As a collector and restorer of Hamilton watches, I found an efficient market for them during 1999-2000 retro craze. Like other efficient markets, one could find liquidity for their grandfather’s old watch at eBay. I considered that a true side benefit of the e-commerce market place.
During eBay’s formulation, 90% of items sold in auctions. Today, auctions account for 10%. That doesn’t hold true for vintage watches. If you want a fully restored Hamilton wristwatch, then sure, sellers will list them at a fixed price. Otherwise, people want to sell them fast and an auction means a seller will get a fair price.
Jewelers use comparables and insurance companies use those certified appraisals to underwrite homeowners polices. For over a century, probate courts have considered this a generally accepted practice as has the IRS.
As a Buyer
I look for value (bargains) when buying Hamilton watches. I found that using eBay’s Advanced Search engine gives me an idea of good idea of what to pay for particular models.
Note: I sprinkled some links in the body of this article in the event you wish to go on a hunt using the advanced search option. like this: Hamilton Watch Advanced Sold Search
Using advanced search and the category of “sold” listings provides the stuff of appraisals and an idea how I should bid. (See Figure 1 below).
Do you want to know the value of grandfather’s old watch? I’ll show you how to get there.
Notice Figure 1. I went looking for a 982 (14/0) movement with a good balance. Parts have become scarce for 980-982 watches. Often, I have to look non-working or broken movements to find something as small as a detent (setting lever).
You can use advanced searches for almost anything you wish to find on eBay. As you’ll see below, non-working or damaged cases provide opportunities for parts. I used the sold listings checkbox first and then click on title and descriptions for current listings. Notice the find items box in the upper left hand corner of Figure 1.
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| Figure 1 – Looking for Sold Items |
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| Figure 2 – Highest to Lowest Price Search Parameter |
In the above example search, I wanted to find Hamilton 982 movements. I found them in non-running watches for about one-third of the price of listings for movements.
982 Hamilton Movement
What about searching for a specific kind of Hamilton watch?
Below you can see a few of the Hamilton Registered Edition Watches sold in the three months prior to April 27, 2018.
The Ventura’s sell about the time a member lists one. Hamilton also produced a retro version of its Flight model (second from the bottom).
I enjoy Registered Editions since they have a fresh look. I like to own Hamilton watches with 980 & 982 movements from the 1930’s. Now that I found a goldsmith who can restore the cases to their original condition, I really like more.
Write me if you need any assistance.
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