All other things being equal...condition, etc...how much additional value do boxes and papers add to the resale value of a watch?

Also...how much additional value does the watch being AD purchased vs grey market add?

 

Simple rule of thumb: the higher end the watch, the more value the box & papers have.

That's up to the buyer. If you like to roll the dice, go grey market. Don't be surprised if you get a refurb or second, and remember you won't get a factory warranty. I don't think it's necessarily quantifiable in dollars or even percentage, but I'll go AD every time - especially since my AD comes close to grey market pricing anyway.

 

It also depends on whether the papers (warranty) are still valid.

 

Here's a few threads with a ton of good commentary on the topic..

https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-important-are-boxes-and-papers.19651/
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https://omegaforums.net/threads/papers-no-papers.24215/
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Just recently read a thread from a member here that bought a Speedy from a gray market re-seller, which he thought was new. Sounds like the watch is 5+ years old and in need of a service due to running slow 60 seconds a day. Pain to unwind this one.... simply not worth it.

I would rather buy used and account for paying for a service than buy gray market. Not fun reading his post, but certainly opened my eyes.

 

The only reason I always look for boxes and papers is that I know it impacts resale. After all, you dont wear the box. Unless you're a weirdo.

I have bought all 3 ways...new from AD, new grey, and used with papers. I've had great luck with all 3.

Its odd that b&p impacts the secondary private party market significantly, but doesn't seem to impact the used retail/dealer pricing.

 

I guess in the instance of buying used from a reputable dealer, Their brand is a kind of provenance and perhaps more reliable thank getting box and papers via a private transaction

 

you're also in the "neat and tidness freaks" end of the market where even the wrapping paper has value.

 

But if I really want it I would buy it watch head only

 

As they say...buy the seller.

I only care about box and papers if I know I'm going to flip. I have yet to flip anything

 

I don't sell anything...and I really groove on the box & papers for entertainment purposes..."Lionel Train Box Syndrome". I keep everything...right down to the original crystal protector and case back protector as well as the original bags (see pics below)...and I enjoy viewing all the stuff several times a year. I will admit that I did not save the blue plastic protectors that came on the Speedy NATO strap's stainless steel hardware...I ended up accidentally destroying the protectors during removal. Anyway, good times...

 

Good topic! I aways buy with the primary purpose of wearing, but do have reselling in the back of my mind since I know my taste in watches evolves. I think @Mark020 made a good point. For vintage, b&p command a premium; for modern, a lack of b&p results in a discount.