How to Identify a Watch: Maker, Model and Reference
Use dial, case-back and paperwork clues to identify a watch’s maker, model, reference and approximate period. Record uncertainty and know when to seek specialist help.
Read the watch, not just the signature
Understand authenticity, originality, period correctness, condition, and provenance before making a high-stakes decision.
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Scope: Remote research cannot authenticate or inspect a particular watch. Use a qualified in-person specialist when the object, consequence, or uncertainty justifies it.
Authenticity articles and tools
Watch Reference Numbers: Find, Read and Verify the Right Model
Learn what a watch reference number means, how it differs from a serial or caliber, where to look safely, and how to verify the complete model without false certainty.
Watch Authenticity vs Originality: What Each Means
Learn how watch authenticity differs from originality, how parts and paperwork are assessed, what photos cannot prove, and when to consult an expert.
Watch Condition, Originality and Restoration Guide
Assess watch condition component by component, understand originality and restoration tradeoffs, and protect value before authorizing service or polishing.
Do Box and Papers Increase a Watch's Value?
Learn when a watch's box and papers affect value, which documents matter most, how to test a set for consistency, and what to preserve before a sale.