Expert: Melvin Mills - 2/19/2008

Question
I believe I have a 1952 watch as it seems 1952 is incorporated into a number in the back of the head (H271952)- there are no double numbers.  How or where would I find how much it is worth or what year it is from for sure. It runs perfect and belonged to my mom who recently passed away -  my dad said she wore it every day for "60 years" which would make it 1948.  She told me herself before she died that it had always kept perfect time.  

Answer
Ms. Maria,

Your only recourse is to take it to a watchmaker or an appraiser.  

A watchmaker will most likely have a price guide for new and vintage watches.  He will match up your watch with one in the book and that will give him an approximate date.  

Based on your dad, this watch is 60 years old.  There have been hundreds, if not thousands of models over that time period.  No one watchmaker is likely to have seen them all and unless you find one that knows your mom's specific model, you will likely only get a very accurate estimate.  He may not be able to pinpoint the exact year for you.  

Once he finds one similar, with a similar movement, you will know the value.  Of course condition plays a big role in the value.  He will be able to give you an unemotional assessment of the value.

Hope that helps.

Kind regards,

Melvin