Valuation Help

[m.c]

Afternoon Gents.

A friend informed me today that, a few years ago, his father (A watch collector) left him about 15 pocket watches and a few wrist watches.

Now, he hasnt got a clue about watches, but his father informed him that they were valuable. Last year he had them valued by a local jewellers and was informed that some were very valuable, and others werent. However, the jeweller wouldnt tell him which ones were which, but offered him £500 for the lot. He declined the offer and has kept them locked away since.

Now though, he is interested in getting a proper valuation from someone/company who is reputable and who wont try and rip him off. Also someone who will give good rates for valuing about 15 pieces. So if anyone knows of someone, or matches the above description please let me know.

Thanks for reading

Edited by m.c on Wednesday 10th December 17:42

[JOETHETOE]

You would get a decent rough and free idea by posting on here, and thereafter decide whether you want formal vals. Has to be worthwhile would be interesting to see too.

Its only a question of posting some photos?!

[digger_R]

JOETHETOE said:

You would get a decent rough and free idea by posting on here, and thereafter decide whether you want formal vals. Has to be worthwhile would be interesting to see too.

Its only a question of posting some photos?!

Yes please post some photos then we can provide low ball offers for your collection;). You never know you may have some bits that someone here is looking for. I'd be interested in any 60/70's Breitlings or a Rolex Sub of that vintage

[Stuart]

m.c said:

Afternoon Gents.

A friend informed me today that, a few years ago, his father (A watch collector) left him about 15 pocket watches and a few wrist watches.

Now, he hasnt got a clue about watches, but his father informed him that they were valuable. Last year he had them valued by a local jewellers and was informed that some were very valuable, and others werent. However, the jeweller wouldnt tell him which ones were which, but offered him £500 for the lot. He declined the offer and has kept them locked away since.

Now though, he is interested in getting a proper valuation from someone/company who is reputable and who wont try and rip him off. Also someone who will give good rates for valuing about 15 pieces. So if anyone knows of someone, or matches the above description please let me know.

Thanks for reading

Edited by m.c on Wednesday 10th December 17:42

You could try one of the auction houses. I've heard very good things about Paul Maudsley at Bonhams.

[m.c]

thanks for the help all. I will get some pics asap. My mate looked at the biggest one of the collection yesterday, and theres a name on it saying "Seth Thomas"

Edited by m.c on Thursday 11th December 16:54

[owenemyr]

Seth Thomas is an American company best known for clocks,(particularly long case closks) although did also produce watches, but I believe that they were essentially in house casing of Swiss derived movements.
They were established during the "Federal period" in New England, and have probably gone through quite a few changes of ownership since then.
Some of the cases used in their 50's/60's watches were quite interesting.

[m.c]

this one is a big gold mantle clock apparently. Im popping round sometime next week, camera in hand, so you guys can get a better idea!