Value estimation IWC Pocket Watch 1902 Silver.

Hi everyone,

I recently bought an IWC pocket watch, estimated to be from 1902. The case is made of 875 silver. I still have the original chain, but unfortunately there are no papers or original box.

I am trying to get a realistic idea of the watch’s value after a fresh professional revision, and I would appreciate your opinions.

Here are the details of the watch:

Dial
– Signed: INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO
– Enamel dial
– Recessed small seconds at 6 o’clock
– Black Roman numerals and baton minute markers
– Hands: Louis XV style
– Hand material: red and yellow gold

Technical details
– Country of manufacture: Switzerland
– Year: 1902 (123 years old)
– Caliber: IWC Americane 58 / 19-ligne H7
– Manual wind
– Small seconds
– 16 jewels
– Breguet hairspring
– Barrel with Maltese cross stopwork
– 3 screwed chatons

The watch is currently being serviced by a specialized atelier.

Based on these specifications and assuming the watch is freshly revised, in good mechanical condition, and with an original silver case, what would you consider a fair market value?

Thank you in advance for your input and expertise.

For an early-1900s IWC pocket watch with an original 875 silver case, H7/Maltese cross movement, and fresh professional service, a realistic fair market value is typically in the €1,200–€2,000 range. Condition of the dial, originality of hands/case, and quality of the revision matter more than the absence of box or papers at this age.

Hi, thank you for your reply.

The case is original and the dial is also in good condition. The main hands are original. A professional confirmed that the small seconds hand is not correct and will be replaced with one that matches the model. I do not consider the replacement of the small seconds hand to be an issue, provided that the new hand matches the original specification. 

What do you think? 

I agree with your view. Replacing an incorrect small seconds hand with one that matches the original specification is considered a proper corrective restoration, not a negative, especially on a 100+ year old watch. As long as the replacement is period-correct in style and proportions, it should not materially affect value and may even improve collectability.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees it this way. Thank you for the clarification.

Best regards Claudious05 

Hi all,

according to the forum rules, we don‘t discuss monetary values here. 

No worries guys, that may be the reason why you don‘t get a lot of answers to your inquiry.

br Cromagnonman