| Author | Message | ||
     Jean New member Username: Jean Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2007 Rating: N/A |
This watch has been my treasured possession for nearly 30 yrs and I have worn it virtually every day since I bought it (second hand) having saved up from my wages after first starting work. I would love to know more about this watch and, having found you on the internet I think you may be able to help me. I am uploading a couple of pictures and would love to know more about the watch in general; its age, quality and any idea of value. Any info would be very much appreciated.   | ||
| Gregb New member Username: Gregb Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
Jean, Your watch is circa 1950s. It is powered by a JLC caliber 426 backwind movement and was part of a model line that was called "Par Excellence". The fact that it is 9K gold indicates that it was likely originally cased for the British market (by contract casemaker DTE). These are very high quality watches (the same movement was used by Cartier), however because of the current demand for larger watches these days, the smaller backwind watches are selling for very modest prices. Your watch would likely fetch $250-$400 at auction or perhaps a bit more in a brick & mortar vintage watch store. Hope this helps! Greg | ||
| Jean New member Username: Jean Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2007 Rating: N/A |
Greg - the info is invaluable. I really do appreciate your replying. One question - after so many years of faithful service the hairspring on my watch has broken. Everything else is in perfect order. My husband is a jeweller and can repair the watch but is uncertain as to whether we can obtain a replacement hairspring. Can you or anyone else offer any guidance? Would JLC still be able to provide one do you think? By the way - we are in Britain and not the States. Thanks again for your help. Jean | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2946 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I think Greg's valuation is a little too low. I'd add the value of the 9k bracelet to his figure as $250 might be less than scrap value. As far as the hairspring, I'd suggest finding a donor movement and using that. eBay is a good place to find one. A repair at JLC will be on the order of 1000 to 1200 Euros, which is many times the value of the watch. | ||
| Jean New member Username: Jean Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2007 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Zaf. I'll get hunting!! Jean | ||
| Gregb New member Username: Gregb Post Number: 77 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, That's why I gave the range $250-$400. The scrap value of 1 ounce of 9K is only about $275 (at $800/oz gold). It takes a lot of 9K gold to be worth anything significant to a scrapper. As you know, I buy/sell quite a few of these lady's backwinds. About 5 years ago, nice 14/18K models (w/o gold bracelet) were auctioning for $450-$650. They've dropped considerably in the market in the last few years, with recent prices consistently in the $250-$350 range. I've purchased 2 cal 426 backwinds (both 14K) in the last 2 weeks for the $250 range. Greg |