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Any value to having the outer cardboard box with the inner boxes?

usasuisse
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As a relative novice to the OF and watch collecting, I try to keep the outer cardboard box as well as the inner boxes, but don't know if the outer box has any value except as protection for the inner boxes not being damaged (scratched or otherwise hurt) in handling and storage. But does an outer plain cardboard box have any real value to a collector or buyer? Opinions please. Thanks.
 
Evitzee
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About as important as the hang tag, but some people get all wound up in having the outer cardboard box. It became a 'thing' in the last decade or so for some reason. Has no monetary value imo.
Edited:
 
Pastorbottle
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Well it’s only my opinion that may or may not be shared by others, but I like watches, couldn’t care less about the packaging.
As I have no interest in selling my watches, it’s just more junk lying about for the cockroaches to eat, so for my money they can eat all the packaging they like in the bin, rather than in my house.
 
RevZMan123
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I know I was happy to see my 1998 broad arrow come in a full outer box when I got it last month.
 
Tayne
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I'd be happier with an original cardboard box as it shows the previous owner was the type to take care of things but it wouldnt be a dealbreaker if all else looked good.
 
PandaSPUR
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Lets clarify something first though, I think there are three "boxes"
1. The actual product box thats wood or fabric
2. The cardboard box that contains the previous and also has slots for the manuals
3. Another 3rd box or sleeve that protects the previous?

I've never received #3 with any of my watches, I think the store is supposed to discard/keep those (just like the coffin and hang tags).
 
Tayne
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My Tokyo 2020 was bought second hand and came with all three boxes.
 
josiahg52
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I have a plain cardboard box.

A white box with a lid with branding in red foil.

A hinged box made of "wood" that contains the cards, the watch, manual, etc.

Hang tag.

Shipping container.

I figure to add about $2000 to a sale price if I ever sell it.
 
Annapolis
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I think the answer to this question—as with the answers to questions about hang tags or expired warranty cards—really boils down to a much more fundamental one: do you look at your watch as simply a watch or as a collectible/commodity?

If it’s just a watch, then who cares? Would you keep the shipping box for a comforter or an espresso maker?

But if it’s a collectible—and one you might eventually sell or trade to another collector—or a piece you’re viewing as a potential “investment”—then sure, having as much of the original packaging and accoutrements as possible can only improve its provenance and collectibility, and maybe add a few bucks of value when you go to sell it.

All to say, don’t expect any consensus on this. Between here and the Rolex Forum, you’ll find many such threads and no settled answer.
 
rob#1
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I still have the outer cardboard sleeve that goes around the thick cardboard box that houses the big 1861 ‘flightcase’. I also have the hangtag and even the bit of clear plastic that protected the crystal. If only I had the coffin, then I’d have the whole set 😵‍💫

I just never got around to disposing of anything, and have plans to convert the case to a watch box at some stage…
 
Annapolis
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usasuisse usasuisse
But does an outer plain cardboard box have any real value to a collector or buyer? Opinions please. Thanks.

Another way to take this—which I don’t think you intended—is whether a collector would pay to buy just the outer box. The answer (based on eBay) seems to be yes: about $25 USD.
 
Dan S
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Yes, it has some value as part of a collectible set.
 
chiefenergy
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josiahg52 josiahg52
I have a plain cardboard box.

A white box with a lid with branding in red foil.

A hinged box made of "wood" that contains the cards, the watch, manual, etc.

Hang tag.

Shipping container.

I figure to add about $2000 to a sale price if I ever sell it.
....good luck with that
 
sheepdoll
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I never get watches in original containers. Well with the exeption of some swatches.

Dolls in original boxes unplayed with are more valuable. Never quite understood this. I did get some estate sale dolls once. I neetly folded up the boxes, because I want to look at them. The dolls do still have their hang tags.

In the music box/Pipe organ collecting world of automatic music, a lot of the collectors want something no one else can have. Supposidly these guys were worth billions. Now that most of them have passed on, many modern 'investment' collectors are stuck with an aging collector population. No young collectors entering willing to pay the inflated prices.

The thing is, the billionaire collectors got much of their instruments from the trash or dump back in the 1950s and 1960s when the Amusement parks folded. So when the market was hot in the 1970s through 1990s they really did make a lot. Now the stuff from the 1980s and 1990s needs a total rebuild and is all but suitable for the trash. Or to stuff back in the barn for someone else to make a literal 'barn find.'

I saw the same thing happen with the watch and clock collectors I knew 20 years ago. Now the collectors have different 'rules.' such as outer packaging, hang tags, and non repainted dials.

Wonder if someone in the future will value eBay mailers and Priority mail flat rate boxes?
 
P
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I save everything - just tuck it all in the corner of a closet. Just figure it’s nice to keep.
 
Aroxx
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I kept my outer cardboard box. Why not? I don’t expect to ever sell my Speedy but if I did I suppose it would add a slight bit more peace of mind to the buyer knowing it’s 100% full set.
 
Sauzo
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Probably not but if you are OCD like me, you want everything. I got everything with my Snoopy from my OB…coffin, plastic bag for watch in coffin, hang tag, 3 factory hang tag stickers with serial number etc, sticker for back of the watch, and all boxes. I personally just like having those things even if they just sit in a drawer.
 
mayankyadav
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If it helps to get an idea- I sold everything that came with my new Speedy outer sleeve , outer box, inner box, manuals, booklets, medallion, loup, bracelet (kept only the watch head, nylon strap and the spring bar removal) for if I remember 1000 USD!
I didn’t need them. Have had the speedy for 5 years now and never missed those things.
 
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