Photo Credit: gallotreasures
14K White Gold Vintage 17 Jewels Waltham Pocket Watch 58.5g Perfect Condition
Buy It Now Price: $599.99 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is an antique Waltham pocket watch from the late 1920s. It is a set in a solid 14 karat white gold, Art Deco style, open face case. It weighs 58.5 grams and measures 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) in diameter.
-Old mechanical watches manufactured by American companies like Elgin, Hamilton and Waltham were made to very high standards and are significantly undervalued in today’s vintage watch market.
-The movement for this Waltham pocket watch is a grade 225, size 12 with 17 jewels. A size 12 was the smallest movement that was typically used for men’s pocket watches during the early 20th century.
-The movement looks like it is in reasonable condition, with no areas of rust visible. If an antique mechanical watch movement shows significant signs of rust, it is often not worthwhile or cost effective to try to restore it.
-The chic, Arabic numeral watch dial is completely original and in great shape, with only very minor blemishes. Original dials are extremely desirable on European mechanical watches, but buyers of American mechanical watches seem to be somewhat indifferent between original and refinished dials. In any case, an original dial in good condition can’t be bad for either the aspiring collector or investor.
-The watch’s octagonal shape exudes classic 1920s Art Deco linear style. The white gold case is also encrusted with an attractive diamond and cross pattern on the reverse. The serial number on the movement (26677807) indicates it was manufactured in 1928, which is consistent with the watch’s magnificent Art Deco look.
-Although the seller does not give us the weight of the case alone, we can (imprecisely) estimate a lower bound by multiplying the total weight of the watch by 30%. This gives us an estimated pure gold weight of very, very roughly 0.329 troy ounces (10.23 grams). With gold trading at $1,230 a troy ounce, this gives us an approximate bullion value of $404. So about 2/3rds of the $600 purchase price is intrinsic value, give or take. This provides a reasonable safety net under our investment, limiting the possibility of loss.
Cons:
-Although the seller claims the watch runs and keeps good time, it would be wise to have the watch cleaned and serviced by a professional. This will generally cost between $100 and $300, assuming no major repair work is necessary.
-Pocket watches from European luxury houses that are still manufactured and sold today like Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe are very popular (and also expensive) right now. Because it is from a defunct American manufacturer, this Waltham pocket watch is less desirable. However, its price already reflects this fact.
-During the early 20th century, truly high end mechanical watches usually had 19, 21 or 23 jewels. Watches with 15 or 17 jewel movements – like our featured Waltham pocket watch – were considered good, but not top tier. It is not advisable to purchase a mechanical watch with less than 15 jewels for investment purposes unless it has some other compelling attribute.
