Greetings. My first post, thank you admin! I've inherited this watch (adding pics) but can't manage to find one identical online. It just shows the brand and the city. Nothing on the back (just 2 marks on the plate and on the buckle). I know it is solid gold throughout but have nothing else to lean on. I know it is very old, grand pa got it from his dad and was wondering its value. No intent in selling it...well for now (we all have our rainy days...darn kids). Has anyone seen one like it? Any idea of its value? Cheers Dave
My first guess was a Norman Morris production for the USA, but the hallmarks are European, so the mystery deepens. The Genève font is also unusual, not the format of the script I've seen from earlier Genèves. It helps if we know the history of the watch. Country of origin, date of purchase etc etc. Anything you know that can help us.
Hi Dave (I suddenly had flashbacks to 2001 then). Welcome to the forum. The photos don't let me see any great detail but I've had similar watches in the past dating to the early 70s. Most likely the case and bracelet are 18k. The watch itself isn't the most desirable model and I'm sure it will be due a service. Guessing the the "cheers" at the end that you're English, so weigh the watch in grammes, multiply by £20 and add £150. That would give you a good idea of current value.
I'd say take the watch to a watchmaker and have them remove the case back. Seeing the inside of the back as well as the movement helps a lot when it comes to determining the year the watch was made. Also, as others said before me; it most likely needs a service.
Thanks for all your replies. Definitely European but my relatives can't say with exactitude where and when it was purchased. Just that it was passed on to my grand father 30/40 years ago. I'm Portuguese actually ahah but work with a lot of Brits. "Cheers" gets thrown alot and got stuck.
The last one of these I had (assuming it is 18k because I really can't make out those marks) had a caseback that would have scrapped out at almost £200. Weight the watch. 18k gold is around £20 a gramme and there's a lot of it in these watches.
I've not seen that font either but it looks good to me. My thoughts are that the dial is original. Looks to have onyx inlays to the hands and markers which is always a nice touch. The hallmark on the back is rubbed but it looks to me like 18K. A quality watch, whatever. If I had a family watch like that I'd keep it, rainy day or not.
The dial looks good to me. I do not think it is possible to make an evaluation without seeing the movement, the inside of the case, and beeing sure about the gold content. But if the case and the band is 18k solid gold, it is worth much more than 600 euros! I would keep it as well. Very nice heirloom! You or your children will still have this watch in 50 years, not the money...