $100-$150, retail 1.5 to 2 x's that price Geno

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Geno - Please just clarify three things.

How old do you think the watch is?

Is it a lady's or gent's model - is that a gent's movement in the case?

What do you think the weight of the case may be?

Thanks again for looking at the pics.

geno · Chapter Member

There's no serial number production table just guessing around 1870, maybe $500-650 in gold, you would have to take the movement out and weight the case to be sure. it looks like they cut the dust cover so less weight. if it's 40mm and that is the diameter of the case without stem and crown, then it is definately a ladies watch. retail could vary $1200-$1600, very hard to get that price. Geno

KennyHabeeb · Chapter Member

Also important to the value is whether it was made by Tiffany's own watchmakers or by another Swiss Co. I don't know the cutoff date, but it was early. That watch, if from 1870, which I personally doubt, might be early enough. Some people can just about date a Tiffany by the movement signage.

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Hey Kenny -

I myself thought it was an in-house Tiffany. I think they only made watches for 3 (or 5) years.

Its too bad this type of watch still is only worth the gold.

Thanks to all who responded.

Bryan · Chapter Member

these are also commonly found p/l'd

case looks heavy, probably +18dwt in gold alone.

StephanG · Friend of 149

I am only guessing here but to me the fact that it is a glass back case, if that is original, would suggest it was intended to be a mans watch.

Women normally don't have any interest in the works as long as it ticks.

MartyR · Chapter Member

40-42mm diameter cases are normally referred to as "dress watches". They were made for men wearing full evening dress which would have included a white waistcoat (vest) with smaller pockets than on a "standard" waistcoat; so they made a smaller, and usually much slimmer, watch for the purpose - and the watch might have a small cloth fob but would not normally be worn with a chain.

The dial and what little I can see of the case are too plain for a lady's watch, and it is also unusual to find a plain full hunter for a lady.

In my experience Tiffany cases are heavier gauge than standard. Assuming the gold is 18K (which it must be if it's original, then I would guess the whole watch weighs 65grams and the gold would weigh half of that which gives a gold scrap value of around $850. I agree with Geno that it would retail at around $1,200 in excellent running condition - this size of watch is not popular with collectors. I think the date is nearer 1880-1900.

KennyHabeeb · Chapter Member

Nailed.

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Marty - Thanks!

geno · Chapter Member

40MM is the average size of an American 6s Hunter. The dustcover has been cut out the gold will be lighter than you think and also will depend on if the springs are weighted. Geno

Jon · Chapter President

These 6s are ladies watches NOT gentlemen's watches.