Antique pocket watches are best understood from the inside out. Dial signatures can be retailer names, cases may have been changed, and identical-looking watches can contain movements of very different quality.
1. Movement serial visible
Movement serial visible should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
2. Dial damage disclosed
Dial damage disclosed should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
3. Case marks shown
Case marks shown should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
4. Running claim defined
Running claim defined should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
5. Service date documented
Service date documented should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
6. Return terms clear
Return terms clear should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
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