Comparison basis
The watch, market, currency and effective date used for the estimate.
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Current market estimate
Watch valuation for a buying or selling decision.
Maison Montres prepares a dated market estimate for a specific watch decision. The written review explains the comparison basis, available evidence and assumptions. It helps you assess price context without presenting an asking price, purchase offer and final sale result as the same number.
— The valuation brief
Define the decision before the number.
A buying decision, proposed sale and collection review may need different comparisons. State the intended use, market, currency and date before collecting evidence. If another person or organisation must accept the report, confirm its requirements first.
Evidence and assumptions
Dated sources, condition assumptions and the difference between asking prices and achieved transactions.
Supported range
A range where the evidence supports one, with the adjustments and uncertainty explained.
— Inputs
What changes a watch's current value?
| Input | What is reviewed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Maker, reference, configuration, identifiers and production context. | The wrong reference or variant makes comparison unreliable. |
| Condition | Wear, damage, refinishing, replacement parts and mechanical information available. | Condition changes buyer demand and the cost or risk of ownership. |
| Records | Box, papers, service history, invoices and supported provenance. | Evidence can narrow uncertainty; unsupported stories do not. |
| Market | Relevant offers or transactions, geography, currency, channel and date. | Public asks and completed transactions are not interchangeable. |
| Costs | Fees, tax, shipping, service and other deductions relevant to the decision. | Gross market value and expected net proceeds can differ. |
— Method
How does Maison Montres estimate a watch's value?
01
Question
Define the decision, value basis, market, currency and effective date.
02
Evidence
Collect the watch details, records, photographs and known condition facts.
03
Comparison
Select relevant market evidence and distinguish asking data from transactions.
04
Adjustment
Account for configuration, condition, records, timing, channel and costs.
05
Range
State the estimate, confidence, assumptions, exclusions and review trigger.
— The written estimate
What should a useful valuation explain?
Maison Montres defines a watch valuation by its purpose, effective date and market. The report should show the evidence and assumptions behind the estimate rather than presenting one price as universal.
Illustrative report structure, not a valuation
| Report field | What the written review should explain |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The buying, selling or collection decision the estimate supports. |
| Effective date | The date to which the opinion applies, separately from the report date. |
| Currency and market | The currency, geography and sale context used for comparison. |
| Watch and condition assumptions | Reference, configuration, records, condition and matters not physically examined. |
| Dated evidence sources | Which records and market sources were reviewed, and when. |
| Comparable prices | Which figures are asking prices and which represent evidenced completed transactions. |
| Adjustments and uncertainty | Why a comparison differs and how missing evidence affects confidence. |
| Resulting range | A range only when adequately supported; no sample price is assigned here. |
| Limitations | The scope, unresolved questions and events that could require a new review. |
Physical inspection may be required where identity, originality or condition materially affects the estimate. Later service work, new evidence or market movement can make an earlier opinion unsuitable for a new decision. See the engagement boundaries.
— Next steps
Use the estimate for the right next step.
For a proposed disposal, compare the single-watch sale process with a collection-sale plan. An identified purchase can use a buying brief. If you need a report for an insurer or another recipient, establish that recipient’s requirements first. Connect completed reviews to the collection register.
— Valuation questions
Watch valuation, defined by its purpose.
A useful estimate names the question, date, market, evidence and uncertainty.
What is a watch valuation?
A watch valuation is a dated estimate of current market value for a defined decision and market. Maison Montres prepares this estimate for buying, selling or reviewing a collection, with the evidence, assumptions and limits stated. It is not a guaranteed transaction price.
Is a market valuation the same as an insurance appraisal?
No. A market estimate supports a defined owner decision. A report for an insurer or another recipient must meet that recipient's requirements. Review the appraisal service before commissioning that work.
What information affects a watch valuation?
Reference, configuration, condition, originality, service history, documentation, provenance evidence, location, currency, taxes, transaction channel and the date of value can all affect the estimate. Missing or unverified facts are stated as assumptions or limitations.
When is a physical inspection needed for valuation?
Photographs and records may support a preliminary estimate when the limits are clear. A physical inspection or authentication review may be needed where condition, originality, movement or identity could materially change the conclusion.
Does the valuation guarantee a sale price?
No. A valuation is an opinion at a stated date and on a stated basis. Offers and completed transactions can differ.
— Request
Start with the decision you need to make.
Send the reference, records, photographs, location and intended use. We will confirm the appropriate scope and information gaps.
Contact Maison Montres