Watches are small,and finding space for a collection is rarely a problem,but they do need to be kept in a dry(but not overheated),dustfree environment,and working watches should be run at least three or four times a year,Security can be a problem,as watches are eminently suited to swift and unobtrusive removal(never buy one that is offered in remotely suspicious circumstances);many insurance companies do offer specialist collectors’ insurance but may insist upon certain security arrangements.
If you haven’t already decided on a particula area,the broad guidelines that follow may be of some help.Although relatively common during the 1980s,good early 18thC watches are becoming rare and expensive;similarly,good,clean.late 19thC Swiss and English precision watches are also increasingly hard to find.Military,form,and erotic watches,and automations are always popular,and American watches are almost a field on their own.
In general,the more modern a watch,the better its condition must be if it is to be of any value;mass produced plastic watches need to be in original packaging and in mint condition.
It is also worth addressing the question of accuracy in old movements,which is often a matter of compromise.Verges,for example,may have a perfectly acceptable gain or loss of thirty minutes a day;cylinders may vary by ten minutes a day.
Worn duplexes,rack levers,and chronometers may gain or lose between ten and thirty minutes a day;if in good condition,that figure will be reduced to between two and five minutes.An early 19thC lever may gain or lose two to three minutes a day,whereas for a lever watch made towards the end of the century that figure would be 30 to 90 seconds.
Finally,and to reiterate,watches that have been well-maintained are more expensive initially.But while a watch in good conditon that costs $100 will hold its value and quite possibly appreciate,two $50 watches bought in poor conditon will probably cost at least twice their price to restore properly and won’t reach the value of an unrestored original or appreciate to the same extent.
This also applies if you buy movements,dials,or other components and accessories.Whatever area you choose to collect,and however modest your budget might be,invest in quality,and time will reward you.
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