Expert: Melvin Mills - 4/18/2008

Question
i require a valuation on a swatch watch i have had for at least 20 years now, it is very thin grey in colour even the strap and face the only distinguishing mark i can see on it is on the back with the code c83. i also have a philip mrecier silver with a white face with the code t499 onthe back. any information would be gratefully recieved

Answer
Ms. Angela,

I cannot give you an appraisal or even a likely value without physically inspecting the watch.  I can suggest that you use ebay for this purpose though.  Go to ebay and search for swatch watches that have completed auctions.  That will show you exactly what these types of watches are selling for.  That is the market value.

Keep in mind that condition plays a major factor in the value.

You need to be honest.  I had a very nice woman tell me her dearly departed husbands watch was in mint condition.  She also mentioned that he wore it every day for 40 years.  The point is that she was counting sentimental value.  Others won't pay for that.  So be honest about the condition so you know what you are likely to get for it in a sale.

Kind regards,

Melvin